CREDIT: Marvel Comics
Rating: 4/5 – Bachalo and Bendis Continue Their Wonderful Collaboration.
by ComicSpectrum senior reviewer Shawn Hoklas.
As the Last Will and Testament storyline continues in Uncanny X-Men, the action heats with the X-team going up against an Omega level threat mutant named Matthew Malloy. In previous issues, She-Hulk has been reading the will of the X-Men and one of the major parts of the story is Professor X’s involvement wit a mutant he deemed too powerful to leave unattended. With the Professor’s death in the Avengers vs. X-Men event that mutant has since found his powers.
Writer Brian Michael Bendis continues his tradition of strong dialogue in this issue as much of it is spent with Cyclops trying to befriend the new and powerful mutant. That becomes a challenge when both Magneto and Magik interrupt his talks. Bendis writes some wonderfully scripted scenes especially with Magneto that shows just how different he and Cyclops’ views can be from their friend and teacher Xavier. It’s quick banter that flows nicely, and with a wonderful opening guest appearance by Dr. Strange that has the same quality of fantastic verbal exchange, this issue was a joy to read. And, as always, artist Chris Bachalo’s art is fantastic, despite the large number of inkers. From a heavily detailed room in the Sanctum Sanctorum, to a half page splash of the attractive yet dangerous Magik, Bachalo continues his fine run on this title. There are times where the art looks different depending on the inker, but it never looks bad.
One of Bendis’ main themes since taking over the X-Men books has been time travel and we get more of that here. Time travel tends to complicate things, but Bendis has proven that he’s more than capable of simplifying the complicated with the big ideas he introduces to the reader. From art to story to the large cast of characters involved, Uncanny X-Men continues to be one of my favorite Marvel books and this is another example of why. In addition, if you haven’t read the Uncanny X-Men Annual starring Eva Bell (Tempest), I’d recommend you do so not only for the great story, but it looks as though she’ll be playing an important part in what happens next. Things look as though they’re about to get a lot more complicated next issue with a final splash page that will have you wondering what comes next, and I can’t wait.
Reviewed by: Shawn Hoklas
(shawn@comicspectrum.com)
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