The X-Axis catch-up (part 2)
Right, I did say we’d get through the rest of these books, and that’s what we’re going to do. Quickly, because there’s a whole new week of books to cover next…
Uncanny X-Force #24 – A one-off story between arcs, as X-Force hunt down the Age of Apocalypse Iceman (who’s apparently now living in our world) and try to kill him. I can see the thinking here – X-Force need some nice disposable villains to hunt down in order to sell their black ops concept, and it’s also a good opportunity to put Nightcrawler in the spotlight. Thus far, the focus has tended to be on how he’s a dark and bitter version of the original Nightcrawler; this story, playing up his former friendship with Iceman, allows an opportunity to play up his similarities instead.
Meanwhile, over in the subplots, Psylocke clarifies that in the last story, she gave up “my sorrow and my capacity to ever feel any again.” Normally I’d be a bit sceptical about this sort of storyline; oddly enough, it’s very similar to a plot that’s just wrapped up over in Angel and Faith, except that one took the more conventional route of having the hero ultimately decide not to take that route. I quite like Rick Remender’s angle here; having made the sacrifice, Psylocke no longer even perceives it as one. Yes, it’s a direction that fundamentally alters her personality, but since she was a bit of a drifting mess anyway, and has been for years, there’s a lot to be said for bringing in a completely new element that can take over as the defining feature of the character.
There’s also a sort of epilogue to the Otherworld storyline in which Captain Britain resentfully acknowledges the idea that X-Force are right about their methods. This feels a little bit tacked on here, and I wonder whether it’s mainly there to step up stories Remender is planning to do with the Captain over in Secret Avengers (which I haven’t been reading).
Overall, a decent issue; the subplots are kept ticking over, and the main story is a good one-issue break.
Uncanny X-Men #11 – This is an Avengers vs X-Men tie-in, which basically means that it’s Avengers vs X-Men #2 with narration from the perspective of various characters. The result is, perhaps inevitably, a bit uneven. There’s not much plot here at all, save for the closing page in which Cyclops instructs Kate Kildare to put out a press release about the X-Men’s position. That ties more closely to the themes of this series, and his attempts to position the Extinction Team as a group to be feared and respected in equal measure.
Otherwise, it’s fighty time, albeit with superior first-person narration. Gillen takes the opportunity to spell out his thinking on Namor, and there’s a nice little character moment with Colossus realising that if he truly fights to win, he’ll have to give in to the Juggernaut and just destroy everything in sight – which would kind of defeat the point. Basically, though, it’s a crossover issue.
Wolverine #305 – The first part of Cullen Bunn and Paul Pelletier’s “Rot” storyline – which I assume is going to be their only storyline, since it seems that after this, we’re getting that Jeph Loeb storyline we all hoped they’d forgotten about. Here, Bunn seems to be mainly tying up a loose end from Jason Aaron’s run: the fact that Dr Rot still had the ability to control Wolverine. So Wolverine is now investigating a string of killings which he knows perfectly well that he committed, and thankfully, he figures out pretty rapidly who he needs to be going against.
Aaron’s original storyline was more an exercise in surrealism and atmosphere, and in that context the oddball villain worked rather well. In comparison, Bunn is playing it more or less straight, and I’m not altogether sure how well Rot works in that context; he’s the sort of darkly camp maniac who would more often be found fighting Batman. Still, it’s very solidly executed, the art’s lovely, and I confess that there’s a part of me that’s pleased to see Marvel once again making an effort to tie up this sort of loose plot thread. For most of the last decade the attitude would have been that it ceased to be significant when the writer changed. Of course, this is an unusual case where Aaron rather obviously cleared out without wrapping up his storylines. But it’s still nice to have the feeling that stories are guaranteed some sort of resolution.
Wolverine and the X-Men #9 – Back to the crossover, though this book is taking the (generally more productive) approach of writing its own story in the margins of the main series.
The Phoenix is on its way back to Earth, and as it happens, this book’s cast includes a couple of characters with prior connections – Rachel Grey and Quentin Quire. And much of what follows is basically people reacting to the start of Avengers vs X-Men, but at least here we’re picking up on some of the details that the other books are glossing over.
That said, Rachel and Quentin do present something of a problem for the crossover plot. On one level, I entirely understand why the core series is glossing over them. It’s not their story, and the creators want to focus instead on the original Phoenix storyline from the late 70s, and the idea that Phoenix is a destructive force. On the other hand, acknowledging Rachel and Quentin begs the obvious question of why everyone’s so convinced that the return of the Phoenix is going to be destructive, or even all that significant, given that it’s been back several times to diminishing returns. Perhaps there’s just no satisfactory way to address that, and brazening it out is the best way. (“Everyone, Phoenix is coming back, and we all know what that means – a low-selling miniseries starring a minor character.”)
The issue ends with Gladiator making his way to Earth to try and get his son out of the Phoenix’s path, so it looks as though the focus in this book will indeed be on the regular cast rather than the crossover itself – which thus far has turned out to be really the Avengers versus Cyclops’ X-Men, with Wolverine’s crew sitting it out. For the moment, anyway. (Is that going to be the ending? The X-Men lose the first round but when they unite they kick ass?)
X-Factor #234 – God, how often is this book shipping? We’re already on to issue #235. Anyway… Madrox officially returns to the team and Monet throws a fit about the thought that Layla brought him back without a soul. (Which she didn’t.) Mainly, it’s an issue of those two squabbling, but that works better than you’d think because it’s so rare for Monet to get emotionally involved in this way. Consequently, it comes across as a bigger deal. Peter David’s very good at pitching these scenes so that they come across as significant, rather than simply out of character. Lovely art from Leonard Kirk, too.
X-Men #27 – The X-Men and the Forgiven fight a bunch of assorted mercenary characters. At the end Jubilee decides to stay with the Forgiven. And that’s basically it. Seriously, what do you want me to say about stories like this? It’s inoffensive for what it is.
X-Men: Legacy #265 – Technobabble abounds as Rogue, Mimic and Weapon Omega all face the risk of exploding with Mysterious Energy unless Hank can find some way of stopping it using Inexplicable Technology. But it’s a much better story than you’d think, since Christos Gage knows how to use this sort of thing as a backdrop for character work. It’s not just Rogue herself, so much as the other characters in the background discussing what the last-ditch fallback is going to be. There’s also a nice attempt to give the Mimic a bit of dignity as a character (he’s been a whipping boy for so many years that some major rehabilitation is required if he’s going to be used regularly anywhere), and the story does as all a favour by literally sticking Weapon Omega in the deep freeze.
Weapon Omega is a classic example of a character who didn’t work at all, on any level whatsoever. He’s a walking plot device without personality, who was subsequently shoehorned into a bunch of stories where he didn’t really belong. Dark X-Men and this book both attempt to turn that to some sort of advantage, by portraying him as a bit of a loser, yanked around by plot forces completely out of his control, and ultimately rather attracted to the idea of hitting the off switch. To a point, it works – I can’t say I have any desire to see him again, but by taking all the myriad problems with the character, and turning them into problems for the character, it’s been possible to wrap up his storyline in a more satisfying way than I would have expected.
Regarding Cullen Bunn’s run on Wolverine, I’m 99% certain that I read in an interview with him somewhere (probably on CBR) that he will be returning to the book after Jeph Loeb’s arc.
Regarding Bunn’s future plans, I remember that same interview, and recall him mentioning plans for his second and third arcs. This was before the Loeb announcement (I think), so I hope he’ll return once this Sabertooth nonsense is wrapped up.
(I’m wondering though, why not just give Loeb a mini?)
*Long time reader, first time caller.*
Holy crap, that’s a lot of X-Men comics. I enjoyed Uncanny and WatX. I’ve been loving Aaron’s whole run, but this issue toned the comedy down a bit and I thought that kicked the quality up even more. I also really liked the Juggernaut/Hulk fight in Uncanny, as I thought there was some pretty strong character work with Colossus that really sold me on his transformation for the first time. I even enjoyed AvX as a big old dumb fight.
Off topic for a second, I just wanted to say that this is one of the few comics reviews sites I still enjoy going to. The negativity has gotten waaaay out of control on a lot of places. A podcast on a website I used to enjoy, which will remain nameless, just lost me when the reviewers decided to stop buying and reading Marvel comics out of protest, but would still make comments just based on solicits. On what planet is that fair? Anyway, thanks for keeping it fun even when you have to review the latest Jeph Loeb comic.
Sounds like they turned Jubilee into a vampire, tried to make that work, couldn’t fit her into the current status quo (or rather, nobody wanted to her long term), and decided to write her off by sending her to live with the Forgiven. Oy.
Really, really loved this issue of Legacy (which is good, as I’d been a bit unsure about Gage’s first few issues – as well as his Astonishing arc – and he’d been someone I’d wanted on an X-team book for ages). An example of why – a tiny moment with Chamber managed to give him more character than anything anyone’s done with him in years.
My love for this issue, the canival issue of New Mutants, and Liu’s first on Astonishing leaves me more sure than ever that really my ideal x-book would just be characters I like sitting around talking with no sort of action (and very little plot). Never going to happen, but there it is.
(I finally understand why my favourite x-issue of all time involves Excalibur going to the pub, and some of the most ridiculous Scottish-isms ever, which considering Marvel’s normal regional dialogue is saying quite a lot).
“I wonder whether it’s mainly there to step up stories Remender is planning to do with the Captain over in Secret Avengers (which I haven’t been reading).”
Hang on, I thought you just reviewed Secret Avengers in the last batch.
*checks*
You DID! Did you forget you had read it? That happens to me sometimes. Or did you just hop on for the cross-over? If so, I recommend going back to get the first arc. Lots of weirdness abound (in a good way), and a truly great closing twist.
@Mika
“My love for this issue, the canival issue of New Mutants, and Liu’s first on Astonishing leaves me more sure than ever that really my ideal x-book would just be characters I like sitting around talking with no sort of action (and very little plot). Never going to happen, but there it is.”
If it did, there would be the two of us buying it, at least. 😉
My first thought upon reading the concept of a book that was just characters sitting around talking is that it would make a great idea for an anthology-type series that just had a different group of characters each month – sort of like one of those round table panel discussion TV shows, but presumably with a more organic setup – characters would be shown in vignettes from their daily lives instead of assembled around a table with a moderator for the express purpose of talking.
My second thought was that they’d almost certainly have Bendis write it, since half of his books are basically that anyway. And while that sort of thing is actually his forte, I’m not sure he really needs a new venue for it, with the opportunity to be even less focused and reduce a wider range of characters to mute background observers.
*sheds a tear* Anyone else remember when Steve Dillon was pretty much the king of ‘talking heads’ issues during Preacher?
Sure all those heads looked similar but the expression was wonderful and some of the best parts of Preacher are when the leads are sat in a bar talking.
@Mika, Suzene, ZZZ, others: Who do you think would be the best artist for a sitting/talking based comic?
@Jacob – Kevin MacGuire would be a pretty fantastic “talking heads” issue artist. If we’re talking all-time. i’d nominate Steve Ditko. I was reading some 60s Spider-man, and the character’s “emoting” is just awesome.
I read that issue of New Mutants this morning, and I’d like to point out that they’re not just sitting around a table chatting, they’re getting up to hijinks. Which is really the ideal middle ground between action and round-table discussions. Superhero comics shouldn’t be afraid to not be world-changing and dire all the time, more hijinks I say. Hell, Superman went for about two decades just playing cruel tricks on his friends and barely punching anything.
“@Mika, Suzene, ZZZ, others: Who do you think would be the best artist for a sitting/talking based comic?”
To me… Michael Gaydos… his talking heads issues of Alias are all time favs.
Si – Yes, you’re right about that issue of New Mutants. I fully more support hijinks in comics.
ZZZ – I think an anthology type series would be perfect, but ugh Bendis.
@Jacob
Alan Davis. Kind of a cop out, since I want Alan Davis to draw everything, but he does do great expressions.
I think my favourite all time hi-jinks issue is Uncanny X-men #244 – Ladies Night (Jubilee’s first appearance). The success of the issue had a lot to do with the preceding Inferno arc and was perfect downtime.
Uncanny #244… that brings me back. I actually loved the Outback setting, the uncertainty of it all, as well as the cast and their relationships. Storm, Rogue, Psylocke, Dazzler, Longshot, Wolverine, Collossus, and Havok! And #245 was boys night out, right? If I hadn’t been strung out in my early 20s, I’d still have that issue. Between Jubilee’s first appearance, #248 (1st Jim Lee, I think), and #266 (1st full Gambit), I’d be rich!
That was the first Uncanny X-Force I really enjoyed since the Angel saga. The art plain sunk the last arc for me. Not sure about Betsy’s new development. Will this be the straw that breaks the camel’s back or will it be the antidote to all that poison heaped on her over the years? Although it seems like at least now her characterization in this book will dovetail with her non-Remender-scribed appearances.
UNCANNY X-FORCE was alright. Good enough to keep me buying, but not enough to take it off probation after that last atrocious arc. It would’ve been pretty wholly satisfying to me if not for two issues.
(1) The opening scene was rather botched. If Deadpool had made his snappy comment and Iceman had, with that SECOND’S warning, managed to ice up and save himself, that would’ve been a nice moment – Deadpool fails to kill the target because of that character flaw – but it came across in the book as Deadpool essentially waiting for Iceman to laugh at his joke before pulling the trigger.
(2) The whole “I am here to kill you and I’ve got you dead to rights, but let’s settle this MANO E MANO, WITH OUR FISTS…” cliche? It’s always a cliche. How any writer could pull it out these days and think it’s OK to do, I have no idea. If you want a fist fight by two people who normally use weapons, contrive to make it happen.
And it seemed like Iceman really should have had the advantage in that fight, by the by, since he’s got a protective covering of ice (wouldn’t punching him hurt like hell? Wouldn’t GETTING punched practically knock you out?), but that was never mentioned.
@Puzzled – not sure about rich, the super high price for back issues didn’t last long. Believe me, I have pretty much every x-title from Uncanny 150 to date. And yes, 245 was the boys’ turn – also a great issue.
Oh, believe me, Donnacha, I didn’t delude myself for too long thinking you can get rich collecting comics.
Adam, you make two excellent points. Those two things bothered me, too. I expect better from this title.
“My second thought was that they’d almost certainly have Bendis write it, since half of his books are basically that anyway. And while that sort of thing is actually his forte, I’m not sure he really needs a new venue for it, with the opportunity to be even less focused and reduce a wider range of characters to mute background observers.”
A lot of the joy in reading a good “sitting around talking” issue is hearing each character’s voice come across distinctly. It’s pleasant to read a line and think, that’s exactly what that character would say and how they would say it. Most of Bendis’s characters are, how to put it… interchangeable… as far as dialog goes. Especially when it’s just two people. It usually feels like the same two people, whoever the characters are.
@Karl Hiller
“Most of Bendis’s characters are, how to put it… interchangeable… as far as dialog goes.”
Worse than interchangeable, it’s “hip” and “ironic”. The same reason Joss Whedon’s dialogue annoys the piss out of me. I still remember that scene with the Illuminati complaining about their significant others nagging them and then Doctor Strange reveals he gets hockey scores from the internet. Absolutely painful.