AVX Consequences 4 review

There are a lot of developments in this issue. We learn the location of the rest of the Phoenix Five, Agent Brand reveals her true heritage, Iron Man visits Cyclops and a major decision is made. This is the penultimate issue of AVX Consequences in more ways than one, and it’s awesome.

The main focus of this issue is on Cyclops in prison, just like the rest of this mini-series so far. He receives a scientific visit from Iron Man and another visit from Wolverine, who admits that Cyclops has been an inspiration to him. While the Iron Man scene feels more like a teaser to Kieron Gillen’s Iron Man series (starting next week), the Wolverine scene is very well done. It again explores the complex relationship between Wolverine and Cyclops and how they both respect and despise each other, depending on when you ask. The ending teaser with Cyclops’s story is simply epic – I won’t spoil it.

Another scene in this comic continues Hope’s search for Cable, which doubles as Namor’s first appearance since AVX 8 (not including the Avengers Illuminati tie-in). It’s quick, but explores Namor’s mindset in a satisfying way. We also see Colossus after he learned of his sister’s betrayal. While the other Phoenix Five were certainly disturbed by their experiences (possibly excluding Magik), it looks like Colossus was hit the hardest emotionally, or at the least he’s not trying to hide anything. All of these scenes are very well done and they accomplish a lot with just a few pages each.

Perhaps the most entertaining part of this book is the growing conspiracy between Magneto and his list of allies. Agent Brand is partially responsible for why he’s eluding every search party, and it turns out he’s in contact with nearly every mutant who is on the run. We also learn that she’s a mutant, although that’s not a big surprise. Is he turning villain again now that Mutants have recovered? Might Cyclops join him? We’ll see, but the cliff-hanger’s implications are exciting.

The art is great too. While it looks simple at first glance, there are a lot of lighting effects in this issue. Most panels have a fair amount of environmental detail, and character expressions are well done. I can’t think of any art related complaints.

This issue is simply brilliant. While most of this mini-series has been a character study on Cyclops mixed with scenes updating us on different side characters, a lot happens in this issue. It’s an important comic for anyone interested in All New X-Men, and it’s certainly worth reading for any X-Men fans who read AVX, whether they liked the event or not.