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~
Monday, May 22, 2006
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~
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Uncanny X-Periment # 20: "Secret Wars"
My apologies for the delayed up-date. I've been uber-busy with real life stuff. Hopefully I can get back on track here.
"Secret Wars" was, and is, a huge ass story. Of the many events in the Marvel Universe, I'd say "Secret Wars" is probably among the top in both quality and importance. Basically, the story goes like this - one by one, the X-Men, the Avengers, Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, the Hulk, and Iron Man are teleported to "Battleworld" by a being known as the Beyonder. The Beyonder also brings the Wrecking Crew, Absorbing Man, Galactus, Doctor Doom, Magneto, Kang, Klaw, Doctor Octopus, Absorbing Man, and Lizard Man along for the ride. Upon arrival, they all learn that whichever team ("heroes" versus "villains") takes down the other team, wins whatever they desire.
Of course, this all goes askew when Galactus decides to eat Battleworld. And then things get crazy when Doom not only absorbs the power of Galactus, but then takes the power of the Beyonder as well.
There's a lot going for this story. There's a surprisingly large amount of character development and character subplots, especially the size of the cast. There's not a character featured that at least doesn't get some moment in the sun. We see Cyclops and Mr. Fantastic talk about the wives, we see Magneto break away from the heroes in an effort to seek out his own role, Colossus falls in love, etc.
The ideas brought in here break it away from the standard mega-crossover. Doom's omnipotence is featured very well, as we see just what happens to a mortal when he has all this power. These great, bold moments overpower any of the weaker ones.
The art fits the story, from the arrival on Battleworld to the teleport away, capturing both huge battles and intimate character moments.
In so many ways, "Secret Wars" is an epic of its own time. I think its best viewed as a product of its age: ambitious, larger than life, and just a massive story. I see it as the "Ben-Hur" of Marvel comics. Sprawling, epic, and momumental. Maybe not the best, but damn, if it's not a great read.
~W~
"Secret Wars" was, and is, a huge ass story. Of the many events in the Marvel Universe, I'd say "Secret Wars" is probably among the top in both quality and importance. Basically, the story goes like this - one by one, the X-Men, the Avengers, Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, the Hulk, and Iron Man are teleported to "Battleworld" by a being known as the Beyonder. The Beyonder also brings the Wrecking Crew, Absorbing Man, Galactus, Doctor Doom, Magneto, Kang, Klaw, Doctor Octopus, Absorbing Man, and Lizard Man along for the ride. Upon arrival, they all learn that whichever team ("heroes" versus "villains") takes down the other team, wins whatever they desire.
Of course, this all goes askew when Galactus decides to eat Battleworld. And then things get crazy when Doom not only absorbs the power of Galactus, but then takes the power of the Beyonder as well.
There's a lot going for this story. There's a surprisingly large amount of character development and character subplots, especially the size of the cast. There's not a character featured that at least doesn't get some moment in the sun. We see Cyclops and Mr. Fantastic talk about the wives, we see Magneto break away from the heroes in an effort to seek out his own role, Colossus falls in love, etc.
The ideas brought in here break it away from the standard mega-crossover. Doom's omnipotence is featured very well, as we see just what happens to a mortal when he has all this power. These great, bold moments overpower any of the weaker ones.
The art fits the story, from the arrival on Battleworld to the teleport away, capturing both huge battles and intimate character moments.
In so many ways, "Secret Wars" is an epic of its own time. I think its best viewed as a product of its age: ambitious, larger than life, and just a massive story. I see it as the "Ben-Hur" of Marvel comics. Sprawling, epic, and momumental. Maybe not the best, but damn, if it's not a great read.
~W~
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Uncanny X-Periment # 19: "A Little In-Between"
Uncanny X-Men # 177-180
This is a short little batch of issues, simply because it falls between "From the Ashes" and "Secret Wars."
Mainly, we're given stories that - while there is action and adventure - characters get a fair amount of development.
As Kitty continues to deal with Storm's change, and her relationships with Colossus and Doug Ramsey, Rogue is confronted with Mystique.
Mystique has the Brotherhood battle the X-Men so she can make an effort at getting Rogue back to her side. While she fails, the Morlocks kidnap Kitty, forcing her to fulfill a promise to marry Caliban. In the end, she's released from the promise. After all this, Kitty and Doug head off to the Mass. Academy (which is run by Emma Frost and the Hellfire Club), while the X-Men investigate some telepathic scanning waves and vanish!
We're given a lot of insight here. Storm, Kitty, Rogue, Mystique, and even Professor X . . . we're all given a deep look into who they are and what is currently motivating them. However, as per usual, poor Nightcrawler and Colossus barely get anything other just a scene or two.
It's a little wishy-washy story-wise and art-wise (which is by a young John Romita, Jr.), but the character development makes up for most of it.
~W~
This is a short little batch of issues, simply because it falls between "From the Ashes" and "Secret Wars."
Mainly, we're given stories that - while there is action and adventure - characters get a fair amount of development.
As Kitty continues to deal with Storm's change, and her relationships with Colossus and Doug Ramsey, Rogue is confronted with Mystique.
Mystique has the Brotherhood battle the X-Men so she can make an effort at getting Rogue back to her side. While she fails, the Morlocks kidnap Kitty, forcing her to fulfill a promise to marry Caliban. In the end, she's released from the promise. After all this, Kitty and Doug head off to the Mass. Academy (which is run by Emma Frost and the Hellfire Club), while the X-Men investigate some telepathic scanning waves and vanish!
We're given a lot of insight here. Storm, Kitty, Rogue, Mystique, and even Professor X . . . we're all given a deep look into who they are and what is currently motivating them. However, as per usual, poor Nightcrawler and Colossus barely get anything other just a scene or two.
It's a little wishy-washy story-wise and art-wise (which is by a young John Romita, Jr.), but the character development makes up for most of it.
~W~
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Uncanny X-Periment # 18: "From the Ashes"
The Uncanny X-Men # 168-176
This Chris Claremont in his prime. While he does indeed tell great stories beyond this, this collect of X-Men issues is perhaps some of the best - peroid.
In many ways, "From the Ashes" is a tragic story for the X-Men, filled with characters with unfotunate twists in their lives that make them seemed sad and somewhat doomed.
The Morlocks - Mutants so ugly and freakish that they must hide in the sewers and tunnels beneath New York City.
Wolverine and Mariko's wedding - cut short because of Mastermind's intervention, but ultimately because Mariko finds Logan unworthy and without honor.
And Rogue, who can not touch anyone skin-to-skin without absorbing their powers and personality.
Along with this, the X-Men are given some character growth. Kitty proves herself capable of standing on her own two feet when she refuses to join the New Mutants - as well as kissing Peter. Storm gets that wild mohawk and becomes a lot more punk.
Tying together these stories is the subplot of Scott and Madelyne Pryor's love affair. Maddie, resembling Jean Grey, becomes the new love of Scott's life. Despite what eventually is revealed about her and her fate down the line, Maddie is still interesting because she is capable of being her own character while being tied to the whole Phoenix/Sinister/Jean story (thought that's subtle at this point).
Despite this being a darker era for the X-Men, it's still a fantastic story. With Claremont writing and Smith, Romita Jr., and Simonson on the art, this is some of the best X-Men stories yet.
~W~
This Chris Claremont in his prime. While he does indeed tell great stories beyond this, this collect of X-Men issues is perhaps some of the best - peroid.
In many ways, "From the Ashes" is a tragic story for the X-Men, filled with characters with unfotunate twists in their lives that make them seemed sad and somewhat doomed.
The Morlocks - Mutants so ugly and freakish that they must hide in the sewers and tunnels beneath New York City.
Wolverine and Mariko's wedding - cut short because of Mastermind's intervention, but ultimately because Mariko finds Logan unworthy and without honor.
And Rogue, who can not touch anyone skin-to-skin without absorbing their powers and personality.
Along with this, the X-Men are given some character growth. Kitty proves herself capable of standing on her own two feet when she refuses to join the New Mutants - as well as kissing Peter. Storm gets that wild mohawk and becomes a lot more punk.
Tying together these stories is the subplot of Scott and Madelyne Pryor's love affair. Maddie, resembling Jean Grey, becomes the new love of Scott's life. Despite what eventually is revealed about her and her fate down the line, Maddie is still interesting because she is capable of being her own character while being tied to the whole Phoenix/Sinister/Jean story (thought that's subtle at this point).
Despite this being a darker era for the X-Men, it's still a fantastic story. With Claremont writing and Smith, Romita Jr., and Simonson on the art, this is some of the best X-Men stories yet.
~W~
Monday, March 27, 2006
Uncanny X-Periment # 17: "Enter: The New Mutants!"
The New Mutants Graphic Novel, The New Mutants # 1-3, The Uncanny X-Men # 167
I won't be reading a whole lot outside of the main X-Men books, but these are quite integral to the overall X-Men story, so here they are. Xavier, while believing the X-Men dead, has decided at last to to rescue and train new Mutants. He does not intend this Mutants to be like the X-Men. These Mutants are going to be students, not super-heroes.
So enter Cannonball, Karma, Mirage, Sunspot, and Wolfsbane. A interesting bunch, each one diverse and able to stand on their own two feet, but as a whole, make up an interesting team.
After an encounter with Donald Pierce, the New Mutants then come face-to-face with Sentinels and a Brood. This Brood, as it turns out, has gone after the Professor. After all this, the X-Men come back and kick the New Mutants' ass.
There are some great moments here, including the New Mutants handling the Sentinels, the X-Men cracking down on the New Mutants, and the face-off with the Brood. Like I said, the characters each bring their own story to the table, allowing for a diverse cast. Even Xavier, in his usual (and getting old) routine of "the X-Men are dead AGAIN!" is fairly well developed. He gets to walk by the end of the story!
I have one major gripe, though. Why in the world does every Claremont has a Native American, they hate "whites?" I mean, maybe it was just the way they ALL WERE back then, but come on . . . I know three Native Americans and none of them hate us like Danielle Moonstar and Thunderbird do. The most they hate is Chief Wahoo . . .
So! Yet another great X-Men installment. And another good one is coming up. Next up, "From the Ashes."
~W~
I won't be reading a whole lot outside of the main X-Men books, but these are quite integral to the overall X-Men story, so here they are. Xavier, while believing the X-Men dead, has decided at last to to rescue and train new Mutants. He does not intend this Mutants to be like the X-Men. These Mutants are going to be students, not super-heroes.
So enter Cannonball, Karma, Mirage, Sunspot, and Wolfsbane. A interesting bunch, each one diverse and able to stand on their own two feet, but as a whole, make up an interesting team.
After an encounter with Donald Pierce, the New Mutants then come face-to-face with Sentinels and a Brood. This Brood, as it turns out, has gone after the Professor. After all this, the X-Men come back and kick the New Mutants' ass.
There are some great moments here, including the New Mutants handling the Sentinels, the X-Men cracking down on the New Mutants, and the face-off with the Brood. Like I said, the characters each bring their own story to the table, allowing for a diverse cast. Even Xavier, in his usual (and getting old) routine of "the X-Men are dead AGAIN!" is fairly well developed. He gets to walk by the end of the story!
I have one major gripe, though. Why in the world does every Claremont has a Native American, they hate "whites?" I mean, maybe it was just the way they ALL WERE back then, but come on . . . I know three Native Americans and none of them hate us like Danielle Moonstar and Thunderbird do. The most they hate is Chief Wahoo . . .
So! Yet another great X-Men installment. And another good one is coming up. Next up, "From the Ashes."
~W~
Uncanny X-Periment # 17: "Enter: The New Mutants!"
The New Mutants Graphic Novel, The New Mutants # 1-3, The Uncanny X-Men # 167
I won't be reading a whole lot outside of the main X-Men books, but these are quite integral to the overall X-Men story, so here they are. Xavier, while believing the X-Men dead, has decided at last to to rescue and train new Mutants. He does not intend this Mutants to be like the X-Men. These Mutants are going to be students, not super-heroes.
So enter Cannonball, Karma, Mirage, Sunspot, and Wolfsbane. A interesting bunch, each one diverse and able to stand on their own two feet, but as a whole, make up an interesting team.
After an encounter with Donald Pierce, the New Mutants then come face-to-face with Sentinels and a Brood. This Brood, as it turns out, has gone after the Professor. After all this, the X-Men come back and kick the New Mutants' ass.
There are some great moments here, including the New Mutants handling the Sentinels, the X-Men cracking down on the New Mutants, and the face-off with the Brood. Like I said, the characters each bring their own story to the table, allowing for a diverse cast. Even Xavier, in his usual (and getting old) routine of "the X-Men are dead AGAIN!" is fairly well developed. He gets to walk by the end of the story!
I have one major gripe, though. Why in the world does every Claremont has a Native American, they hate "whites?" I mean, maybe it was just the way they ALL WERE back then, but come on . . . I know three Native Americans and none of them hate us like Danielle Moonstar and Thunderbird do. The most they hate is Chief Wahoo . . .
So! Yet another great X-Men installment. And another good one is coming up. Next up, "From the Ashes."
~W~
I won't be reading a whole lot outside of the main X-Men books, but these are quite integral to the overall X-Men story, so here they are. Xavier, while believing the X-Men dead, has decided at last to to rescue and train new Mutants. He does not intend this Mutants to be like the X-Men. These Mutants are going to be students, not super-heroes.
So enter Cannonball, Karma, Mirage, Sunspot, and Wolfsbane. A interesting bunch, each one diverse and able to stand on their own two feet, but as a whole, make up an interesting team.
After an encounter with Donald Pierce, the New Mutants then come face-to-face with Sentinels and a Brood. This Brood, as it turns out, has gone after the Professor. After all this, the X-Men come back and kick the New Mutants' ass.
There are some great moments here, including the New Mutants handling the Sentinels, the X-Men cracking down on the New Mutants, and the face-off with the Brood. Like I said, the characters each bring their own story to the table, allowing for a diverse cast. Even Xavier, in his usual (and getting old) routine of "the X-Men are dead AGAIN!" is fairly well developed. He gets to walk by the end of the story!
I have one major gripe, though. Why in the world does every Claremont has a Native American, they hate "whites?" I mean, maybe it was just the way they ALL WERE back then, but come on . . . I know three Native Americans and none of them hate us like Danielle Moonstar and Thunderbird do. The most they hate is Chief Wahoo . . .
So! Yet another great X-Men installment. And another good one is coming up. Next up, "From the Ashes."
~W~
Uncanny X-Periment # 17: "Enter: The New Mutants!"
The New Mutants Graphic Novel, The New Mutants # 1-3, The Uncanny X-Men # 167
I won't be reading a whole lot outside of the main X-Men books, but these are quite integral to the overall X-Men story, so here they are. Xavier, while believing the X-Men dead, has decided at last to to rescue and train new Mutants. He does not intend this Mutants to be like the X-Men. These Mutants are going to be students, not super-heroes.
So enter Cannonball, Karma, Mirage, Sunspot, and Wolfsbane. A interesting bunch, each one diverse and able to stand on their own two feet, but as a whole, make up an interesting team.
After an encounter with Donald Pierce, the New Mutants then come face-to-face with Sentinels and a Brood. This Brood, as it turns out, has gone after the Professor. After all this, the X-Men come back and kick the New Mutants' ass.
There are some great moments here, including the New Mutants handling the Sentinels, the X-Men cracking down on the New Mutants, and the face-off with the Brood. Like I said, the characters each bring their own story to the table, allowing for a diverse cast. Even Xavier, in his usual (and getting old) routine of "the X-Men are dead AGAIN!" is fairly well developed. He gets to walk by the end of the story!
I have one major gripe, though. Why in the world does every Claremont has a Native American, they hate "whites?" I mean, maybe it was just the way they ALL WERE back then, but come on . . . I know three Native Americans and none of them hate us like Danielle Moonstar and Thunderbird do. The most they hate is Chief Wahoo . . .
So! Yet another great X-Men installment. And another good one is coming up. Next up, "From the Ashes."
~W~
I won't be reading a whole lot outside of the main X-Men books, but these are quite integral to the overall X-Men story, so here they are. Xavier, while believing the X-Men dead, has decided at last to to rescue and train new Mutants. He does not intend this Mutants to be like the X-Men. These Mutants are going to be students, not super-heroes.
So enter Cannonball, Karma, Mirage, Sunspot, and Wolfsbane. A interesting bunch, each one diverse and able to stand on their own two feet, but as a whole, make up an interesting team.
After an encounter with Donald Pierce, the New Mutants then come face-to-face with Sentinels and a Brood. This Brood, as it turns out, has gone after the Professor. After all this, the X-Men come back and kick the New Mutants' ass.
There are some great moments here, including the New Mutants handling the Sentinels, the X-Men cracking down on the New Mutants, and the face-off with the Brood. Like I said, the characters each bring their own story to the table, allowing for a diverse cast. Even Xavier, in his usual (and getting old) routine of "the X-Men are dead AGAIN!" is fairly well developed. He gets to walk by the end of the story!
I have one major gripe, though. Why in the world does every Claremont has a Native American, they hate "whites?" I mean, maybe it was just the way they ALL WERE back then, but come on . . . I know three Native Americans and none of them hate us like Danielle Moonstar and Thunderbird do. The most they hate is Chief Wahoo . . .
So! Yet another great X-Men installment. And another good one is coming up. Next up, "From the Ashes."
~W~
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Uncanny X-Periment # 16: "The Brood Saga"
The Uncanny X-Men # 162-166
Ambushed by Deathbird and the Brood, the X-Men and Lilandria are captured. Implanted with Brood eggs, the X-Men escape (thanks to Wolverine, who purged his egg) and must face hard decisions as to what to do with what could be their on-coming deaths.
Now we're talking. After an up-and-down era following the "Dark Phoenix Saga," we finally see the X-Men hit a stride once more.
The threat of the Brood is menacing and Claremont ties it into the Mutant factor very nicely, maintaining the story as being grounded to the X-Men's core concepts. Everyone's take on their fate is unique and allows for some great development. Nightcrawler prays, Storm takes off in despair, Carol Danvers (a guest with the X-Men) leaves in a rage, Colossus and Kitty grow closer (in a way that surprised me), and Wolverine is faced with the horrible choice as to whether or not to kill those that he has grown so close to.
In the meantime, Xavier and Corsair struggle with the possible loss of the X-Men. Xavier, for one, finds it hard to move on . . . until he learns that there are new mutants out there, needing him.
Great stuff.
Dave Cockrum and Paul Smith both add their own flavors to the story and succeed to create great visuals. We've got some amazing two-pages spreads and the transformations scenes are both horrifying and interesting at the same time.
It gets a little silly at the end, with the soul of an Acanti and all that, but it works in the context of the story. It's a surprisingly spiritual story wrapped within a sci-fi tale, told in a very personal way.
Oh! And we get to meet Lockheed too!
~W~
Ambushed by Deathbird and the Brood, the X-Men and Lilandria are captured. Implanted with Brood eggs, the X-Men escape (thanks to Wolverine, who purged his egg) and must face hard decisions as to what to do with what could be their on-coming deaths.
Now we're talking. After an up-and-down era following the "Dark Phoenix Saga," we finally see the X-Men hit a stride once more.
The threat of the Brood is menacing and Claremont ties it into the Mutant factor very nicely, maintaining the story as being grounded to the X-Men's core concepts. Everyone's take on their fate is unique and allows for some great development. Nightcrawler prays, Storm takes off in despair, Carol Danvers (a guest with the X-Men) leaves in a rage, Colossus and Kitty grow closer (in a way that surprised me), and Wolverine is faced with the horrible choice as to whether or not to kill those that he has grown so close to.
In the meantime, Xavier and Corsair struggle with the possible loss of the X-Men. Xavier, for one, finds it hard to move on . . . until he learns that there are new mutants out there, needing him.
Great stuff.
Dave Cockrum and Paul Smith both add their own flavors to the story and succeed to create great visuals. We've got some amazing two-pages spreads and the transformations scenes are both horrifying and interesting at the same time.
It gets a little silly at the end, with the soul of an Acanti and all that, but it works in the context of the story. It's a surprisingly spiritual story wrapped within a sci-fi tale, told in a very personal way.
Oh! And we get to meet Lockheed too!
~W~
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