The X-men Thread (spoilers)

[murs47]

I'm actually enjoying Wolverine as well. I started picking this up during Loeb's run and decided not to drop it when I heard Aaron was coming on board. I haven't been disappointed.

Wolverine: Origins

I expected big things from this title when it was first announced. It's finally taken 20 issues for Way to produce an entertaining story arc.

[spoiler]Starting with issue 21 (or the epilogue of #20) Deadpool is hired to kill Wolverine. I think Way has a real knack for writing Deadpool. Though he portrays him as being a bit more intelligent. But, also a bit weirder then the comedic assassin with randomly vague analogies and quick one liners that Nicieza writes him to be.

Anyways to the story. Wolverine continually brushes of Wade's challenges as a joke for 2 issues until he eventually pisses him off at the end of #22. Wolverine is finally ticked off. Doesn't sound very intriguing, but Way executes it pretty darn well, surprisingly.[/spoiler]

[Previsionary]

Warning, detailed reviews ahead:

Reviews:

X-men Legacy:



Well, the first issue of Legacy and no one has posted. I guess I'll start.

[spoiler]This issue is all about Xavier and he's traveling down that lane we call memory. The book actually starts off (Xavier has a weird head sometimes) with Xavier and Moira having dinner to discuss mutants. This memory takes place after their engagement and probably just after he and Magneto parted ways. Doesn't matter as his memory is altered by the image of Bishop shooting him in the head...again.

For those that thought Mastermind would walk away unharmed, well, she still hasn't appeared yet. She may be extremely hurt or actually dead and therefore spending time with her father. If they really want another illusionist, they still have one "Lady Mastermind" to go. Odd that that whole family seems to have illusion powers.

Anyway, it seems Xavier psychic blocks are automatic and they were built up during his time in the Korean war. I kinda like that explanation and it would explain how he is able to teach the x-men how to resist psychic probes on a level, me thinks. Anyway, Exodus and most of the marauders want to rebuild Xavier's psyche because they realized that the mutant race needs its champions and protectors. What a noble cause...

You know, this brings to mind a problem that I wasn't able to suspend long. All of the remaining marauders and most of the X-men seem fine and without scars. Everyone just seems to be up and walking again and I doubt even a week has passed. Come on writers, we can at least acknowledge that every one fought hard and should be sore. That's all I ask.

Back to the issue, Karima seems to be back to normal. Thank you Pixie as I kinda like Karima. It's also nice that she's looking out for Xavier. Xavier needs all the friends he can get now. It'll be interesting to see her interact with the X-men again considering...

You know, Chuck must have something going on if he can keep getting women to fall in love with him. It's odd...the x-men must have some type of power over the opposite sex. Their lovers never seem to want to let them go. I'm not sure if that's good or bad yet. Also, the O5 X-men are referenced in another memory...perfect lead-in into my next review.

[/spoiler]

This issue, I give a 4 out of 5. It got my attention and it references a few stories from the past that old time readers might enjoy. Also, a certain mutant shows up in the end...finally doing something since we last saw him in Uncanny. However, this is not an action book. Consider it yet another downtime issue.

X-men First class:



You guys know by now how much I love me some X-men first class as I believe the early X-stories were fun and unique for the time period. You guys really need to go back to that time period and look at some of the stories Stan and co pulled out of their collective butts that made the X-men what they were. And hey, Polaris wasn't crazy yet...but her daddy issues were set in stone very early.

Why am I talking about Polaris when this issue has nothing to do with her? No idea. Anyway, this issue focuses on the girl trio of Jean, Scarlet Witch, and Natalia...I mean Natasha/Black Widow. Nick Fury also makes an appearance plus the very odd named Dum Dum Dugan.

I want to mention that I like that First Class capitalizes on the friendships of the X-men and some of their associates. That's something current marvel really doesn't do. I can't honestly remember the last time Scarlet Witch talked to the X-men just to talk. Anyway, Jean and Wanda are out ice skating and Natalia is looking for Wanda to get her to join shield. That's pretty much the whole plot in simple terms although, it's not the main idea behind the story at all.

[spoiler]I'll expand a bit though. Natalia gets Wanda alone and takes her along on one of her missions. Their mission: to stop Hydra from stealing the annorax (sub) for their own use. Of course they fail and are eventually captured, but we all know who wins in the end, right? My only problem? I wish there were more action scenes with the girls and the males barely did anything outside of Angel and Professor X. Not to mention this felt more like a Wanda issue that a Jean/Wanda issue, but whatever. Coming up next, Cyclops and Angel get their own issues to finish off the solo focus issues (Beast and Iceman already had theirs...unless they get another).[/spoiler]

Overall, I give it a 3.5 out of 5. This is taking into account that I didn't really like some of the art. The mini strip at the back of the book was also nice, but not as funny as the others. In fact, I'll just post it here for you guys to enjoy.



Bonus Review: HoM: Avengers- Complete series



Well, this book came way too late for anyone to even care. I mean, HoM isn't exactly a loved series and it really crippled the X-books for a bit of time, but this series isn't really about mutants. It's about Luke's avengers and this time, the human race are equivalent to what the mutant race is in the 616 universe.

[spoiler]There's quite a few interesting ideas going on here. Luke was a prison inmate (wrongly accused and set up by a friend) and got his powers through a super soldier formula. He then goes on to build up his own team of Avengers after he takes over Hammerhead's gang and moves to Japan town. What's interesting is that in this book, Luke is clearly a criminal (in the government's eyes), but he's leading a team that is known for their righteous deeds. However, he's fighting for what the X-men have always fought for...equal treatment between homo-sapiens and homo-superiors. I like the role reversals. Just to note, this series takes place over a few years.

Another interesting idea, the relationship between Luke and tigra (and later...find out). I wouldn't have expected it. There's way too many moments to really name, so I'll focus on some stuff that really caught my attention. It seems with the mutants in control, the humans are treated much worse than the mutants were/are in 616 marvel. Way worse. The mutants even seem to be taking over the police force. I kinda like that idea as it reinforces what the humans on 616 Earth fear. Oh, Thunderbird works for the FBI...that's pretty cool. He's a total (word) though :P Not to mention that Punisher is actually on a team for a short time in this book; a strike force consisting of Boom Boom, Avalanche, Blob, Wolfsbane, and Taskmaster. Quite a team, I'd say.

Another thing I liked, Thunderbird (John Proudstar) is shown to be quite conniving and cunning. He's quite a bad guy in this book and he's not above manipulating people to do his dirty deeds (See Misty Knight). He literally doesn't care about sapiens at all. Quite a spin on his character. To counter that, Luke is just as smart and convinced his old enemies to join his side. Imagine, if you can, Luke Cage teaming up with Kingpin, Elektra, Black Cat, or even Bullseye...then imagine it not lasting long. I also enjoyed that Shang Chi and Iron Fist got fairly big roles in this series. Shang Chi isn't a character I see much of, nor mockingbird, so I'm loving getting alternate takes on all these characters. Though, Tigra has to have the worse luck ever. In the past 3 years, I've seen her beaten, bruised, shot, and now killed (from what looks like a bullet to the breast?)...it doesn't pay to be a catwoman. Lesson learned.
[/spoiler]

So yeah, this book is a very good series and you guys should go pick it up (hopefully it'll come out in trades). You don't need any knowledge about the HoM event or the characters at all, imo. It's pretty self contained and everyone is written in an interesting way. Gage is a good writer (probably should've taken over New Avengers as I like his Luke more), so go give him a shot. This book...4.2 out of 5. Very entertaining and nice art...Win/Win. It just came too late for anyone to really consider it. It's easily the best HoM/elseworld book I've read...that's not saying much but still. The extra .2 points come from the Power Man joke. :D

Hopefully someone will add a New Warrior's review as...I haven't read the last 2 issues yet.

[Podmark]

I got Legacy. I wasn't blown away or anything but it was kinda interesting. I'm expecting more in the next issues. I'd probably give it a 3/5. [spoiler]I like Exodus and the Acolytes, and having Karima and Magneto show up is a treat for me.

Lady M is considered deceased until proven otherwise by most fans. There's an easy out since she was never actually shown dead. She was a true traitor so I think the writers wanted to show her getting what she deserved. But she was a really well liked character so I kinda think she might show up again.

As for injuries. Exodus has a boatload of crazy powers, I'm sure he's got some healing ability in there somewhere. Tempo was hit in her helmet so you wouldn't actually see anything. Karima can self repair in a few minutes so nothing would show. Frenzy is fully invulnerable so she wouldn't have any visible injury. As for the X-Men Kurt's still got a limp and no one else was significantly hurt that couldn't have been healed in whatever vague downtime has occured between issues. And Chuck's got his nice bullet hole.

Karima was one of my favorites of Carey's X-Men. I like that Carey plays on her history with Charles from New Excalibur: Genosha. [/spoiler]


Some people, including you of course Prev, seem to love First Class but I can't seem to muster any interest in it. Maybe one day.

Hmm so the HOM mini was actually good. That's kinda cool, but I'm not really interested.

I could post some New Warriors reviews, but I'd probably have to go back and reread them.

[Podmark]

New Warriors 8 & 9 reviews for Prev.
[spoiler]
8:
Donyell and Midnight's Fire fight until Silhouette stops them with her powers. Midnight's Fire is convinced that Donyell is indeed the original Night Thrasher. Then Night Thrasher enlists him for some mission. Sil isn't impressed. They go their separate ways. Midnight's Fire meets with a mysterious individual.

Then we see the rest of the New Warriors hanging at Beak and Angel's pad with their kids all running around. They question whether they're doing the right thing and bond.

Over at the Initiative base Ultra Girl is training her Junior Guardsmen, while Justice and Rage talk about the New Warriors. Rage thinks they should join the team.

comments:
The art in this is the complete opposite of Medina's in every way and I wasn't big on it at all. The Night Thrasher scenes were ok as was the Justice scenes, but the new team just looked too different. It's also a very stiff art, not the best for this book.

Beak's kids seem too old, but I was recently told that they might age faster because of the fly aspect of their former mutation so maybe meh. All the team scenes bugged me. I know lots of bonding happed off screen before the series started but the team seems way too friendly and normal for only the second story arc.

However all the old New Warriors stuff was a treat. I hope we see more of them in this book.

Also on a sadder note my center page in the issue has come off it's one staple :(

9:
The New Warriors (minus Thrash) fight the Alpha Clan. Most of the New Warriors have new or updated costumes. Sofia makes her debut as Renaissance using Doc Ock's tentacles. They're losing until Thrash shows up and uses an intangibility mode built into the team costumes. Chamber defeats them all with a sonic scream.

Jubilee complains to Chamber about Night Thrasher's mysterious ways and secrets. She's considering a mutiny. Chamber sticks up for him and admits that when Thrash brought him onto the team he was about to commit suicide because of how Apocalypse had changed him. Chamber confirms that Apocalypse didn't give him powers when he changed his body.

Kaz tells Thrash about Jubes, and then Thrasher enlists him for help in a secret project meant to deceive the team. Thrash alludes to...whatever his true plans are.

We get a scene with the cops and learn some of their backstory.

comments:
Nice to have Medina back. I like his art. New costumes are mostly neat but I wish he'd adjust Angel and Beak so they're altered looks are less drastic.

Cops bore me. I wish they weren't such a big part of this book. Thrash and his secrets is kinda interesting but it's going to get old eventually.

I really kind of wish this series had started at the beginning with Thrash first forming the team. I don't like how the characters interactions are working. The battle at the beginning of this issue gives no motivations for the villains. It just starts with them fighting and that's it.

Chamber being powerless is technically a retcon and I don't like it. Clan Akkaba wouldn't have altered his body without giving him powers and it was stated that he had a omega level power signature. It just seems Grevioux wants his whole team to be depowered mutants.

This book has serious characterization issues, and structurally it's not working right, but somehow I still enjoy it. [/spoiler]

[Talavar]

It was nice to see that Karima survived, and is de-possessed.  It kinda bummed me out that she was sort of written off as a traitor by the X-men, when she was actually mind-controlled, and no one made any attempt to de-mind control her.

[Previsionary]

Some people, including you of course Prev, seem to love First Class but I can't seem to muster any interest in it. Maybe one day.

Yes, I loves me some first class. I can honestly tell you that my liking for the original 5 x-men came during my work on my X-men: Classic mod (which psychopanda got me to do...the freak) cause before that, I didn't really care too much about a few of them. That was probably around the same time I was reading the first volume of X-factor and I realized that I liked the original dynamic but I still didn't like cyclops much. Ha. It's also my only source of Jean since she's "dead" (IE: white hot room finding herself) and appears irregularly now. First Class just happens to have the original X-men + guest stars + good stories, a win/win/win for me, if you will.

Many thanks for the New Warriors review. I lost interest sometime ago and Jubilee doesn't seem to have her personality anymore. She finally ages pass highschool student (again) and the personality she's always had seemed to just disappear.

On the injuries, yes, some characters are still limping about, but a pretty big battle went on. Some of them should still be a little sore or MIA for a bit, no big deal, but really. It was just harder for me to believe with the Marauders since they all seemed to be pretty good *seconds* after the big battle.

ANYWAY: PREVIEWS!

for those that liked the skunk (or now, cat skunk) hepzibah:  http://comicsnewsi.net/g/?mode=album&album=Marvel%2FUncanny_X-Men%2F496&dispsize=800&start=0

*note: Astonishing can't come fast enough. I don't know how I should read Colossus's emotions, or lack of, regarding his lover.

secret invasion- http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=13195

*it'll eventually tie into X-factor*

and that's it. Oh, um, anyone read the cable/deadpool final issue? Seems Deadpool is getting a solo book again and my hopes on that book lasting aren't so high right now.

[Podmark]

Yeah New Warriors is getting bashed all over the place for poor characterization.

I've heard that this week's Uncanny spoils Kitty's fate.

[Talavar]

I like First Class myself, but I don't love it.  It's been nice, solid tales of the X-men's early years, but nothing beyond that really grabs me. 

[Silver Shocker]

Karima was one of my favorites of Carey's X-Men. I like that Carey plays on her history with Charles from New Excalibur: Genosha.

She was a nice change of pace from the usual stand by characters that always make the rounds on the team, that was the nice thing about Carey's team, it included some more obscure characters by way of the ladies (Lady M and Kirima) that some fans might not have been aquinted with.

Some people, including you of course Prev, seem to love First Class but I can't seem to muster any interest in it. Maybe one day.

You're not alone, I feel the same way. It's because it takes place in the past and I've always found the original 5 as a team to be REALLY boring (it took me over a year to get through Essential X-Factor vol. 1, fortunately it picked up near the end)

However all the old New Warriors stuff was a treat. I hope we see more of them in this book.

I really want to see the Loners show up, hot on the heels of thier successfull mini. I'd also love to see Firestar show up.

This book has serious characterization issues, and structurally it's not working right, but somehow I still enjoy it.

The writer does take some strong liberty with some of the characters, I also find myself liking it though for whatever reason.

Oh, um, anyone read the cable/deadpool final issue? Seems Deadpool is getting a solo book again and my hopes on that book lasting aren't so high right now.

[spoiler] Yep. I bought it. It was a perfect sendoff for the series. Deadpool earned some temperary respect from Earth's Mightiest, Cable's presence was felt, if breifly (which was actually the artist/co-writer's idea, not Fabian's. He didn't want Cable in it. He's a bit bitter right now). Agent X is losing weight apparently, so future writers could potentially bring him back to his roots.  The book was full of great bonus material for fans, like pinup pages by several of the more prominent artists who worked on the series. I frequent the Deadpool message board and fans were all very happy with it. [/spoiler]

I'm not going to buy the new Deadpool ongoing until Way leaves it or some of the Simone/Fabian supporting characters show up.

[murs47]

Oh, um, anyone read the cable/deadpool final issue? Seems Deadpool is getting a solo book again and my hopes on that book lasting aren't so high right now.

Congratulations! You managed to bring my hopes up, then quickly kill them, all in one sentence. :P

I'm not going to buy the new Deadpool ongoing until Way leaves it or some of the Simone/Fabian supporting characters show up.

Has this new series been confirmed with Way on writing duties?

[Podmark]

Has this new series been confirmed with Way on writing duties?

Yep it's confirmed.
http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.2705.Deadpool's_New_Way

[murs47]

That's good news! :D I've actually enjoyed Way's take on DP in Origins so far. Whether or not that's something I'd still enjoy after 8-12 issues is a different story. Way writes him as being actually crazy. You know, hallucinations and everything. Weird but funny still. DP's a bit more dry too, not as colorfully humorous as Nicieza writes him.

Hopefully Bob will still be a supporting cast member.
<--------- :)

[Previsionary]

I've looked at Way's wiki page and I haven't read anything on that list by him. I know Origins wasn't good, but can anyone actually name something they actually like by him (Yes, I have read at least one of his origins books, one of the deadpool issues, and I doubt I'd like to see him written like that for X # of issues)?

First class:

I realize it's not for everyone kinda like Wolverine: First Class (or Wolverine in general) won't be for everyone, but it's my fun time book since I barely have to keep up with continuity and their actions have been consistent thus far. Nothing epic or big has happened, but that also means I don't have to think much about what I'm reading to connect pieces. :P

[Talavar]

What're the details on Wolverine: First Class?  Is this what First Class is turning into (boo) or another new title?

[Previsionary]

New title and it seems to focus on Wolverine and his first teen sidekick, Kitty Pryde. The New X-men (original/giant size) may show up irregularly because we all know we need more Wolverine books! :P

IIRC, the first arc is the usual Sabretooth fights Wolverine story. I think I posted more details a few pages back. In fact, I think it comes out...March 26th along with Legacy issue 2 and X-men First Class 10.


Off-topic, but, I didn't know Hobgoblin would be in the next Amazing SPider story. I might actually tune in to that story...maybe.


* http://www.myspace.com/xmenfirstclassfanpage  <---covers of several X-related books*

[Podmark]

I've only read maybe one thing by Way, but I've never been impressed by him as a writer. I also doubt Way would use Bob or any other regular supporting characters from C&D.

Where'd you hear about the Hobgoblin Prev?

[Previsionary]

I've only read maybe one thing by Way, but I've never been impressed by him as a writer. I also doubt Way would use Bob or any other regular supporting characters from C&D.

Where'd you hear about the Hobgoblin Prev?

I was actually reading solicits and confused Amazing spider-girl with amazing spider-man...blah. Getting it either way. :P

[Silver Shocker]

LOL. Actually Spider-Girl has been pretty good lately. Hobgoblin is very cool in it (though he's actually been an active villain in the book since before the relaunch to "Amazing Spider-Girl")

Way wrote a fill-in issue of Agent X, the Venom ongoing that came out of Marvel's Tsunami line of new titles, and was the guy from the infamous Ant-Man MAX series interview.

I've heard really bad things about his Wolverine: Origins, but ironically really good things about the Deadpool arc in it.

Way has claimed he has some ideas for a supporting cast for his Deadpool book, and has said on the Cable & Deadpool message board that there is a very good chance he will have Siryn (a heavily recurring love interest in Deadpool's comics) appear.

[Previsionary]

Uncanny X-men 496:

[spoiler]Ok, the latest Uncanny issue is out and it's the only X-book I read so far. The down time issues aren't action heavy, but some questions were answered this issue. Seems Kitty maybe actually dead (no one knows for sure) and I'll assume she went out a hero (like Buffy) rather than a victim of circumstance. I'm really interested in why a certain celestial member is standing in [appropriate location] and yay for a Blob shout out. I figured he'd become as obscure as Pyro and his other friends have. NC's disguise really is interesting, to me, and it kinda reminds me of someone. Not sure who though. I am wondering why Hepzibah isn't with her latest beau and where exactly all these adventures fit in with each other. I mean, did Wolverine travel with his friends, then join X-force, then go to the middle east to track down Mystique? The boy gets around.[/spoiler]

Anyway, this issue...a stagnant 3 out of 5. I'd like a little more action, though the fight scene was nice, and the new direction needs to become more apparent in one of these books soonish. Oh...yay for a new emma hairdo.

As for spider-girl, yes, it is a good series, but Hob Goblin in Spider-man would've meant more to me as it'd mean the old villains were still running about and they were attempting to untangle some of the issues BND has hanging on it. Silly me. :P

[Zippo]

I actually really enjoyed Uncanny this week.

It wasn't action intensive at all, but I really enjoy when the more up-tight/reserved characters like Colossus and Nightcrawler get to just talk for a while. The dynamic between them and wolverine was really nice to see in this issue. They acknowledged the long history X-men has had. These guys get nearly zero downtime, so I can appreciate a few downtime issues. It does a nice job of breaking things up and makes things feel a lot more natural than the recent trends of jumping from one major event to the next that some books are going through.

[Podmark]

Skipped Uncanny but I got I read X-Force and it was just as good as the last issue. A nice twist too. I give it a 4.5/5 I didn't like the art quite as much this time around.

Did anyone get Cable? I'm waiting on reviews before giving it a shot. Might wait for a trade.

[murs47]

I find myself agreeing with Zippo. That whole segment of those three in the bar really brought a great sense of nostalgia and it was good just to see them sit and throw back a few after the MC debacle.

Cable - Fairly decent, I will definitely be picking up the next issue. The cliffhanger at the end isn't surprising at all. We all know who's going after Cable and the baby already. Hopefully Deadpool will show up soon. :lol:

[Previsionary]

No no, I think the book is good, probably one of Bru's better books as he gets to work with characters he likes, but the book also needs to make it's new direction more clear. That's a problem a few of the X-books have at the moment which is why I'm lenient on it for now. Not to mention that the timeline in the X-universe is pretty hard to figure out right now and we just came out of a crisis. It should be semi streamlined for a few issues at least, but of course wolverine had to be in 3 books + a mini and whedon's astonishing story is still going on. This makes, what, year 4?  ^_^

[Talavar]

I really liked this issue of Uncanny X-men myself.  Logan, Colossus & Nightcrawler are my favourite X-men, and too often the latter 2 are pushed into the background.  It had a lot of nostalgia, particularly with the shout-out to Blob & a reference to looking for Juggernaut in the bar.

The celestial is standing around in San Francisco due to the events of the Eternals mini Neil Gaiman wrote last year I think. 

It's too bad the issue spoiled...
[spoiler]
Kitty's apparent demise, though I'd already figured as much, since she was the only current X-men character totally absent from Messiah Complex.  My theory on her death: to save Earth from the giant super-metal bullet, she has to make the whole thing insubstantial.  The effort (they mentioned several times how difficult it is for her to phase through this metal) either kills her, or she's trapped on it as it speeds through earth & into parts unknown).
[/spoiler]

[Previsionary]

Logan #1:

Ok, let's say it...OH MY GAH, WOLVERINE...AGAIN? Yes. Another wolvie book because he's the most profitable x-man ever and marvel won't take many chances with the other X-men for obvious reasons.

[spoiler]This book mainly stays in Wolverine's past in Japan during World War 2. He meets a soldier in prison and helps him to escape. During their escape, they meet a Japanese woman who the American soldier wants to kill. Wolverine refuses and he and the soldier part ways (though the Soldier continues to keep watch on him). Wolvie and the Japanese woman apparently...share a bed. Oh...apparently he's in Hiroshima...during a certain event.[/spoiler]

Ok, it's really hard for me to like Wolvie stories because Wolverine is written so...I dunno, bad lately. Everyone tends to overdo the grit and forget that he's a smart man and he does occasionally spit wisdom to his teammates. With that said, I liked the book so far. I'll give it a 3.5. It loses points on some of the art though. Someone needs to write a wolverine book I'll hate, dannit. :P

X-force #2:

[spoiler]Rahne, rahne, rahne...listen to the man named Wolverine sometimes. Her situation in X-force seems like it'll be something to really shake up her core character. Although, I feel like her big reveal was done before...somewhere. I'll need to check. Of course, I'll just assume this is introducing the concept to new readers and I'm ok with that.

X-23, I really want to know why she's on this mission. I really hope she doesn't lose all her humanity and Young X-men can't come soon enough to help fill in some of the gaps on some of her behavior...if it even does that. Maybe Cyclops gave Laura more info than the other X-forcers...who knows. Though her thoughts, if one can call them that, are starting to become sage-esque and that worries me. Sage is one of the worse X-females I've ever seen of late.

Bastion...I want Iceman to come back and fight him. That was probably Iceman at his strongest until recently. Iceman hasn't pulled off any of the tricks he's used on Bastion in forever and a day.[/spoiler]

Overall, I give this book a 4. I'm not really keen on most of the art, but it is interesting and fits the book. I also like that this book clearly has a direction...but it is full of violence.

Cable #1:

Cable is one of those X-men I like in small dosages. I can't get behind his character, but he's so intertwined in X-history. I'll try to stay objective in my thoughts.

[spoiler]The first thing that stands out to me is the art. It looks like 3d images or photos were used for the background and a photoshop filter were run over them. Me no likey that.

Secondly, Cable really needs to find a better way to secure that baby. I just can't imagine a baby surviving in the conditions Cable is putting her in. Also, this is the second bloody X-related book. If you don't like blood, guns, or knives...skip-a-hoy, matey.

Anyway, this is a dystopia or something right? Diners aren't usually in dystopias. Unique. Also...Bishop's actions didn't make any sense, but that's just me. Not to mention...I want that metal arm to go away. [/spoiler]

This book...2.5. I've nothing more to really say about it. Oh, is it me, or did this book feel kinda short? Maybe it's just me...whatever.

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

For some spoilers, check out this link: http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=13229 . Info and pics for X-factor and Wolverine. YAY in a CAN!

Don't forget this:

Young X-men (out in april, btw): http://images.comicbookresources.com/previews/marvelcomics/youngxmen/01/Young-X-Men-Alt-Cover-Final.jpg

Sidenote: X-O Manowar is being re-released as a hard cover if any of you guys care. It was a good series initially. I urge you guys to check it out if only to know where he came from (if you only know him from the Great Hunt mod).

Another sidenote: If anyone reads Buffy...color me shocked.

[Podmark]

Don't expect Young X-Men to fill any gaps for X-23. I expect that book to be a fairly clean break.

Wolfbane's reveal was from an Excalibur issue back in the day.

And Buffy...yeah it was...interesting.

[murs47]

You know, after reading X-Force #2, Uncanny and Cable weren't really that great compared to it. It's a blood fest, but at least that's not the focal point. I'm pretty happy with the direction of this title, surprisingly.

[Previsionary]

The Last Defenders #1:

That's right, they're back and the new team is: Colossus, She-hulk, Blazing Skull, and Nighthawk

[spoiler]Starting with the art, it was average. Nothing really stood out to me except the quetzacoatl and I barely remember that at the moment. I really wasn't into this book and I only got it to see what Colossus was up to. It's nice to see that Jen and Tony are still at odds and that played a part into why she joined the team, but it doesnt seem like anyone but Nighthawk and Colossus want to be on this team anyway. Speaking of Colossus, I don't understand his purpose on the team at all. Everyone in the book comes off as bland and the conflict between Blazing Skull and Colossus just came off as forced to me. Now, I'm not a big Blazing Skull fan, so I don't know if his goofy/non-serious attitude is the norm, but he was reminding me of a badly written Iceman/human torch or even a non-4th-wall breaking Deadpool. Anyway, this book didn't hold me, but it's easy enough for new readers to jump into...well...until you get to the villains. Actually, no, it's not new reader friendly, really. Forget I said that.[/spoiler]

So overall, I go with a 2 out of 5. A lot of plots/ideas were stuffed into this issue (many villains...and it's supposedly a mini-series...), but nothing that I particularly cared about. I guess because I don't have a huge interest in half of the cast and their histories. Oh...this is the New Jersey team of the 50 states plan...this is probably team number 13 (out of 50) or so...

*note* Blazing Skull, not the Blazing Skrull...just clarifying.


I'll add the other X-related reviews later when I have time to read them...unless Podmark or someone beats me to it. :P

edited to add: Defenders Defenestrate!

[Podmark]

I think Blazing Skrull always acts like that. Haven't really read much with him but I've seen some preview pages and such and thats the impression I got.

[Previsionary]

I think Blazing Skrull always acts like that. Haven't really read much with him but I've seen some preview pages and such and thats the impression I got.

Yeah, he does. I did some quick research and realized that (missed New Invaders). However, he just wasn't written well in this issue. None of the team particularly were and it just felt awkward. Even taking into account the Invaders's general premise.

Wolverine #63:

[spoiler]Ok, it's very scary that I'm liking so many wolverine stories at one time. I expect the world to explode or something because that should never happen. Not for Wolverine! Anyway, this is a continuation of the mystique storyline. This issue was pretty fun and pretty bloody. Wolverine was shot...alot. He also cut off someone's fingers in a flashback. I'm kinda liking the Mystique/Wolverine dynamic (regardless of the retcon magic [I think] going on). It's really nice to see how sneaky Mystique can be with her shapeshifting without really having to lay a finger on anyone. Heck, she didn't use a gun or a weapon at all this issue...but she did...[go find out][/spoiler]

ANYWAY, Wolverine has slept with every woman in the X-universe, I'm convinced of this. What is it about this short, dirty little man that makes women want to be his? The world will never know.

Rating: 4 out of 5

X-factor #29:

[spoiler]Rictor and Rahne will probably have a little drama between them later on. Interesting. The fight between Siryn and Jamie was interesting because like M said, it was like an episode of Three's company because the misunderstanding arguments happened like every episode. The twist in the middle of the book really caught my attention, so I'm currently interested in what happens next. It's sad that the whole team is falling apart though, but it's expected. I'm just surprised that Jamie didn't confront Cyclops or Emma about the situation. BTW, is forge still kicking or what? No one seemed to care about him...not even Storm. *shrugs*
[/spoiler]

But yes, I enjoyed the issue and that the team stopped focusing on Rahne and Layla long enough to do a mission, forced or not. Also, Spider-man shout out. I give it a 3.5 out of 5. The extra points come from the re-emergence of a villain that I haven't seen in awhile.

New Exiles #3:

Ok, um...what's there to say.

[spoiler]Well, this issue focused on sabretooth, Psylocke, Rogue, and the alternate Gambit, alternate Sue, and alternate Namor again. Yes, these three without the other exile members actually make the book tolerable, but not by much. This issue features mind control. You might be thinking, "of course," but there's a twist. Sabretooth and Psylocke are immune to it. WOW... Anyway, somewhere in there, Rogue calls Gambit "G" again, Sabretooth kisses Psylocke, and the three fight the lame Bloodforce with members including, don't laugh, Bloodwitch, Blackdog, Sandstorm, Iron Maiden, etc. Oh, Black Panther is an actual african female this time around and Ororo and her lover, Wolverine, hate her or whatever. oh, Mystiq (male mystique) is still missing or something. I don't know...I don't even know his powers yet. I'll just assume he shapeshifts and leave it there.[/spoiler]

My problems with Exiles lately is that no matter how hard I try, I can't get into the book. Even reading/browsing it at the store feels like a chore because it feels so ridiculous. Psylocke hasn't used her teke powers in a very long time now and I don't even know if she has them anymore. There's interesting things here and there, like why Rogue is so afraid of flying and wants to hide, but it's not enough to really hook anyone that doesn't like claremont's work (see letter pages). Speaking of the letter pages...I've never laughed at an exiles book like that in a long time. Thank you letter page writers for your undying love of claremont and your blatant lies that you clearly do not see. I will treasure it for a few more seconds and then it will be purged along with psylocke from the recesses of my mind.

Ranting over...I give it a 2.5 or whatever. Does it matter? You're not reading it.