Uncanny X-Periment # 110: "Mekanix"

X-Men Unlimited # 36, Mekanix # 1-6, X-Men Unlimited # 38

Oooooh Kitty Pryde.

We follow Kitty in her new life away from the X-Men. She deals with the death of her father on Genosha, then is targeted by a college hate group called Purity. Between dodging Purity attacks, FBI raids, and meetings with a therapist, Wild Sentinels attack Chicago. Kitty also gets a fun supporting cast: Karma and her siblings; her boss Devon; and Sholoa, a Genoshan. After all this, she continues to deal with the death of Colossus on the one year anniversary of his death.

I love Kitty Pryde and despite some rather silly and boring moments here and there, this is a fairly nice character story. We really get into Kitty's head, catching up with her since she was last an X-Man circa "Revolution." I applaud both Claremont and Rucka.

The "Mekanix" limited series does drag on a bit. The art isn't the best. Where's Lockheed? But really, beneath all of the cliches and lame scenes, the character of Kitty shines through and that seems to be point of it all.

Awww, lil' Kitty's all grown up!

~W~

Uncanny X-Periment # 109: "Rocktopia"

Uncanny X-Men Annual 2001, New X-Men # 127, Uncanny X-Men # 401-409

Uncanny X-Men Annual 2001 – The X-Men investigate a new drug ring. It’s being run by the Vanisher and is based on humans using Mutant gene therapy to have temporary powers. The X-Men find out its Vanisher, but he gets away before they are able to do any real damage to him.

New X-Men # 127 – Xorn investigates a Mutant in the newly-established “Mutant Town” in NYC. Unfortunately, the mission ends in tragedy, but Xorn gets some musing.

Uncanny X-Men # 401-409 – The X-Men confront Banshee, who has formed a paramilitary unit called the X-Corps. Run by Banshee and with members including M, Jubilee, Husk, Maddrox, Sunpyre, and Radius; as well as “former” criminals the like of Blob, Avalanche, Abyss, and Fever Pitch. Turns out that Banshee is using illusionist Lady Mastermind to control these former criminals. Unfortunately, Mystique is using Lady Mastermind and an anti-Mutant terrorist group called ARM to manipulate Banshee and to ruin it all. Eventually, Mystique gets sucked into Abyss and Banshee gets his throat slashed. During all this, Nightcrawler and Chamber ended up with Kurt’s out circus buddy and Kurt is trying to figure out what’s wrong with him and what the Church of Humanity did to him. In the aftermath, the X-Men investigate the Vanisher again, which brings Kurt into conflict with a priest turned Mutant-wannabe who is then killed by the CoH. With the help of renewed-in-the-X-Men Stacey, Warren is able to take apart Vanisher’s drug empire by buying it out.

Let’s start at the beginning . . .

Uncanny X-Men Annual 2001
Kudos on making the Vanisher interesting. However the story suffers from Vanisher’s power to vanish and the art. Ashley Woods’ work is great . . . but not very good with storytelling.

New X-Men # 127
A nice introduction to Mutant Town. A good look at the (supposed) inner musings of Xorn. Good art. Good comic.

Uncanny X-Men # 401-409
You know, it’s surprisingly hard for me to write this. Seriously. In the entire time that this entry has not been up, I’ve been struggling with what to write here. I’ve finally just decided to let it all out . . .

There’s just something not right about the “X-Corps” story and I finally think I know what it is. While it does kinda serve a metaphor for “the end of X-Men spin-offs,” Banshee just isn’t portrayed right. Moira or no Moira, Sean just doesn’t feel right here. His character arc is interesting, but too many things happen that Sean just knows better about. Bringing in criminals to do his job and controlling them using another criminal? Come on!

The arc after that is an improvement, as it uses the best elements of Casey’s run – the Vanisher/Drug story and the Church of Humanity. Wish it could have been better and it never really was revealed just what was wrong with Kurt during Casey’s run, meaning it was up to Austen . . . and we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.

Casey’s run was intriguing, but never really achieved its potential. It constantly felt like he was trying to find a balance between Claremont’s old school super-heroics and Morisson’s “new” feel and direction – and he just never found it. He brought a darker, more brooding edge the X-Men that fit some characters – like Chamber and Stacey – but hurt others, like Kurt. I also would have liked to have had a stronger conclusion to his overall story involving the Church of Humanity.

But oh well.

~W~

Uncanny X-Periment # 108: "Invasion"

X-Treme X-Men 2001, X-Treme X-Men # 19

Okay. Let's something out into the open before we kick this off. For the record, things are going to be changing a bit here. In order to speed up up-dates, expect to see shorter story summaries. This story in particular is going to be the Reader's Digest version. Other than speeding up the amount of up-dates, this will also serve to help me as my schedule has suddenly gone quite insane with me working and going to school. I now only have one day off a week.

So, with no further ado . . .

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After dealing with the Shadow King and the mind-controlled Pierce and his Reavers (told you they'd be back) and subsequently imprisoning the Shadow King, the X-Men are faced with a new threat. Someone stole a ruby that was part of a set from Madripoor - this was the one that that crimelord had in the last arc. Anyways, a new lizard-like villian by the name of Shaitan attacks the X-Men and kidnaps Gambit and Lifeguard and takes Storms' ruby (which is also part of this set). He then uses the rubies and Gambit to open a portal and to establish a slowly materializing tower from which the evil Khan has conquered hundreds and/or thousands of cross-time Earths.

The X-Men take Khan captive, but he is rescued and Storm is dragged along to the tower with him, being proclaimed his new queen. The X-Men split up, with an all-powers-accessing Rogue and the newly-activated Davis Cameron (a portal opener now code-named Slipstream) to handle the invasion forces of Khan's army and Thunderbird, Sage, Lifeguard and Bishop to rescue Storm and shut down the tower.

Eventually, Storm strings Khan along and he loses focus. Vargas shows up, looking to kill Gambit, but Rogue gets there in the meantime and hangs onto her lover. Then Storm and the X-Men flood the tower. Shortly after returning and blowing the crap outta Khan's ship, the portal is closed when Vargas "kills" Rogue and Gambit (who was laying right under her). In the aftermath, Rogue (accessing Logan's healing factor) goes after Vargas and kills him. However, she also manages to channel Destiny's power and reveals that the "wheel of destiny is broken" or something.

Nightcrawler, Phoenix, Kitty, and Beast show up to help the gang recover. Davis runs because his sister is scary now. Heather and Thunderbird go off to help him or something. Gambit and Rogue, their powers kinda dead, decide to build a relationship. This leaves Storm, Sage, and Bishop to figure out what they want to do with themselves.

I have to say, out everything Claremont has offered up since his return the X-Universe, this is actually among his best. Sure the dialogue is cheesy and cliched at times. Storm being nominated Khan's queen is dumb. The dropping of the Books of Destiny subplot just like "that" is just a litte unbelieveable.

That being said, there's so much good material here. Tons of action, great characterization, a great threat. It's old-school, but it's good old-school, which is rare for Claremont. A little too drawn out, though. How many aftermath books did we get? Three? But that's okay, I can live with it.

And kudos for jetisoning Lifeguard, Thunderbird, and Slipstream (who just happened to have a power they just happened to need right then and there). I'm not keen on these characters, though I have to admit Neal's grown on me a bit.

Larocca's at his prime here, though it can get a little too cluttered here and there. Nice easter eggs tossed in there too, for those of you paying attention.

So, not bad. Very old-school, which works in it's favor. Actions-packed, exciting, a little cliched, but enjoyable nonetheless.

~W~

Uncanny X-Periment # 107: "Imperial"

New X-Men # 122-126

The X-Men aren’t in best shape right now. With Cassandra Nova running the Shi’ar Empire into the ground and headed back to Earth, a weird flu (actually Nanosentinels) infecting the cast, and tensions between the school and the rest of the world, the X-Men need a good turn around. And – they do!

Cassandra Nova comes back during a very good-going tour of the school to the media. Ahead of her is the Imperial Guard, who are ordered to destroy all Mutants. Lilandria gets all messed up in the head. Eventually, everything comes together. Jean puts Professor X into her own mind, then every other Mutants, then back into his own head, casting Cassandra Nova out. Emma then places Nova’s mind into the body of a artificial life-form shape-shifter. In the end, we find out that during Xorn’s attack, he healed Professor X’s spine. So he can walk again.

Ultimately, this is among the best Morrison offers. The art goes from great (Quietly), to mediocre (Van Sciver), to really bad (Kordey – but there were problems behind the scenes). There’s some genius stuff here. The way the Shi’ar are portrayed is exceptionally good, perhaps one of the best I’ve seen. The Nanosentinels are a great concept.

The characterization is on high. Jean shines through, especially. All of the X-Men have great moments, here. Damn. What a good story.

~W~

Uncanny X-Periment # 106: "Rescue Me"

New X-Men # 118-121; X-Treme X-Men # 5-9

With a mob outside their gates, the X-Men are also facing a problem in the form of the cult-like U-Men, who are out to make themselves into the Third Species by taking parts for Mutants and graphing them to their own bodies. They also seal themselves in suits so as to not be soiled the air and whatnot. Cyclops and Emma head to NYC to confront Sublime, but are then taken down by him. The U-Men then make for the mansion, but encounter resistance from Jean and the students. At the same time, Logan is bringing a fly-girl named Angel to the school after rescuing her from the U-Men.

Meanwhile, the X-Treme X-Men track down Gambit after he becomes the chief suspect in an assassination of a mobster. Three mobs go to war with a man named Father Gow running things. The X-Men secure the mobster’s children – Heather and Davis Cameron – and then have to deal with the mob war, Sebastian Shaw, and all sorts of complicated nuttiness. In the end, the X-Men have two new members, an ally in the warrior Red Lotus, and Gambit’s back!

One of the things I really enjoy about this era of the X-Men’s history is the desire to inject something new into the mythos. Whether it’s new concepts, villains, or new characters, we’re guaranteed at least something new to the world of the X. That being said, none of this new stuff is exactly perfect.

In New X-Men, the gang goes up against the John Sublime and the U-Men, and we get an introduction to the foul-mouthed, trailer trash Angel. Plus, the actual origin of Cassandra Nova is exposed. I applaud Morrison on the introduction of such a radical new villain in the U-Men. The cult-like U-Men make for a interesting foe . . . even though John Sublime is a little lame. I have to hand it to him by bringing in Angel, who Wolverine tries to take in like he did Kitty and Jubilee – only to find her to be a pain in the ass.

There’s also a good amount of explanation here and plenty of plot nuggets to go around. While we learn what and who exactly Cassandra Nova is, we also get more of the Phoenix raptor and the growing amount of distrust between Scott and Jean. Plus, the students are in action. Add to that the art of VanSciver and Igor Kordey, and this book is pretty good.

Over on the X-Treme side of things, we also get some new characters – Lifeguard and her brother Davis. Though both are a little flat, Lifeguard’s “whateverIneed” powers make for a cool concept. Plus, it’s great to see Gambit back and the chemistry with him and Rogue bubbling again. But the problem is that this story is about two issues two long. The silent issue and the “telepathic battle” issue are all just too much. Larocca’s art is beautiful and Claremont does a good job of bringing Jean into the picture to talk to Storm about current events.

The two silent issues are the perfect examples of the good and the bad of Marvel’s little experiment. Morrison’s “Telepathic rescue” is brilliant. Claremont’s is just confusing.

~W~

Uncanny X-Periment # 105: "Poptopia"

Uncanny X-Men # 395-400, New X-Men Annual 2001, New X-Men # 117

This will kinda be split in two here. First up is “Poptopia” (plus two issues, though they should be included), which is the first real story by Joe Casey (with Ian Churchill, Sean Phillips, Tom Raney, Ashley Wood, and a bunch of others). The team is made up of just about everyone that Claremont and Morrison didn’t want – Archangel, Nightcrawler, Iceman, Wolverine (kinda) and Chamber. A bit of a sausage fest. They eventually bring a hooker onto the team. It’s a Bachelor Party-type team.

The X-Men go to London to investigate some Morlock-like Mutants. After being outright kicked out of their little subterranean community, the team is appalled when they found that they were later wiped out by a terrorist by the name of Mr. Clean. They hunt down Mr. Clean and eventually, Wolverine joins and helps finish him. This entire time, Chamber starts hanging out Britney Spears wannabe Sugar Kane . . . until he eventually learns that no, seriously, nobody likes Mutants. He eventually joins the team.

Shortly thereafter, the X-Men head out to Nevada to check out the X-Range, a brothel run by Mutant prostitutes. The X-Range is then coincidentally attacked by the Church of Humanity, who wipe out the house out . . . save for one, a pheromone lizard-like Mutant woman named Stacy X.

The X-Men investigate the Church of Humanity, even engaging in battle with them. As Stacy is accidentally teleported to their Montana base, Wolverine digs up information from one of their own that the X-Men managed to capture. The Priest-foot soldier tells Wolverine about the Supreme Pontiff, who was born a hundred plus years ago and was magical and whatnot. It’s a silly origin, but I suppose it work in context of the Marvel Universe.

Soon enough, the X-Men attack their Church of Humanity headquarters and manage to battle the bad guys and rescue Stacy. Nightcrawler encounters the Supreme Pontiff and something mysterious happens. Then the bad guys withdraw and that’s the end of that.

Up next is more “New X-Men” goodness. The other X-Men team (Cyclops, Wolverine, Emma Frost, and Beast) head to Hong Kong, where Domino is running the newly established X-Corporation. Apparently, Risqué (remember her? Crappy character from 1996? Yeah, it doesn’t matter) was murdered while investigating Mutant organ trafficking. The X-Men and Domino investigate, and discover that cultist John Sublime has been buying Mutant organs from a Chinese general. Why? To graft said organs onto his body in an attempt to become a Third Species. Now Sublime is after a Mutant with a star for a brain named Xorn. The X-Men intervene (during which, Emma comes to Scott’s room is a sexy outfit and a bottle of wine) and rescue Xorn.

Upon returning to the mansion (Xorn’s taking some time to spend with some monks), Professor X prepares to leave for the Shi’ar Empire for a vacation. This is after he’s opened the doors to a Mutant student body (152 Mutant students) and with a Mutie-hating mob at the gates. Meanwhile, Jean confides in Logan her marital problems and Beast is dumped by Trish Tibly. Beast then confronts Professor X in regards to his findings about Cassandra Nova. She and Professor X have the DNA. Professor X then reveals that when Cassandra Nova was in Cerebra, she switched bodies with Charles. She then takes control of Hank’s body, humiliates him, then has a bird-like student by the name of Beak beat the crap outta him. Then Professor X/Cassandra Nova heads off into Shi’ar space.

Starting with “Poptopia,” we’re introduced to some new concepts – not all of them work. First of all, I really like seeing Archangel actually do something. He’s been sitting on the sidelines for far too long and having him out there, leading this new team is good to see. Iceman’s fun to read; Nightcrawler is a bit dark, but he’s not in the best place right now. Wolverine is Wolverine. Chamber is just enough emo punk that it’s believable.

I like the idea of the Church of Humanity. I think they’re really underdeveloped here, but it’s so refreshing to get a decent human villain. Granted, Chuck Austen tears the entire concept apart later, but in the here and now, they’re kinda neat. I like the challenge it brings to Nightcrawler, even though nothing really comes of it.

Stacy is an interesting addition to the crew. I mentioned it’s a sausage fest, but . . . meh, I’m not sold on her. I’ll grant that she’s a curious addition to the team, but it’s nothing to write home about. I know it sounds odd, but I always thought she’d get along Marrow. The X-Range is a neat idea.

I was also impressed by the Sugar Kane. Er, maybe not impressed, but it was interesting. A nice little subplot that really seemed to inject some reality into the book.

Anyways, despite the fact that the Church of Humanity is actually a decent threat, everything about just doesn’t live up to its potential. The Supreme Pontiff’s origin reminds of something out of a 1970s horror comic. The Priests are generic. Mr. Clean is stupid beyond belief.

It’s a mixed bag with Casey – especially with this story.

On the other side of things, we’ve got the New X-Men. The Xorn story is actually the better of the two. Some of Leniel Yu’s best work on X-Men is in here. Morrison is getting better at nailing the characters. Cyclops is on a slow build to getting better. The Third Species idea is a little over the top, but we’ll get to that soon enough. Xorn’s premiere is great, though. A lot of promise with this guy (heheh).

The second New X-Men story is a home run. Morrison has got a bigger story to tell and this chapter is really where the action picks up – with most of the cast unaware. Cassandra Nova is written quite awesomely and becomes a greater threat. The art – by VanSciver – is a little flat, but he gets better in time.

~W~

Uncanny X-Periment # 104: "E is for Extinction"

Uncanny X-Men # 394, X-Men # 114-116

We open up with a kid’s 18^th birthday. How does he celebrate? He goes to Cape Citadel to tear apart Magneto-style. Apparently, he has the power to draw people and objects into his mind and mess with them. After an argument with Scott, Jean and Logan head to the Cape to deal with Mutant teen. They’re both drawn into his mind. Cyclops and Archangel soon show up and start to put him down, but inside his mind, things are looking grim. As death seems to be staring them in the eyes, Logan and Jean kiss, then pop out of the kid’s mind. The kid takes and the X-Men head back home, with Scott none the wiser.

Later (I’m assuming), Cyclops and Wolverine are rescuing a Mutant named Steve (aka Ugly John) from a Sentinel gone rogue. Meanwhile, a female version of Professor X (best way to describe her) named Cassandra Nova picks up Bolivar Trask’s relative, his nephew dentist. They head to South America and find a Master Mold factory, which uses scrap parts from a 10 mile radius to build “wild Sentinels.”

Back at the mansion, Beast, Jean, and Professor X power up the new Cerebra unit (which takes the place of Cerebro), and the Professor catches a glimpse of Cassandra Nova. He sends the en route Cyclops and Wolverine (and Ugly John) to investigate. As they do, Professor X finds his mind under assault from Cassandra Nova, but puts a gun to his head and tells her to get out or he’d fire.

The Wild Sentinels get the best of Cyclops and Wolverine. They capture Wolverine and Ugly John, then (after killing Trask), Nova tortures Ugly John until Wolverine severs her vocal cords. Cyclops comes in, puts Steve out of his misery, and then helps Logan deal with Nova.

It then turns out that she and Trask sent Wild Sentinels to Genosha. They proceed to wipe out roughly the entire population – including Magneto (and, I hope, Jenny Ransome, because I’ve always found her annoying).

Beast and Phoenix check out the ruins of Genosha and locate Emma Frost, who ended at Genosha somehow (it’s easy to explain). They take her back to the mansion when they find that her skin can now change into diamond. She quickly leaves just as the threat of Cassandra Nova rises up. Nova tears through the X-Men, then heads to Cerebra, where she uses it for about a minute to gain “just one mind.” Emma steps in, snaps her neck. When Nova stands back up, muttering something, Professor X shoots the crap outta her. The X-Men try to recover. Scott and Jean discuss problems they’re having, but are suddenly interrupted when Professor X announces to the world that he is a Mutant.

It’s a lot of stuff going on in such a small amount of time, but that’s okay. I’m going to skip that Uncanny issue, as I mainly just put it there for continuity’s sake. We’ll do more about Uncanny in the next entry. But in the meantime, the “new beginning” continues with this story.

I’ve read “E is for Extinction” a number of times and find it to be a rather remarkable storyline. The dialogue is snappy and fun. The pacing is of particular note-worthiness, as it draws you in and keeps you reading. The art has a creepy feel, but at the same time, an energy to it that is almost refreshing. I’m a huge Quietly fan, and he some fantastic work here. The new costumes/uniforms are great, almost kind of a retro feel to them. I also have a weird love of the way he draws women’s hair.

There’s a whole host of new ideas and new concepts introduced here. The extinction gene, which has been activated in humanity – which means that within 3-4 generations, humans will be extinct and replaced by Mutants. There’s also a new villain in Cassandra Nova; plus a twist on the Sentinels. Magneto and Genosha have been wiped out. New costumes. New look for Beast. Secondary Mutations for Beast, Emma, and Jean (to a certain extent). It’s all great, all fresh, and all just in three little issues.

However, to say it’s flawless would be wrong. Morrison drops the ball a bit with characterization. I appreciate his handling of Scott, but he comes off as just not the same Scott I’ve been reading about. Granted, it’s explained a bit with the whole “I was possessed by Apocalypse and now I can’t deal with the thoughts he put in my mind,” but he just doesn’t seem like himself. Same with Professor X – he just doesn’t seem the same to me.

But that being said, it’s still a fantastic read and quite refreshing in the long-run. It’s a little hard to see it with all the history behind it, but it’s just the beginning of Morrison’s run. And thank God for that.

~W~

Uncanny X-Periment # 103: "The Hunted"

Wolverine # 162-166, Deadpool: Agent of Weapon X # 1-4

There’s a lot going on here, so I’m going to summarize it rather shortly.

Wolverine finds himself dreaming of people dying – people who he later finds out are connected somehow. When he discovers that one of his dreams has come true and he is blamed for the death of a Senator, he and Beast go on the run. With the help of Nicky Fury, a mystical bounty hunter called the Shiver Man, and Maverick, Logan tries to unravel the mystery.

Unfortunately, SHIELD agent Brent Jackson tricks Logan and Beast and captures them. They end up in a prison called the Cage, where the pair are harassed by the various gangs and the guards themselves. Eventually, a French vampire-guy called Mauvis comes to kill Wolverine, but after eating Logan’s eye, he moves on. Then, Wolverine is freed by Sabretooth (who has his Adamantium back) and some soldiers. They take Wolverine and Beast to a facility, where Logan discovers that a new Weapon X project has begun. Led by a man who Logan scarred badly years ago, the new Weapon X project is quite different that the previous version. It’s so far separated from the old project that Wolverine was used as a sleeper agent to kill all those associated with the old project.

This Weapon X project gives Mutants the option to either serve them or die. If they serve, then they can get their powers augmented. If they don’t, they’re killed. John Wraith and Maverick are both approached due to their involvement with Team X all those years ago. Sabretooth kills Maverick for refusing and then kills Wraith for the helluva it.

Logan is just about to be given new implants with the Shiver Man shows up and helps free both Logan and Beast. Sabretooth tussles with Wolverine but loses and Wolverine and Beast return home.

In the meantime, Weapon X looks to recruit Deadpool. Deadpool agrees and spends a crapload of cash celebrating when they’re able to restore his face. However, when a Mutant kid is killed by Kane, Deadpool is fool of doubts. The Director then gives Deadpool a new mission – to kill his shape-shifting ex-girlfriend, Copycat. Deadpool instead tries to get her to safety, but fails as when he fights Kane, she is killed by Sabretooth. Deadpool then decides to go after Weapon X. He takes out a bunch of soldiers, crashes into their facility and almost gets away with killing them all, but is pretty much just wiped out. He dies giving the Director the finger. His hand (his only remaining body part, and bare in mind his middle finger is missing) is sent to Wolverine as a gift from Weapon X.

. . . er, he comes back later.

As a whole, this is an enjoyable bunch of issues. Tieri gets a little off course when he brings in the Shiver Man and Mauvis, but for the most part, it’s readable. The Wolverine issues are the stronger of the set, simply because Deadpool comes off as more annoying than funny. The art in both books is rather good, with Sean Chen being the better.

My major critism is that the characters spend too much time explaining to themselves what is happening. Sometimes it’s out loud, sometimes it’s in a thought boxes. It’s nothing new to comics, but it’s something that’s getting outdated fast. It makes this series feel like it’s coming from the mid-to-late 90s. Not that that’s a bad thing.

The really like the Weapon X concept here. Actually, what I like about is that while it’s somewhat based on the old Weapon X project, it’s pretty much become something new. It may have a tie or two to the old project, but it can stand on its own. Expect to see the Weapon X series to show up here on the X-Periment.

~W~

Uncanny X-Periment # 102: "Destiny"

X-Treme X-Men # 1-4

It’s a new era for the X-Men and Storm’s team is on the forefront. Storm is leading a team consisting of Rogue, Bishop, Thunderbird, Psylocke, Sage, and Beast. Gambit and Gateway pop by as their adventures go on.

This rogue team of X-Men heads to Spain to find Destiny’s books, only to be attacked by Spain’s special military unit Action Force, which captures all but Rogue and Sage. The X-Men then go through a maze, with Beast and Psylocke getting separated. The pair then have to face off against the super-super-human named Vargas, who beats the crap outta Beast, then kills Psylocke. It turns out he was there for Rogue (who he also faces) and tipped off the Action Force. Action Force and the X-Men make amends and haunt for Vargas . . . to no avail.

Beast leaves this team of X-Men because of his injuries. The X-Men then claim Destiny’s house and plan their next move and mourn while Gambit himself encounters Vargas.

Claremont definitely brings it back with this. Granted, he’s not at the top of his game, but these four issues are better than the entirety of his whole “Revolution” fracas. This is really Claremont is his element – with characters he’s either good at writing (Storm, Rogue, Sage), apparently likes (Bishop, Beast), and characters he’s created (Gambit, Psylocke, Thunderbird). The characters are done rather well. The action is nicely handled. There’s promise and hope and a lot of potential in all of this.

However, on top of all this, the writing suffers from some of Claremont’s biggest failings. There are very, very long-winded monologues. The characters seem to have to explain their powers to each other, which is quite annoying. When the dialogue becomes skippable or just skimmable, it’s a clear sign it’s either no good or not interesting.

The art is quite excellent. The Claremont/Larocca team is one that works. Larocca’s designs, actions scenes, facial expression . . . they’re fantastic.

A nice start, even if it could use some work.

~W~

Uncanny X-Periment # 101: Origin

Origin # 1-6

A young woman by the name of Rose is brought to the Howelett estate to be (basically) a playmate for young James Howelett – the thin, sickly son of the rich John Howelett and the crazy Emily Howelett. They befriend the boy called “Dog,” how is the son of Thomas Logan, the groundskeeper. Logan is in love with Emily (who went crazy after her and John’s first child died). Eventually, trouble is a brewing and Thomas Logan and Dog get kicked out of the estate.

They return to the estate, kidnap Rose and make her take them to Emily, so as to take her with them. Once there, the commotion brings in both James and John. Logan kills John, and then James pops some claws from his hands, kills Logan and tears up Dog’s face. Rose is later blamed for the murders and she and James go on the run (with the help of James’ asshole grandpa).

They make their way to a small mining camp, where James begins to discover a wild, animal side to himself. His memory is all messed from the trauma. Rose calls him “Logan” to help protect them. So as Logan goes out and plays with wolves, then works in the mines and deals with a man named Cookie, Rose begins to fall for the leader of the camp, Smitty. There’s some rivalry between Logan and Smitty, but Logan eventually stands aside . . . and that’s when Dog shows up, now sporting blonde hair.

A fight breaks out between Dog and Logan, with Rose getting in the middle and getting stabbed. She dies, Dog runs off (I guess), and Logan just goes off into the wild.

I’m very mixed about this one, to be honest. On the one hand, it’s a well-told story and the first half is really quite good. On the other hand, it flakes out a little bit in the end.

The theme of the story is not so much “Hey! It’s young Wolverine!” as it is about this boy going through all this shit and growing into man – all the while dealing with this animal within himself that grew out of all the mess that his pretty young life covered up. It’s a very interesting and appropriate origin for Wolverine.

Unfortunately, while the theme holds it together, it suffers from being predictable in the end. You know from the moment that Rose shows up that she’s going to die. And while having James turn out to Logan is a surprise, having Dog turn out to Sabretooth (right?) is just a little too much; it was exactly what you’d expect. A show-down between Logan/James and Logan/Dog? Rose gets in the middle and James/Logan accidentally kills her? Yep. That was coming from a mile away. And just how does one die of a wound in the upper, right-side of the chest? Even in those days? It didn’t even look that deep.

Despite the predictability, there’s some fleshing out here. John Howelett (James not-real father), Dog (as a youngin’), Thomas Logan (James’ real father), Smitty, and Cookie all add so much to the story and really paint Wolverine’s early influences rather well. You can see a little bit of John’s honor in Logan in the modern day, just like you can see the gruffness of Thomas Logan (up-bringing versus heredity).

The art is phenomenal. Andy Kubert’s best work, hands down. Isanove also brings his A-Game. These two really bring to life almost every panel, breathing life into the story.

In spite of the predictability of the story as it neared it’s ending, “Origin” does offer a decent and somewhat insightful true origin of Wolverine.

~W~

UXP # 100: "Changing of the X-Guard # 5: Eve of Destruction"

So . . . we’ve reached number 100 and the end of “Changing of the X-Guard.” Whew!

Let’s tackle the usuals first. We have come to “Eve of Destruction,” which pretty much bookends the 90s era X-Men.

The world is poised at the edge of a genetic war between humans and Mutants, with Magneto rallying all sorts of Mutants and Mutates at Genosha. Why? Well, because the Legacy Virus was cured and suddenly all those sick and dying Mutants and Mutates are up and about and ready to kick ass.

Of course, the X-Men aren’t in the best shape. Storm took her chunk of the team and left. Professor X has been captured by Magneto and is being used as a symbol to rally the troops. So with Wolverine and Cyclops helping Polaris evacuate the remaining humans off of Genosha, Phoenix goes off and recruits a whole new team. There’s Paulie, who is invulnerable. Northstar from Alpha Flight. Hector, who has translucent skin. Sunpyre, Sunfire’s sister. Plus a brainwashed Frenzy and a not-in-good shape Dazzler, who reveals that the Mojoverse has been overrun by Age of Apocalypse X-Babies.

This interim team of X-Men arrive in Genosha in short order and take the fight to Magneto. Magneto “kills” Dazzler and basically tears through the rest of the team . . . until Cyclops and Wolverine show up. They tussle with Mags for a bit, and then are subsequently defeated. Magneto threatens to rip Wolverine’s Adamantium skeleton out again, but Professor X block Magneto from accessing his powers. It turns out that Dazzler faked her death and Jean used the new X-Men to distract Magneto while Dazzler grabbed the Professor and took his place. Wolverine then cuts right into Magneto and the X-Men leave Genosha. Returning to the mansion, the new X-Men depart and Scott, Jean, Logan, and Professor X all leave to get a beer.

Despite the shaky premise, this story actually holds itself together nicely. It’s not the most in-depth tale, but there’s more to like than to hate.

My major critism regarding this story is the choice to bring in these new X-Men. I understand the idea behind it and even appreciate seeing new characters, but as Wolverine points out a few times, there are a number of X-Men out there – not just these three and Storm’s MIA team. Archangel, Iceman, Nightcrawler, Cable, Gambit and even Maggot and Doctor Reyes all would have been fine to bring in. Not to mention other X-affiliates like Forge and Maddrox. It also bothered me that when Magneto and Dazzler were fighting, neither one seemed to remember that they were both on the X-Men at the same time. And where’s Exodus? The Genoshan cabinet?

Despite that, though, the story is decent. It ranges from good to mediocre, and only once did it have a scene where I went “ugh! Come on!” – which was when the X-Men and Magneto explained to each other Jean’s brilliant plan. Note to writers: when the villain has to help explain what the plan, you have to know that you didn’t do a very good job on making it clear as to what really happened. Sorry.

The only other problem I had was its scope. There’s a nice “disaster averted” feel to it, but I wish it had been longer (it was supposed to be). Why not include an issue of “X-Men Unlimited?” Really, just one more issue would have made a difference.

To be completely honest, I wouldn’t have minded a tweaked version of Lobdell’s original post-Operation: Zero Tolerance story that had Magneto coming back and pretty much having an all out war between Mutants and humans with the X-Men smack in the middle. Oh well . . . what we got was pretty good.

There are some nice insight moments here – especially with Magneto, Wolverine, and Jean. Cyclops’ darker side steps into the spotlight, which is good. It lays down a foundation that Morrison and Whedon would later build upon. Amelia Vought also returns and it’s always a pleasure to her character again. Same with Polaris.

Lobdell tosses in little nods to the X-Tinction Agenda, Age of Apocalypse, Operation: Zero Tolerance (kinda), the Legacy Virus, Bloodties, The Twelve, Mojo/Longshot, and Fatal Attractions – which helps make this story seem all the better when placed in the context of X-Men history.

The ending with Professor X’s little speech falls a little flat, but the overall conclusion is nicely done. The story is a enjoyable tie-up of just about everything. Stryfe’s dead, the Legacy Virus is cured, Magneto is down of the count, Genosha is pacified, Apocalypse is dead, and Storm is off leading her own little team of X-Men to find journals that will dictate the future of the world. So . . . what’s next?

- - - - - - - -

Well, here we are at # 100 (if you don’t count the “New Mutants” posting errors and the “Welcome!” entry)! Yay!

I was really kinda debating how to celebrate this occasion. I thought “hmmm! An in-depth look at the X-Men would be a great idea!” But I don’t really have time for that and I’m not really feeling like this is the time for that yet anyway.

So, I’ll take a note from Busta Toons’ Masters of the Universe blog and do a round-up for ya’ll!

Prelude
The Early Adventures
Good Guys, Bad Villains
Factor Three
A Shake-Up
End of an Era
Hidden Years
Missing in Action
Giant-Sized
The New Kids
All Around the World
Perceptions of Reality
The Dark Phoenix Saga
In-Between
MiXed Bag
The Brood Saga
Enter: The New Mutants
From the Ashes
A Little In-Between
Secret Wars
LifeDeath
Wolverine and Kitty Pryde
Let’s Get Personal
Asgardian Wars and More!
Phoenix Rising
Beyonder, Spiral, and Nimrod
The Rise of Apocalypse
Mutant Massacre
What Happened to Maddie?
X-Men versus Fantastic Four
Before the Fall
Fall of the Mutants
After the Fall
Inferno
The Team Falls Apart
Acts of Vengeance
Cable
Gambit
Cleaning Out the X-House # 1: Days of Future Present
Cleaning Out the X-House # 2: X-Tinction Agenda
Cleaning Out the X-House # 3: Crossoroads
Cleaning Out the X-House # 4: Endgame
Cleaning Out the X-House # 5: Muir Island Saga
Genetically Challenged
A New Era
Weapon X
Blue Team
Gold Team
Bishop
Cutting Old Threads
The Tragedy of Wolverine
X-Ecutioner’s Song
Recovery
Legacies
Fatal Attractions
Bloodties
Guests
The Wedding Saga
Developments
Phalanx Covenant
Generation X
Age of Apocalypse # 1: Legion Quest
Age of Apocalypse # 2: New History
Age of Apocalypse # 3: The New Beginning
Age of Apocalypse # 4: Resistance
Age of Apocalypse # 5: The Quest
Age of Apocalypse # 6: Finale
Back to Normal
Confrontations
Creed
Ominous
Rising Darkness
Onslaught
Onslaught Aftermath
The Creed Assassination
The Phalanx/Shi’ar Conflict
Askani
Countdown
Operation: Zero Tolerance
New Beginnings
Internal Struggle
Mythology
The World As It Could Have Been
Transition
The Hunt for Xavier
The Magneto War
Journey
The Kids
Apocalypse: The Twelve
Mutants No More
Revolution
Shockwave
Slavers
Maximum Security
War and Peace
Changing of the X-Guard # 1: X-Men Forever
Changing of the X-Guard # 2: Dream’s End
Changing of the X-Guard # 3: The Search for Cyclops
Changing of the X-Guard # 4: Grand Finales
Changing of the X-Guard # 5: Eve of Destruction (which is what you're reading right now)

With all that, what does the future hold for the Uncanny X-Periment? Well, obviously, we’re entering into a new phase of the X-Men. Plenty of creators to come – Morrison, Casey, Austen, Whedon, Milligan, Carey, Brubaker, plus Chris Claremont (of course). Not to mention a ton of in-coming artists, most of whom are quite talented.

As for the immediate future, I’m debating what’s to come after this. The next logical step is “Origin,” although I’ve been considering tossing in “Exiles,” “Brotherhood” and “X-Force.” But we’ll see . . .

Ultimately, in the long run, I’m looking at having this up-to-date by the time the next big X-Even comes around (being “Endangered Species”), so probably by the end of the year. After that? Well, there’s plenty more to come. Weekly up-dates, special spotlights on single issues and characters, and (maybe, if I play my cards right), interviews.

So, thanks for stopping by and come on back, because this X-Periment ain’t over yet!

~W~

UXP # 99: "Changing of the X-Guard # 4: Grand Finales"

X-Man # 75, Generation X # 71-72, 74-75, X-Force # 114-115, Bishop & Gambit: Sons of the Atom # 0-16

Our next installment sees the end of a number of various series – X-Man, Generation X, X-Force (sorta), Bishop: The Last X-Man, and Gambit. It’s a bit of a mass slaughter of books, but each comic finds it own way to an appropriate (for the most part) ending.

In X-Man # 75, Nate Grey encounters an alien that has supposedly infested all of humanity for the sake of converting them all into energy. The alien – named the Harvester – messes around with a town that he’s made his home and taken control of. A Mutant named Michael defies him and reaches out. Nate arrives, has a showdown with Harvester, unleashes his self-destructive energy upon the Harvester. The world is saved, Nate dies, Harvester is defeated, and Michael becomes a new Mutant Shaman.

Generation X is next up. We first take a look at one day in the lives of the Generation X members (save Banshee and Skin, but we read their story already [link]). Chamber meets a deaf girl, but is too afraid to get close to her because he’s a Mutie. M and Jubilee hang out in NYC, deal with the loss of Everett, fight anti-Mutant terrorists, and try to understand each other. Paige handles ghosts. Then, in the end, the gang takes a hard, cold look at their teachers and their lives. They question what they want to do. Sean is drinking hard after Moira’s death. Emma killed Adrienne. They’re old enough to graduate, so they approach Sean about it. Sean lets ‘em go and the gang has a tearful good bye. (heck, even I tear up!) Chamber is apparently going to join the X-Men.

X-Force continues to do spook business by blowing up buildings where they experiment on Mutant babies or something. The team then track down something called the World Engine, which uses genetic material from regular humans to create a new breed of technology. X-Force blows it up, supposedly dying in the process, though Domino survives and (apparently) Pete Wisdom is alive and believes that X-Force is still alive.

Then we go to Gambit/Bishop. Bishop, it turns out, has an alien symbiote (no, not Venom) called Le Bette Noir living under his skin. They figure out that Stryfe is after it and head on down to New Orleans to speak with the Witness to figure out how in the world to deal with this. Stryfe followed them down and they learn that Cable is going to kill them. After eating at a diner, Cable tracks ‘em down and we have a battle in the nexus of realities – aka Witness’s home. The Le Bette Noir manifests itself and Stryfe (feeling guilty about his life) sacrifices himself to save the world by taking the Le Bette Noir into his body and then blowing up (hey! Just like Nate Grey!). Cable heads out and Gambit and Bishop leave.

From the bottom up, we’ll start with Gambit/Bishop. This story has a nice nostalgic feel to it, with Stryfe and playing off the Gambit/Bishop dynamic. But that being said, there’s not a whole lot to like about this. The art is sufficient, but nothing amazing. The story is lame. Stryfe? He’s only in there because some writer brought him back and didn’t get rid of him.

To be completely honest, if we were going to get a big Stryfe/Cable story, why even have Gambit and Bishop involved? If I were there, I would have combined it when “Search for Cyclops,” brought in Nate Grey, and had a big ol’ Summers/Askani jamboree! Oh well . . . Stryfe’s death is workable, I guess. I preferred his being all blown up on the moon, but whatever.

X-Force was just too much. It was too muddled, it was too much explaining (over-explaining, really), and the ending was just too anti-climatic. I like that they went out doing what they do best – the extreme of fighting for Xavier’s dream.

Generation X is the best of the group. I really liked their finale. It was logical, emotional, and to the point. Despite the lack of fanfare that brought them together, the break-up of Generation X was very well done and really ended on a positive note (which is really depressing, considering what happens to some of them from here).

X-Man is a little flat, as most of the character plotlines were tied up by the end. My only real problem with the issue is that we don’t see any sort of response to his death from anyone else. But it’s a fitting end, I guess.

Overall, not a terrible bunch, but not incredible.

~W~

UXP # 98: "Changing of the X-Guard # 3: The Search for Cyclops"

X-Men: The Search for Cyclops # 1-4, Uncanny X-Men # 391

Just a quick note: my apologies on the lateness of this entry. I’ve been sidetracked by not only my huge “Civil War” review, but also just real life stuff. However, everything is now in order and we’ll have up-dates on a more regular basis.

Down to business.

“The Search for Cyclops” is simply that. Scott is running around Egypt all amnesic and is eventually taken in by a cat-like Mutant named Anais. She tries to lead Scott to Akkaba, which was the birthplace of Apocalypse (remember?). Meanwhile, Gauntlet has been secretly hired by Blaquesmith to assassinate Scott, as he holds Apocalypse’s essence within him. Finally, Ozymadias point Cable and Phoenix in Scott’s general direction. Along the way, everyone bumps into Caliban who is released from service.

Everyone converges on Akkaba, where Apocalypse gets freed. A battle ensues and in the end, Phoenix separates Scott from Apocalypse and Cable kills whatever is left of Apocalypse with a firm poke from his psismiter. Yay!

Before returning home, Scott spends a weekend with his Dad, Corsair. It’s rather emotional.

I’m a little mixed on this story. While it nicely undoes the events of “The Twelve,” it also stands on its own merits. Cable gets some nice development. Jean gets some nice development. Scott, er, comes back and eventually gets some nice development.

Tom Raney’s art is beautiful and is coupled with some fantastic colors here. Joe Harris brings us a decent story.

But ultimately, I found it was lacking a certain something. It works good, it reads well. But it really lacks the kind of energy and scale a story like this should have. Things wrap up too nicely and there are too many questions. How did Scott end up in Egypt as an amnesic? Why didn’t Cerebro pick him up earlier? Where’s the Living Monolith?

In addition to all this, the story itself lacks a certain amount of dramatic weight. Anyone how picks up this mini-series knows that in the end, Cyclops will be back and alive and have Scott Lobdell writing him again before he gets shipped off to Grant Morrison. If there’s one thing that ultimately damns this story, it’s that. You know just how it’s going to end. Maybe not the details, but you’re pretty much assured from the moment you look at the title it’s a sure-win.

Despite all this though, it’s a decent read and while it doesn’t quite make up for the ending of “The Twelve,” it brings a nice story to the table.

~W~

UXP # 97: "Changing of the X-Guard # 2: Dream's End"

Uncanny X-Men # 388, Cable # 87, Bishop # 16, X-Men # 108, Generation X # 73, Uncanny X-Men # 389, X-Men # 109, Uncanny X-Men # 390, X-Men # 110

Mystique is up to no good. She’s manipulated a strand of the Legacy Virus and is ready to strike out at Presidential candidate Senator Kelly. Thus, the X-Men split into two teams. Cable, Gambit, Beast, and Colossus go off to handle the protection of Senator Kelly. Rogue, Bishop, and Wolverine head to Muir Island to find out why Moira can’t be reached. The rest of the team just, I don’t know, hangs out at home.

The Brotherhood – consisting of Avalanche, Blob, Post, and Lady Mastermind – attack Senator Kelly. Cable’s team intervenes, but even as they’re close to achieving victory, Cable figures out that it was all an illusion. Post stands ready to kill Kelly. Luckily, a dying Pyro steps out of the shadows and lights Post up. Post is killed, but Pyro is slowly dying. Senator Kelly, moved by Pyro’s sacrifice, decides to change some of his opinions about Mutants.

Meanwhile, Rogue carries Bishop and Wolverine to Muir Island. Once there, they find Wolfsbane being hunted down by Sabretooth. Bishop dispatches Sabretooth while Rogue handles Mystique. Wolfsbane runs across Rogue and gets shot by Mystique, who acquired a second anti-Mutant gun (Forge used it on Storm years ago, remember?). Mystique stabs Rogue. Bishop and Wolverine rescue Moira, who has just about unlocked the key to the Legacy Virus cure. Rogue then stabs Mystique.

Unfortunately, Moira is dying. The ride home is chaotic and during it, Professor X manages to mind-link with Moira, desperate to keep her alive and retrieve whatever information she has in regards to the cure. She gets the information along, but dies in the end. Sad.

Back with Senator Kelly, the candidate makes his “I love Mutants” feelings known, but is gunned down by a random American.

Sean Cassidy receives the news of Moira’s death . . . and then, while hanging out with Skin, gets captured by terrorists or something. Skin rescues him and Banshee is sad.

In the aftermath of all this, the X-Men continue to reel from all these terrible events. Reyes struggles with her rehab, Professor X reflects on his relationship with Moira in the past, and Storm, Rogue, Wolverine, and Gambit stumble across more evidence of trouble regarding Destiny’s diaries. Archangel and Psylocke break it off, Archangel claiming that he wants more to their relationship than what they’ve got.

Holding onto as much as hope as they can when Christmas comes, Storm, Bishop, Psylocke, Thunderbird, Rogue, and Tessa (aka Sage, aka former Hellfire Club associate) all decide to find the other long-lost diaries of Destiny. But, Beast sticks around.

And cures the Legacy Virus.

Finally. Woohoo!

Oh wait! It requires a sacrifice to do so. As when it was released by the use of someone’s power, as it must be cured. Colossus steps up, having lost his sister to the virus. He takes the cure and it is immediately sent into the atmosphere. Kitty Pryde then returns to scatter his ashes over his farm, then tells Professor X she wants her own life now.

And that is that.

This is definitely a “tying up loose threads” story. Though it’s not the best. In fact, despite the victory over the Legacy Virus – which is well done – this is probably the most depressing X-Men story ever. Just like with “Apocalypse: The Twelve,” there’s an unintentional theme here and that’s sacrifice. Every victory comes at the cost of something else – usually a life.

To save Senator Kelly, Pyro sacrificed his life. The Legacy Virus was cured at the cost of Moira and Colossus’ lives. Senator Kelly changed his views about Mutants, but it killed him in the end. Mystique was stopped, but it destroyed her relationship with Rogue to do so. See what I mean? And after a point, it just gets redundant. Each death and sacrifice loses just a bit of its impact as one after another hits us.

While the Legacy Virus was well handled, the rest of the story barely holds together. Why were only some of the X-Men dispatched to Senator Kelly and Muir Island? The X-Men left behind Phoenix, Iceman, Psylocke, Archangel, Storm, and Thunderbird. These are all heavy hitters. Why leave them behind? This is a big deal! Moira dying? Senator Kelly targeted by the Brotherhood? Come on!

Plus, why in the hell did Rogue carry Wolverine and Bishop to Muir Island? It didn’t make any sense. They have Blackbirds that can go super-fast. But nope. Let’s have Rogue carry these two X-Men into the upper atmosphere, then bring down to fight two very powerful foes. Geez. Also, the Claremont issues suffer from long-winded and unrealistic dialogue.

Now, there are some good points here. I liked the way the Warren/Betsy relationship ended. It was quite realistic and well handled. Kitty’s story is actually nicely written, as is Beast’s reaction to curing the Legacy Virus. After all these years, it’s great to see that.

Artwise, there’s not really anything good here except for the work of Salvador Larroca. Yu’s art is particularly bad, while everything else is either mundane or barely spectacular.

Marvel did the right thing bringing Lobdell back to wrap up his danglers. The Legacy Virus was his doing, so it just makes sense to have him come back and handle it.

Claremont just didn’t seem to have it under control on this tenure on “X-Men.” Plus, we see the beginnings of setting up his own storyline that takes his best characters out of the X-Men – a storyline that is far better than anything he produced on this run of “X-Men.”

Honestly? The best part of “Dream’s End” is the very end. Magneto comes back, wipes out the Neo, and demands that Domina follow him. The rest, while highlighted with some nice moments, is too depressing an affair to enjoy.

~W~

UXP # 96: "Changing of the X-Guard # 1: X-Men Forever"

A few months ago, I mentioned how every time there’s a big (uber-big) shift in the creative end of the X-Men’s world, we see things get wrapped up. Not just little things, but big subplots. It happens once back in 1990-1991, with the “Cleaning Out the X-House,” with signaled the end of the Claremont era and the coming of all those after him: Nicieza, Lobdell, Waid, Kelly, Seagle, Davis, Claremont (again), and Lobdell (again). It was in that “Cleaning Out the X-House” we saw most of Claremont/Simonson’s plots and subplots come together and allow for a new era of the X-Men to begin. Well, that era came and went. Now, we prep for a new era by having all the old 90s subplots wrapped up. Therefore, behold the “Changing of the X-Guard!”

--------------------

X-Men Forever # 1-6

A lot happens here and it’s very confusing. Thus, I will just summarize it briefly.

The gist of this story is that Prosh returns from his journeys out in space. Upon his return, he grabs Juggernaut, Toad, Mystique, Iceman, and Phoenix and sends them through time to unlock a mystery. Their journey and destination are all based on the characters themselves.

Phoenix hits key points involving her time with the Phoenix, because it was the first time a Mutant had come into contact with an upper force in the universe. Iceman was sent because he hadn’t achieved the full potential of Mutant powers. Juggernaut was sent because he was jealous of Mutants and their powers, but when he had gained powers his own, he squandered them. Mystique went back saw glimpses of a behind-the-scenes conspiracy and saw the rest that humans and Mutants offered to each other. Toad was sent because he too had yet been able to achieve his ultimate Mutant potential, as well as being in contact with both the conspiracy Mystique had seen and the true power behind the throne.

It turns out that someday Mutants will replace the upper powers of the universe (Chaos, Order, Living Tribunal, etc. – all those really powerful guys that got their asses handed to them by Thanos during the “Infinity Gauntlet”).

This team explored the power and potential of Mutantkind . . . and then, after returning, learned that they were sent on that mission by Prosh in the hopes of stopping themselves from getting to that level. Why? Because the Stranger had taken control of Prosh in the hopes of using Mutantkind to achieve the upper power levels.

Eventually, they are able to defeat the Stranger by freeing Prosh. Prosh then captured the Stranger and they go out of time/space together in exile. This leave Mutantkind with the choice of determining what direction they need to take.

There’s a lot to love here, but a lot to dislike too. So let’s talk about the love, huh?

This really wraps up some plot threads from the 90s, including who really killed Graydon Creed (Mystique did, using timed delayed weapons); how Astra left Magneto; Jean’s relationship with the Phoenix (to an extent); the connection between Marko and Ryking; and how Legion learned what he had to to head back in time. This is all revealed, on top of some very great character development, especially on the parts of Juggernaut, Toad, and Iceman, who find that they just haven’t lived up to their full potential.

The art by Kevin Maguire is fantastic. I love it. He captured the action, the emotion, and the broad ideas of this story so very well.

Unfortunately, there’s a lot left unsaid. The conspiracy is really cool . . . but we barely even see it. And that’s all we get of it. We’re left back at square one with that plot point. The story is a bit overly-complicated. We’re left with an impression that these guys should be able to figure it all out . . . but they don’t. Leaving us readers scratching our heads until it’s spelled out – using big words. This is my third reading of this mini-series and I’m just now understanding what Nicieza.

In that way, it’s probably the best and worst aspects of Nicieza’s writing. We get a great story with good character development and big ideas . . . that proves to be too complicated and leaves too much dangling. The good thing is that this is one of the best of his X-Men stories.

There’s a real big feel of the mini-series and I love that we see it stretched from end-to-end of the X-Men’s history. It’s too bad it pretty much gets ignored, though.

~W~

Uncanny X-Periment # 95: "War and Peace"

Black Panther # 26-29, Magneto: Dark Seduction # 1-4

Storm has been summoned to Wakanda by the Black Panther’s State Department liaison Everett K. Ross. Her main reason for being there is to shake T’Challa out of whatever funk he has gotten himself into – crashing the Wakandian stock market, etc. As she pays a visit in the aftermath of “Maximum Security,” she and T’Challa come across a bizarre-looking female that everyone assumes is an alien leftover from the occupation. However, when they discover that the female has a very human (though telepathic) toddler, it’s determined that the child is actually from the underwater civilization Deviant Lemuria.

(I’m not going to go into detail about Lemuria, save that they are located on the southern end of the same underwater continent that Atlantis is on and that every Lemurian born looks different. The toddler, since she looks human, would face execution upon returning to Lemuria)

Knowing that the child would be killed if Lemuria took it, T’Challa defies Lemuria’s leader, Lord Ghaur. Ghaur threatens war. Meanwhile, T’Challa’s rival and foster brother the White Wolf brings back the villain known as Klaw. A US aircraft carrier, moving into the area, is then destroyed by Klaw. White Wolf manages to make it look like Wakanda attacked it.

Storm takes her leave of Black Panther, but not before warning him that he is heading down a bad path. The two kiss and he finds comfort with her. She then departs.

Black Panther then has a secret meeting with various other world powers – including Magneto, Namor, Dr. Doom, Lord Kro (from Lemuria), and Ross. Black Panther suspects that Ghaur’s interest and willingness to go to war over the child is a mask for something different. He sends Ross to Ghaur and Ross deduces that the child is really Ghaur and Ghaur is afraid losing face if the child were to live and/or be tested. Shortly after, though, Klaw shows up, knocks Ghaur out and mimics his voice to launch an attack on Wakanda.

Over the sunken city Lemuria, war breaks out between Wakanda, Atlantis and Lemuria. Namor and T’Challa try to figure out a resolution as Lemurian forces approach Wakanda. An air raid follows. Ross saves Ghaur, forcing him into a workable situation. Eventually, Namor takes the child and its mother to Atlantis. To the public, it’s said that the child and mother were killed during the attack on Wakanda. Doom then provides evidence that Wakanda did not attack the aircraft carrier. Oh, and Black Panther battles it out with Klaw and defeats him.

So, then, on Genosha, Magneto’s got trouble. There’s a war still going on between his forces and those of the town of Corrion Cove. As Scarlet Witch arrives as an UN observer, people switch sides, Quicksilver arrives Corrion Cove and discovers that some decades-old technology laid there that was used in the Mutate Bonding Process (probably from the Sugar Man, but it’s not outright said).

The situation is getting out of control as Magneto’s forces close in on Corrion Cove and the Avengers show up. Magneto and Polaris take on the Avengers (Polaris having been helping Magneto out of a jam with his powers) and eventually, Magneto uses Polaris’ powers to bring down and entire mountainside of homes. He then heads off to the hidden lab, knocks out Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch (ending any chance of reconciliation) and after a brief battle with Polaris, uses the machines to gets his powers back up and running. The battle at Corrion Cove ends; he kills Fabian Cortez (YAY!); and kicks the Avengers off the island along with Quicksilver and Polaris. Oh, and the entire time, he’s having a conversation with someone via telepathy. Who? I don’t know.

Okay, so “Black Panther” is the superior story, although it’s not best to compare these two. There’s a quote from “Entertainment Weekly” that describes “Black Panther” as a “swashbuckling political thriller.” That sounds about right. The story is grand. It’s complex, but not overly so. Priest does a fantastic job of bringing some serious realism to the politics of the Marvel Universe. We get a great appearance by Storm, who is written very nicely by Priest. The story as a whole is just superb and it’s a real shame that this book was cancelled (though I do have the rest of run).

“Magneto: Dark Seduction” isn’t as good, but it’s enjoyable all the same. Nicieza returns for this story and it’s one of his better X-Men works. It’s a nice layered adventure, giving depth to Magneto and his peeps. It furthers the Quicksilver/Magneto/Scarlet Witch relationship. There are certain scenes where there’s a subtle feel that Magneto wants his kids to love him. Sorry pops. Roger Cruz’s line-work isn’t too bad, but the awful inking and coloring job just ruin it.

~W~

Uncanny X-Periment # 94: "Maximum Security"

Maximum Security: Dangerous Planet one-shot, Maximum Security # 1, Iron Man # 35, Thor # 30, Uncanny X-Men # 387, Black Panther # 25, Captain America # 36, Bishop # 15, Maximum # 2, Gambit # 23, X-Men # 107, X-Men Unlimited # 29, Avengers # 35, Maximum Security # 3

(Note: Despite my knowing there are other tie-ins, not all of them tie into the central story – or really at all. Hence, I’m just using the main books from the crossover.)

The story starts during a meeting with the Intergalactic Council. Concerns have been raised about humans in light of Professor X leading Cadre K to breeding facilities to save K-Class Mutant Skrulls. While this is happening, though, Ego the Living Planet returns and causes all sorts of trouble. The Silver Surfer and Cadre K eventually take Ego down, much to the humiliation of the Council. It is then decided that humanity must be dealt with. Newcomers the Ruul have an idea: transport all alien convicts there and quarantine the solar system.

As USAgent and other heroes encounter more and more aliens, he takes command of the Avengers. The Avengers confront Ronan, who is aboard a ship in orbit of the Earth. Ronan punts the super-heroes back to the ground and they soon discover that Ego is slowly manifesting itself on Earth. Iron Man and the Fantastic Four investigate and being to understand that a host will be needed to contain Ego. The Silver Surfer volunteers.

In the meantime, Earth is amok with aliens. Cap stops one from accidentally blowing up the Statue of Liberty in an effort to leave. Beta-Ray Bill comes back. The last surviving D’Bari seeks revenge on Jean. The Black Panther and his liaison Everett K. Ross stumble upon a temple which serves as portal to another planet, but is destroyed by aliens on the other side to stop the convicts from fleeing.

In space, Lilandria tells Professor X that he needs to get to Deathbird, as she has the key to freeing Earth. As Professor X and Cadre K search for her, they encounter the returned Bishop. During a heated confrontation, Bishop gains a keycard from her. She then goes flying out into space. Bishop then volunteers to be shipped back to Earth ala a space convict. In the meantime, the Cadre K telepath Z’Cann lands on Earth and makes contact with the X-Men. She bonds with Rogue and Rogue finds out the plan.

Ego continues to grow out of control, absorbing people and landmass. While the Commission of Superhuman Activities recruits aliens to help resist, USAgent discovers that the Ruul are really the Kree and are taking orders from the Supreme Intelligence.

Gambit then retrieves some information on how to stop Ego. As he does, the X-Men head to Ellis Island and retrieve Bishop, then meet with Goliath (Hank Pym) and Warbird (Carol Danvers). They once more break into Ronan’s ship and gain access to various controls and get some information. Then, they head back to Earth.

In space, an Avengers team that had been out in the cosmos before the shit hit the fan goes to meet with the Intergalactic Council. They are shortly captured by the Ruul, who are really an evolved form of Kree, thanks to the Nega-Bomb and the Forever Crystal. They also learn that the Supreme Intelligence is planning on taking control of the Ego/Earth using towers set up and absorbed on Earth in conjunction with the satellites keeping Earth quarantined.

Using codes retrieved using Deathbird keycard on board Ronan’s ship, the X-Men and the Avengers led a team of heroes and aliens onto one of the satellites and release the system from the quarantine. They also teleport Cadre K and Professor X there as well.

On the surface, using information provided by Gambit, the team there get Silver Surfer to absorb some of Ego. Unfortunately, it’s not enough. Ronan then arrives, using some of Ego’s power. A battle royale follows, but when Quasar absorbs the rest of Ego and is forced into exile, the good guys win . . . even though the Kree Empire is back up and running again.

In terms of other Marvel events and/or line-wide crossovers, “Maximum Security” is probably comparable to “Secret Wars.” It lacks the grim feel of “Infinity Gauntlet” and “Onslaught.” It also pulls away from the deepness that exists in “House of M” and “Civil War.” When I started to read “Maximum Security,” I knew I was getting into story that was big, old school action/adventure epic.

Kurt Busiek is the writer of the main book and “Avengers.” Other writers contributing the central story would be Dan Jurgens, Joe Quesada, Joe Harris, Fabian Nicieza, Joe Pruett, and Chris Claremont. A note on Claremont, because I’ve been so mean to him lately – these are the issues where we see signs of improvement. Again, not with the “X-Men” team, but with the “Uncanny” team. Centering on Jean was a great idea and he really does a fine job with it.

As far as Kurt Busiek goes, I can’t applaud him enough. This was the writer that got me into “Avengers” in the first place. He sweeps across various worlds, focuses on scores of characters . . . it’s a wonder how he’s able to keep all this going on while keep the story grounded with the characters.

Speaking of characters, hats off for making the main characters of the story those that we just don’t expect. USAgent, Professor X, Lilandria, Quasar, Tigra, Bishop, Photon, Moondragon, Jack O’Hearts, Cersie all serve as the main characters. Sure, Thor, Iron Man, Black Panther, and the Fantastic Four are all there in the spotlight, but the characters I listed above are the stars of the show.

The art varies from issue to issue, but in terms of “Maximum Security” itself, I find it a little lacking. Jerry Ordway is a great artist, of course, but at times, the art comes off as weak. This might be attributed to the inkers, though.

One of my wishes was that this story would be a little longer, spending more time with the aftermath. But for what we got it, it was good. Overall, a great, fun story. The effects are lasting, as it kinda undid what was done with “Operation: Galactic Storm.”

~W~

Uncanny X-Periment # 93: "Slavers"

Uncanny X-Men # 383, X-Men # 103, Uncanny X-Men # 384, X-Men # 104, Uncanny X-Men # 385, X-Men # 105, Uncanny X-Men # 386, X-Men # 106

I’ve read a lot of comics in my life. Not counting the comics my Dad used to be me when I was just a wee one, I’ve been reading hard-core for just over 15 years now. Mostly X-Men, mind you, but I’ve expanded my interests to include various other Marvel and DC offerings, as well as Image and independent comics.

That being said . . . I can honestly say that this is perhaps some of the worst comics I’ve ever read.

Now let me say a few things before hand. First of all, Chris Claremont is the writer of these here books. I daresay that Claremont is among – if not the – best X-Men writer. Think of all the most renowned X-Men stories and he wrote most of them. Let me further say and that the artists involved – Adam Kubert, Tom Raney, Michael Ryan, and Leinel Yu – all fine artists. I’ve seen some great work from them.

With all that also said . . . this is just bad.

I’ll give you the gist of what happens in these stories because even I have trouble figuring it all out.

Basically, Gambit gets the X-Men involved in a conflict with a Neo name Ransome, who is looking to sell the X-Men to either other Neo or this alternate reality guy named Vooge. The X-Men win the day, but back in Westchester, the rest of the team (having just decided Rogue is their new leader) gets into with some guys called the Goth. The Goth take Thunderbird, Colossus, Psylocke, Archangel and all of Salem Center captive to be sold as slaves to Vooge.

Meanwhile, Vooge is rescued by the Crimson Pirates and they take Cable and Gambit. As the rest of the team comes together and try and track down Vooge, Gambit manages a deal with Vooge. He arranges to capture the X-Men. Cliched X-Men vs. X-Men fight follows. In the end, they defeat the Vooge and Rogue now trusts Gambit again.

Shortly thereafter, Archangel gets attacked by some women called the Twisted Sisters (yeah, not the band). Psylocke and the X-Men save Archangel. Then, some of the X-Men help save Lee Forrester from a hurricane. Then, the X-Men fight the Neo again and finally get around the rescuing Cecelia Reyes and Charlotte Jones.

What is so bad about this?

Well first of all, the entire Goth/Slaver/Crimson Pirate story is full of cliches and quasi-bondage allusions. The story meanders from plot point to plot point, depending mainly on this character doing this and this character doing that. Save for some nice time with Storm and a step forward with Gambit/Rogue, there’s zero character development. Plus, Vooge? Really? Why have this guy? I mean, if we’re going to have an fat interdeminsional slave driver, why not go to one we know and trust – Mojo? I’m not the biggest Mojoverse/X-Men fan, but at least we can depend on Mojo for some cheap laughs.

Then, after dealing with this stupid-ass story, they hang around New Orleans and NYC until the X-Men finally realize “Oh yeah! We gotta go rescue that single mother and the former semi-X-Man that got trapped in that building with all those killers and hunters because they kinda got in our way!” Which isn’t just that strong of a story anyway.

There some small good nuggets here, but even these bother me. There’s a subplot about Senator Kelly running for President. Just like with Creed, there’s no mention of any other sort of politics as Kelly has apparently gone back from “Mutants should be monitored, but not controlled” to “Mutants are evil!”

What I did notice were some interesting lines here in there. For some reason, knowing what is coming in the up-coming Morrison run, when Jean says “This is not my day to die” in Phoenix-font while manifesting said Phoenix raptor, I can’t help get a sense foreshadowing. There’s also a few lines of dialogue about super-heroes that has an interesting spin in light of “Civil War.”

However . . .

Thus far (even though there’s worse to come), this is the worst the X-Men has ever been.

~W~