The X-Men Cometh!
Credits: Howard Mackie (writer), Carey Nord (penciler), Andrew Pepoy (inker), Gina Going (colors), Chris Eliopoulos (letters)
Summary: Magneto and Polaris rescue Havok from the Sentinels, but they’re soon drawn into another fight with a new breed of Sentinels designed by Reed Richards and imbued with demons by the Goblin Queen. Nimrod also materializes and joins the fight. The tide begins to turn when the X-Men suddenly arrive.
“That’s Crazy Because They’re Different”: Along with Magneto and Polaris, the X-Men consist of Nightcrawler, Rogue, Mystique, and Quicksilver. Nightcrawler has a new costume but seems to be fundamentally the same. Rogue wears Ms. Marvel’s costume and has Colossus’ armored skin. Mystique appears as a giant monster. Quicksilver is covered in a bizarre armor.
Better Than X-Factor?:
I suppose, if only because this is a straightforward action story that isn’t hinting at various conspiracies or vague future events.
It would be charitable to say this makes perfect sense, though.
Apparently, Reed Richards
isn’t being brainwashed by the Goblin Queen, which is certainly an odd characterization choice.
Havok also seems incredulous that Magneto is a hero on this world, ignoring the fact that Magneto did reform on his earth and was even chosen by Professor Xavier to run his school during his absence.
We also have another example of Mackie misusing Mystique’s powers, although there could be an explanation for this reality’s Mystique’s new abilities.
The only alternate reality twist in the issue I enjoyed was the revelation that Polaris is discreetly powering up Magneto, who’s weakened after an outer space battle.
And, perhaps, Mackie can do something with Havok and this new Polaris’ relationship.
Pretty much anything would have to be an improvement over the way Mackie handled it in
X-Factor.
“That’s Crazy Because They’re Different”
ReplyDeleteI always read that with an exclamation point at the end ;)
I just read this, and it's one of the worst comics I've ever read in terms of both dialogue and story.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like the arrival of Magneto has suddenly affected everyone's speech patterns, including Havok's: "It is the presence of these two which is forcing me to question reality" (granted that's in a thought bubble, so at least he didn't say it out loud).
Would've been nice if some explanation was given for why Magneto and Polaris have to run away from the new Sentinels after destroying the old ones easily; presumably it's because the robots have demons in them, but it's never said. Seems like they barely try to fight them. If you're going to write a story around a father and daughter with incredible magnetic powers, this should really be addressed.
And at this point in the story, it would be nice to finally have some explanation of the Goblin Queen's ultimate goal. Should we just assume it's world domination? I didn't like that she says Havok is the one man who keeps interfering with her plans. He goes on the offensive once (twice if you count the annual, but Mackie doesn't seem to know it exists), but in this latest case, she attacks him because she wants Scotty--so Scotty is part of her plans? And why not explain why she still can't find him? It's all so terribly unlikely.
This book is better than the solo Storm. It's better than All new X-Men also. I enjoyed the whole series and have no complain what so ever. Seing Magneto and Polaris together was an enjoyment to me.
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