X-Men Forever #4: Fight For Our Family

Like everything Gillen writes, this issue was a perfectly balanced performance, a mixture of action, personal growth, and exquisite dialogue. It’s difficult to comprehend how anyone could pack three complete storylines into one 40-page book, but not only has Gillen done so in a way that is narratively coherent, he has managed to make a deeply satisfying story out of it.

The three main threads, in this instance, are the dates of the mutants in the White Hot Room, the resolution of the Phoenix’s oroborus of a death/birth, and the resolution of the Darkholm-Adler family drama. All three stories are given enough time and room to develop organically (they all pack a hell of a punch) and all three of them serve as both an ending to the tale of Krakoa and also (like the Phoenix itself) their ashes all have the potential to give rise to something truly phenomenal.

The one sour note, for me, was the vilification of Margali that seems to exist only to set up Mystique and Destiny as the ‘good’ parents. Many people are adopted (like my sister) or were placed with foster families as children (like myself). The idea that these alternative families must be, in some way, lesser than those formed by blood is an extremely unsuitable stance for any series. I realize that this vilification occurred in Si Spurrier’s abysmal Legion of X series, but it was the foundation for the reunion that we see in this story, and Gillen builds a foundation on it here.

It’s difficult to talk about this story without delving into the murky, monster-infested depths where the leviathan spoilers dwell, but I will highlight a few truly excellent moments. First off, Jean’s conversation with Hope’s mother was both absolutely in character and also something which led to some beautifully charged queer subtext. Jean slipped into the role of Announcing Angel/ Holy Spirit, gently bringing Hope into being within her mother’s womb and underscoring Hope’s messianic imagery. 

Irene and Destiny’s heroic rescue mission (featuring Xavier, but in no way about him) was lovely. As was the revelation that Destiny’s love for Raven has been showing her the worst case scenario in all of her visions regarding her wife. And, as in all of the best stories, Love eventually wins the day. 

The most depressing (yet still gently hopeful) story involved the mutants on Krakoa South. They might be wandering in a desert, but at least they aren’t lost. We knew that this story wasn’t going to have a happy ending, but it could have been a hell of a lot worse. 

Luca Maresca’s art was absolutely stunning. He packed a tremendous amount of heart (and more than a few wet strands of guts) into a story that easily could have come across as rushed without his lucid, cinematic pacing. Federico Blee’s colors enhanced the beauty, without detracting from it. He is a tremendously skilled artist in his own right.