CYCLOPS UNLEASHED! Scott Summers is a mutant who is always in near-total control of his powers and his emotions. But what happens when he's separated from the X-Men, lost in a mountain wilderness without the visor that keeps his devastating powers in check? And will he be able to stay alive when Donald Pierce and his cyborgs, the Reavers, are hunting him? It's a tale of the X-Men's leader at his most savage core!
Just finished Cyclops #1 by Alex Paknadel and Rogê Antônio — seriously strong debut.
The story grabs you immediately and wastes zero time building momentum. It’s sharp, confident, and pulls you straight into Scott’s world. Paknadel nails the voice and characterization, delivering a first issue that feels purposeful and kinetic from start to finish.
Rogê Antônio’s art is phenomenal. Dynamic, expressive, and packed with energy, it perfectly matches the pacing and intensity of the script. The visuals don’t just support the story — they amplify it.
This is exactly what you want from a #1: a hook, a tone, and a clear sense that something exciting is unfolding.
An okay first issue that has a decent premise for a solo Cyclops adventure. Separated in the jungle without his visor, Scott is sure to run into both friend and foe, but he won't be able to see them without great risk. Aside from the awful villain names, this could be a fun mini-series for the leading man, and it is nice to see him get his own run again.
In 2026 I'm trying to read comics on the week of release and where time and money allows try out new books/additional titles to see how accessible they. For February 11th my first read was the new Cyclops solo. I'd probably say Cyclops was in my top 5 X-Men characters and unlike others favourites, he's actually rose through the ranks and is possibly my favourite character but within a team setting. So I was curious how this would play out.
The story sensibly starts with Cyclops operating within his X-Men team demonstrating his effectiveness as a leader and as a combatant. We then have a brief update on his current status quo so I wasn't confused about any of that. Even when mentioning things that long term X-Men readers (like myself) take for granted eg Cyclops' plane/orphanage origin or the Reavers, a fairly natural catch up is provided through conversations or addition of new team members. Although I do think those with a deeper knowledge of Cyclops will be rewarded.
This is also a fairly dense issue in that a lot happens and it's bookended with two extended action scenes and the set up for what should make an interesting second issue - I'm thinking the first Rambo film.
There were only two weak points regarding the writing, one was the ridiculous names for the new Reavers which makes me thinking they are utterly disposable and won't last the opening arc. The second is potentially more problematic - it's suggested that before the orphanage Cyclops was much more reckless, impulsive, outgoing and generally "fun". I really hope this isn't suggesting he could become more like his true self and start giving him these attributes. One, why mess with a character whose personality is already popular with fans? Second it makes sense that someone who can't control their blasts would have a more cautious personality. Even if he'd always had complete control, it's a dangerous power that shouldn't be used on a whim. Basically, to make him more reckless and outgoing would not only change what makes the character work but would erase decades of character development and this is for a character who has had more development than most marvel characters. But no sense worrying about things that haven't come to pass and I'd be surprised if this is where the writer would go given what seems to be a love of the character and his history.
The art is a lot of fun. It perhaps wisely emulates Ryan Stegman who did the most recent relaunch of Cyclops in the X-Men book. He handles the action well and comes up with some interesting ways to show the power of the optic blasts which I'm sure the colorist also deserves some credit. The quiet/talky scenes are also kept interesting. Again, the new Reavers aren't great in terms of appearance but they are in the spirit of the original ones.
This was a great first issue which not only makes Cyclops work as a solo character but suggests there can be more than 4 issues of mileage to get out of the character on his own. I hope they don't go down some character changes hinted at here but the second issue seems like it could be a great solo hero fighting off a small army scenario which I usually enjoy.
I don't know what Paknadel has done before but this is a really confident first issue, suggesting they know what works with X-Men stories. I'd suggest he's making a really good argument for being a future flagship X-Men book writer. For example I'm tempted to try the current McKay run just in case McKay is handling Cyclops and the X-Men this well.
This is a book that's worth a look for superhero fans, should be read by X-Men fans, and is essential for Cyclops fans. This is a pleasant surprise as usually these solo books are barely tolerable for dedicated fans and not even trying to entertain other readers.
Overall = 4/5 Writing = 4/5 Art = 4/5
Will I read the next issue? Yes
Did I need to read previous issues/series? This is completely accessible. Familiarity with the character just amplifies the enjoyment
Will I read previous issues? N.A. But this has me wondering if it was worth checking the X-Men book featuring Cyclops, if this is how the character is being handled by Marvel at the moment.
Alex Paknadel ha escrito justo lo que quiero leer cuando lee un cómic de Scott. Yo quiero leer la combinación de su mente estratégica, con sus traumas y problemas para comunicarse con los demás. Hay guiños al pasado de Scott ya conocido, y creo que va a explorar su miedo a perder el control de su poder para que pueda afrontarlo en un futuro mejor. Y hay nuevo villano para Scott, que ya hacía falta desde que Marvel se olvidó el daño que Siniestro le hizo en el pasado.
ay carumba. how many solo x titles are the same premise as this? 9 out of ten? most likely. the only difference is that Scott didn't choose to be shot down. hes on a mission which he didn't speak to any other team members about, in a quinjet?, just so happens to fly over an area the readers are hiding. they could have left them alone and this story wouldn't happen. so dumb.
the only interesting thing was thay Cyclops lost their visor and now needs the victim mutant tk be their eyes.
Excited to see where this story leads. These new comics Shadows of Tomorrow have been great. Feels refreshing to read. Good contained stories so far. Keeping it simple and to the point. I love it.
Good stuff. They got his character very well done, and I really appreciated all the nods to past continuity (editors notes included!) and the premise seems great. I really look forward to seeing where this goes.
A very solid start. I am so on board for a story with Scott having to protect this girl and having to struggle to control himself. Good art and colors too.
“…The way I see it, the next ten seconds are going to play out in one of two ways… In the first, you try to overwhelm me with superior firepower. In the second, you get to walk away with your teeth.”