Cyclops #4

By Greg Rucka, Carmen Carnero and Chris Sotomayor

It’s getting to the point where Cyclops is becoming an underrated surprise book. Each month you expect the quality of the story to slip a little and it has yet to disappoint. Even in the absence of Russell Dauterman, the art still backs the story and looks great. We may have to face the fact that Cyclops is just a good book.

While Greg Rucka will be leaving this title in a couple of issues, we should all cherish the ground work he is laying on us. The characterization that Scott and Corsair are getting is fabulous. We get to see their relationship flourish with each passing month. Corsair is trying to be the father that he never was and Scott tries to allow himself to accept that he has a father now. Rucka has been giving us great issues that also have an important lesson at the end of each issue, it’s almost like an episode of the Wonder Years. While the story has been going great, what separates this book from others is the heart that Rucka writes the series with. We can almost feel that he’s writing this book based on a relationship with a son or nephew and it all comes off great on the page.

The art this issue is handled by Carmen Carnero, who does a nice job filling in. Her work is similar to Russell Dauterman, which is never a bad thing, but she has her own little quarks that differentiate the two. Carnero introduces us to a strange alien planet that is very colorful and very abandoned. The cool thing about her work is that she likes to do it in wide panels, so it almost seems like you’re watching a movie. There are a few panels where faces look a bit off, but that can be expected when an artist takes on a new gig. Carnero will get more comfortable with the characters as she gets more practice. Carneros does her best work in the action sequence where Scott and Corsair kill some of the local creatures. The panels are tight and well drawn as Scott and Corsair defend themselves. This is just a snippet of what Carnero is capable of, in time, she could be outstanding.

This series has definitely been a dark horse in terms of quality. It’s been a fun read every month, but also slaps a little meaning into it as well. Greg Rucka has the chops to take on any character and work wonders. Carmen Carnero is an up and coming talent that has impressed on this issue. Cyclops is absolutely one of the best books Marvel is putting out right now!