"X-Men: X-Tinction Agenda" tradepaperback
I would have to say that this is probably one of the best collaborations I've seen since Claremont and Simonson took over the X-books.
When several New Mutants and Storm are captured by Genoshans in response to the X-Men and X-Factor's interference with Jenny Ransome, X-Factor, the rest of the New Mutants, and what remains of the X-Men (with Jubilee, Wolverine, and Psylocke showing up later) leap into action. What follows is a sprawling epic that pits the Mutants against a corrupt society bent of turning Mutants into slave workers. Add to it the mad, undying cyborg Cameron Hodge who has his own agenda, and you've got a fantastic X-Men story.
The plot is solid and engaging, maintaining suspense and energy. There's never really a dull moment. It's great to see the teams interact (there wasn't a whole lot of room for it in "Days of Future Present"), the wide range of characters creating a nice amount of drama without overwhelming the story.
Probably the best portions of the story are when we focus in on various characters. The rivalry between Wolverine and Archangel is layered with the rivalry of Cyclops and Wolverine, which instantly pulls Jean into the picture. There are several great moments with these characters. The best is when Hodge forces Wolverine and Archangel to battle when their powers aren't working. Archangel slices up with Wolverine, who is pretty dying anyways. Jean steps in and stops them. As she cradles the severely torn-up Wolverine, she tells Archangel all this wonderful stuff about him. All the while? Poor rejected Scott watches on. Tension!
The subplot regarding Storm and Forge comes back up, and has a nice moment. I really liked how the Jubilee, Richtor and Boom-Boom subplot became important as time went on instead of just being brushed to the side as it easily could have been. The Havok/Cyclops dynamic is nice too. The combined teams working together made for some fine moments too, as small subplots would cross from chapter to chapter instead of just being resolved in just one chapter. Claremont also does a great job of bringing in real world-like touchs to the pages, including NPR-TV spots that discuss the politics of the story.
Now, let's talk about the art. The Jim Lee stuff is amazing. All the things I raved about two entries ago are present. Gorgeous stuff.
However . . . Rob Liefeld looks like he phoned in his work and it was a bad connection. Some of it is really good. Other times, it looks like crap. And why does he draw Cable with lady legs?
Besides the "Uncanny" chapters, the coloring is probably some of the worst I've seen. It's so bad, it makes me want to scan the pages in, bring them into Photoshop and use the very small amount of Photoshop knowledge I have to fix them.
But topping it all off? Probably the worst X-Artist I've ever seen: Jon Bogdanove. His anatomy seems to concentrate purely on the overly-sexual. Jean and Storm's boobs and butts have never been bigger. Havok and Cyclops look like Mexican wrestlers. Making it worse are those major coloring mistakes. It actually made the comic hard to look at.
Now, there are some problems with this story. At times, it seems as though there are too many shortcuts, too many "secret weapons." Toss on that Hodge gets really annoying and the battle with this guy is way too drawn out, and those are the shortcomings. But these are all overshadowed by the excellent writing done on this tale.
~W~
Friday, June 23, 2006
UXP # 39: "Cleaning out the X-House # 1: Days of Future Present"
Fantastic Four Annual # 22, X-Factor Annual # 5, The New Mutants Annual # 6, The Uncanny X-Men Annual # 14
We're getting into a very important time for the X-Men. We're seeing a lot of old plotlines getting resolved as the Claremont/Simonson era of the X-Men comes to an end. In celebration of that, I have decided that these next few entries will bare the name "Cleaning Out the X-House" as that is what is basicaly occuring: a lot of the old sub-plots, character arcs, and danglers are being resolved . . . or at least touched on.
For example, this New Mutants/Fantastic Four/X-Factor/X-Men crossover that builds from "The Days of Future Past."
An adult Franklin Richards appears in the past, seeking out his former one true love, Rachel Summers. Franklin - as it turns out - somehow used his powers right before his death in the future and sent himself back. Powered by Rachel (who has Phoenix powers) and young Franklin, adult Franklin causes all sorts of problems. Among them are trying to create his perception of the world.
Eventually, Franklin is tracked down by the Houndmaster, Ahab. Ahab had once had Rachel as his main Hound, so any opportunity to get at her is good for him. So, with all this happening, various factions of the X-World come together. We see a short clip with Excalibur (which I feel bad for ignoring with this blog); Cable and the New Mutants enter the fray; Storm and Gambit are reunited with the X-Men (or really, just Banshee and Forge); and X-Factor has to deal with their own emotional problems.
There are some good moments in this story, despite it being a fairly flimsy plot. True to Claremont/Simonson form, the characters shine out above all the others. Scott, Jean and Rachel make for interesting characters - Rachel and Jean esspecially. I'd even say that Jean steals the spotlight. Having turned down Scott's marriage proposal, the two are all bent outta shape. Add to that that Rachel decides to reveal to them that she's their daughter from the future, and Scott and Jean suddenly have a ton of issues to deal with.
Franklin is interesting character as he really doesn't mean any harm. I wish there was more time to get in the Richards clan's head. As good as a crossover as this is, it's nothing compared to "X-Men vs. Fantastic Four" limited series. Ahab is a bit of a generic character, though. A bit more depth into is origins would have been nicer.
The art is crap though, save for the Art Adam's issue. And is it just me, or is seeing the Phoenix effect for the 1 billionth time lessening the effect?
Pretty interesting. The use of two very prominent families in the Marvel Universe (Summers and Richards) is very well done.
~W~
We're getting into a very important time for the X-Men. We're seeing a lot of old plotlines getting resolved as the Claremont/Simonson era of the X-Men comes to an end. In celebration of that, I have decided that these next few entries will bare the name "Cleaning Out the X-House" as that is what is basicaly occuring: a lot of the old sub-plots, character arcs, and danglers are being resolved . . . or at least touched on.
For example, this New Mutants/Fantastic Four/X-Factor/X-Men crossover that builds from "The Days of Future Past."
An adult Franklin Richards appears in the past, seeking out his former one true love, Rachel Summers. Franklin - as it turns out - somehow used his powers right before his death in the future and sent himself back. Powered by Rachel (who has Phoenix powers) and young Franklin, adult Franklin causes all sorts of problems. Among them are trying to create his perception of the world.
Eventually, Franklin is tracked down by the Houndmaster, Ahab. Ahab had once had Rachel as his main Hound, so any opportunity to get at her is good for him. So, with all this happening, various factions of the X-World come together. We see a short clip with Excalibur (which I feel bad for ignoring with this blog); Cable and the New Mutants enter the fray; Storm and Gambit are reunited with the X-Men (or really, just Banshee and Forge); and X-Factor has to deal with their own emotional problems.
There are some good moments in this story, despite it being a fairly flimsy plot. True to Claremont/Simonson form, the characters shine out above all the others. Scott, Jean and Rachel make for interesting characters - Rachel and Jean esspecially. I'd even say that Jean steals the spotlight. Having turned down Scott's marriage proposal, the two are all bent outta shape. Add to that that Rachel decides to reveal to them that she's their daughter from the future, and Scott and Jean suddenly have a ton of issues to deal with.
Franklin is interesting character as he really doesn't mean any harm. I wish there was more time to get in the Richards clan's head. As good as a crossover as this is, it's nothing compared to "X-Men vs. Fantastic Four" limited series. Ahab is a bit of a generic character, though. A bit more depth into is origins would have been nicer.
The art is crap though, save for the Art Adam's issue. And is it just me, or is seeing the Phoenix effect for the 1 billionth time lessening the effect?
Pretty interesting. The use of two very prominent families in the Marvel Universe (Summers and Richards) is very well done.
~W~
Uncanny X-Periment # 38: "Gambit"
Uncanny X-Men # 265-269
One name defines these issues and it isn't the one in the title. It's Jim Lee. His art here is amazing. Breathtaking. Detailed. His renditions of Captain America, Rogue, Wolverine, Psylocke, and Magneto are top-notch - perhaps even making him the best X-Men artist to ever grace these pages.
Uncanny X-Men # 265-267 revolve around the de-aged Storm and her running away from both Nanny and the Shadow King. Gambit shows up, rescues her, and takes her in. Gambit (far from my fave character) comes off likeable and pretty damn cool. His taking of Storm under his wing happens a little too fast for my tastes, but it's a good story for the most part.
Uncanny # 268 deals with Wolverine, Black Widow, Psylocke, and Jubilee going after the Hand. This is coupled with a great flashback, in which we see Captain America fighting side-by-side with Wolverine. The story in the flashback is great, but the one in the present fizzles out.
Uncanny # 269 is one my favorite issues for no other reason than it made me like Rogue. I always felt that Rogue was a bit of an odd fit in the X-Men. She was pretty much regulated by whatever was going on around, never really doing her own thing. This really set her loose, and turned into a sexy, sweet, and tough southern gal.
~W~
One name defines these issues and it isn't the one in the title. It's Jim Lee. His art here is amazing. Breathtaking. Detailed. His renditions of Captain America, Rogue, Wolverine, Psylocke, and Magneto are top-notch - perhaps even making him the best X-Men artist to ever grace these pages.
Uncanny X-Men # 265-267 revolve around the de-aged Storm and her running away from both Nanny and the Shadow King. Gambit shows up, rescues her, and takes her in. Gambit (far from my fave character) comes off likeable and pretty damn cool. His taking of Storm under his wing happens a little too fast for my tastes, but it's a good story for the most part.
Uncanny # 268 deals with Wolverine, Black Widow, Psylocke, and Jubilee going after the Hand. This is coupled with a great flashback, in which we see Captain America fighting side-by-side with Wolverine. The story in the flashback is great, but the one in the present fizzles out.
Uncanny # 269 is one my favorite issues for no other reason than it made me like Rogue. I always felt that Rogue was a bit of an odd fit in the X-Men. She was pretty much regulated by whatever was going on around, never really doing her own thing. This really set her loose, and turned into a sexy, sweet, and tough southern gal.
~W~
Monday, June 19, 2006
Uncanny X-Periment # 37: "Cable"
The New Mutants # 86-94
Confession time: I love Cable.
I find him to be an interesting character, despite the insane amount of weapons he carries around with him in the early 90's and the amazingly convulted history, I think he's a fantastic character. Call me crazy and blame on getting into X-Men comics (and comics, really, in general) in 1992, but I just love that time-traveling, ass-kicking, son of a X-Man.
We're introduced to Cable at a point where the New Mutants are in a bit of jam. Hunted by Freedom Force and with the still-acting-strange-Moria threatening to take Rahne back to Muir Island, the New Mutants have no one else to turn to than Cable. Cable, being on the run himself from Freedom Force and knowing Moria from years past (we'll get to that in a later entry), takes custody of the New Mutants.
The New Mutants and Cable take up residence at the remains of the mansion - the sub-basement, really. From there, they learn to trust Cable during an encounter with Masque and the Morlocks; Caliban; and Sabretooth.
A little later, they head to Madripoor to stop new villains Stryfe and the MLF (Mutant Liberation Front) from releasing a new drug upon the populace. As they battle the MLF, Wolverine shows up (he's in Madripoor, too, remember?) and fights Cable. A classic battle. In the end, the MLF is stopped.
The story is surprisingly good, focusing equally on both Cable and the New Mutants, as well as their working relationship with each other. My major criticism is that the New Mutants become Cable's wards far too quickly. While it is later revealed that Cable has a history with Xavier and Moria, his taking of command of them is just a wee bit forced (pardon the pun).
I find Rob Liefeld's work pretty good, for the most part. I prefer him in this time period, because his characters still retain human qualities that become missing from his artwork sometime post-1994.
~W~
Confession time: I love Cable.
I find him to be an interesting character, despite the insane amount of weapons he carries around with him in the early 90's and the amazingly convulted history, I think he's a fantastic character. Call me crazy and blame on getting into X-Men comics (and comics, really, in general) in 1992, but I just love that time-traveling, ass-kicking, son of a X-Man.
We're introduced to Cable at a point where the New Mutants are in a bit of jam. Hunted by Freedom Force and with the still-acting-strange-Moria threatening to take Rahne back to Muir Island, the New Mutants have no one else to turn to than Cable. Cable, being on the run himself from Freedom Force and knowing Moria from years past (we'll get to that in a later entry), takes custody of the New Mutants.
The New Mutants and Cable take up residence at the remains of the mansion - the sub-basement, really. From there, they learn to trust Cable during an encounter with Masque and the Morlocks; Caliban; and Sabretooth.
A little later, they head to Madripoor to stop new villains Stryfe and the MLF (Mutant Liberation Front) from releasing a new drug upon the populace. As they battle the MLF, Wolverine shows up (he's in Madripoor, too, remember?) and fights Cable. A classic battle. In the end, the MLF is stopped.
The story is surprisingly good, focusing equally on both Cable and the New Mutants, as well as their working relationship with each other. My major criticism is that the New Mutants become Cable's wards far too quickly. While it is later revealed that Cable has a history with Xavier and Moria, his taking of command of them is just a wee bit forced (pardon the pun).
I find Rob Liefeld's work pretty good, for the most part. I prefer him in this time period, because his characters still retain human qualities that become missing from his artwork sometime post-1994.
~W~
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Uncanny X-Periment # 36: "Acts of Vegeance"
Uncanny X-Men # 256-260, X-Factor # 51-53, Uncanny X-Men # 261-264
At this point, we pretty much follow the remains of the X-Men throughout their new adventures. And we start with Psylocke. Brainwashed and placed into an Asian body, Psylocke becomes an assassin for the Mandarin and the Hand. Wolverine and Jubilee intercept her, eventually, and break her free from the Hand's control.
We then check up on Colossus and Dazzler. Colossus helps defend Jenny Ransome and Phil Monreau, while being haunted by an image of a beautiful model. Dazzler restarts her career and is stalked.
Then it's over to X-Factor. Apocalypse puts in an appearance with Caliban. Sabretooth goes on the hunt, looking to finish off the remaining Morlocks. As Archangel deals with both Caliban and Sabretooth, Bobby and Hank go on dates. And . . . Scott proposes to Jean!
She promptly turns him down, based on all the new memories she's absorbed. She can't help but feel as though Phoenix and Maddie's memories are pushing her into Scott's arms, forcing her to make a decision.
Jean goes back to the mansion, where Banshee and Forge are at, searching for the X-Men and the Calisto. They encouter Jean and rescue her, Colossus, and Callisto from Masque's Morlocks. It's a little wierd. Then, after an encounter with some Genoshans, our story ends.
The character spines on these stories are Wolverine and Jean, who share the spotlight. We ride with their emotions. Jean, as she struggles with Scott's proposal. Logan, as he continues to recover from the attack in Australia. While Colossus and Dazzler live pretty much normal - and fairly boring - lives, the others are far more interesting.
It's nice to see Forge's background explored a bit. I enjoy his team-up with Banshee. It's also nice to have Claremont writing Jean again. Locust shows up, which is worth a laugh. Psylocke's story is fairly mediocre. But Jim Lee's art is amazing.
~W~
At this point, we pretty much follow the remains of the X-Men throughout their new adventures. And we start with Psylocke. Brainwashed and placed into an Asian body, Psylocke becomes an assassin for the Mandarin and the Hand. Wolverine and Jubilee intercept her, eventually, and break her free from the Hand's control.
We then check up on Colossus and Dazzler. Colossus helps defend Jenny Ransome and Phil Monreau, while being haunted by an image of a beautiful model. Dazzler restarts her career and is stalked.
Then it's over to X-Factor. Apocalypse puts in an appearance with Caliban. Sabretooth goes on the hunt, looking to finish off the remaining Morlocks. As Archangel deals with both Caliban and Sabretooth, Bobby and Hank go on dates. And . . . Scott proposes to Jean!
She promptly turns him down, based on all the new memories she's absorbed. She can't help but feel as though Phoenix and Maddie's memories are pushing her into Scott's arms, forcing her to make a decision.
Jean goes back to the mansion, where Banshee and Forge are at, searching for the X-Men and the Calisto. They encouter Jean and rescue her, Colossus, and Callisto from Masque's Morlocks. It's a little wierd. Then, after an encounter with some Genoshans, our story ends.
The character spines on these stories are Wolverine and Jean, who share the spotlight. We ride with their emotions. Jean, as she struggles with Scott's proposal. Logan, as he continues to recover from the attack in Australia. While Colossus and Dazzler live pretty much normal - and fairly boring - lives, the others are far more interesting.
It's nice to see Forge's background explored a bit. I enjoy his team-up with Banshee. It's also nice to have Claremont writing Jean again. Locust shows up, which is worth a laugh. Psylocke's story is fairly mediocre. But Jim Lee's art is amazing.
~W~
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Uncanny X-Periment # 35: "The Team Falls Apart"
The New Mutants # 75, X-Factor # 40, The Uncanny X-Men # 244, 245, Annual # 13, 246-255
It's the aftermath of "Inferno." Cyclops and Marvel Girl reunite the kidnapped children with their parents and are ultimately reunited with baby Nathan. The New Mutants and Magneto split ways for real this time, with the New Mutants rejecting Magneto once and for all, based mostly on his membership with the Hellfire Club.
Meanwhile, we have the X-Men . . .
What's there to say about this era of the X-Men? It's probably one of the more complicated periods, but also a very interesting one. The X-Men take some down time. Logan takes the guys out and they encounter some rather ridiculas aliens. Storm and the girls, in the meantime, are teleported to LA. Upon their return, a certain fireworks-generating, 13-year-old Mutant girl follows them. That's right - Jubliee. The former mallrat remains hidden in the vast underground complex of the X-Men's Australian town, helping the team out here and there. These stories are fairly light-hearted compared to what is coming.
Wolverine leaves on "personal business." While this could be - at first - seen as a simple out for his character to running off in his own solo series, it is in reality a set-up for what's to come a few issues later. So, sans Wolverine, the X-Men take on Master Mold in New York City. Master Mold, having merged with Nimrod, is almost unstoppable. As the robot battles the X-Men, he takes down Sharon Kelly - Senator Kelly's wife. To stop Master Mold, the X-Men pull out the gift from Roma - the Siege Perilous (sidenote: this is a jewel that, upon entering, a new life starts over with no memories of their past). It takes Rogue (with Carol Danvers in her head) entering the portal with Master Mold to defeat the monsterious robot.
The X-Men then return to Australia, where they are attacked by Nanny and the Orphanmaker (ugh). This is shortly after Longshot leaves to find himself. Havok, confused and just released from Nanny's mind control, blasts Nanny's ship out of the sky. But in doing so, he accidently kills Storm. With Storm dead, Wolverine out on personal business, Longshot gone, and Rogue MIA, the team heads down the Savage Land and deals with Polaris and Zaladane.
After helping them out, they return home . . . and then decide to enter the Siege Perilous themselves. Psylocke pushes them into doing this, as the Reavers, Donald Pierce, and Lady Deathstrike are about to overtake them. As of the moment the Siege Perilous closes up, the X-Men are gone.
As of "Uncanny X-Men" # 251, the X-Men have basically been disbanded. And beyond that, all of the X-teams are off the planet: Excalibur is thrown across alternate realities ("The Cross-Time Caper"); The New Mutants are in Asgard; and X-Factor are doing something with the Celestials.
In what is probably one of the best issues of X-Men thus far, Wolverine returns to the town and is beaten, captured, tortured, strung up, and eventually crucified by the aforementioned villians. This is a powerful and psychological story, tearing layers off of Wolverine, but still retaining his character. His own pulling himself off of the wooden 'X' is intense.
He and Jubilee then escape from the town, a beautiful friendship being born. The remaining X-allies (Forge, Freedom Force, Amanda Sefton, Banshee, Moria, Legion, and a few others) then gather on Muir Island to muster a defense against the on-coming assualt by the Reavers. There are casualties, including Destiny. Banshee and Forge then decide to head off to find the X-Men.
Little do they know that a young teenager looking just like Storm has appeared in Cairo, Illinois. And that the Shadow King is hunting her.
This is a remarkable era for the X-Men. Plot points are set-up early, allowing for the story to twist and surprise. Personal stories come to manifest. All of the characters are well-defined. Magneto, Wolverine, Mystique, Rogue, Longshot, and Havok all have great roles and get some nice development. The introduction of Jubilee is fun. Sometimes the occassional movie and television references can date the story, but the plot keeps it fresh enough.
The art is fantastic. Marc Silverstri has a way of drawing that just keeps it all clean and exciting. His work overshadows the occassional fill-in, including Rick Leonardi, Dan Green, and even the then-fresh Jim Lee. And no one draws Sentinels as well as Silverstri.
~W~
It's the aftermath of "Inferno." Cyclops and Marvel Girl reunite the kidnapped children with their parents and are ultimately reunited with baby Nathan. The New Mutants and Magneto split ways for real this time, with the New Mutants rejecting Magneto once and for all, based mostly on his membership with the Hellfire Club.
Meanwhile, we have the X-Men . . .
What's there to say about this era of the X-Men? It's probably one of the more complicated periods, but also a very interesting one. The X-Men take some down time. Logan takes the guys out and they encounter some rather ridiculas aliens. Storm and the girls, in the meantime, are teleported to LA. Upon their return, a certain fireworks-generating, 13-year-old Mutant girl follows them. That's right - Jubliee. The former mallrat remains hidden in the vast underground complex of the X-Men's Australian town, helping the team out here and there. These stories are fairly light-hearted compared to what is coming.
Wolverine leaves on "personal business." While this could be - at first - seen as a simple out for his character to running off in his own solo series, it is in reality a set-up for what's to come a few issues later. So, sans Wolverine, the X-Men take on Master Mold in New York City. Master Mold, having merged with Nimrod, is almost unstoppable. As the robot battles the X-Men, he takes down Sharon Kelly - Senator Kelly's wife. To stop Master Mold, the X-Men pull out the gift from Roma - the Siege Perilous (sidenote: this is a jewel that, upon entering, a new life starts over with no memories of their past). It takes Rogue (with Carol Danvers in her head) entering the portal with Master Mold to defeat the monsterious robot.
The X-Men then return to Australia, where they are attacked by Nanny and the Orphanmaker (ugh). This is shortly after Longshot leaves to find himself. Havok, confused and just released from Nanny's mind control, blasts Nanny's ship out of the sky. But in doing so, he accidently kills Storm. With Storm dead, Wolverine out on personal business, Longshot gone, and Rogue MIA, the team heads down the Savage Land and deals with Polaris and Zaladane.
After helping them out, they return home . . . and then decide to enter the Siege Perilous themselves. Psylocke pushes them into doing this, as the Reavers, Donald Pierce, and Lady Deathstrike are about to overtake them. As of the moment the Siege Perilous closes up, the X-Men are gone.
As of "Uncanny X-Men" # 251, the X-Men have basically been disbanded. And beyond that, all of the X-teams are off the planet: Excalibur is thrown across alternate realities ("The Cross-Time Caper"); The New Mutants are in Asgard; and X-Factor are doing something with the Celestials.
In what is probably one of the best issues of X-Men thus far, Wolverine returns to the town and is beaten, captured, tortured, strung up, and eventually crucified by the aforementioned villians. This is a powerful and psychological story, tearing layers off of Wolverine, but still retaining his character. His own pulling himself off of the wooden 'X' is intense.
He and Jubilee then escape from the town, a beautiful friendship being born. The remaining X-allies (Forge, Freedom Force, Amanda Sefton, Banshee, Moria, Legion, and a few others) then gather on Muir Island to muster a defense against the on-coming assualt by the Reavers. There are casualties, including Destiny. Banshee and Forge then decide to head off to find the X-Men.
Little do they know that a young teenager looking just like Storm has appeared in Cairo, Illinois. And that the Shadow King is hunting her.
This is a remarkable era for the X-Men. Plot points are set-up early, allowing for the story to twist and surprise. Personal stories come to manifest. All of the characters are well-defined. Magneto, Wolverine, Mystique, Rogue, Longshot, and Havok all have great roles and get some nice development. The introduction of Jubilee is fun. Sometimes the occassional movie and television references can date the story, but the plot keeps it fresh enough.
The art is fantastic. Marc Silverstri has a way of drawing that just keeps it all clean and exciting. His work overshadows the occassional fill-in, including Rick Leonardi, Dan Green, and even the then-fresh Jim Lee. And no one draws Sentinels as well as Silverstri.
~W~
Friday, June 02, 2006
Uncanny X-Periment # 34: "Inferno"
"Inferno" trade paperback
I need to be rather blunt about this. When it comes to Limbo, demons, the Soulsword and all that jazz . . . I feel like it has zero place in the X-Men's world. It's a hard fit, it's far too silly, and it's just not something I feel like the X-Men (and co.) should face down.
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed "Inferno." But it wasn't because of the conflict, though. It's because of the fantastic character arcs.
There are two basic aspects to "Inferno." The first is the resolution of the "Illyana" sub-plot. The other is the resolution of the Maddie/Jean/Phoenix relationship. In many ways, this story wraps up an era that stretches back to "From the Ashes."
Without a purpose in life and seeking revenge on both Cyclops and Mr. Sinister, Maddie becomes the Goblyn Queen (because "Goblyn" with a "y" is so much more evil than with an "i") and goes to serve Limbo-demons Sym and N'Astirh. Meanwhile, Illyana is tricked by those two into being an "evil Illyana" and opening a portal into Limbo, releasing tons of their little Ghostbuster-esque minions. Luckily, Colossus helps his little sister and the minions are mostly defeated.
With the Limbo-demons on the run, the X-Men and X-Factor are reunited to battle it out with Maddie and N'Astirh. As the two teams take down N'Astirh, the truth about Maddie's existence is revealed.
Turns out that Maddie is a clone of Jean. She was created as a duplicate of Jean to mate with Scott and produce a super-powerful Mutant offspring. This was done in the absence of Phoenix/Jean. Phoenix, as it turns out, upon her death gave Maddie her memories. Sinister's plans were going well. With Jean out of the picture, he tossed Scott Maddie and the two had a baby. But then Jean, it turns out, came back and Scott left his wife and son. Sinister swept in, tried to kill Maddie, steal Nathan, and wipe out all existence of Maddie and Nathan.
So yeah, Maddie has gone crazy and wants to kill her son so as to release Limbo once again. The X-Men and X-Factor stop her as loyalties are bent against them. In the end, Jean recovers both Maddie's and Phoenix/Jean's memories and Maddie dies. The X-Men and X-Factor then go the mansion and battle it out with Sinister and the Maraduars.
Despite the complicated Jean/Maddie/Phoenix story and the story elements themselves, the heart of this crossover are the characters. You reall feel bad for Maddie. Scott (as I mentioned before) was a terrible husband and if he had stuck around, all of this would have been prevented. Jean, too, shines very nicely as a woman who is suddenly battling her own evil twin-thing.
Colossus and Illyana also serve as great emotional anchors. Dazzlor, Longshot, and some of the newer X-Men seem to shake things up with X-Factor. Despite that, however, the interaction between both teams is fantastic.
It's cool to see all these long subplots that have only really been touched on finally come to a massive conclusuion. A lot of stuff since "From the Ashes" - "Mutants Massacre," esspecially - to now have finally reached their ending point. And while the story itself is not the best, the characters are solid gold.
~W~
I need to be rather blunt about this. When it comes to Limbo, demons, the Soulsword and all that jazz . . . I feel like it has zero place in the X-Men's world. It's a hard fit, it's far too silly, and it's just not something I feel like the X-Men (and co.) should face down.
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed "Inferno." But it wasn't because of the conflict, though. It's because of the fantastic character arcs.
There are two basic aspects to "Inferno." The first is the resolution of the "Illyana" sub-plot. The other is the resolution of the Maddie/Jean/Phoenix relationship. In many ways, this story wraps up an era that stretches back to "From the Ashes."
Without a purpose in life and seeking revenge on both Cyclops and Mr. Sinister, Maddie becomes the Goblyn Queen (because "Goblyn" with a "y" is so much more evil than with an "i") and goes to serve Limbo-demons Sym and N'Astirh. Meanwhile, Illyana is tricked by those two into being an "evil Illyana" and opening a portal into Limbo, releasing tons of their little Ghostbuster-esque minions. Luckily, Colossus helps his little sister and the minions are mostly defeated.
With the Limbo-demons on the run, the X-Men and X-Factor are reunited to battle it out with Maddie and N'Astirh. As the two teams take down N'Astirh, the truth about Maddie's existence is revealed.
Turns out that Maddie is a clone of Jean. She was created as a duplicate of Jean to mate with Scott and produce a super-powerful Mutant offspring. This was done in the absence of Phoenix/Jean. Phoenix, as it turns out, upon her death gave Maddie her memories. Sinister's plans were going well. With Jean out of the picture, he tossed Scott Maddie and the two had a baby. But then Jean, it turns out, came back and Scott left his wife and son. Sinister swept in, tried to kill Maddie, steal Nathan, and wipe out all existence of Maddie and Nathan.
So yeah, Maddie has gone crazy and wants to kill her son so as to release Limbo once again. The X-Men and X-Factor stop her as loyalties are bent against them. In the end, Jean recovers both Maddie's and Phoenix/Jean's memories and Maddie dies. The X-Men and X-Factor then go the mansion and battle it out with Sinister and the Maraduars.
Despite the complicated Jean/Maddie/Phoenix story and the story elements themselves, the heart of this crossover are the characters. You reall feel bad for Maddie. Scott (as I mentioned before) was a terrible husband and if he had stuck around, all of this would have been prevented. Jean, too, shines very nicely as a woman who is suddenly battling her own evil twin-thing.
Colossus and Illyana also serve as great emotional anchors. Dazzlor, Longshot, and some of the newer X-Men seem to shake things up with X-Factor. Despite that, however, the interaction between both teams is fantastic.
It's cool to see all these long subplots that have only really been touched on finally come to a massive conclusuion. A lot of stuff since "From the Ashes" - "Mutants Massacre," esspecially - to now have finally reached their ending point. And while the story itself is not the best, the characters are solid gold.
~W~
Monday, May 22, 2006
Uncanny X-Periment # 33: "After the Fall"
Excalibur Special Edition, Uncanny X-Men # 228-238
With the world believing they're dead, the X-Men are on the move. But first . . .
The basic X-Men "leftovers" - Nightcrawler, Shadowcat and Rachel (Phoenix 2) - join forces with British mainstays Captain Brtian and Meggan to combat the evil Warwolves and the team called Technet. In the end, the gang joins together to form Excalibur.
Meanwhile, while a fan deals with the death of Dazzler, the X-Men take over an abandoned Australian town in the outback. To do this, they fight off the cybernetic Reavers. The Reavers are, in the end, little match for the X-Men and the team gains control of their elaborate town and underground complex. After a nice Christmas tale, the X-Men go on the offensive.
First stop is the Brood. Following up on the earlier Brood story (see "Uncanny X-Periment # 16: The Brood Saga"), the evil aliens attack the Earth and gain the bodies of Mutants. Now these Broods with powers take on the X-Men and eventually set their goals for an evangelist group (a good one, that is). The X-Men win the day. All the while, Maddie undergoes a vision quest that leads her to damnation.
After that, it's time for a Genosha. The X-Men inflitrate the island nation of Genosha after Maddie is cpatured and taken there and the truth of the island is revealed: that the island vast resources and wealth are built on Mutant slaves called Mutates. The X-Men do their best to start a revolution.
While Excalibur, the issues right after the X-Men's "death," and the Brood Saga (2), are all great stories, both well-plotted, character driven, and drawn very nicely, the Genosha story is muddled with inconsistency and confusion.
One thing I feel I need to address is the X-Men team at this time. It's an interesting team, far more different than really any previous one. You've got Storm, Wolverine, Longshot, Dazzler, Rogue, Colossus, and Psylocke - all quite formidable and, ultimately, much more action-oriented and intense than any other. If there ever was a team that would serve as a great "strike force," it would be this one. However, I feel I should note that I think it's very unfair not to reveal the X-Men's alive-ness to Magneto, the New Mutants, and Excalibur. While Illyana is contacted, I personally feel as though it's the wrong place for Storm to have the team.
Overall, it's an interesting, if not fairly unbalanced time in the X-Men's history.
~W~
~W~
With the world believing they're dead, the X-Men are on the move. But first . . .
The basic X-Men "leftovers" - Nightcrawler, Shadowcat and Rachel (Phoenix 2) - join forces with British mainstays Captain Brtian and Meggan to combat the evil Warwolves and the team called Technet. In the end, the gang joins together to form Excalibur.
Meanwhile, while a fan deals with the death of Dazzler, the X-Men take over an abandoned Australian town in the outback. To do this, they fight off the cybernetic Reavers. The Reavers are, in the end, little match for the X-Men and the team gains control of their elaborate town and underground complex. After a nice Christmas tale, the X-Men go on the offensive.
First stop is the Brood. Following up on the earlier Brood story (see "Uncanny X-Periment # 16: The Brood Saga"), the evil aliens attack the Earth and gain the bodies of Mutants. Now these Broods with powers take on the X-Men and eventually set their goals for an evangelist group (a good one, that is). The X-Men win the day. All the while, Maddie undergoes a vision quest that leads her to damnation.
After that, it's time for a Genosha. The X-Men inflitrate the island nation of Genosha after Maddie is cpatured and taken there and the truth of the island is revealed: that the island vast resources and wealth are built on Mutant slaves called Mutates. The X-Men do their best to start a revolution.
While Excalibur, the issues right after the X-Men's "death," and the Brood Saga (2), are all great stories, both well-plotted, character driven, and drawn very nicely, the Genosha story is muddled with inconsistency and confusion.
One thing I feel I need to address is the X-Men team at this time. It's an interesting team, far more different than really any previous one. You've got Storm, Wolverine, Longshot, Dazzler, Rogue, Colossus, and Psylocke - all quite formidable and, ultimately, much more action-oriented and intense than any other. If there ever was a team that would serve as a great "strike force," it would be this one. However, I feel I should note that I think it's very unfair not to reveal the X-Men's alive-ness to Magneto, the New Mutants, and Excalibur. While Illyana is contacted, I personally feel as though it's the wrong place for Storm to have the team.
Overall, it's an interesting, if not fairly unbalanced time in the X-Men's history.
~W~
~W~
Monday, May 15, 2006
Uncanny X-Periment # 32: "Fall of the Mutants"
Uncanny X-Men # 225-227, X-Factor # 24-26, The New Mutants # 59-61
The second offical X-Men crossover is something like the first. While the stories interconnect somewhat, they don't necessarily need to all be read to be understood. They are all linked - each tale - by one recurring theme: death.
When the creature known as the Adversary attacks Dallas, it's up to the X-Men and Freedom Force to team-up to stop him. While they handle damage control, Storm and Forge work through their powers on an alternate planet Earth. During their long stay, Storm's hair grows out and her powers are returned. Long story short . . . she stops being some damn angsty.
Storm and Forge are then captured by the Adversary, who has taken over Roma's omniverisal citidal. Don't know who Roma is? She's a goddess who is in charge of protecting the omniverse. What's the omniverse? All of the alternate realities.
The X-Men have the Adversary on the rocks and ultimately, to stop him, they must allow Forge to cast a spell that will driven him away forever. However, it requires the X-Men (and Maddie) to sacriface themselves to do so. I personally think this was a shitty idea on Storm's part, but oh well . . . the X-Men die and Forge leaves, full of guilt. Mystique's reaction is priceless to hearing that Rogue is dead. Roma, however, restores the X-Men to life, telling them they'll be legends.
Meanwhile . . .
Apocalypse has assembled his Four Horsemen and one of them (Death) is Angel! GASP! They attack New York and X-Factor attempts to stop them. They succeeded, but just barely. A confrontation with Apocalypse on his massive Ship (called Ship), leads to Iceman being able to break Apocalypse's mind-control over Warren. Angel and X-Factor attack Apocalypse, who then escapes with his Horsemen, allowng the team to keep Ship. X-Factor then reveals the truth about themselves to New York, help in the rescue efforts and eventually win big for Mutantkind's PR.
Meanwhile . . .
The New Mutants embark on a mission to save Bird-Brain's people and . . . I dunno. I don't have issue 60. But it looks stupid. Who the fuck is Bird-Brain, anyway? Doug Ramsey dies and it's tragic. The kids get an unfortunate taste of death and this is only made worse by Magneto. Magneto, who I must note, has some of his old human hatred return when he sees Doug's body.
The New Mutants (despite the great issue with Magneto and the team) presents the lowest point of crossover, as it's just too silly to take seriously - even Doug's death. Uncanny is the middle ground, because it is a very ambitious story with some good development for Storm, but the story dragged out too long, with too much set-up and not enough of a pay-off.
X-Factor is top of the line. Though I don't know why Beast is getting dumber, Scott and Jean have moved on from the whole Maddie fracas. They're falling in love, all over again, with Jean promising to help Scott find Nathan and Maddie. Apocalypse fulfills a lot of the potential he had when he first appeared, becoming a even bigger badass. Great moments for the rest of the gang too, from Iceman to Beast, to Warren to Caliban.
~W~
The second offical X-Men crossover is something like the first. While the stories interconnect somewhat, they don't necessarily need to all be read to be understood. They are all linked - each tale - by one recurring theme: death.
When the creature known as the Adversary attacks Dallas, it's up to the X-Men and Freedom Force to team-up to stop him. While they handle damage control, Storm and Forge work through their powers on an alternate planet Earth. During their long stay, Storm's hair grows out and her powers are returned. Long story short . . . she stops being some damn angsty.
Storm and Forge are then captured by the Adversary, who has taken over Roma's omniverisal citidal. Don't know who Roma is? She's a goddess who is in charge of protecting the omniverse. What's the omniverse? All of the alternate realities.
The X-Men have the Adversary on the rocks and ultimately, to stop him, they must allow Forge to cast a spell that will driven him away forever. However, it requires the X-Men (and Maddie) to sacriface themselves to do so. I personally think this was a shitty idea on Storm's part, but oh well . . . the X-Men die and Forge leaves, full of guilt. Mystique's reaction is priceless to hearing that Rogue is dead. Roma, however, restores the X-Men to life, telling them they'll be legends.
Meanwhile . . .
Apocalypse has assembled his Four Horsemen and one of them (Death) is Angel! GASP! They attack New York and X-Factor attempts to stop them. They succeeded, but just barely. A confrontation with Apocalypse on his massive Ship (called Ship), leads to Iceman being able to break Apocalypse's mind-control over Warren. Angel and X-Factor attack Apocalypse, who then escapes with his Horsemen, allowng the team to keep Ship. X-Factor then reveals the truth about themselves to New York, help in the rescue efforts and eventually win big for Mutantkind's PR.
Meanwhile . . .
The New Mutants embark on a mission to save Bird-Brain's people and . . . I dunno. I don't have issue 60. But it looks stupid. Who the fuck is Bird-Brain, anyway? Doug Ramsey dies and it's tragic. The kids get an unfortunate taste of death and this is only made worse by Magneto. Magneto, who I must note, has some of his old human hatred return when he sees Doug's body.
The New Mutants (despite the great issue with Magneto and the team) presents the lowest point of crossover, as it's just too silly to take seriously - even Doug's death. Uncanny is the middle ground, because it is a very ambitious story with some good development for Storm, but the story dragged out too long, with too much set-up and not enough of a pay-off.
X-Factor is top of the line. Though I don't know why Beast is getting dumber, Scott and Jean have moved on from the whole Maddie fracas. They're falling in love, all over again, with Jean promising to help Scott find Nathan and Maddie. Apocalypse fulfills a lot of the potential he had when he first appeared, becoming a even bigger badass. Great moments for the rest of the gang too, from Iceman to Beast, to Warren to Caliban.
~W~
Friday, May 12, 2006
Uncanny X-Periment # 31: "Before the Fall"
Uncanny X-Men # 220-224
The X-Men battle the Marauders once more as Storm seeks Forge for the restoration of her powers. And that's pretty much it.
Seriously.
The Marauders, led by Mr. Sinister, take another shot at killing Maddie. Luckily, Maddie is rescued by the X-Men, who are being commanded by Wolverine. Storm is off with Naze (Forge's mentor and really the villain known as the Adversary in disguise), looking for Forge in the hope that he can restore her powers.
It's an interesting point, if not a little dull. Not a big fan of Storm's "spirit quest," but I like Wolverine's X-Men. He's such a different leader than Storm, Cyclops, and Nightcrawler as he's far more ruthless and quite blunt. It puts him in a different light - one that suits him surprisingly well.
In the end, we're building up to the "Fall of the Mutants," with the Adversary being unleashed and the Freedom Fighters looking to hunt down the X-Men.
Marc Silverstri is on art and it's fairly good. I like Claremont's use of the newbies, too.
~W~
The X-Men battle the Marauders once more as Storm seeks Forge for the restoration of her powers. And that's pretty much it.
Seriously.
The Marauders, led by Mr. Sinister, take another shot at killing Maddie. Luckily, Maddie is rescued by the X-Men, who are being commanded by Wolverine. Storm is off with Naze (Forge's mentor and really the villain known as the Adversary in disguise), looking for Forge in the hope that he can restore her powers.
It's an interesting point, if not a little dull. Not a big fan of Storm's "spirit quest," but I like Wolverine's X-Men. He's such a different leader than Storm, Cyclops, and Nightcrawler as he's far more ruthless and quite blunt. It puts him in a different light - one that suits him surprisingly well.
In the end, we're building up to the "Fall of the Mutants," with the Adversary being unleashed and the Freedom Fighters looking to hunt down the X-Men.
Marc Silverstri is on art and it's fairly good. I like Claremont's use of the newbies, too.
~W~
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Uncanny X-Periment # 30: "X-Men vs. Fantastic Four"
Fantastic Four versus X-Men # 1-4
What we have here, folks, is a well-to-do crossover miniseries. Two close-knit teams - the X-Men and the Fantastic Four - face doubt and struggle as the life of Kitty Pryde hangs in the balance.
Kitty is, basically, falling apart. Thanks to the "Mutant Massacre," not only is she trapped in her phased state, her very molecules are drifting apart. The X-Men call upon the Fantastic Four to help them. However, the team is full of doubt, as an uncovered journal written by Reed Richards claims that the accident that gave them their powers was planned and on purpose. Therefore, Reed turns the X-Men down . . . sending them into the hands of Dr. Doom.
Doom promises to help the X-Men out and in the meantime, Franklin Richards' psi-self develops a bond with Kitty and links the two teams as they struggle with doubt and crisis.
Ultimately, this not a crossover in the traditional sense. While yes, there are action sequences and there's a fight scene or two between the X-Men and the Fantastic Four, it's far from your typical team-up. It feels more like an X-Men story and a Fantastic Four story running parallel to each other rather an actual crossover. Each team has its own struggle, it's own problems to work through. In the end, there is resolution on both as their problems converge.
Characterization is good here, but more for the FF than the X-Men. Art captures mood and tone just fine, from the up-beat dinner at the end to Franklin's creepy dreams. All in all, a great read for either X-Men or Fantastic Four fans.
~W~
What we have here, folks, is a well-to-do crossover miniseries. Two close-knit teams - the X-Men and the Fantastic Four - face doubt and struggle as the life of Kitty Pryde hangs in the balance.
Kitty is, basically, falling apart. Thanks to the "Mutant Massacre," not only is she trapped in her phased state, her very molecules are drifting apart. The X-Men call upon the Fantastic Four to help them. However, the team is full of doubt, as an uncovered journal written by Reed Richards claims that the accident that gave them their powers was planned and on purpose. Therefore, Reed turns the X-Men down . . . sending them into the hands of Dr. Doom.
Doom promises to help the X-Men out and in the meantime, Franklin Richards' psi-self develops a bond with Kitty and links the two teams as they struggle with doubt and crisis.
Ultimately, this not a crossover in the traditional sense. While yes, there are action sequences and there's a fight scene or two between the X-Men and the Fantastic Four, it's far from your typical team-up. It feels more like an X-Men story and a Fantastic Four story running parallel to each other rather an actual crossover. Each team has its own struggle, it's own problems to work through. In the end, there is resolution on both as their problems converge.
Characterization is good here, but more for the FF than the X-Men. Art captures mood and tone just fine, from the up-beat dinner at the end to Franklin's creepy dreams. All in all, a great read for either X-Men or Fantastic Four fans.
~W~
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Uncanny X-Periment # 29: "What Happened to Maddie?"
X-Factor # 13-15, Uncanny X-Men # 214, Uncanny X-Men Annual # 10, Uncanny X-Men # 215-219
Welcome to a good couple issues of X-Factor, but nothing exciting for the X-Men.
In the aftermath of the Mutant Massacre, Angel has his wings amputated. This sends him into a spiraling depression that eventually leads to his suicide. Meanwhile, Scott searches for Maddie and baby Nathan, only to find evidence that they didn't even exist in the first place! Wha --?! Little does he know that over in the pages of X-Men, it's revealed that Maddie was shot by the Mardaurs, and was in a coma in San Fransico.
Scott also fights Master Mold, who makes some comments about "the 12" Mutants. Those who are strong. I've seen the end of this sub-plot. It turns out kinda blah, but it's interesting in its inception.
The X-Men, in the meantime, load up the injured Morlocks and the injured teammates (Colossus, Nightcrawler, and Shadowcat) and ship 'em off to Muir Island. Rogue and Psylocke accompany, along with newcomers Dazzler and Longshot (Longshot having joined during a really stupid story involving - groan - the X-Babies). These four train on Muir, which is interesting, as Banshee is the one training him (which is something he'll be doing later in his life). Calisto is her usual self.
Havok goes crazy, then, and joins the X-Men. Polaris is taken over by Malice. Storm fights perhaps the lamest villians ever in probably the lamest story ever. The Juggernaut puts in an appearance and is apparently so dumb, he can't tell is someone is either unconscious or dead. Magneto is a member of the Hellfire Club in the wake of the events with the Morlocks.
I'm not going to lie to you here. Despite some shining moments involving Maddie, the Morlocks, and just some general scenes here and there, the X-Men stories are awful. They're lame, cliched, boring and the characterization . . . ugh. It's just bad. They're bad! Awful!
The X-Factor stories are better, but not by much. I don't care about Rusty, Skids, and Boom-Boom. The Warren, Scott, and Jean stuff keeps it going though. Nicely done.
There are some decent scenes with the X-Men. It's nice to see some new members, but what about the old ones? The reason that Colossus and Nightcrawler are in state of non-movement, non-speaking roles (Colossus is quadropalegic and Nightcrawler is in a coma) is because I think that Claremont didn't know what else to do with them. They hadn't had any decent character development since the 180s.
Thankfully, though, I know that things will be picking up shortly.
~W~
Welcome to a good couple issues of X-Factor, but nothing exciting for the X-Men.
In the aftermath of the Mutant Massacre, Angel has his wings amputated. This sends him into a spiraling depression that eventually leads to his suicide. Meanwhile, Scott searches for Maddie and baby Nathan, only to find evidence that they didn't even exist in the first place! Wha --?! Little does he know that over in the pages of X-Men, it's revealed that Maddie was shot by the Mardaurs, and was in a coma in San Fransico.
Scott also fights Master Mold, who makes some comments about "the 12" Mutants. Those who are strong. I've seen the end of this sub-plot. It turns out kinda blah, but it's interesting in its inception.
The X-Men, in the meantime, load up the injured Morlocks and the injured teammates (Colossus, Nightcrawler, and Shadowcat) and ship 'em off to Muir Island. Rogue and Psylocke accompany, along with newcomers Dazzler and Longshot (Longshot having joined during a really stupid story involving - groan - the X-Babies). These four train on Muir, which is interesting, as Banshee is the one training him (which is something he'll be doing later in his life). Calisto is her usual self.
Havok goes crazy, then, and joins the X-Men. Polaris is taken over by Malice. Storm fights perhaps the lamest villians ever in probably the lamest story ever. The Juggernaut puts in an appearance and is apparently so dumb, he can't tell is someone is either unconscious or dead. Magneto is a member of the Hellfire Club in the wake of the events with the Morlocks.
I'm not going to lie to you here. Despite some shining moments involving Maddie, the Morlocks, and just some general scenes here and there, the X-Men stories are awful. They're lame, cliched, boring and the characterization . . . ugh. It's just bad. They're bad! Awful!
The X-Factor stories are better, but not by much. I don't care about Rusty, Skids, and Boom-Boom. The Warren, Scott, and Jean stuff keeps it going though. Nicely done.
There are some decent scenes with the X-Men. It's nice to see some new members, but what about the old ones? The reason that Colossus and Nightcrawler are in state of non-movement, non-speaking roles (Colossus is quadropalegic and Nightcrawler is in a coma) is because I think that Claremont didn't know what else to do with them. They hadn't had any decent character development since the 180s.
Thankfully, though, I know that things will be picking up shortly.
~W~
Friday, May 05, 2006
Uncanny X-Periment # 28: "Mutant Massacre"
X-Men: Mutant Massacre trade
This is the first crossover between the various X-titles (Uncanny X-Men, X-Factor, and The New Mutants) and, as a whole, it is one of the best. It's kinda funny, because it crosses over with Thor and Power Pack as well.
The basis for the story is that mass murderers and assassins called the Marauders head into the Morlock to tunnels and almost completely wipe out the Mutant society. This brings the X-Men into the conflict, as they try and help their Morlock allies. They save a few and bring them back to the mansion themselves, but they take some heavy hits themselves: Nightcrawler slips into a coma, Shadowcat is stuck in her phased state and is actually falling apart, and Colossus is stuck in his metal form. As Callisto and the others take the survivors they were able to find back to the mansion, Storm dispatches Wolverine to find the killers and to bring one back for interrogation.
The New Mutants deal with these victims at the mansion, and then get themselves lost . . . or something.
Meanwhile, X-Factor (at the other end of the Morlock tunnels) try and do the same thing the X-Men did: save as many as possible. They also confront the Marauders, but fair much better against them. Well . . . except for Angel, who has his wings pinned down, then crushed by the Marauders (not to mentioned he's dumped by Candy and is revealed to be the backer of the supposedly Mutant-Hunting X-Factor). Thor luckily manages to rescue him.
As Storm and Callisto struggle with what's happened, Wolverine hunts down Sabretooth (who is part of the Marauders) and then eventually meets up with (of all people) the kids from Power Pack, who were friends with some of the Morlocks. While I'm not the biggest fan of Power Pack, I have to say that their presence adds a unique point of view to the mass death and destruction in the tunnels.
The story has no definte ending. Wolverine and Sabretooth battle it out, allowing newcomer Psylocke (who appeared out of nowhere) to probe Sabretooth's mind. We don't know what she finds out . . . yet. Angel, on the other hand, must have his wings amputated. Thor, in the hopes of restoring some honor to the fallen Morlocks, unleashes a massive fire that burns their bodies away all Valkrye-style.
It's an interesting story, prespective-wise. Despite being centered around the same events, the crossover is split down the middle. Thor and X-Factor on one of the event and the X-Men and the New Mutants on the other side. Besides the X-Men catching the occassional random optic blast or both teams caught in opposite sides of a colapse, neither team interacts with each other. Power Pack is the only group that makes contact on both sides. Walter and Lousie Simonson and Chris Claremont did some incredible coordination, making the stories parallel each other while not exactly requiring you to read it all.
An aspect I enjoyed about this crossover format was being able to observe the massive differences between the X-Men and X-Factor. In particular, Storm's more aggressive and cut-throat leadership makes for an interesting comparison to Cyclops' by-the-book style. The X-Men themselves is composed of a mixed blend, with Magneto, Storm, Rogue, and Wolverine being fairly dark characters; and Colossus and Shadowcat, who are both overcome by the attack on the Morlocks that they contemplate killing (which Colossus does). X-Factor, on the other hand, is comprised of the classic X-Men, each one fairly clean despite tensions and internal struggles.
The art is fairly okay. Some parts are better than others. But the writing, the cooridination efforts, the very nature of this story and crossover makes "Mutant Massacre" an instant X-Men classic.
~W~
This is the first crossover between the various X-titles (Uncanny X-Men, X-Factor, and The New Mutants) and, as a whole, it is one of the best. It's kinda funny, because it crosses over with Thor and Power Pack as well.
The basis for the story is that mass murderers and assassins called the Marauders head into the Morlock to tunnels and almost completely wipe out the Mutant society. This brings the X-Men into the conflict, as they try and help their Morlock allies. They save a few and bring them back to the mansion themselves, but they take some heavy hits themselves: Nightcrawler slips into a coma, Shadowcat is stuck in her phased state and is actually falling apart, and Colossus is stuck in his metal form. As Callisto and the others take the survivors they were able to find back to the mansion, Storm dispatches Wolverine to find the killers and to bring one back for interrogation.
The New Mutants deal with these victims at the mansion, and then get themselves lost . . . or something.
Meanwhile, X-Factor (at the other end of the Morlock tunnels) try and do the same thing the X-Men did: save as many as possible. They also confront the Marauders, but fair much better against them. Well . . . except for Angel, who has his wings pinned down, then crushed by the Marauders (not to mentioned he's dumped by Candy and is revealed to be the backer of the supposedly Mutant-Hunting X-Factor). Thor luckily manages to rescue him.
As Storm and Callisto struggle with what's happened, Wolverine hunts down Sabretooth (who is part of the Marauders) and then eventually meets up with (of all people) the kids from Power Pack, who were friends with some of the Morlocks. While I'm not the biggest fan of Power Pack, I have to say that their presence adds a unique point of view to the mass death and destruction in the tunnels.
The story has no definte ending. Wolverine and Sabretooth battle it out, allowing newcomer Psylocke (who appeared out of nowhere) to probe Sabretooth's mind. We don't know what she finds out . . . yet. Angel, on the other hand, must have his wings amputated. Thor, in the hopes of restoring some honor to the fallen Morlocks, unleashes a massive fire that burns their bodies away all Valkrye-style.
It's an interesting story, prespective-wise. Despite being centered around the same events, the crossover is split down the middle. Thor and X-Factor on one of the event and the X-Men and the New Mutants on the other side. Besides the X-Men catching the occassional random optic blast or both teams caught in opposite sides of a colapse, neither team interacts with each other. Power Pack is the only group that makes contact on both sides. Walter and Lousie Simonson and Chris Claremont did some incredible coordination, making the stories parallel each other while not exactly requiring you to read it all.
An aspect I enjoyed about this crossover format was being able to observe the massive differences between the X-Men and X-Factor. In particular, Storm's more aggressive and cut-throat leadership makes for an interesting comparison to Cyclops' by-the-book style. The X-Men themselves is composed of a mixed blend, with Magneto, Storm, Rogue, and Wolverine being fairly dark characters; and Colossus and Shadowcat, who are both overcome by the attack on the Morlocks that they contemplate killing (which Colossus does). X-Factor, on the other hand, is comprised of the classic X-Men, each one fairly clean despite tensions and internal struggles.
The art is fairly okay. Some parts are better than others. But the writing, the cooridination efforts, the very nature of this story and crossover makes "Mutant Massacre" an instant X-Men classic.
~W~
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Uncanny X-Periment # 27: "The Rise of Apocalypse"
The Rise of Apocalypse # 1-4, X-Factor # 6-9
I decided, since it was in the same trade, to toss in "The Rise of Apocalypse" mini-series, which details the origins of ol' Poccy. We'll start with that.
En Sabah Nur is born in Akkaba, but is immediately abandoned because he's a freakin' Mutie. He's then adopted by Baal, of the Sandstormers, who believe in (wait for it) survival of the fittest. It turns out that Baal foresaw Nur's birth thanks to Rama-Tut's technology (Marvel devotees know that Rama-Tut is actually a time traveler and after this adventure, he goes off to become Kang, and then later becomes Immortus - see "Avengers Forever" for better detail).
Rama-Tut, however, is also after Nur. He sends his vizor, Ozymandias, after Nur, only to have him fail. The straight man to Rama-Tut, the knowledgeable Logos, seeks out Nur and brings him to safety. Eventually, Nur falls in love with Nephri, Ozy's sister and Rama-Tut's appointed wife. Of course Rama-Tut loses interest with Nephri when the Fantastic Four show up and he falls for Sue (this mini-series parallels an early issue of Fantastic Four).
En Sabah Nur comes to terms with his abilities and goes on a killer rampage. He turns Ozymadias into stone and makes him his seer. He then proclaims himself as Apocalypse and that's that, sucker.
The story seems to have some interesting ideas and some cool concepts, but it's also just, well, not very good. With the exception of the last issue (which is awesome), the story kinda stammers through an old Fantastic Four issue and the story of a kid being ass-ugly. At times, it's interesting, but it's mostly disappointing. There are too many cliches, coincidences and short-cuts in this story. And the art is shit.
In the end, Apocalypse rises and that's the only real cool part.
Jump ahead a few thousand years . . . and Apocalypse is hanging out in California with a junkie. Kinda.
X-Factor fights off the Alliance, Apocalypse's Mutants, for the life of a junkie named Michael Nowlan. Mike has the power to increase the Mutant powers of others. When Mike escapes, he runs to his ex (wife? girlfriend? ho? who knows), who then calls X-Factor.
The team fights the Alliance for Michael (I just wrote that) and then they confront Apocalypse himself. It's kinda neat going from seeing Apocalypse in the past, where's just starting to come to terms with his powers and himself, to seeing in the "present" where he's the master of his powers and knows what the heck he's doing with himself. Apocalypse gets just a little screen time, but you know he's up to some bad shit. He slinks away, pretty much damning everyone.
X-Factor then goes home, deals with the Morlocks and then handles Freedom Force at Central Park (in the aftermath of the X-Men story set there).
There's a lot to love here. While the Apocalypse story is sub-par, it is merely the introduction and you can tell that Lousie Simonson has some serious shit up her sleeve. She also tackles the Jean/Scott problems. Jean pressures the guys into revealing Scott's secret and they do. Her reaction is very well-done: she's more upset with Scott and her best friends for hiding this information that Scott actually getting married and having a son. Even her curiousity as to what Maddie and Nathan look like is pretty mature and realistic.
The characters easily slip into the roles they had once had with each other during the original run, though they've grown up some. It's like seeing a bunch of old friends hang out for a week. The interplay and tension between Scott, Jean, and Warren harkens back to the Metro College era, though (obviously) there are bigger issues at work here.
At times, X-Factor's existence is questioned, as to whether or not they're really doing any good at all or are actually making things worse. A nice play there.
Overall, not bad. Next up? The shit hits the fan.
~W~
I decided, since it was in the same trade, to toss in "The Rise of Apocalypse" mini-series, which details the origins of ol' Poccy. We'll start with that.
En Sabah Nur is born in Akkaba, but is immediately abandoned because he's a freakin' Mutie. He's then adopted by Baal, of the Sandstormers, who believe in (wait for it) survival of the fittest. It turns out that Baal foresaw Nur's birth thanks to Rama-Tut's technology (Marvel devotees know that Rama-Tut is actually a time traveler and after this adventure, he goes off to become Kang, and then later becomes Immortus - see "Avengers Forever" for better detail).
Rama-Tut, however, is also after Nur. He sends his vizor, Ozymandias, after Nur, only to have him fail. The straight man to Rama-Tut, the knowledgeable Logos, seeks out Nur and brings him to safety. Eventually, Nur falls in love with Nephri, Ozy's sister and Rama-Tut's appointed wife. Of course Rama-Tut loses interest with Nephri when the Fantastic Four show up and he falls for Sue (this mini-series parallels an early issue of Fantastic Four).
En Sabah Nur comes to terms with his abilities and goes on a killer rampage. He turns Ozymadias into stone and makes him his seer. He then proclaims himself as Apocalypse and that's that, sucker.
The story seems to have some interesting ideas and some cool concepts, but it's also just, well, not very good. With the exception of the last issue (which is awesome), the story kinda stammers through an old Fantastic Four issue and the story of a kid being ass-ugly. At times, it's interesting, but it's mostly disappointing. There are too many cliches, coincidences and short-cuts in this story. And the art is shit.
In the end, Apocalypse rises and that's the only real cool part.
Jump ahead a few thousand years . . . and Apocalypse is hanging out in California with a junkie. Kinda.
X-Factor fights off the Alliance, Apocalypse's Mutants, for the life of a junkie named Michael Nowlan. Mike has the power to increase the Mutant powers of others. When Mike escapes, he runs to his ex (wife? girlfriend? ho? who knows), who then calls X-Factor.
The team fights the Alliance for Michael (I just wrote that) and then they confront Apocalypse himself. It's kinda neat going from seeing Apocalypse in the past, where's just starting to come to terms with his powers and himself, to seeing in the "present" where he's the master of his powers and knows what the heck he's doing with himself. Apocalypse gets just a little screen time, but you know he's up to some bad shit. He slinks away, pretty much damning everyone.
X-Factor then goes home, deals with the Morlocks and then handles Freedom Force at Central Park (in the aftermath of the X-Men story set there).
There's a lot to love here. While the Apocalypse story is sub-par, it is merely the introduction and you can tell that Lousie Simonson has some serious shit up her sleeve. She also tackles the Jean/Scott problems. Jean pressures the guys into revealing Scott's secret and they do. Her reaction is very well-done: she's more upset with Scott and her best friends for hiding this information that Scott actually getting married and having a son. Even her curiousity as to what Maddie and Nathan look like is pretty mature and realistic.
The characters easily slip into the roles they had once had with each other during the original run, though they've grown up some. It's like seeing a bunch of old friends hang out for a week. The interplay and tension between Scott, Jean, and Warren harkens back to the Metro College era, though (obviously) there are bigger issues at work here.
At times, X-Factor's existence is questioned, as to whether or not they're really doing any good at all or are actually making things worse. A nice play there.
Overall, not bad. Next up? The shit hits the fan.
~W~
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Uncanny X-Periment # 26: "Beyond, Spiral, and Nimrod"
The Uncanny X-Men # 202-209
The X-Men face down with the Beyonder, Spiral, Freedom Force, Lady Deathstrike, and Nimrod in what are seven lackluster issues.
Rachel decides that the Beyonder needs to be defeated. In the process, she comes face-to-face with her personal demons and finally deals with 'em . . . sorta. Afterward, Wolverine faces off with Lady Deathstrike, which (while neat-looking) is actually not very exciting at all -- plus Katie Power is there. Why?
The team then battles Freedom Force for no particular reason, and then hang out in the Morlock tunnels so that Wolverine can get healed from his encouters. Rachel, feeling unsure of herself, seeks out Selene and the Hellfire Club with the objective to kill her. Wolverine, not liking this idea (?!), stabs Rachel (apparently its because he's afraid she'll turn into Dark Phoenix since she's exhibiting the Phoenix powers). This leads into a battle between the X-Men and the Hellfire Club, and then an alliance between them when Nimrod shows up. Rachel vanishes with Spiral, leaving the X-Men.
The art is bad (except for BWS), the stories are lame, and we've definetly reached a low-point for the X-Men.
~W~
The X-Men face down with the Beyonder, Spiral, Freedom Force, Lady Deathstrike, and Nimrod in what are seven lackluster issues.
Rachel decides that the Beyonder needs to be defeated. In the process, she comes face-to-face with her personal demons and finally deals with 'em . . . sorta. Afterward, Wolverine faces off with Lady Deathstrike, which (while neat-looking) is actually not very exciting at all -- plus Katie Power is there. Why?
The team then battles Freedom Force for no particular reason, and then hang out in the Morlock tunnels so that Wolverine can get healed from his encouters. Rachel, feeling unsure of herself, seeks out Selene and the Hellfire Club with the objective to kill her. Wolverine, not liking this idea (?!), stabs Rachel (apparently its because he's afraid she'll turn into Dark Phoenix since she's exhibiting the Phoenix powers). This leads into a battle between the X-Men and the Hellfire Club, and then an alliance between them when Nimrod shows up. Rachel vanishes with Spiral, leaving the X-Men.
The art is bad (except for BWS), the stories are lame, and we've definetly reached a low-point for the X-Men.
~W~
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Uncanny X-Periment # 25: "Phoenix Rising"
X-Men: Phoenix Rising trade
The Avengers uncover a startling discovery at the bottom of Jamaca Bay, New York. A capsule, generating powerful energy. Taking it back to their headquarters, Earth Mightiest Heroes are joining by the Fantastic Four, who discover that someone is alive within it -- one Jean Grey aka Marvel Girl! But Jean has no memory of her time as the Phoenix. However, upon touching the Shi'ar memory crystal, she gets the gist of it, and we the reader are shocked to discover that Jean and the Phoenix are not the same person! In the fallout, word reaches Warren and Scott, and both head off to meet up with her. Once they do, the trio decide that with Magneto and the X-Men playing the part of good buds, the world needs a new Mutant team! Hence, the original X-Men gather together to form X-Factor, a team of "Mutant Hunters" that would track down Mutants viewed as threats, and then as a Mutant team, give them shelter and train them. The teams first mission is a success!
So . . . what do I think of all this?
It's hard to say. I'm not a fan of the it's-not-really-Jean-that-died, but I love the character and I feel that so much is done with her after this (non-Phoenix wise), that I think it was a wise decision to bring her back. My problem with it is that the explanation is silly and boring. To say that there were in fact two Jeans is an easy out. HOWEVER (and I'll cover this eventually), I think it was left open to be established that while Jean and Phoenix were two seperate people, they both shared the same body.
Now let's talk about Scott Summers. Since issue 200, we've seen Scott basically slip into "dick mode." While attending to the trial of Magneto in Paris, he doesn't bother to call his almost-due pregnant wife. He's unemotional about the birth of his son. He leaves the X-Men only because he lost the duel of honor and not by his own choice. Face facts, Scott's a jerk and a lousy husband.
Maddie wants a life without the X-Men, which we all know Scott doesn't want. It's nice character flaw for Scott. While he maybe an expert on being an X-Men, a life without them is almost unbarable. Throw in the fact that he even admits to marrying Maddie just because she looks like Jean, and there you go. But this is actual trait to the character. For someone that never had a family before the X-Men, then found one with the team, it would stand to reason that he would rather be with his new family than in a loveless marriage, right? I think so. So, despite him being a complete jerk, Scott's characterization deepens.
Seeing the original X-Men together in such a long time is heart-warming and to have them fight alongside each other just like old times is a nice throwback to the original issues. Because I've seen this all as one huge story, the original X-Men being together again is like seeing a high school reunion.
For the most part "Phoenix Rising" fails to really provide the reader with an engaging and original return of Jean Grey. However, the characterization is on high.
~W~
The Avengers uncover a startling discovery at the bottom of Jamaca Bay, New York. A capsule, generating powerful energy. Taking it back to their headquarters, Earth Mightiest Heroes are joining by the Fantastic Four, who discover that someone is alive within it -- one Jean Grey aka Marvel Girl! But Jean has no memory of her time as the Phoenix. However, upon touching the Shi'ar memory crystal, she gets the gist of it, and we the reader are shocked to discover that Jean and the Phoenix are not the same person! In the fallout, word reaches Warren and Scott, and both head off to meet up with her. Once they do, the trio decide that with Magneto and the X-Men playing the part of good buds, the world needs a new Mutant team! Hence, the original X-Men gather together to form X-Factor, a team of "Mutant Hunters" that would track down Mutants viewed as threats, and then as a Mutant team, give them shelter and train them. The teams first mission is a success!
So . . . what do I think of all this?
It's hard to say. I'm not a fan of the it's-not-really-Jean-that-died, but I love the character and I feel that so much is done with her after this (non-Phoenix wise), that I think it was a wise decision to bring her back. My problem with it is that the explanation is silly and boring. To say that there were in fact two Jeans is an easy out. HOWEVER (and I'll cover this eventually), I think it was left open to be established that while Jean and Phoenix were two seperate people, they both shared the same body.
Now let's talk about Scott Summers. Since issue 200, we've seen Scott basically slip into "dick mode." While attending to the trial of Magneto in Paris, he doesn't bother to call his almost-due pregnant wife. He's unemotional about the birth of his son. He leaves the X-Men only because he lost the duel of honor and not by his own choice. Face facts, Scott's a jerk and a lousy husband.
Maddie wants a life without the X-Men, which we all know Scott doesn't want. It's nice character flaw for Scott. While he maybe an expert on being an X-Men, a life without them is almost unbarable. Throw in the fact that he even admits to marrying Maddie just because she looks like Jean, and there you go. But this is actual trait to the character. For someone that never had a family before the X-Men, then found one with the team, it would stand to reason that he would rather be with his new family than in a loveless marriage, right? I think so. So, despite him being a complete jerk, Scott's characterization deepens.
Seeing the original X-Men together in such a long time is heart-warming and to have them fight alongside each other just like old times is a nice throwback to the original issues. Because I've seen this all as one huge story, the original X-Men being together again is like seeing a high school reunion.
For the most part "Phoenix Rising" fails to really provide the reader with an engaging and original return of Jean Grey. However, the characterization is on high.
~W~
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Uncanny X-Periment # 24: "Asgardian Wars and More!"
X-Men/Alpha Flight # 1-2, Uncanny X-Men # 199, The New Mutants Annual # 1, X-Men Annual # 9, Uncanny X-Men # 200, The New Mutants # 35, Uncanny X-Men # 201
Since about Uncanny # 181ish, Claremont has been moving characters into certain positions, almost as though they were on a chessboard. Val Cooper, Mystique, Magneto, Cyclops, Maddie, Storm, the X-Men, the New Mutants . . . each one has been moving along with their subplot and story, ultimately culminating with this batch of books here.
The X-Men and Alpha Flight are whisked into a elaborate ploy created by the "god of evil," Loki. It is during this adventure that Madylen is revealed to be pregnant. This shocks Rachel, and throws into an emotional state. When the story is complete, Cyclops finds out that Xavier is dying. It's never really explained why, but apparently, he is.
In the meantime, Magneto and Kitty visit the Holocaust Memorial, where Mystique and the Brotherhood ambush them. Magneto, seeing the look of shock and disgust on his fellow Holocaust survivors as he launchs himself into action, surrenders. It turns out that Mystique and her team are looking to become government run and they take Magneto into custody to be judged by a United Nations court.
The X-Men and the New Mutants jaunt over to Asgard again. This time, Loki has given Storm the powers of Thor. A confrontation follows and the two teams arrive in Paris, just in time for Magneto's big trial.
As expected, the trial is awash with both pro- and anti- Mutant right protesters. With the New Mutants back on Muir Island, the X-Men are framed for numerous terrorist attacks. These attacks, as we discover, were really the act of Baron VonStrucker's children, the twins known as Fernis. Fernis attacks Magneto and Xavier. Magneto saves the day, but Xavier is dying. As he lay there, on the brink of death, Xavier asks Magneto to take over teaching the New Mutants and to work with the X-Men. Magneto protests, but has no real choice. Luckily, Lilandria and Corsair show up and whisk Xavier away to heal him . . . but can't return him, as the Starjammer has been super-damaged.
AND SO . . . the X-Men and Magneto return home. The New Mutants have trouble with Magneto, until he exacts revenge on some Frat boys for nearly raping Dani. I really like that scene.
Moreover, Cyclops and Storm duel for leadership of the X-Men. Storm gets the position. Cyclops decides to head home with his family - as his son was born while he was in Paris. Cyclops, apparently, didn't call once while he was over there.
This is some great stuff. Despite my general disdain of magic and the X-Men mixing, the Asgardian stories were filled with a lot of grand adventure and fun enough for even ME to enjoy. The trial of Magneto was great too, presenting both sides of the case. Is Magneto a super-villain or a terrorist? Or is he a crusader, fighting only out of self-defense? These questions are never really answered, which is a good thing. It allows the reader to anwer it his or her self.
Character arcs are as good as you'd expect from Claremont. The art, though, isn't. I'm not a fan of John Romita Jr.'s art during this peroid. It's too . . . I don't know . . . shaky.
We get a nice feel for Scott's life right now. Some fantastic lines from Maddie regarding the state of the marriage as she accuses him of putting his duty to the X-Men before her. Some great ones from Magneto as well, concerning what he's done in the past.
A very great story, with fine characterization, and an excellent set-up for the future.
~W~
Since about Uncanny # 181ish, Claremont has been moving characters into certain positions, almost as though they were on a chessboard. Val Cooper, Mystique, Magneto, Cyclops, Maddie, Storm, the X-Men, the New Mutants . . . each one has been moving along with their subplot and story, ultimately culminating with this batch of books here.
The X-Men and Alpha Flight are whisked into a elaborate ploy created by the "god of evil," Loki. It is during this adventure that Madylen is revealed to be pregnant. This shocks Rachel, and throws into an emotional state. When the story is complete, Cyclops finds out that Xavier is dying. It's never really explained why, but apparently, he is.
In the meantime, Magneto and Kitty visit the Holocaust Memorial, where Mystique and the Brotherhood ambush them. Magneto, seeing the look of shock and disgust on his fellow Holocaust survivors as he launchs himself into action, surrenders. It turns out that Mystique and her team are looking to become government run and they take Magneto into custody to be judged by a United Nations court.
The X-Men and the New Mutants jaunt over to Asgard again. This time, Loki has given Storm the powers of Thor. A confrontation follows and the two teams arrive in Paris, just in time for Magneto's big trial.
As expected, the trial is awash with both pro- and anti- Mutant right protesters. With the New Mutants back on Muir Island, the X-Men are framed for numerous terrorist attacks. These attacks, as we discover, were really the act of Baron VonStrucker's children, the twins known as Fernis. Fernis attacks Magneto and Xavier. Magneto saves the day, but Xavier is dying. As he lay there, on the brink of death, Xavier asks Magneto to take over teaching the New Mutants and to work with the X-Men. Magneto protests, but has no real choice. Luckily, Lilandria and Corsair show up and whisk Xavier away to heal him . . . but can't return him, as the Starjammer has been super-damaged.
AND SO . . . the X-Men and Magneto return home. The New Mutants have trouble with Magneto, until he exacts revenge on some Frat boys for nearly raping Dani. I really like that scene.
Moreover, Cyclops and Storm duel for leadership of the X-Men. Storm gets the position. Cyclops decides to head home with his family - as his son was born while he was in Paris. Cyclops, apparently, didn't call once while he was over there.
This is some great stuff. Despite my general disdain of magic and the X-Men mixing, the Asgardian stories were filled with a lot of grand adventure and fun enough for even ME to enjoy. The trial of Magneto was great too, presenting both sides of the case. Is Magneto a super-villain or a terrorist? Or is he a crusader, fighting only out of self-defense? These questions are never really answered, which is a good thing. It allows the reader to anwer it his or her self.
Character arcs are as good as you'd expect from Claremont. The art, though, isn't. I'm not a fan of John Romita Jr.'s art during this peroid. It's too . . . I don't know . . . shaky.
We get a nice feel for Scott's life right now. Some fantastic lines from Maddie regarding the state of the marriage as she accuses him of putting his duty to the X-Men before her. Some great ones from Magneto as well, concerning what he's done in the past.
A very great story, with fine characterization, and an excellent set-up for the future.
~W~
Uncanny X-Periment # 23: "Let's Get Personal"
Uncanny X-Men # 192-193, New Mutants # 26 – 29, Uncanny X-Men # 194-198
It's an interesting time for the X-Men . . . though aren't they all?
This time, we get a closer look at the X-Men, looking at the team in a more personal light. Storm leaves on a personal quest to Africa. In her absence, Nightcrawler leads the team, though he suffers from crippling doubts.
The X-Men tackle with Magus (Warlock's Dad). It's a blah kinda story. After that, though, things pick up when Thunderbird's brother, Warpath, seeks the X-Men out for revenge. After nearly killing them, Xavier allows Warpath to seek his vengance one on him. Warpath nearly does, but then learns that Thunderbird found honor in his time with the X-Men.
We jump right over to "The New Mutants," where Xavier comes face-to-face with his son, David Haller. Between the eerie style of the art and a story that sprials deep into the Multiple Personality suffering mind of young David, it's remarkable creepy. Xavier attempts to help his son, but ulimately fails in doing so, and only instead halts a internal psi-war between the various personalities.
In the meantime, Xavier contacts Magneto as he senses the Beyonder approaching the Earth. What's Magneto been up to? Hooking up with Lee Forrester, Scott's ex-girlfriend. That's right. A human. Perhaps his time on Battleworld shook some faith in humanity into him (let's also consider that his grand-daughter is a human). Magneto, having learned that violence solves very little (check out Uncanny 150), starts hanging around the X-Men.
The X-Men content with Nimrod and the Juggernaut in a fairly entertaining story. The Morlocks, who have captured kid super-heroes the Power Pack, take the stage for a fairly boring and dumb-downed issue. Rachel reveals her past to the X-Men (again) when the team goes searching for some looking to plant a bomb at Columbia State, to kill a Mutie. And Kitty and Peter come to terms with their relationship and it's falling apart while fighting Arcade. Wrap it up with Storm coming to terms with her powers being gone and you've got quite a good tale here.
Overall, the personal stories matter more here than the action ones. Nightcrawler and Colossus get some long overdo character development. Magneto, Storm, Kitty, and Rachel all get their moments in the sun. Storm's Africa adventure is quite good, allowing her to break away from the angsty woman we've been seeing (and way too much) and really grow into a new, much more stable character, filled with confidence and strength.
Xavier gets some great development as well. He becomes a Professor at Columbia, only to get the shit beaten out of him and almost gets blown up. His meeting with David is good and akward. His trusting of Magneto is interesting, though I wish there had been more time for him to deal with it.
~W~
It's an interesting time for the X-Men . . . though aren't they all?
This time, we get a closer look at the X-Men, looking at the team in a more personal light. Storm leaves on a personal quest to Africa. In her absence, Nightcrawler leads the team, though he suffers from crippling doubts.
The X-Men tackle with Magus (Warlock's Dad). It's a blah kinda story. After that, though, things pick up when Thunderbird's brother, Warpath, seeks the X-Men out for revenge. After nearly killing them, Xavier allows Warpath to seek his vengance one on him. Warpath nearly does, but then learns that Thunderbird found honor in his time with the X-Men.
We jump right over to "The New Mutants," where Xavier comes face-to-face with his son, David Haller. Between the eerie style of the art and a story that sprials deep into the Multiple Personality suffering mind of young David, it's remarkable creepy. Xavier attempts to help his son, but ulimately fails in doing so, and only instead halts a internal psi-war between the various personalities.
In the meantime, Xavier contacts Magneto as he senses the Beyonder approaching the Earth. What's Magneto been up to? Hooking up with Lee Forrester, Scott's ex-girlfriend. That's right. A human. Perhaps his time on Battleworld shook some faith in humanity into him (let's also consider that his grand-daughter is a human). Magneto, having learned that violence solves very little (check out Uncanny 150), starts hanging around the X-Men.
The X-Men content with Nimrod and the Juggernaut in a fairly entertaining story. The Morlocks, who have captured kid super-heroes the Power Pack, take the stage for a fairly boring and dumb-downed issue. Rachel reveals her past to the X-Men (again) when the team goes searching for some looking to plant a bomb at Columbia State, to kill a Mutie. And Kitty and Peter come to terms with their relationship and it's falling apart while fighting Arcade. Wrap it up with Storm coming to terms with her powers being gone and you've got quite a good tale here.
Overall, the personal stories matter more here than the action ones. Nightcrawler and Colossus get some long overdo character development. Magneto, Storm, Kitty, and Rachel all get their moments in the sun. Storm's Africa adventure is quite good, allowing her to break away from the angsty woman we've been seeing (and way too much) and really grow into a new, much more stable character, filled with confidence and strength.
Xavier gets some great development as well. He becomes a Professor at Columbia, only to get the shit beaten out of him and almost gets blown up. His meeting with David is good and akward. His trusting of Magneto is interesting, though I wish there had been more time for him to deal with it.
~W~
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Uncanny X-Periment # 22: "Wolverine and Kitty Pryde"
Wolverine and Kitty Pryde # 1-6
For the most part, this story is enjoyable. It seems a bit like some forced characterization for Kitty, but it's an entertaining story.
Kitty's father gets in some trouble with the Japaneese mob. Kitty goes to Japan to help her Dad and ends up in the hands of a samurai-demon-guy by the Ogun. She manages to contact Wolverine for help, but is then kidnapped by Ogun. Ogun proceeds to brainwash her, making her into a great warrior.
Logan shows up and battles Kitty and frees her. The process in which Logan de-programs her is very interesting and probably the best portion of the story.
The confrontation with Ogun is great. Wolverine's battle with Ogun is dynamic. Al Mligrom is masterful when it comes to the action.
~W~
For the most part, this story is enjoyable. It seems a bit like some forced characterization for Kitty, but it's an entertaining story.
Kitty's father gets in some trouble with the Japaneese mob. Kitty goes to Japan to help her Dad and ends up in the hands of a samurai-demon-guy by the Ogun. She manages to contact Wolverine for help, but is then kidnapped by Ogun. Ogun proceeds to brainwash her, making her into a great warrior.
Logan shows up and battles Kitty and frees her. The process in which Logan de-programs her is very interesting and probably the best portion of the story.
The confrontation with Ogun is great. Wolverine's battle with Ogun is dynamic. Al Mligrom is masterful when it comes to the action.
~W~
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Uncanny X-Periment # 21: "LifeDeath"
Uncanny X-Men # 181, New Mutants # 15-20, Uncanny X-Men # 182-183, New Mutants 21, Uncanny X-Men # 184-191
I'm a little conflicted here. You'll see why.
The X-Men return for Battleworld, only they end up in Japan. It's there they battle a dragon that has fallen in love with good ol' Lockheed. Awww. Sunfire and Val Cooper guest-star.
Meanwhile, the New Mutants face off with their rivals, Emma Frost and the Hellions. The X-Men then return to the spotlight and we see the government begin to take steps in fighting Mutants. In an effort to do step up, the US contracts Forge to build a weapon that takes away Mutant powers. While Henry Gyrich wishes to use this weapon on Rogue, Storm gets caught in the way and has her powers stripped away. Forge takes her in and after a beautiful love story, Forge is attacked by magical alien (!?) called the Dire Wraiths. Luckily, the X-Men show up and help save the day.
For the New Mutants, the fight a menacing mystical figure called the Demon Bear, and the X-Men are introduced to Rachel Summers, from the "Days of Future Past" timeline. Also, Selene shows up, as does Juggernaut, and we conclude with a fantastic story in where the New York is transformed into a fantasy realm by Kulan Garth. ALSO - Warlock shows up and Magneto's Asteroid M base is destroyed, and injured, he's rescued by Lee Forrester (you remember her).
Whew!
Here's the break-down. There's some good and some bad.
First, the good. When it comes to the Mutant Control Act, Claremont does a spectacular job. From the hunting of Rogue, to Storm's sacriface and her brief love affair with Forge, the idea of a weapon that can take away powers is intriguing. The characters involved are either old faces like Senator Kelly, Mystique, and Henry Gyrich -- or new ones, like Val Cooper (though she's appeared before) and Forge. Each of these characters are interesting as they each bring something to the table as far as conflict and interaction. Add in Rachel Summers, who has seen the ultimate fate of the Mutant Control Act in her own timeline, and you've got a story that is both character driving and intriguing.
The Mutant Control Act strikes right into the heart of the X-Men, as does Rachel's presence. Nightcrawler, esspecially, gets a great moment where he doubts both his place with the X-Men and the very idea of the X-Men. Luckily, the matter is straightened out, but Nightcrawler does such a great job of shaking up the ideals of the X-Men in just a few panels.
Colossus and Kitty both get some great development, as they find themselves ending whatever kind of relationship they had. Kitty heads home for a bit while Logan gets Peter totally trashed and has him face down the Juggernaut mono-e-mono. The beautifully rendered Storm/Forge story (186) is fantastic. Rogue continues to come to terms with her position on the team and her past with Ms. Marvel is explored.
On the New Mutants front, I have to say that I really like the idea of the Hellions. They are to the Hellfire Club as the New Mutants are to the X-Men. It's a great concept.
That being said, there's some stuff here that I'm not a big fan of, namely, the mystic story. Ugh. I'm sorry, but to me, magic and Mutants don't mix. The Dire Wraiths dumb down the Mutant Control Act subplot, and as cool as the Kulan Garth story is, it comes out of nowhere and ends up in just the same place.
John Romita Jr. does a fairly good job artwise, though I'm glad he gets better. At times, it's just plan blah. Brian Windsor Smith comes in and does the 186, doing probably among the greatest artjobs on the X-Men yet.
~W~
I'm a little conflicted here. You'll see why.
The X-Men return for Battleworld, only they end up in Japan. It's there they battle a dragon that has fallen in love with good ol' Lockheed. Awww. Sunfire and Val Cooper guest-star.
Meanwhile, the New Mutants face off with their rivals, Emma Frost and the Hellions. The X-Men then return to the spotlight and we see the government begin to take steps in fighting Mutants. In an effort to do step up, the US contracts Forge to build a weapon that takes away Mutant powers. While Henry Gyrich wishes to use this weapon on Rogue, Storm gets caught in the way and has her powers stripped away. Forge takes her in and after a beautiful love story, Forge is attacked by magical alien (!?) called the Dire Wraiths. Luckily, the X-Men show up and help save the day.
For the New Mutants, the fight a menacing mystical figure called the Demon Bear, and the X-Men are introduced to Rachel Summers, from the "Days of Future Past" timeline. Also, Selene shows up, as does Juggernaut, and we conclude with a fantastic story in where the New York is transformed into a fantasy realm by Kulan Garth. ALSO - Warlock shows up and Magneto's Asteroid M base is destroyed, and injured, he's rescued by Lee Forrester (you remember her).
Whew!
Here's the break-down. There's some good and some bad.
First, the good. When it comes to the Mutant Control Act, Claremont does a spectacular job. From the hunting of Rogue, to Storm's sacriface and her brief love affair with Forge, the idea of a weapon that can take away powers is intriguing. The characters involved are either old faces like Senator Kelly, Mystique, and Henry Gyrich -- or new ones, like Val Cooper (though she's appeared before) and Forge. Each of these characters are interesting as they each bring something to the table as far as conflict and interaction. Add in Rachel Summers, who has seen the ultimate fate of the Mutant Control Act in her own timeline, and you've got a story that is both character driving and intriguing.
The Mutant Control Act strikes right into the heart of the X-Men, as does Rachel's presence. Nightcrawler, esspecially, gets a great moment where he doubts both his place with the X-Men and the very idea of the X-Men. Luckily, the matter is straightened out, but Nightcrawler does such a great job of shaking up the ideals of the X-Men in just a few panels.
Colossus and Kitty both get some great development, as they find themselves ending whatever kind of relationship they had. Kitty heads home for a bit while Logan gets Peter totally trashed and has him face down the Juggernaut mono-e-mono. The beautifully rendered Storm/Forge story (186) is fantastic. Rogue continues to come to terms with her position on the team and her past with Ms. Marvel is explored.
On the New Mutants front, I have to say that I really like the idea of the Hellions. They are to the Hellfire Club as the New Mutants are to the X-Men. It's a great concept.
That being said, there's some stuff here that I'm not a big fan of, namely, the mystic story. Ugh. I'm sorry, but to me, magic and Mutants don't mix. The Dire Wraiths dumb down the Mutant Control Act subplot, and as cool as the Kulan Garth story is, it comes out of nowhere and ends up in just the same place.
John Romita Jr. does a fairly good job artwise, though I'm glad he gets better. At times, it's just plan blah. Brian Windsor Smith comes in and does the 186, doing probably among the greatest artjobs on the X-Men yet.
~W~
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