X of Swords: Destruction #1 Review

by Ryan.L on November 25, 2020

Writer: Jonathan Hickman, Tini Howard
Artist: Pepe Larraz
Colorist: Marte Gracia
Publisher: Marvel Comics


It has all come down to this. X of Swords Destruction. The mutants battle for their lives as the last two sword bearers duel it out. Who will be champion? Who will come out the victor and who will lose everything? 

I have to say this event had it's good moments and it had its not so great moments. It was a really good lesson in expectations. When you push them aside and take what you are given at face value, you find out that it is actually pretty amazing.

As a whole 'X of Swords' was a really complex story with so many pieces coming together to drive this story. Many of the pieces did not even have a payoff until this final chapter. But as a whole it was so exciting. The story got a little silly in the middle but really came together in the end. I'm excited to go back now and read it all in one sitting. I think that the flow between the changes in the story will be more subtle when not reading each chapter weeks apart.

This chapter impressed me a lot. One of the things I was worried about was having a finale that felt earned. That it wasn't all for nothing like previous events prior to 'House of X/Powers of X'. This chapter was packed with many moments that had me cheering on the mutants of Krakoa. When Cyclops and Jean finally showed up, that was definitely one of them. There are going to be many ramifications after this event. This chapter showed us who won, but did they really? New horizons for some, and the return of things that were lost, but the world for the mutants has changed forever. There is a panel at the end that had me think of the quote "heavy is the head that wears the crown" and also "it's lonley at the top". This chapter really showed you that winning isn't everything because we don't always get what we want. Those messages were more reasons this chapter really shined. 

The outstanding art and colors of this chapter is another reason chapter twenty two was so exciting. The massive battles were stunning to look at. All those moments I mentioned that had me cheering were enhanced by thrilling art and genius panel placement. Not to mention a color palate that just pulls you in. This book is just gorgeous.

Overall this chapter and 'X of Swords' altogether reins triumphant! It's a thrilling ride from start to finish that defies expectations. It's the first massive crossover in 'Dawn of X' and leads the way to many more as it succeeds in everything it promised and then some.
 

Our Score:

9/10

A Look Inside