Marvel's new X-Men and Fantastic Four crossover, DNX #1, has gotten off to a bland start, according to a review from IGN. The issue is criticized for being too exposition-heavy and failing to effectively launch the narrative.
The premise of DNX centers on a future where a virus has turned humanity into mutants. Cyclops aims to prevent this future, while the antagonist White Beast, the corrupted original Hank McCoy, seeks to control it. This sets up a conflict between the X-Men and the supervillain group known as 3K.
However, the execution in the first issue falls short. The review notes that the script gets bogged down in explaining the stakes and summarizing past events, rather than delving into the conflict itself. This leaves the story feeling like it has barely begun by the issue's conclusion. The timing is also questioned, as Marvel is already running multiple other crossover events.
The inclusion of the Fantastic Four also feels forced, according to the review. Their entry into the story involves Mister Fantastic attempting to cure Magneto, but it never feels like they have an organic reason to be involved in the larger conflict. The crossover reads more like an arc from the X-Men series with an external team shoehorned in.
Where DNX #1 does find some success is in its focus on the 3K characters, such as Cassandra Nova and Magneto's clone Joseph. The strained dynamics within this group and White Beast's efforts to maintain control provide some engaging moments.
Artistically, Federico Vicentini's figure work is described as inconsistent, particularly with character faces, but he brings energy to the pages. Colorist David Curiel's work is praised for its vividness, with specific callouts for a flashback to the Fatal Attractions crossover and a psychic battle between Quentin Quire and Cassandra Nova.
Ultimately, DNX #1 is deemed a plodding and unexciting start to what is supposed to be a major crossover event. The review concludes that the issue doesn't do enough to realize the potential of the superhero pairing or the creative team, especially when the Fantastic Four feel superfluous and the narrative relies too heavily on exposition.