By Rebecca Gault — In this new, sprawling era of Krakoa where anyone can be resurrected at any given moment, it’s no secret that some fan favorites have been fighting for page space. This is not necessarily a failing of the era; more so a compliment to the idea that the writing team here is so strong that people care to campaign for the characters they hold dear to make an appearance in a book.

That campaigning spirit forms the backbone of Secret X-Men #1. The team here is constructed, out of universe, from those characters who were on the Twitter ballot for the flagship title. Polaris might have taken the spot on the main team but the rest of the balloted mutants get a blazing romp in this oneshot.

Ostensibly, Secret X-Men #1 pays great attention to Sunspot and Cannonball. The former serves as the driving force to collecting this team - and writer Tini Howard’s take on Beto is dripping in charm that wears thin when the going gets tough. Sunspot has always had an insouciant charm to him but it’s a nice touch to highlight that sharp, blazing hot temper that seems to arise so easily. Cannonball here serves as a good narrative foil to Sunspot, a balancing force despite his own hangups about the space romp they have been sent on.

The hook here is strong and the content itself invites interaction; much like its conception as a Twitter vote originally. It’s a very fun way to call back to the naturally interactive nature of fan spaces without breaking the narrative too much. It’s not a gimmick I would like to see heavily repeated but, on this occasion, it serves as a fun moment of light-heartedness amidst their mission.

The art here is strong, albeit a little confusing in combat scenes. However, Clayton Cowles’ lettering elevates each scene, each font marrying in aesthetically with the exact sound they wish to portray. The overall effect then is something a little chaotic at times but certainly fitting for the scene.

It’s a generally good overview for the whole issue. Howard’s voices for these characters have always been strong and distinct, but it’s a large cast to juggle while also introducing a hook for a potential plot arc to be picked up by other writers, should they be interested.

It’s a big ask and Howard does admirably with it all. It would be nice to see a little more interiority for the rest of the team but, with many of these characters making yet another bid for the main X-Men team or featuring in other books, it is nice to see them return to their roots of a good old-fashioned adventure in pursuit of saving lives.

Naturally, things don’t often remain that simple for the X-Men, secret or not, and it was certain that this mission wasn’t always going to be the plain-sailing Sunspot was hoping for when he toasted to friends and new teams at the Hellfire Gala.

Whether this one-shot will serve as a further jumping off point or stands alone as a single, minor adventure, only time will tell.

Overall: Secret X-Men #1 is a fun adventure issue elevated by sharp witticisms from Howard, albeit one struggling to balance such a large team. 7.5/10

REVIEW: Secret X-Men #1

Secret X-Men #1
Writer: Tini Howard
Artist: Francesco Mobili
Colorist: Jesus Aburtov
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics
SSHHH – IT’S THE X-MEN!
When the Shi’ar Empire faces an unexpected threat, they must call upon the X-Men. Team co-captains Sunspot and Cannonball must lead Marrow, Tempo, Forge, Banshee, Strong Guy, Armor, and Boom-Boom on a secret mission to save Empress Xandra.
Wait, those aren’t the X-Men. Aren’t those the mutants who lost the election?
Price: $4.99
Read It Digitally: Secret X-Men #1

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Rebecca is a literature student by day, a freelance writer by night, and a comics fan always. She is a big fan of everything superheroic and horrific. Right now, she can be found on Twitter at @phoenixfcrce.