Writer: Gerry Duggan

Art: Matteo Lolli, Mario Del Pennino, Erick Arciniega, Federico Blee, VC’s Cory Petit, Tom Muller, Matthew Wilson, and Russell Dauterman

Price: $3.99

Release Date: January 22nd, 2020

Gerry Duggan unleashes this week’s MARAUDERS #6 with nonstop action and a few curious twists that really surprised this reader. However, after six issues into MARAUDERS, where are we steering this cruise ship? Additionally, is this supposed to be a Hellfire Club book? Or, is this series simply meant to be filled with swashbuckling adventure after adventure? And furthermore, will we ever find out why Kitty can’t go through the Krakoan gates? Well, let’s swim into MARAUDERS #6 by Gerry Duggan and see if we can dive through this melee and find out any answers moving forward.

Readers, the highlights of this issue are actually the weird twists and curveballs that are totally unexpected by Duggan throughout the narrative. And quite frankly, there are a bunch. Before the story is done, Duggan introduces an unknowing mole into the Marauders (my favorite part), a villain who I haven’t seen in years, a trader that is completely predictable, and a cliffhanger that will make you wonder about who can actually be resurrected in this new mutant society. Furthermore, Duggan continues to write a Kate Pryde that’s fierce, commanding, and resourceful. This Pryde is a born leader that even Sebastian Shaw takes notice too and new readers of the character should too. My problem with Duggan’s character development is more or less why. Why was her lack of entry into Krakoa such a huge reason for her to mature into this kick$&@ who’s a natural-born leader? Don’t get me wrong; I adore this Kate and look forward to seeing her each issue. Nevertheless, the motivation for the change is what I question and wonder where it’s coming from.

By far, the best part of the issue is the ending. A trader comes forth but what this reviewer was having a difficult time with is how he/she would get away with this? The Quiet Council has made rules and with Charles having the abilities he does, there is no way the trader would get away with this. So, the ending seemed rather pointless. However, this x-fan is awfully curious, as well as excited, for the next installment of MARAUDERS to see what happens. Duggan has laid out a couple of interesting plot threads that are very intriguing for each X-book as the Dawn of X continues. Plus, the lengths to which Verendi is willing to take to get what they want by incorporating some crafty villains and strategies were extremely clever writing by Duggan and sparked this reviewer’s interest even more than before.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Duggan writes another well written and exceedingly entertaining issue of MARAUDERS that’s wonderfully easy to follow and continues to elevate Captain Kate to new heights. The clever twists within this issue really added some weight to the plot and ultimately made this reader feel more invested in the series. Matteo Lolli and Mario Del Pennino’s dramatic illustrations capture the conflict perfectly, which really engaged this reader. This series continues to be one of the best X-Men related titles and should be read by any and all X-fans. However, as much as I had a blast with this issue, there are still a few questions that I would like to have answered… or at least feel pointed in the right direction. Will we ever find out why Kate can’t enter a Krakoan gate? And, what is the real driving purpose or direction of this series? Don’t get me wrong; I’m enjoying the heck out of MARAUDERS… but where are we going with it? Ultimately, I recommend giving this issue and series a try even though I feel like it’s purpose may be lost at sea right now.

8.2/10