X-Men

Uncanny X-Men #11

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Uncanny X-Men #11The good feelings caused by Cyclops and his X-Men showing up a a pro-mutant rally soon fade with the appearance of a next generation Sentinel sent to kill each of the “terrorist” mutants. After showing us glimpses of the team’s training since returning from Limbo, Uncanny X-Men #11 gives us a good look at how far the team has come. Hell, even Gold Balls proves to be effective.

The late arrival of Magneto (busy maybe selling out Cyclops, or maybe not) helps save the day. We are also given a glimpse into more of Mystique‘s behind-the-scenes maneuverings including causing chaos in Madripoor for purposes unknown.

Although I enjoyed this issue, I’m not exactly pleased with the launching of a new X-Men event requiring me to read other X-titles (none of which I’m currently reading) to keep up with “Battle of the Atom” or try to parse the large sections of the story which I’m missing by not reading those issues. The other choice is to set aside this comic and pick it up in a few months after the crossover finishes. None of these options are ideal, but I won’t hold it against this issue which is definitely worth a look.

[Marvel, $3.99]

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Uncanny X-Men #10

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Uncanny X-Men #10As the X-Men continue to train, and discover untapped potential among some of their younger recruits, Magneto sneaks off for a not-so-covert meeting with Maria Hill who is less than pleased at the X-Men, attacking S.H.I.E.L.D., stealing their prisoner, and disrupting the Helicarrier.

Forced into accepting Hill’s new deal, which involves working with Dazzler (who only we know is really Mystique), Magneto continues to work both sides to his own advantage (a subplot I’m already getting tired of).

Action picks up with the X-Men make an impromptu appearance at a pro-mutant rally to promote a message of peace only to get attacked by the first of a new version of Sentinel bred for their destruction. The attack by the Sentinel, on the peaceful demonstration certainly makes me wonder just who is behind the new mutant killers and what their ultimate agenda really is. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $3.99]

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Uncanny X-Men #9

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Uncanny X-Men #9As a covert operative the Dazzler kinda sucks. Hand-picked by Maria Hill to learn more about Cyclops and his team, Dazzler knocks Fabio‘s family unconscious (but not before they recognize her), kidnaps the young man, leads the X-Men straight to S.H.I.E.L.D.‘s secret detention facility, and then uses her close personal relationship with her fellow mutants to insult Scott Summers and make a new enemy. Oh, and then she gets poisoned and replaced by Mystique. That’s not a great first day.

Aside from the intrinsic humor of S.H.I.E.L.D. recruiting a former disco star, Dazzler is largely wasted here. Since her relationships with her fellow mutants are not really capitalized on any number of characters could have performed her role. I’m also a bit disappointed that we get the suggestion of Hijack did to the Helicarrier (the only real action of the entire comic) but it takes place all off-panel.

Those complaints aside, Brian Michael Bendis provides another solid issue. I’m happy to seen Gold Balls sticking around and I’ll be curious to see just what role Mystique has to play in the larger picture (and whose side she’s really on). Worth a look.

[Marvel, $3.99]

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Uncanny X-Men #8

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Uncanny X-Men #8After the fallout from the X-Men’s adventure in Limbo, Fabio decides to return to his family who have all sorts of questions when they discover his mutant ability and concerns about just what the X-Men terrorists did to him. This half of the storyline also picks up the loose thread of Dazzler (started before the Limbo arc) who shows up wanting Fabio’s help to find Cyclops.

The other half of the issue deals mainly with a conversation between Cyclops and Magneto over their recent trust issues (Cyclops killing Professor X, Magneto ratting out the X-Men to S.H.I.E.L.D.) as well as the X-Men rescuing another young mutant (with the power to control mechanical devices with his mind) from a quick-drawing police officer who shoots the young man and decides to ask questions later.

The first issue back from Limbo plays on two classic X-Men themes: a family’s concern and distrust of a new mutant’s abilities and (as Magneto would put it) how homo sapiens react in fear and danger at the presence of homo superior. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $3.99]

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Uncanny X-Men #7

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Uncanny X-Men #7Following the events in Limbo, the latest issue of Uncanny X-Men #6 picks up with Magik visiting a slightly younger version of Doctor Strange. The events which caused her to seek out the former Sorcerer Supreme are covered in an extended flashback narrated by Magik and the monumentous choice she makes to save her friends and finally take control of her life for good.

The choice to close the Limbo arc in an extended flashback that focuses more on Magik than the rest of the team works, but it also means we get far less of all the young women’s teammates fighting for their lives. This issue better explains Magik’s ties to Limbo and how her unintended damage to the realm (it appears her powers were also effected by the return of the Phoenix) caused Dormammu to reach out and grab the X-Men and pull them into Limbo.

The choice to visit a pre-Avenger version of Doctor Strange for assistance is well thought out, although even with his help it will be interesting to see what lasting effects Magik has after swallowing the entire Limbo dimension into herself. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $3.99]

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