by Alan Rapp on May 2, 2013
in Comics
After their successful trip to the Jean Grey School School for Higher Learning, Cyclops, Magneto, and Emma Frost return to settle in their new recruits (Angel and the Stepford Sisters) and deal with Magik‘s bizarre episode in which she momentarily lost control of her powers and was dragged into Limbo by Dormammu who wants control of the realm. The only thing saves her is the reemergence of her Darkchilde persona.
For those unfamiliar with Magik and the source of her powers (and maybe even for those who know the character well) this new storyline seems like an odd shift in focus from the comic’s original arc. On the plus side the issue has some great character interactions including Cyclops doing his best to reassure Magik, and Angel’s on-the-nose comment about Magneto.
Magik’s inclusion on the team troubled me because I knew storylines like this were a very good possibility. Now with the entire team trapped in Limbo that’s where the comic seems headed for at least the next full issue. For fans.
[Marvel, $3.99]
by Alan Rapp on April 19, 2013
in Comics
With the Avengers temporarily out of picture halfway around the world, Cyclops and his team head to the Jean Grey School for Girls where he, Magneto, Emma Frost, and Magik make a pitch to the students. Although they might not get as many new recruits as Cyclops had hoped, the mission is far from a total loss as they do return home with Angel, and the Stepford Sisters (who decide to return with Emma even after engaging in a little psychic warfare with their “mother”).
While the grown-ups are out recruiting, Fabio Medina, Triage, Benjamin Deeds, and Tempus get to know each other a little better, check out their new digs, learn all about the Danger Room when they accidentally activate the program, and speculate whether or not they have made the right choice joining Cyclops’ team. These scenes are quite fun.
Meanwhile, Magik begins experiencing troubles of her own as she is pulled through hell and back setting up what I can only assume will be the focus of the next issue (or two).
[click to continue…]
by Alan Rapp on March 30, 2013
in Comics
Poker is the name of the game in this latest issue of A+X. We’re given two stories, each involving an Avenger and X-Man sitting down for a friendly game of cards.
The first story features Wolverine and Captain Marvel and is primarily of interest for the side conversation (inspired by Joss Whedon‘s Angel TV-series) concerning who would win in a fight between astronauts and cavemen. The fight, intermixed with other topics between the two, goes on through the entire story and doesn’t even stop when a super-villain bursts through the wall looking for a fight. My only real complaint with this first story is the art from Italian artists Giuseppe Camuncoli and Michele Benevento which is passable, but not great.
The second story, although not nearly as entertaining, also features two heroes winding up at a poker game as the Yancy Street friends of Ben Grimm invite Gambit, over for the weekly poker game. There’s some okay back-and-forth between the characters and late twist, but it’s the less interesting of the two stories. Worth a look.
[Marvel, $3.99]
by Alan Rapp on March 18, 2013
in Comics
by Alan Rapp on March 6, 2013
in Comics
Before teasing us the huge conflict on the horizon for Scott Summers and his new band of X-Men, the latest issue of Uncanny X-Men takes a step back and deals on the relationships inside the new Charles Xavier’s School for Mutants, particularly that of Cyclops and Emma Frost.
Issue #2 catches us up on the state of Cyclops and Emma’s strained relationship after the fallout of AvX that left both unable to fully control their powers. Although still able to project her thoughts, often without meaning to, Emma’s ability to read other’s minds has not returned. Although no longer romantically involved, it’s obvious the two still care for each other and if Cyclops’ new version of the X-Men is going to work he’s going to have to rely heavily on his former flame.
We also get learn a little more about a couple of Cyclops’ new recruits: Fabio Medina and Tempus (whose wish to see her family send the group back to Australia and, thanks to Magneto‘s betrayal, right into the path of the Avengers). Worth a look.
[Marvel, $3.99]
by Alan Rapp on February 20, 2013
in Comics
The new volume of Uncanny X-Men quickly gets readers up to speed on the fallout of AvX and the current state of Cyclops and his team of renegade X-Men. Told entirely from the perspective of a member of Cyclops’ team to S.H.I.E.L.D.‘s Maria Hill, writer Brian Michael Bendis gives us an inside look at Scott’s new role and growing popularity to those outside the United States Government.
Cyclops has been busy rebuilding a new group of soldiers which already includes a healer, a sorcerer, and a woman who is learning to control time to go along with Emma Frost and Magneto. We also learn that the Phoenix was rather unkind to those who it took over. Cyclops has lost the ability to control his optic blast and Magneto’s powers are diminished.
Although I think most of the art of Chris Bachalo is fine, my only real complaint is with the redesign of so many classic characters’ costumes. Magneto’s is my least favorite. In terms of story Uncanny X-Men is all that you could hope in giving readers a new story, setting up the players, and then (in a relatively easy to figure out twist) see where Bendis plans to take the story. Best of the week.
[Marvel, $3.99]
Sideshow Collectibles is now selling a 22in. Psylocke Premium Format Figure complete with samurai sword and psychic blade. The limited edition figure can be yours for the low, low price of $300.
Okay, the 90′s was the best decade in terms of costumes for many comic book characters. However, the 10in. Danger Room Sessions Cyclops Fine Art Statue from Kotobukiya International captures an exception to that rule with one of my favorite versions of Cyclops‘ costumes over the years. Available for pre-order, it can be yours for the low, low price of $220.
