Sentinels #1 Review: Taking Control

Sentinels #1

Review

Rating

9

Good

Writer: Alex Paknadel

Artist: Jason Mason

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Release Date: October 9, 2024

Page Count: 40

Format: Single-issue

Sentinels #1 introduces a bold new direction for X-Men comics, exploring complex themes through an unexpected lens. While the premise may be jarring for some fans, it opens up intriguing storytelling possibilities.

Sentinels #1

Review

Writer: Alex Paknadel

Artist: Jason Mason

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Release Date: October 9, 2024

Page Count: 40

Format: Single-issue

Sentinels #1 introduces a bold new direction for X-Men comics, exploring complex themes through an unexpected lens. While the premise may be jarring for some fans, it opens up intriguing storytelling possibilities.

Rating

9

Good

The Krakoan Era in X-Men comics was arguably one of the most successful periods for mutants in recent memory. Now, as we move into the aptly named From the Ashes era, Marvel is taking big swings with its new line of comics. Few swings are as bold as centering a comic around the Sentinels. Writer Alex Paknadel and artist Jason Mason introduce us to an intriguing new series where some of X-Men’s most feared enemies are now supposedly fighting for the mutants. But, as with anything in the never-ending conflict between humans and mutants, things are never quite so black and white. With a new era of X-Men comics in full swing, this series was among those that caught my eye the most.                 

Keep on reading for my full review of Sentinels #1

Overview of Sentinels #1

In the aftermath of Krakoa’s downfall, human-mutant relations are on shaky ground. Enter Lawrence Trask, who unveils a new Sentinel program aimed not at mutant destruction, but at maintaining peace between humans and mutants. Powered by advanced nanotech, this new generation of Sentinel-human hybrids targets villains who threaten this fragile peace. Their first mission? Capture Omega Red.

Image: Marvel Comics

Review

There’s a lot about Sentinels that feels like a daring new direction for X-Men comics. With a storyline that follows Sentinels policing evil mutants using violent means, the characters tread a thin line between heroism and villainy. Moral ambiguity is the name of the game here, and the comic is unafraid of diving into dark, twisted territory to tell its gripping story. It’s heavy on themes around the horrors of the military-industrial complex, showing the extreme measures the Sentinels will take to keep their enemies and themselves in check. Writer Alex Paknadel does a great job introducing us to this morally gray world through the lens of a bunch of new and complex characters. With Lockstep, the team’s leader, you’ll often see the struggles he faces when making tough decisions for himself and the team. While this issue has lots of incredible action scenes to fawn over, the most intriguing aspects are when the story delves into the trauma that goes into being just another tool for war and bloodshed. 

Jason Mason's art is crucial in portraying the darkness and grittiness of the story. Not only are the action scenes top-notch, but even the more character-driven moments are illustrated so well. His depiction of the Sentinels as biomechanical hybrids is both fascinating and unsettling, which elevates the tragedy and horror that underlie the story. There’s just a raw intensity to this comic’s art that makes every page compelling to read through. I’m absolutely fascinated to see even more from here. 

Image: Marvel Comics

That said, I have a few reservations after this first issue. As intriguing as the premise is, Sentinels has the uphill battle of getting readers invested in these new characters. Considering how Sentinels have traditionally been the symbol of mutant oppression, it can be a bit tough to wrap your head around this new concept. Paknadel digs deep into the complexities of the characters, but some readers might find it difficult to empathize with figures that were once adversaries to mutants. But I feel that if given the right chance to grow, this story could go to some really wild places. 

Image: Marvel Comics

Final Thoughts

Sentinels #1 is an X-Men comic filled with surprises. It takes the mythos in an unexpected direction that’s sure to divide fans. However, for those willing to give it a chance, it offers a fresh angle on the ever-evolving story of the mutants. Sentinels raises complex moral questions about the nature of peacekeeping and whether the ends justify the means, setting the stage for potentially fascinating storylines. By focusing on the “villains” and blurring the lines between right and wrong, it invites readers to rethink their assumptions about the world of mutants. Just fascinating stuff all around, and a welcome change to see in X-Men comics.

Why You Should Read Sentinels

• It offers a bold new take on a classic X-Men concept, reimagining the Sentinels in a morally complex light.
• Jason Mason's artwork effectively conveys the gritty tone of the story, with standout depictions of biomechanical Sentinels.
• It pushes the boundaries of what an X-Men comic can be, potentially opening up new storytelling avenues for the franchise.