Mutant X #22

Mutant X #22, published by Marvel Comics in July 2000, stands as a pivotal installment in the alternate-reality series centered on Havok, who finds himself trapped in a timeline where he leads a group known as The Six. Written by Howard Mackie and illustrated by Cary Nord, the series was designed to explore a darker, more turbulent version of the X-Men mythos, intentionally subverting established character roles to create a high-stakes narrative that stood apart from mainstream continuity.

The creative direction for this issue was deeply influenced by the editorial mandate to provide a grittier, more desperate tone compared to contemporary Marvel titles. Cary Nord’s artistic contributions, characterized by a dynamic and sometimes brooding style, were intended to match the psychological instability of Havok’s journey. The series as a whole was received as a bold experiment in long-form alternative reality storytelling, serving as a significant touchstone for fans interested in the broader possibilities of the X-Men franchise during the turn of the millennium.