They say that relationships that begin or are based on intense situations rarely last. Well, clearly someone forgot to teach that to the teenagers at Xavier’s. And as situations go the 2023 Hellfire Gala was pretty intense. It also marked the start of Talon and Synch’s tenure as co-leaders of the official X-Men team. You’d think when Scott and Jean passed the torch to the next power couple that they would also pass on what years of experience has taught them. Instead, in the pages of X-Men #30 the new leaders of the X-Men, Synch and Talon, have a front row seat to a very painful lesson – what happens when you work where you sleep. Meanwhile writer Gerry Duggan makes sure the story delivers the flame that fuels every interaction in any relationship, even Cyclops and Phoenix.
X-Men #30
Who Says Romance, , Is Dead?
Writer: Gerry Duggan
Artist: Phil Noto
Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles
X-Men #30 begins with Cyclops in a dream sequence like at the start of The Fall of the House X #1. However instead of a trial this dream is more of a conjugal visit as he finds himself in the embrace of his “first” love. Despite being away from Krakoa when it was attacked Scott knows the losses the X-Men suffered that night. His immediate question to Jean during this sequence is one every relationship faces eventually. Is this real?
On the surface it may seem Scott’s question comes from the reality that presently the world believes Jean died at the Hellfire Gala. But if you step back and reflect on the relationship, the love these two have shared, the ups and the downs, Scott’s inquiry becomes much more intimate – and intimidating. Especially since it’s one he has probably asked dozens of times over the years. From the first time they held hands to when the Phoenix force made her more passionate, even when a doppelganger appeared after she died each time he would have to ask is this real? Is this Love or am I dreaming? Having weathered these and many other storms, Scott’s conversation with Dr. Goldsmith concerns her as she prepares him to stand trial. Speaking with Dr. Stasis, she suggests that Scott’s plan may be to appear insane. Neither realize, Cyclops is just crazy in love.
If Scott seems off his rocker, the X-Men’s new leaders have been off to the races. Between sending Kat on clandestine missions and coordinating with the newlyweds, Laura and Everett haven’t had much time for each other. That doesn’t take away from how close they have become. They have been practically inseparable since reuniting after Laura’s Vault rescue at the end of X-Men #18. Now, the two must face a familiar threat to Everett in the form of the High Evolutionary. The last time the X-Men faced the High Evolutionary it was Laura’s clone that cut Everett to provide the blood the High Evolutionary requested to end the conflict. This time Synch heads off to space to Counter Earth with his heart in tow and on the line. What could go wrong?
Since the start of the Krakoan Age, the Tarot Cards have shown up as another type of addendum page. Now in addition to others cards like the Magician which predicated things we would eventually see like Rasputin IV X-Men #30 reveals the Lovers card. Phil Noto serving as sole artist of this issue delivers a card that speaks of a new couple’s past, present and future which appears to be equal parts fruitious and ill fated.
Duggan’s story invites readers to explore how quickly and quietly these two love tales evolved; like a phoenix flame. There isn’t much in the way of action in the pages of X-Men #30. Actually it is only through Everett’s vantage that we glimpse the adventure both he and Laura undertook. And his reflection covers the present and all the way back to 2019’s X-Men #18, aka When Everett met Laura. It may not be obvious but there are plenty of similarities between Everett and Laura and Scott and Jean.
Or should I say trouple. With how ecstatic most readers were about the arrangement, I can’t help but insert a bit of Logan also. You can’t deny he has had a lasting impact on their relationship. After all, Jean made it a point to contact Wolverine along with Scott when she was murdered by Moira.
X-Men #30 presents a powerful parallel between two sets of X-Men lovers. The love Cyclops and Phoenix shared for many years and the emerging love thing between Synch and Talon. Though there is some playing around with the roles since Jean and Everett as Omega level mutants. Meanwhile Laura’s initial lack of emotions or self control make her equal parts Scott and Logan.. Like Jean, Laura was for a time lost to her lover, and even replaced by a clone. And like Scott, the moment Everett set eyes on the original Laura again, their embrace was something epic.
By the end of X-Men #30, Dr. Goldsmith might suggest that Synch’s mental state is no better than Cyclops. Of course she may also realize that both these X-Men are merely demonstrating something she is guilty of too. After arguing with Dr. Stasis, Dr. Goldsmith agrees to change her report on Scott. This only comes after he threatens one of her mutant family members with detention.
What You Will Do For Love
Score: 8.8