X-TREME X-MEN #21 REVIEW

[Brian Wilkinson]

<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/xtxmen21.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/xtxmen21t.jpg" align=left alt="X-Treme X-Men #21"></a> Reviewer: Brian E. Wilkinson, bewilkinson@yahoo.ca
Quick Rating: Good
Story Title: Broken Faith

Naked in Time’s Square?!? You could be arrested for that...

Written by: Chris Claremont
Art by: Salvador Larroca
Colors by: Liquid!
Letters by: Tom Orzechowski
Assistant Editor: Nova Ren Suma
Editors: Andrew Lis & Mike Raicht
Supervising Editor: Mike Marts
Editor In Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas

The one thing, or at least ONE of the things that I’m really enjoying about X-Treme X-Men right now is that I don’t have any firm idea of what’s about to happen.

Not that I normally do, mind you. Just that right now writer Chris Claremont has managed to craft an interesting and original story, and make it convincingly and excitingly revolve around a main cast of three.

No Gambit, no Rogue, no Thunderbird. Just Storm, Bishop, and Sage. Of course, throw New X-Men cast members Emma Frost, Charles Xavier, and Wolverine in and you’ve got quite an interesting supporting cast.

What’s really got my attention, however, isn’t so much that Bishop and Sage are acting like X-Cops, or that the story involves an 11 year-old boy as a suspect, but the ongoing political tension between the two factions of X-Men.

Emma Frost, for all intents and purposes in this issue, is right. The X-Treme X-Men aren’t really a part of the ‘dream’ right now. They operate away from the school, independently, and other than friendships and past affiliation, really have nothing to do with the X-Men. It doesn’t make it right that Emma is so cruel and calculating, but that’s just in her nature.

Oddly, what really bothered me was that Storm went to Xavier for help. Of course he stepped in to do something, but it was her hesitation that really has me worried. Even Wolverine mentions that Xavier might be crazy, and that it isn’t “the first time,” but something deeper than that concerns me.

I suppose it’s my overall unrest with the wheelings and dealings of the other two core X-Men books. Everything is moving so quickly, and the style and approach of the X-Men is so different that I’m not sure what to think. From a comic reader’s perspective, the safe bet is to stay with X-Treme X-Men to get the classic stories that we’re used to. The new millennium audience in the meanwhile is meant to try out the ‘stories of today’ in the other books. Yet many of the people of ‘today’ have the same fears and concerns over our world leaders and the choices they make. When they read comics, they want to escape the turbulence and find refuge in the acts of heroism. Maybe I’m reading too much into these books, but it’s almost as if Storm is rejecting the new take on the X-Men because it isn’t how things were supposed to be.

Xavier for his part is adapting. I don’t know if there is something wrong with him or not, but I used to read him as a father figure, and now I find him more intimidating that Wolverine. He seems to have lost that quality that made him a kind and gentle person. Again, I might be reading too much into things.

The rest of the issue doesn’t really push the plot much further ahead. Bishop and Sage recover from an embarrassing… ‘relocation’ to New York and fight a dragon. Don’t worry, it makes sense and is quite an enjoyable scene. Wolverine and Storm push to help her recover all that much faster, and Emma Frost decides that maybe it’s worth investigating the young teleporters past.

It seems as though Claremont is making Sage the focus of this arc. Her past, and her assocation with a man named Elias Bogan, are taking center stage. Exactly who Bogan is, and how Sage got the marks on her face, are both looking to be revealed soon. Claremont has deftly created a moving and engaging mystery with this arc, and I’m really eager to get my hands on the next issue.

A question I’d like answered is just how deep Wolverine’s involvement with this series is. He’s featured in the May previews as being on the cover of X-Treme X-Men #25 and seems to be playing a larger than expected role in this series. I figured he might be around for an issue or two for support, but it looks like he’s now playing triple duty in the X-Books. I’m not complaining, mind you, as Claremont is using Logan FAR more than either Austen or Morrison in the other books. Not only that, but Claremont is using him right.

It makes sense for Logan to be in this book. After all, his methods fit in with the X-Treme X-Men more than the other books, and his sense of duty compels him to be with Storm at a time when she needs him the most. This is one of the first times in recent years I’ve felt a book has just logically made sense in its casting. Good for you, Mr. Claremont.

An odd complaint I have to make is in Claremont’s creation of another group of young mutants living at the mansion. While that works just fine for this arc, it seems like a waste of effort to create characters that will likely not get used in the other two books. Jeffrey Garrett is fine, but the four or five others will just disappear. At least that’s what I’m assuming. I’ve been wrong before.

Salvador Larroca is incredible. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. In fact, there really is nothing else that I can add to describe him. Each month, without fail, Larroca is here to take this book to the next level. His attention to detail, his emotional expression, and his ability to interpret Claremont’s script are all flawless. As long as he’s doing the art for this book, I have no complaints whatsoever. I pity the fool that has to take his reigns!

X-Treme X-Men has all the ingredients of a fantastic books. It has a few stumbles here and there like any good comic, but overall Claremont and Larroca manage to capture the look and feeling fans want from the X-Men while making it relevant for today’s audience.

I suggest you go and pick it up.

ART:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxnone.jpg

STORY:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxhalf.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxnone.jpg

OVERALL:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxhalf.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxnone.jpg


Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics and save! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=51&cat=X%2DSTATIX+%28X%2DFORCE%29)

[anthomaniac1023]

I didn't like it. The plots aren't the best we've ever seen, the dialogue didn't sound real and wasn't absorbing, and it just didn't entertain me. I decided to give this new direction a try and preordered the next two issues, but after this I might not read them.

[BenedictX]

I like Claremont's student cast too, and I have hopes they might actually be used in the New Mutants book that's coming up.

I also liked the Dragon-Lady lawyer, and the two human cops that helped out Bishop and Sage. This book is THE book that is working toward human-mutant integration. I would grant though the New and Uncanny teams have seen the dream evolve in directions that might not actually be good things, that this book, and Storm in particular, are following what they consider the TRUE dream. It's an interesting ideological debate, and one I hope to see expanded upon. At last there is a reason for three books, besides, of course, Marvel's need for sales.

BenX

[Silverbolt]

Dang it! I still havent gotten it but I will later today....finally :D.

But eithe way great review :D.....how can i say this? well u never fail to capture it dude.


X-Treme X-Men Rules!



Rictor

[Chris Claremont]

Originally posted by Brian E. Wilkinson
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/xtxmen21.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/xtxmen21t.jpg" align=left alt="X-Treme X-Men #21"></a> Reviewer: Brian E. Wilkinson, bewilkinson@yahoo.ca
Quick Rating: Good
Story Title: Broken Faith

Naked in Time’s Square?!? You could be arrested for that…

Written by: Chris Claremont
Art by: Salvador Larroca
Colors by: Liquid!
Letters by: Tom Orzechowski
Assistant Editor: Nova Ren Suma
Editors: Andrew Lis & Mike Raicht
Supervising Editor: Mike Marts
Editor In Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas

The one thing, or at least ONE of the things that I’m really enjoying about X-Treme X-Men right now is that I don’t have any firm idea of what’s about to happen.

Not that I normally do, mind you. Just that right now writer Chris Claremont has managed to craft an interesting and original story, and make it convincingly and excitingly revolve around a main cast of three.

No Gambit, no Rogue, no Thunderbird. Just Storm, Bishop, and Sage. Of course, throw New X-Men cast members Emma Frost, Charles Xavier, and Wolverine in and you’ve got quite an interesting supporting cast.

What’s really got my attention, however, isn’t so much that Bishop and Sage are acting like X-Cops, or that the story involves an 11 year-old boy as a suspect, but the ongoing political tension between the two factions of X-Men.

Emma Frost, for all intents and purposes in this issue, is right. The X-Treme X-Men aren’t really a part of the ‘dream’ right now. They operate away from the school, independently, and other than friendships and past affiliation, really have nothing to do with the X-Men. It doesn’t make it right that Emma is so cruel and calculating, but that’s just in her nature.

Oddly, what really bothered me was that Storm went to Xavier for help. Of course he stepped in to do something, but it was her hesitation that really has me worried. Even Wolverine mentions that Xavier might be crazy, and that it isn’t “the first time,” but something deeper than that concerns me.

I suppose it’s my overall unrest with the wheelings and dealings of the other two core X-Men books. Everything is moving so fastly, and the style and approach of the X-Men is so different that I’m not sure what to think. From a comic reader’s perspective, the safe bet is to stay with X-Treme X-Men to get the classic stories that we’re used to. The new millennium audience in the meanwhile is meant to try out the ‘stories of today’ in the other books. Yet many of the people of ‘today’ have the same fears and concerns over our world leaders and the choices they make. When they read comics, they want to escape the turbulence and find refuge in the acts of heroism. Maybe I’m reading too much into these books, but it’s almost as if Storm is rejecting the new take on the X-Men because it isn’t how things were supposed to be.

Xavier for his part is adapting. I don’t know if there is something wrong with him or not, but I used to read him as a father figure, and now I find him more intimidating that Wolverine. He seems to have lost that quality that made him a kind and gentle person. Again, I might be reading too much into things.

The rest of the issue doesn’t really push the plot much further ahead. Bishop and Sage recover from an embarrassing… ‘relocation’ to New York and fight a dragon. Don’t worry, it makes sense and is quite an enjoyable scene. Wolverine and Storm push to help her recover all that much faster, and Emma Frost decides that maybe it’s worth investigating the young teleporters past.

It seems as though Claremont is making Sage the focus of this arc. Her past, and her assocation with a man named Elias Bogan, are taking center stage. Exactly who Bogan is, and how Sage got the marks on her face, are both looking to be revealed soon. Claremont has deftly created a moving and engaging mystery with this arc, and I’m really eager to get my hands on the next issue.

A question I’d like answered is just how deep Wolverine’s involvement with this series is. He’s featured in the May previews as being on the cover of X-Treme X-Men #25 and seems to be playing a larger than expected role in this series. I figured he might be around for an issue or two for support, but it looks like he’s now playing triple duty in the X-Books. I’m not complaining, mind you, as Claremont is using Logan FAR more than either Austen or Morrison in the other books. Not only that, but Claremont is using him right.

It makes sense for Logan to be in this book. After all, his methods fit in with the X-Treme X-Men more than the other books, and his sense of duty compels him to be with Storm at a time when she needs him the most. This is one of the first times in recent years I’ve felt a book has just logically made sense in its casting. Good for you, Mr. Claremont.

An odd complaint I have to make is in Claremont’s creation of another group of young mutants living at the mansion. While that works just fine for this arc, it seems like a waste of effort to create characters that will likely not get used in the other two books. Jeffrey Garrett is fine, but the four or five others will just disappear. At least that’s what I’m assuming. I’ve been wrong before.

Salvador Larroca is incredible. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. In fact, there really is nothing else that I can add to describe him. Each month, without fail, Larroca is here to take this book to the next level. His attention to detail, his emotional expression, and his ability to interpret Claremont’s script are all flawless. As long as he’s doing the art for this book, I have no complaints whatsoever. I pity the fool that has to take his reigns!

X-Treme X-Men has all the ingredients of a fantastic books. It has a few stumbles here and there like any good comic, but overall Claremont and Larroca manage to capture the look and feeling fans want from the X-Men while making it relevant for today’s audience.

I suggest you go and pick it up.

ART:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxnone.jpg

STORY:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxhalf.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxnone.jpg

OVERALL:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxfull.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxhalf.jpghttp://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/reviews/xxnone.jpg


Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics and save! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=51&cat=X%2DSTATIX+%28X%2DFORCE%29)

Dear Brian:

Only "good"? My heart, she breaks! :( :( :(

Publishers make determinations about their books based on their own perceptions and needs; resources are allocated according to that perceived need. Quite frankly, I'll stack "X-treme" up against either of its two companion books. In this instance it's very much a case of, "you pay yer $, you make yer choice." Regardless of which way you go, I submit you'll get full value for that investment of time and money, and then some.

As for why we created a whole new group of students for the school, purely for convenience. For reasons which the current arc in "New" makes abundantly clear, using some of Grant's characters was not practicable; same applies for "Uncanny." We don't all produce books at the same pace, we're not always current on the appropriate reference, we occasionally get blind-sided by events beyond our control (for example, "Schism" was originally meant to run from October to January; my original chronology had us beginning "Intifada" right about now, which given the current world situation would have been a little too timely for comfort.) Given those parameters, the far easier course is to create some students of our own, to play with whenever the book returned to the Mansion, so we don't step on any oher books' toes. Given Salva's artistic brilliance, he came up with some great-looking kids. Would I like to use them again, you bet! But in point of fact, I can say that about scores of characters I've created or shaped in this Canon over the years.

As for keeping Logan in "X-treme" -- don't get me started. :) But also don't get your hopes up. Do as do, enjoy the visit.

Cordially,
Chris Claremont

[Brian Wilkinson]

It's a very STRONG good! The only reason I let it stay lower was that the plot revealed key elements, but doesn't push things over the edge yet.

Besides, you know I love this book! I'll buy it forever as long as you keep writing it.

[Silverbolt]

Originally posted by Brian E. Wilkinson
It's a very STRONG good! The only reason I let it stay lower was that the plot revealed key elements, but doesn't push things over the edge yet.

Besides, you know I love this book! I'll buy it forever as long as you keep writing it.


Your not alone there Brian :D. Same here.
Although as I said above I cant really comment as I have not gotten it yet, but I can say I have not been disapointed yet.


Rictor

[POW]

I personally didn't like the whole Dragon-Lady part of this issue but it could just be a set-up for a future arc so I am holding my breath on that one. The last few pages of this issue really intrigued me and Elias Bogan making himself known without actually being seen on any of the previous issues is clever writing from Mr. Claremont. The art was spectacular as usual! Good job people!

POW!

[Marrowgrrl]

Originally posted by anthomaniac1023
I didn't like it. The plots aren't the best we've ever seen, the dialogue didn't sound real and wasn't absorbing, and it just didn't entertain me. I decided to give this new direction a try and preordered the next two issues, but after this I might not read them.

So why doncha tell us how ya really feel? Me? I thought the issue wasn't too bad, although the Bogan stuff made my head spin a few times, since it didn't seem that clear to me on my first read. Also, it was good to see Xavier and Storm try and admonish Emma for her behavior last isue, itdoesn't make itlook like the "new" team are snobs, although Storm is still her regal self (any chance of us getting a break from HER for awhile? I think the only time I've ever really liked Storm was dring the mohawk days).

As for the dragon part, I thought was fun, and seeing Bishop in action wearing of all things, a Spice Girls t-shrt, was amusing. Anyone else get Morlock flashbacks from the dragonlady? I did.

Oh, and Antho, sorry if I came out as a little Harsh, I was just surprised you din't give that many specific examples other than "I didn't like the dialogue"

[rutog98]

Originally posted by Chris Claremont
Dear Brian:

Only "good"? My heart, she breaks! :( :( :(


Don't feel bad. I thought the book was fantastic! Your issues get better and better. I can't wait for the next issue. Thanks!

[Tan K.]

Excellent review, Brian. I forgot about Emma lowering the XXM's status within the X-Men. I also really have to agree with you about the feel of Xavier. I felt the same thing, but you put it into the proper words. It will be interesting to see Xavier in the coming times.

I was suprised to see "Good" as well especially since this is one of the best issue (of course I say that each month). Actually, I thnk it may prove to be a good reset on past quick ratings especially with the highly expected GLMK II arc. I assume you are leaving room to differentiate.

As for the students, like GM I think to go along with the advancement of the x-franchise past the regular same old powers, the writers are creatively creating new ones. I think the new students are vessels and tools for fun and experimentation. Artistic-Eye candy of sorts. If someone gets picked up in the process, all the better.

The weakest part of the book was the dragon, which wasn't weak at all. That translates into this being a strong issue.

Logan in X-Treme! Logan in X-Treme! Logan in X-Treme!

[spinarakboi]

Well I thought the the whole dragon lady was interesting and the concept about this triggered mutation thing could be and might be used again.... I don't know if that has been around before but i've never heard of something like that so I was interested. This is still my favorite of the core book although being one who LOVED Invasion from Dimension X.... I'm still waiting for something as epic and as interesting as that. This detective thing is well slightly confusing me... mainly because i have to wait a month to get more of the story unless i go back and reread the old issues which i dont' ususally do.

[Tan K.]

Originally posted by spinarakboi
Well I thought the the whole dragon lady was interesting and the concept about this triggered mutation thing could be and might be used again.... I don't know if that has been around before but i've never heard of something like that so I was interested. This is still my favorite of the core book although being one who LOVED Invasion from Dimension X.... I'm still waiting for something as epic and as interesting as that. This detective thing is well slightly confusing me... mainly because i have to wait a month to get more of the story unless i go back and reread the old issues which i dont' ususally do.
I loved the Invasion arc too. However, the next XXM issue comes out on the 5th or something. never fear, Spinky. The next issue is near. Just want to clarify that I liked the dragon. I was saying that ....oh never mind.

[cajunpirate]

I read it last night, and while I thought I wouldn't care for it (no Gambit or Rogue), I actually found it interesting. I like Bishop & Storm, but I'm really not into Sage (maybe I'm just too into the 90's X-Men). I'm looking forward to Gambit & Rogue re-joining, hopefully very soon.

As for X-treme, it's the only Marvel book I buy any more. The other books have just gone off into a different direction, and I've never cared for that 'cartoony, manga style' of artwork. X-treme is the only book that keeps me going back to the comic shop.

I'm looking forward to the next issue. The story has me intrigued, and, as always, the artwork and colors are tops.

My dream X-treme team: Storm, Gambit, Rogue, Bishop (my favorite 4), plus Psylocke & Colossus

And could somebody make a dang Gambit smilie already!?!

[NicholasRogue]

Well I liked this issue, I thought that the mutant lawyer made good tension b/n the detectives and in the end they came to her side and she stood up for mutants but was willing to take the punishment even though she commited no crime. I really thought Sage and Bishop were hilarious this issue, everyone complains about wordiness, maybe its just me but I read comics like books and I don't think its wordy at all. Nice to see Logan and Storm keep their close relationship, I think Sal draws Logan the best, I agree Brian I do think Xavier has lost his gentle appearance and personality. I don't like him now, but then again I was never fond of the character b/c I always thought the X-Men worked fine without him. Can't wait till Rogue comes back! Cho!

[VisageOfBravery]

Did anyone notice that when Emma was 'ported off of campus it didn't effect her X-uni? Her coat came off, but it still ended up in the water with her. What's that all about?

From the trend of the story I was starting to believe that he could only transport biological matter... then again, leather would fall under that class, sort of, wouldn't it?

[NicholasRogue]

Maybe her uni as you put it is stuck to her body alot more than we think! Lol Think JLO in the green dress she used tape!:D

[Chris Claremont]

Originally posted by VisageOfBravery
Did anyone notice that when Emma was 'ported off of campus it didn't effect her X-uni? Her coat came off, but it still ended up in the water with her. What's that all about?

From the trend of the story I was starting to believe that he could only transport biological matter... then again, leather would fall under that class, sort of, wouldn't it?

Dear Visage:

The coat (and her boots) didn't come off, she dumped them as soon as she realized where she was. After all, you ever try swimming while wearing a full-length leather coat and platform thigh boots? :)

As far as why he didn't transport her naked -- be real! :) This is Emma Frost we're talking about here. The former White Queen of the Hellfire Club. And whatever else he is, Jeffrey is still a fourteen year old boy with at leasta modicum of common sense. Would *you* intentionally do anything to make "Auntie Emma" cross? I mean, imagine what's about to happen to dear old Quentin Quire. :) !

Cordially,
Chris Claremont

[Kevin Woodside]

This was a great issue. Nice to see things happening that could shake up the X-Men. I'm loving this title!

~W~

[Zachary J. Morrison]

Great review, Brian ;) I really enjoyed reading this issue and it had alot of action going on. I can't wait for more issues to come after this.

[Negasonic Warhead]

This was the first issue of X-Treme X-Men I fully enjoyed in a long time. I like the way Chris Claremont writes Emma Frost, and I'm always happy to see more Sage. :)

Can't wait to see how this turns out.

[dredweezul]

I thought that it was a strong issue...ya know, from a writers pov, it is really hard to deliver perfection 24/7...some things are epiphany, others are just story...I am still unsure about the beastie that the women turned into type of thing, it was a bit over the top ,but it was over all a good tale...AND it was CREEPY!
I love that Emma is getting so much attention in the book...but with the way that Salv draws her and Chris writes her, it would be criminal NOT to have her as a main player.;)

[Silverbolt]

Yes........Finally got it and as I said before I was not disapointed. I loved it all. And the dragon thing was cool :D. Plus the Stormy goodness was great just loved it all. But I get the feeling that just as Storm is afraid of Emma (pffft like she really would?), I feel Emma is everybit as afraid of Storm as well. How can I tell? Well she seemed to get a little too concerned over Storm towards the end. Like she was afraid that Storm would laugh in her face when Emma's action fail on her.

Loved it loved loved it.


Rictor

[Dragon]

Did i mention Emma looks Sexy the way Sal draws her. The plot is thinkening who or what ever this Bogan is, it appears to have be how Sage got her weird tattoos on her face. I'm really intrested in see how things will continue form here.

[NicholasRogue]

Love how you write Sage and Emma CC can't wait for a big confrontation b/n those 2

[Benjamin Ong]

I'll DEFINITELY pick up the next arc, GLMKII! But I'll still check out this arc. Last one I bought was issue #4 and the Annual. One thing's for sure, Salva's one of the greatest artists today (second only to Mark Bagley) and Chris is one writer I respect a lot! But I guess my reading tastes have changed after titles like Ellis' Stormwatch, The Authority, Powers, The Ultimates, etc.

[Northstarfan]

Did anyone notice the shout out to Joss Whedon. And Salvador slipped Buffy herself in as the female police detective. Who, though, is the male detective supposed to be? He looks vaguely familiar...
It was great to see Sage take out the dragon, by analyzing the creature's weak spot. She seemed awfully quick to want to kill it. Is this ruthlessness going to be trouble for the X-Men in the future, or is this a quality they need to embrace in order to survive? This question is one the X-Men have often grappled with, under Claremont's reign, and it is always compelling. I'm glad Bishop could provide a counterpoint and show Sage a better way.
Gripping cliff-hanger with beautiful artwork as always, and also gorgeous use of color.
In this days of "Are You Hot" I have to point out that I've never seen a sexier Wolverine than Larroca's drawn him since he's been around to help the X-Treme Team recuperate.
Good review, but I would rate this issue a Great, with promising developments in the near future.

[Wolverine]

Great issue! Claremont... youve done it again!

[NicholasRogue]

Originally posted by Northstarfan
Did anyone notice the shout out to Joss Whedon. And Salvador slipped Buffy herself in as the female police detective. Who, though, is the male detective supposed to be? He looks vaguely familiar...
It was great to see Sage take out the dragon, by analyzing the creature's weak spot. She seemed awfully quick to want to kill it. Is this ruthlessness going to be trouble for the X-Men in the future, or is this a quality they need to embrace in order to survive? This question is one the X-Men have often grappled with, under Claremont's reign, and it is always compelling. I'm glad Bishop could provide a counterpoint and show Sage a better way.
Gripping cliff-hanger with beautiful artwork as always, and also gorgeous use of color.
In this days of "Are You Hot" I have to point out that I've never seen a sexier Wolverine than Larroca's drawn him since he's been around to help the X-Treme Team recuperate.
Good review, but I would rate this issue a Great, with promising developments in the near future.

That was suppossed to be Buffy?

[Tan K.]

Originally posted by Northstarfan
Did anyone notice the shout out to Joss Whedon. And Salvador slipped Buffy herself in as the female police detective. Who, though, is the male detective supposed to be? He looks vaguely familiar...


It was great to see Sage take out the dragon, by analyzing the creature's weak spot. She seemed awfully quick to want to kill it. Is this ruthlessness going to be trouble for the X-Men in the future, or is this a quality they need to embrace in order to survive? This question is one the X-Men have often grappled with, under Claremont's reign, and it is always compelling. I'm glad Bishop could provide a counterpoint and show Sage a better way.


How do you know it is supposed to be SMGellar? I guess I can kinda see the similarities. If the blond was her, then the other guy kinda looks like Freddie Prinze Jr.....kinda.

I totally agree with you on the point about Sage's quick to finish it off attitude.

[Alex Guillen]

I'm glad to see more interaction between new and X-treme but I always tought X-treme was well off without Logan and now he seems to bea regular or recurring at least. CC really paid more attention to other characters during the first #19 issue and well it seems he's taken the easy way out and put Logan in the book, well it isn't bad but he should be focusiing on other characters. I like him playing around with Elias Bogan and Sage's past, there's a skeleton in her closet that's for sure.
Well areally strong issue all around and I wasn't bothered too much with Dragon Lady, and I especially liked that scene where Bishop and Sge show up naked in Times Square, really funny :LOL:
And I can't go before I mention Salvador's art, he's really improving and that's just the tip of the iceberg with him, he's a real talent.

[Justin Braddock]

Nice review, tho I thought the issue was GREAT!!!!

Yeah that totally looks like Buffy when she's (the cop) first shown.

I like how CC and Salva slip in little things like that. I'd like to see the 'Charmed' sisters next. :love:

CC and Salva rock!!!

[russbrett77]

Brian,

I'm sorry to say I was disappointed with your review. It's not so much what you said, but what you didn't say. THere were many points of discussion that could have been picked from this issue, and you barely touched the surface.

I look forward to your reviews almost as much as I look forward to the issues'. So it's quite difficult for me to write this. Usually I read the issue, draw my own conclusions about the book, read your review, and then be forced to re-evaluate my opinion. Sadly, I found your review for this issue lacking (perhaps Eric is working you too hard :D ).

I guess even you have your limits. Keep up the great work though.

[australianreaver]

Originally posted by Rictor
Plus the Stormy goodness was great just loved it all. But I get the feeling that just as Storm is afraid of Emma (pffft like she really would?), I feel Emma is everybit as afraid of Storm as well. How can I tell? Well she seemed to get a little too concerned over Storm towards the end. Like she was afraid that Storm would laugh in her face when Emma's action fail on her.

I thought the idea that Storm is afraid of Emma was understandable based on their history, but I thought referencing a story from as far back as 1981 was taboo these days at Marvel? :)

[Beyerstein]

If the other writers get to share Logan, Claremont might as well get to use him too.

Austen has had him pop out of nowhere in Uncanny so what's the point? He definitely seems more in place with the X-Treme team.

[Radiate]

Way i see it is that Austen is using Xavier as the father figure.BUt Xtreme and New,well they do have him rather intimidating more in New than Xtreme.I jsut really like to see the X-treme team clasing over New's approach over thins.I hope CC and GM sit down and talk about where they're going with this....

RADIATE!

[CornerDemon]

This is one of the arcs I've been looking forward to the most, seeing as how I agree with just about everything the X-Treme team is saying. I really liked Storm's reluctance to call on Xavier, and Wolverine's comments (so far, this is the only series that's had a Wolvie appearance make sense. No offense to the other writers, but why have him there if he's just going to get taken out in 30 seconds or less?). I also like the focus on Bishop and Sage. They make an excellent team, and they're the two characters who I think had the least amount of time in the last arc. Emma is wonderful, as always, and I couldn't be happier with her showing here.
I can't wait for this arc to really peak. This is an issue that I think has been waiting in the wings for a while and should be brought more to the front. I like the discussion of ideologies, especially whether or not Xavier and the other two teams have begun to reinterpret the dream that started the X-Men.
I'm eager to here what everyone else on the board thinks about it all.
Salva's art is always impressive, and I especially enjoy the fact that he manages to make the guys look as equally attractive as the ladies. I can't get enough of this guy!
-CD

[Tan K.]

Originally posted by kotsin
I'm glad to see more interaction between new and X-treme but I always tought X-treme was well off without Logan and now he seems to bea regular or recurring at least. CC really paid more attention to other characters during the first #19 issue and well it seems he's taken the easy way out and put Logan in the book, well it isn't bad but he should be focusiing on other characters.

I don't understand how it is takig the easy way out. The relationship and interaction between Storm and Logan is one of the best in comics. It is a shame that we have not had the opportunity to read it for such a long time. I haven't felt that Sage or Bishop have been hurt by Logan's four panels. All of the characters so far have all gotten great camera time and characterization including Emma and Jeffrey.


Originally posted by australianreaver


I thought the idea that Storm is afraid of Emma was understandable based on their history, but I thought referencing a story from as far back as 1981 was taboo these days at Marvel? :)

Yeah, but as CC used to be able to do during his first run, he always finds a way to utilize continuity without making the knowledge of what happened a necessity. That is Marvel's mistake. They think continuity is what made the x-men so bogged down. The problem was that the writers themselves didn't know how to use it. A vague, non-referencing line like what Emma used is something a new reader would just read through and figure their has been interaction between the two characters. Long-time readers will know what the reference is. During his first run, CC utilized coninuity perfectly and he continued to build readership to the half million mark. If the man knows how to use continuity for the gem that it is, let him.

[australianreaver]

Originally posted by Tan K.
A vague, non-referencing line like what Emma used is something a new reader would just read through and figure their has been interaction between the two characters. Long-time readers will know what the reference is. During his first run, CC utilized coninuity perfectly and he continued to build readership to the half million mark. If the man knows how to use continuity for the gem that it is, let him.

I agree, it doesn't need a footnote that it occured in Uncanny #15whatever but it's a nice reference to X-Men's history for long time fans. I just hope CC can keep doing slipping stuff like that in. X-Treme is the only core X-Men book that makes an effort to reference the past or other titles and I'm all for it.

[CmX]

I couldn't wait to get this in the mail, so I ran to the mall and picked up a beat-up copy. :D

First the cover is WOW....Salvador!! Your amazing. :yes:

The story was pretty good! I like how the murder kid can't really control his powers, and seeing Emma take the spotlight was great. I'm very curious to see who Bogan is and why their eyes bleed, and how it was permantely left on Sage's face. Well Wednesday is only a day away! Literally! :excited:

[MrHymes01]

This issue didn't do much for me. Actually I kind of disliked it. Now we have another super villian named Bogan. Hmm.... I'll just have to see where this leads. The plot was seeming to thicken until this point so we'll see what happens.

[Rogue1969]

Originally posted by MrHymes01
This issue didn't do much for me. Actually I kind of disliked it. Now we have another super villian named Bogan. Hmm.... I'll just have to see where this leads. The plot was seeming to thicken until this point so we'll see what happens.

Funny enough I like the fact that CC brings in new villians. There should always be a few (note the word few) villians who keep coming back for good strong valid reasons - and that they are enough of a threat/powerful enough that it is believeable that they can also make their escapes. Mr. Sinister can make sense because he rarely engages in the direct battle - he sends his minions out to do his bidding - thus his minions get caught and Sinister lives to wreak havoc another day. Mags, was another, though he would engage in battle his power was strong enough to believe that while he might limp away defeated, he could still escape. (Though I feel Mags was cheated of this specialness a few time in his illustrious run as a general thought I still think he applies).

The interesting thing with CC's villians though is that they are rarely one dimensional. Even with characters such as Vargas. Was/Is Vargas truly 'evil' or was he someone who so strongly believes in things like destiny (no pun intended) that he is led by his beliefs to act in a manner beyond his normal personality. It is even possible that if he believed in 'fate' strongly enough that his attacking the X-Men was - in his mind at least - an act of defense. Also, if (as I believe we were shown/insinuated) Vargas had engaged in acts of violence before based on things he had seen/interpretted in Destiny's books - he may truly have felt he could defeat 'fate'. Anyhow, now that Rogue didn't kill him and threw pretty much everything Vargas believed/convinced himself of out the window there is a question of how will this affect how he is in the future. Evil, neutral, good, some mix of all. Who knows? Only CC. :p

Anyway, there are and should be 'Johnny come-lately' villians out there that are either no match for the team or could be extremely powerful but have never run afoul of the X-Team before. It adds some spice to when the heavy hitters come back after recouping their losses. :D

Personally, I'd like to see a couple of totally inept villians come in for an issue or two just to lighten things up. For the to see how completely out of their own league they are and take it from there. Sort of like Andrew, Jonathan and Warren from Buffy in the beginning - they were a riot of ineptitude, who wanted to be bigger than they were, didn't know how to achieve what they wanted, and when they actually could achieve it, couldn't handle the power that went with it.

So, I'll look forward to these new villians of CC's and wait to see what he does with them both now and in the future. That's the other thing we can generally say about CC - he knows how and when to bring a character back from limbo.

[MrHymes01]

ROUGe1969

I can agree with that. I just get tired of seeing filler villians with about as much bite as a gumless infant. I'll reserve my judgement until I see what this "villian" is al about. Besides if Sage is nervous then I guess he has something a little extra to offer than the average run of the mill villian. :)

[Radius]

emma was such a little bitch to storm because she thinks that she can walk all over her! I can't wait til storm gives the little wretch what she deserves!
NO ONE MESSES WITH THE WINDRIDER! :mad: :storm: :mad: :#

[Dantez]

Well....sometimes things are just not what you expect.

Having read the X-Men (by Chris of course) for most of my life I wasn't sure about the whole new directions.

New was and is interesting...but only in terms of concepts and new angles and plots. Character wise and emotionally it still feels very clinical and detached to me, like most of Morrison's work.

Uncanny has been very much shifting in directions since the overhaul as well as creative teams and the series suffered for it. The fact that most characters are second stringers to me and most of those directions just amazingly bland I actually dropped it. The art now looking like manga, I'm not coming back anytime soon.

And then there is Xtreme, done by Chris himself. Good stuff, good and dependable artist (means he not only actually sticks around for more than 3 issues in a row, but *gasp* draws the ENTIRE series. Other artists take note. Thanks) But I still felt something was missing.
I honestly don't know why. I really felt and still do that Chris had to get back into the x-swing of things in the beginning. It was also obvious he was doing just that as the series progressed.

Big arcs like the Kahn thing had their weak points but were overall well handled and had excellent pay off as well as lasting consequences for the characters.

Still would have liked to have seen more Gambit (during the Kahn thing he mostly lay around helplessly) since Chris does him so well and he has been written so badly by so many. But it was indeed time to let some other characters shine.

I like Bishop but never particularly needed to see him in the limelight that much. I was curious about Sage though. There's a character filled with possibillities...

Still the current arc felt like an 'in-betweener' to me. A little story that allowed these two characters to have some spotlight time before we go back to the 'real' stuff.

But last issue was nice. I always like a mystery and this seemed a good one. And then there was Emma written by Chris. Been a while. Been overdue.

And now this issue.

It was good. I really really enjoyed it. There was great plot building, or at least great INTRIGUE building around the plot. And it had characterisation that really showed the characters' insides yet didn't bring the plot to a hault.
It even included the overall X-world's status as how the groups relate to each other, uaing the changes made in the other series yet sticking to it's own individual core.

Charles, Logan, Emma...Please let's have more of them in here! It felt good...they felt right. Emma's true to her vicious nature as well as to her more hidden desire to teach and protect.

And Logan....did Grant even WANT him in his New team? He hardly uses him at all. As for uncanny....can't bring himself to care. Brian is right, Logan is perfectly suited for the Xtreme team given his character and nature. Plus Sal draws him very well. Very Logan yet very realistically.
(Now please could we NOT give him the beatnik beard?? Whose idea was that anyway??)

The last few pages were very strong....Emma slipping, Charles' trying to reach her as we realise something;s wrong. Tessa watching both without either knowing. And then this Bogan. Elias is it? And we don't know him from the past? He must be a force to be reckoned with if he snatches Emma so easily.

And my biggest shame...I never noticed that the blood from the eyes resembles Tessa's (Allright Sage, whatever. She's still Tessa to me) marks. I was surprised to be so drawn in and surprised with what I thought was a short filler arc.

Love it when I'm wrong in this fashion!