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House of X/Powers of X #4
Powers of X #2
As Xavier sows the seeds of the past, the X-Men’s future blossoms into trouble for all mutantdom.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2019
15 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Hickman
1,224 books2,048 followersJonathan Hickman is an American comic book writer and artist. He is known for creating the Image Comics series The Nightly News, The Manhattan Projects and East of West, as well as working on Marvel Comics' Fantastic Four, FF, and S.H.I.E.L.D. titles. In 2012, Hickman ended his run on the Fantastic Four titles to write The Avengers and The New Avengers, as part the "Marvel NOW!" relaunch. In 2013, Hickman wrote a six-part miniseries, Infinity, plus Avengers tie-ins for Marvel Comics. In 2015, he wrote the crossover event Secret Wars. - Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
October 2, 2023
The second issue of House of X, one of the twin series that mark the start of Jonathan Hickman era of X-Men. Both House of X and Powers of X are meant to be read together.
Read as a single issue on the Comixology app. The collective review for the entire House of X/Powers of X storyline can be found on my review of House of X/Powers of X.
Read as a single issue on the Comixology app. The collective review for the entire House of X/Powers of X storyline can be found on my review of House of X/Powers of X.
August 16, 2024
That 1000 years scenario really sucks, I don't like it, I don't see humans or mutants, the present people look like freaking aliens, and it's not apparent what they are doing either, they want the phalanx to assimilate them, but where is the struggle in that, where is the story, it feels like a done story, something you end with.
The 100 years story on the other hand is super interesting with Apocalypse leading the few mutants left, with wolverine alive, and most of the mutants aren't even natural mutants, they were pretty much made in a lab.
Nimrod is insane, he doesn't only treat mutant life with disdain he does the same for human life too.
The year 10 story made cyclops for the first time ever bearable for me, good boy cyclops, good soldier, we point, you shoot, yeah I like this soldier version of him, for me he was never fit to be leader, he is just a really good soldier that you can give morally gray orders too and he will say yes master.
Anyway we are heading places with this story so far, but I hope they either get to the point of the year 1000 or they drop it because it's the reason for the minus one star for both power of x issues.
The 100 years story on the other hand is super interesting with Apocalypse leading the few mutants left, with wolverine alive, and most of the mutants aren't even natural mutants, they were pretty much made in a lab.
Nimrod is insane, he doesn't only treat mutant life with disdain he does the same for human life too.
The year 10 story made cyclops for the first time ever bearable for me, good boy cyclops, good soldier, we point, you shoot, yeah I like this soldier version of him, for me he was never fit to be leader, he is just a really good soldier that you can give morally gray orders too and he will say yes master.
Anyway we are heading places with this story so far, but I hope they either get to the point of the year 1000 or they drop it because it's the reason for the minus one star for both power of x issues.
August 20, 2019
Ok, first of all, this cover is completely random, it has nothing to do with the story, I almost feel inclined to give it a star less if I wasn't digging this so freaking much. Hickman goes full sci-fi on this one, bringing the Phalanx back for another round, there's a new revival of the Annihilation event about to be published, Annihilation Agenda, and I wonder if this is the beginning of the next big crossover event, it probably will.
But the coolest moment was seeing the big three on the backstage setting up a course of action, so badass. I'm not sure I ever seen Professor, Cyke and Magneto working together like this, it really feels like a (m)utopia.
This is what really grinds my gears (yeah, I totally stole it from FG), slowly waiting for the story to unfold, the anticipation and excitement for the next issue, ride on.
But the coolest moment was seeing the big three on the backstage setting up a course of action, so badass. I'm not sure I ever seen Professor, Cyke and Magneto working together like this, it really feels like a (m)utopia.
This is what really grinds my gears (yeah, I totally stole it from FG), slowly waiting for the story to unfold, the anticipation and excitement for the next issue, ride on.
August 14, 2019
Powers of X continues to be intriguing if not somewhat confusing.
Again in this issue we jump from year 1, year 10, year 100, and year 1000. Each spells doom for the X-Men the further along we get. With Nimrod growing in power as the years go. Year 1 and year 10 are easily the most interesting. We have the X-Men we are very used to it where's year 100 and 1000 either have future take of X-men or none at all. With everything coming together in the present year with Xavier and Magneto teaming up, it is easily the most interesting part. But year 100 and 1000 fail to really interest me. So hoping the future issues change my mind. A 3 out of 5.
Again in this issue we jump from year 1, year 10, year 100, and year 1000. Each spells doom for the X-Men the further along we get. With Nimrod growing in power as the years go. Year 1 and year 10 are easily the most interesting. We have the X-Men we are very used to it where's year 100 and 1000 either have future take of X-men or none at all. With everything coming together in the present year with Xavier and Magneto teaming up, it is easily the most interesting part. But year 100 and 1000 fail to really interest me. So hoping the future issues change my mind. A 3 out of 5.
August 15, 2019
As Xavier sows the seeds of the awesome, the X-Men’s future blossoms into awesome for all awesomesauce.
September 15, 2019
This is really cool scifi. Alot is going on, some of it doesn't make sense but im hoping the end will pay off. Im also a little confused as to why the cover has relation to the story. Just random characters who never appear inside.
August 16, 2019
Weird and a bit confusing, lot of «hard» contents, this one gets deeper into this fantastic universe that Hickman his putting in place. A good issue in an awesome and promising always evolving series. Like it!
August 17, 2019
The prose at the end building out this new world... More of this. So good!
August 25, 2019
We get a slow build up for each of the time frames. Xo we see Professor X and Magneto first agree to work together. X1 we learn of the Mother Mold machine to build other Master Molds and Scott, Charles and Magneto planning to stop it from going online. X2 Wolverine, Rasputin and Xorn are working with Apocalypse planning a “suicide” mission to go in Somewhere and retrieve something they need. Then in X3 the Phalanx pop up. Can’t wait for the next issue to see these plans executed.
August 15, 2019
Have mixed feelings about this one. Although there is a nifty quote from Stan Lee - February 1969 - " Where do you nuts get your ideas?" " That question is asked of Yours Truly at lectures, interviews, and bull sessions more often than any other..... The point is, ideas are no problem. Here in the Bullpen, we can't talk to each other for five minutes without coming up with a zillion new thoughts and angles. The big hangup is getting the time to develop the ideas...to polish them and refine them until we feel they'll have maximum impact -- until we know they'll be an integral part of the ubiquuitous Marvel universe! Everyone has ideas -- you, I, the gang in the mail room- even our competitors, bless-em. What really counts is what you DO with them. We believe that almost any idea can be worthwhile if it's presented with integrity, taste, and imagination. For, an idea is like a guitar -- it doesn't mean a thing unless you know how to use it!" This is followed by the quote: " You must see by now,there is no you and I, there is only us. We are together, or we are nothing."
There's a lot of interesting ideas in this book. It's jam-packed with ideas. Also, a lot expository details and world-building. But, I feel, somehow, that character may be left behind? It feels at times like reading meta or meta-narrative on the X-men verse, not a story. Yet, there is a story there -- but it's an odd one. And a somewhat depressing one -- because the players start out with great plans, and great certainty, yet, if time plays out the way it appears -- it seems as if all their plans are futile or lead to the same inevitable result -- a universe or world dominated by ruthless machines. Organic life is gone or incorporated into the machines or enslaved by them for their use and entertainment. (Reminds me a little of the Matrix and Terminator.)
Which makes one wonder where Hickman is going with this ...and what's his endgame, so to speak.
The comic is not easy to read -- there's two or three pages of text book prose breaking down the world of the machines, how they were created and why, and what their functionality and societal vision currently is in the Marvel verse. Apparently Kree technology was utilized to create the Nimrod - which is a shared hive mind, and the downloaded post-human intelligence of scientists, artists, and and engineers. They probably should have grabbed a few lawyers, philosophers, doctors, teachers, nurses, and theologians...to keep things honest. Scientists, artists, and engineers tend to be a little arrogant and not necessarily humble. There's a lot of hard-science in this book.
The story such as it is -- appears to be Moira/Xavier and Magneto putting together a long-term plan to ensure their species thrives and takes their rightful place in the world. They look to be successful up to a point -- but alas, something goes wrong, and many years in the future, we're stuck with Apocalypse running the show (which had actually been already mentioned in an earlier issue if you bothered to read the fine print -- where it slyly tells us that Sinister created Rasputin and Cardinal, then betrayed mutant kind and was killed by the humans, with Apocalypse taking over -- while the rest of the mutants had already evacuated to Shiar space, having given up on Earth 616 as a lost cause.) So...what was their plan exactly? At first, I wondered if the Apocalypse bit was in the same time line as the Magneto/Xavier/Moira bit. But I think it is. I also think the game-changer, was Xavier's decision that all mutants had to work together -- and no longer against each other. So, what probably happened is they managed to temporarily stop Orchis from launching the Nimrods, but alas, not the Nimrods that were sent to Jupiter and populated that portion of Earth's solar system, then joined forces with the Phalanx. Realizing this -- they evacuated as many as possible to Shiar Space.
So, I'm guessing the X-men and the main cast move off to Shiar space as is indicated in one of the earlier issues in this arc. (I can't remember if it is House of X 1 or Powers of X 1.) This would explain why the cover of X-men seems to feature a team in "space" and the cover of Maruders -- seems to feature a team on another planet with different landscapes and rules.
So, what Hickman may well be doing is taking the X-men off earth, and away from the humans. And explaining why that had to happen with this series. Doing this -- does open up a way for the X-men to enter the MCU films. Because they can do it from space. Also it dumps the whole school motif for the most part.
I don't know. The in-depth analysis of the different machines is fascinating. Also the themes are interesting ones. Marvel seems to be pushing a more socialist perspective. Or community vs. individualism. A decidedly anti-Randian view, which is interesting and refreshing. It also echoes the thematic structure of the Marvel films which went in a similar direction.
Xavier's quote is we can only do this together. We both have to ditch our own visions, and join together to find another way, or whatever way we can, to survive and thrive. This seems to be a general theme coming from the MCU right now.
There's a lot of interesting ideas in this book. It's jam-packed with ideas. Also, a lot expository details and world-building. But, I feel, somehow, that character may be left behind? It feels at times like reading meta or meta-narrative on the X-men verse, not a story. Yet, there is a story there -- but it's an odd one. And a somewhat depressing one -- because the players start out with great plans, and great certainty, yet, if time plays out the way it appears -- it seems as if all their plans are futile or lead to the same inevitable result -- a universe or world dominated by ruthless machines. Organic life is gone or incorporated into the machines or enslaved by them for their use and entertainment. (Reminds me a little of the Matrix and Terminator.)
Which makes one wonder where Hickman is going with this ...and what's his endgame, so to speak.
The comic is not easy to read -- there's two or three pages of text book prose breaking down the world of the machines, how they were created and why, and what their functionality and societal vision currently is in the Marvel verse. Apparently Kree technology was utilized to create the Nimrod - which is a shared hive mind, and the downloaded post-human intelligence of scientists, artists, and and engineers. They probably should have grabbed a few lawyers, philosophers, doctors, teachers, nurses, and theologians...to keep things honest. Scientists, artists, and engineers tend to be a little arrogant and not necessarily humble. There's a lot of hard-science in this book.
The story such as it is -- appears to be Moira/Xavier and Magneto putting together a long-term plan to ensure their species thrives and takes their rightful place in the world. They look to be successful up to a point -- but alas, something goes wrong, and many years in the future, we're stuck with Apocalypse running the show (which had actually been already mentioned in an earlier issue if you bothered to read the fine print -- where it slyly tells us that Sinister created Rasputin and Cardinal, then betrayed mutant kind and was killed by the humans, with Apocalypse taking over -- while the rest of the mutants had already evacuated to Shiar space, having given up on Earth 616 as a lost cause.) So...what was their plan exactly? At first, I wondered if the Apocalypse bit was in the same time line as the Magneto/Xavier/Moira bit. But I think it is. I also think the game-changer, was Xavier's decision that all mutants had to work together -- and no longer against each other. So, what probably happened is they managed to temporarily stop Orchis from launching the Nimrods, but alas, not the Nimrods that were sent to Jupiter and populated that portion of Earth's solar system, then joined forces with the Phalanx. Realizing this -- they evacuated as many as possible to Shiar Space.
So, I'm guessing the X-men and the main cast move off to Shiar space as is indicated in one of the earlier issues in this arc. (I can't remember if it is House of X 1 or Powers of X 1.) This would explain why the cover of X-men seems to feature a team in "space" and the cover of Maruders -- seems to feature a team on another planet with different landscapes and rules.
So, what Hickman may well be doing is taking the X-men off earth, and away from the humans. And explaining why that had to happen with this series. Doing this -- does open up a way for the X-men to enter the MCU films. Because they can do it from space. Also it dumps the whole school motif for the most part.
I don't know. The in-depth analysis of the different machines is fascinating. Also the themes are interesting ones. Marvel seems to be pushing a more socialist perspective. Or community vs. individualism. A decidedly anti-Randian view, which is interesting and refreshing. It also echoes the thematic structure of the Marvel films which went in a similar direction.
Xavier's quote is we can only do this together. We both have to ditch our own visions, and join together to find another way, or whatever way we can, to survive and thrive. This seems to be a general theme coming from the MCU right now.
March 7, 2020
I’m really enjoying all of the timelines’ stories and I’m disappointed I didn’t get to know some of the characters mentioned. Good stuff.
August 15, 2019
Hook it into my veins. Where House of X deals with the current day X-Men, Powers deals with the future. The core idea of the book is about how the mutants survive over the whole of time. I have no idea where this book is going or how it ties everything together but I can't wait to find out.
August 19, 2019
Better than the first, but a lot of moving parts to track in this title. The House of X is more streamlined and easier to follow.
July 2, 2021
La segunda de las tetralogías que siempre nos plantea Powers of X, en este caso con una distribución bastante pareja entre las cuatro historias (en otros números la narración se enfocará más en alguna historia que en otra).
X0: Gracias a la intervención de Moira, se establece la alianza entre Charles y Magneto.
X1: Se descubre que los humanos están por activar un Molde Madre, en una estación que orbita alrededor del Sol, y Charles, Magneto y Cíclope comienzan a planificar la misión para evitar a toda costa que esa activación ocurra.
X2: Se revela que el líder del grupo sobreviviente es Apocalipsis, a quien le llevan un dispositivo con información obtenido en la misión que llevaron adelante Illyana y otros (dos murieron). Conocemos más sobre Nimrod y sobre los Nimbus.
X3: Se presentan frente al Bibliotecario unos seres extraterrestres llamados “Falange” y uno de los ancianos les pide la “Ascensión”.
Como si ya no fuera todo lo suficientemente complejo, el número se completa con un texto y una infografía sobre los tipos de sociedades planetarias y galácticas, entre las que se encuentran las máquinas, la colmena, la tecnarquía, la mente mundial y la falange. Bien, pero bien ciencia ficción la cosa.
X0: Gracias a la intervención de Moira, se establece la alianza entre Charles y Magneto.
X1: Se descubre que los humanos están por activar un Molde Madre, en una estación que orbita alrededor del Sol, y Charles, Magneto y Cíclope comienzan a planificar la misión para evitar a toda costa que esa activación ocurra.
X2: Se revela que el líder del grupo sobreviviente es Apocalipsis, a quien le llevan un dispositivo con información obtenido en la misión que llevaron adelante Illyana y otros (dos murieron). Conocemos más sobre Nimrod y sobre los Nimbus.
X3: Se presentan frente al Bibliotecario unos seres extraterrestres llamados “Falange” y uno de los ancianos les pide la “Ascensión”.
Como si ya no fuera todo lo suficientemente complejo, el número se completa con un texto y una infografía sobre los tipos de sociedades planetarias y galácticas, entre las que se encuentran las máquinas, la colmena, la tecnarquía, la mente mundial y la falange. Bien, pero bien ciencia ficción la cosa.
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February 26, 2021Never again will I complain about Grant Morrison's writing being hard to follow and non linear. Their writing style is confusing and all over the place, yes, but they are a far better writer than Hickman (unfortunately, I hate to say it) and easier to follow.
House of X is fine; it's Powers of X that I find to be confusing and the weaker of the two.
House of X is fine; it's Powers of X that I find to be confusing and the weaker of the two.
May 8, 2025
Powers has not been as enjoyable as House so far. It's a little hard to follow along with but the text portions really help with that. I feel like I am getting the majority of the premise but some details are slipping through the cracks.
August 19, 2019
Powers of X" #2 continues the streak of brilliance. There are no major new reveals, but goodness this is one hell of a comic.
Here are my takeaways:
1) Magneto and Charles the dynamic duo. Malcolm and Martin!
2) The art work is top-notch.
3) Moira Taggart is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Her reimaging is EVERYTHING. I wonder if she retains skills? (if you've read you'll understand)
4) The multiple timelines running concurrently isn't convoluted or overly comic-bookie. I'm ready to see how everything will unfold.
5)I can't stand Cyclops, but he seems to be about that life, waiting on him to walk it like he talk it.
6) An unexpected leader is shown.
7)Nimrod. Nimrod. Nimrod.
8) A vague reference to Cypher.
9) Technarch
10) Galatic Scale of Interstellar Societies Based on Measurements of Species Intelligence (SI).
11) Mini info-dumps work so well with the story.
12) The Powers of X is given meaning.
13) The Phalanx.
14)Orchis
👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 4 handclaps
Here are my takeaways:
1) Magneto and Charles the dynamic duo. Malcolm and Martin!
2) The art work is top-notch.
3) Moira Taggart is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Her reimaging is EVERYTHING. I wonder if she retains skills? (if you've read you'll understand)
4) The multiple timelines running concurrently isn't convoluted or overly comic-bookie. I'm ready to see how everything will unfold.
5)I can't stand Cyclops, but he seems to be about that life, waiting on him to walk it like he talk it.
6) An unexpected leader is shown.
7)Nimrod. Nimrod. Nimrod.
8) A vague reference to Cypher.
9) Technarch
10) Galatic Scale of Interstellar Societies Based on Measurements of Species Intelligence (SI).
11) Mini info-dumps work so well with the story.
12) The Powers of X is given meaning.
13) The Phalanx.
14)Orchis
👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 4 handclaps
August 18, 2019
Next: this is what you do
Then: once more unto the break?
Then: once more unto the break?
June 28, 2022
This issue was probably the most confusing one I've read so far. There are things happening in the future that don't really make sense such as the Phalanx and ascension stuff but hopefully, it gets cleared up by the end. One thing I did like about this is how it describes different types of interplanetary civilizations/interstellar societies. It really adds to the sci-fi experience!
April 22, 2024
Again, much better. Still had very confusing timeline/universe jumps, but at least now I have a better understanding of what they mean. I’m not big on high sci-fi, so i don’t love the Year One Thousand storyline, but I’m super invested in the Year One and Year Ten, and Year One Hundred isn’t that bad now that I have a better grip on the characters. Onto the next!
(X Dynasty 4/12)
(X Dynasty 4/12)
March 22, 2020
The most difficult chapter so far to follow with not so much reward. Very disparate moments.
January 23, 2023
a lil confusing but im still having a great time so 🤭
comics
February 26, 2023As much as pieces are starting to click together I am still confused. This is just A LOT to take in.
August 6, 2024
loveee this volume so much scott has the craziest one liner
March 15, 2025
Power of X(2019) #2
Very compliment storyline. A burst of action that takes you by surprise.
The artwork helps draw you into the story. Looking forward to reading next issue.
Very compliment storyline. A burst of action that takes you by surprise.
The artwork helps draw you into the story. Looking forward to reading next issue.
May 14, 2025
it just keeps getting better and better. we see more of the origins of the idea of Krakoa. in the future we see the mutants teaming up to fight with Apocalypse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2025
I fear we (I) have lost the plot a bit
May 11, 2021
The quality of issues between HoX and PoX are equal in greatness, but it might be the story structure in PoX that makes me slightly enjoy it less. Don’t let that be a deterrent however, it’s still absolutely jaw dropping amazing
October 6, 2025
Powers of X #2 – “The Threads of Fate and Evolution”
If the first issue was a high-concept teaser, Powers of X #2 is the issue that begins to pay off those concepts with tension, stakes, and shocking revelations. Hickman expands on the three timelines, showing how events in Year 1 echo into Year 10,000 and Year 100,000. Every action in the present has consequences that ripple far into the future.
This issue emphasizes the political and existential stakes of mutant survival. We see mutants maneuvering for power, knowledge, and safety in ways that feel almost scientific in precision. Moira’s reincarnation ability continues to frame the story, giving readers a constant anchor while the timelines shift and intertwine.
Silva’s artwork continues to impress, especially in depicting futuristic societies that feel both awe-inspiring and haunting. The interplay between timelines is visually clear, aided by thoughtful layouts and color cues that prevent confusion.
By the end, it’s clear that Hickman is constructing a mutant civilization over millennia, and the fate of mutants depends on understanding both evolution and history. The issue leaves readers with a sense of wonder, awe, and anticipation—every page builds toward a future that is as fascinating as it is uncertain.
If the first issue was a high-concept teaser, Powers of X #2 is the issue that begins to pay off those concepts with tension, stakes, and shocking revelations. Hickman expands on the three timelines, showing how events in Year 1 echo into Year 10,000 and Year 100,000. Every action in the present has consequences that ripple far into the future.
This issue emphasizes the political and existential stakes of mutant survival. We see mutants maneuvering for power, knowledge, and safety in ways that feel almost scientific in precision. Moira’s reincarnation ability continues to frame the story, giving readers a constant anchor while the timelines shift and intertwine.
Silva’s artwork continues to impress, especially in depicting futuristic societies that feel both awe-inspiring and haunting. The interplay between timelines is visually clear, aided by thoughtful layouts and color cues that prevent confusion.
By the end, it’s clear that Hickman is constructing a mutant civilization over millennia, and the fate of mutants depends on understanding both evolution and history. The issue leaves readers with a sense of wonder, awe, and anticipation—every page builds toward a future that is as fascinating as it is uncertain.
January 14, 2020
Loved the buildup to how house of X came to be. It’s good to see mutantkind coming together to not just survive but thrive. The future jump is kind of confusing but loved the mention of the Phalanx and Apocalypse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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