DNX #1 (Marvel, 9/16/26): Writer Jed MacKay & artist Federico Vicentini combine the might of the X-Men and the Fantastic Four to stop the 3K group from unleashing a deadly virus. The event spins out of the X-Men to fight for a deadly future, but readers may ask why this needed to be a separate title with a bloated cover price. Verdict: Just okay but unnecessary.
Credits:
- Writer: Jed MacKay
- Artist: Federico Vicentini
- Colorist: David Curiel
- Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles
- Cover Artist: Kaare Andrews (cover A)
- Publisher: Marvel Comics
- Release Date: September 16, 2026
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $5.99
- Page Count: 32
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of DNX #1:
First Impressions:
Why does this title exist when you could have just as easily incorporated this story into the main X-Men title with an arc that says “guest-starring the Fantastic Four”? After reading the issue, I have my answer. By the end of this review, you will, too.
Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):
DNX #1 begins in Philadelphia. The X-Men are assembled under Cyclops’s leadership to stop 3K from unleashing the X-Virus, a deadly plague that turns humans into mutants or kills them. Cyclops is, of course, right. When a cloaked ship arrives in the skies over Philly, the X-Men attack.
Meanwhile, the cracks of mistrust widen in 3K. Cassandra Nova falls, and everyone believes she was poisoned by the Chairman (Beast from the future). When the X-Men set off alarms, the Chairman orders 3K to investigate, but they hedge on the orders, believing the Chairman will double-cross them.
Elsewhere, Reed Richards and the “good” Beast get into a philosophical bickering match over saving the comatose Magneto’s life. Beast asks for help, and Reed agrees, but he’s reluctant to heal Magneto AND keep his powers intact. When asked for justification, Beast believes Magneto’s DNA was rewritten by the future with instructions to stop the virus. The issue ends with Human Torch and Thing lending the X-Men a hand.
How is the story in DNX #1?
Jed MacKay’s story is relatively clean, clear, and well-paced. The action is light, but that’s to be expected from a modern Marvel comic. However, there’s nothing in this first issue that justifies its existence as a separate title, much less a standard-sized #1 with a $5.99 cover price. The context and core conflict are simply a continuation of a story that’s already playing out in the main X-Men title. The Fantastic Four’s presence is a nice bonus, but not a big enough bonus to justify the extra paper or the cost, especially when X-Men #37 comes out on the same day.
How is the art in DNX #1?
The art is pretty darn good. Federico Vicentini gives each character a sharp edge to emphasize facial expressions and emotion. The brief bit of action is well done, and Vicentini’s levels of detail, contour, and texture are all super strong. Overall, this is a great-looking comic.
Characters
Both Beasts carry the burden of mistrust in the issue. Future Beast, aka the Chairman, laments the lack of faith and trust the members of 3K have in his plan and his visions for the future. It’s fair to say that his mistrust is earned. Current Beast makes his case (with Sue Storm’s help) to restore Magneto fully, doing his best to convince Reed that the X-Men need all the help they can get. The theme throughout the issue is: “Which Beast do you trust?”
Originality & Concept Execution
It’s a struggle to identify anything new or original about the setup, the concept, or conflict. We’ve seen the Earth ravaged by a virus before. A team-up with the X-Men and the Fantastic Four is nothing new. And 3K’s plans to turn humans into mutants has been lingering in the background since MacKay kicked off the main X-Men title with issue #1 in 2024.
Pros and Cons
Art Samples:
The Scorecard:
Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 2/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 3.5/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 0.5/2
Final Thoughts:
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DNX #1 is a “just okay” comic that fails to do one thing – justify its existence and the elevated cover price. Jed MacKay’s script continues the 3K story as if it were a continuation of the main X-Men title. Get it if you want to see the X-Men team up with the Fantastic Four, but accept that you’re buying into yet another Marvel cash grab.
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