UNCANNY X-MEN #423 REVIEW

[Al Harahap]

<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/uxmen423.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/uxmen423t.jpg" align=left alt="Uncanny X-Men #423"></a>Reviewer: Al Harahap, alharahap@xfan.cjb.net
Quick Rating: Below Average
Story Title: Holy War part 1 of 2

The Church of Humanity makes a shocking statement to the X-Men. Also, a revelation surrounding Nightcrawler confuses the team. But what connection has it to the Church of Humanity?

Writer: Chuck Austen
Penciller: Ron Garney
Inker: Morales, Nelson, & Green
Colourist: J.D. Smith
Letters: Chris Eliopoulos
Cover Artist: Phillip Tan
Associate Editor: Mike Raicht
Editor: Marc Marts
Editor-in-Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas

WARNING: The following review contains minor spoilers (minimised, limited discussion of two major spoilers).

I really, really wanted Uncanny X-Men #423 to be an issue I could use to convert my non-comic-reader friends. But I’m afraid I just can’t do that. As the assigned 25 cents issue coming right out of the opening of the X2 movie, this issue just isn’t as accessible as it could be. But even if it weren’t the issue designed to snag new readers, it still has far too much going on.

Scribe Chuck Austen’s choice of concept behind the Holy War story arc is a great one. A faction of bigoted humans, in this case the Church of Humanity, hell bent on eradicating mutants in the name of a god and religion, never fails to be engaging. Artist Ron Garney then assists with a time-spanding prologue, with such scenes from the Holy Crusades to Nazi Europe, advocating what is to be the issue’s main theme. These snippets of history containing strong images of violence, war, and death are useful to constantly remind the readers in the back of their head as to what Holy War is all about.

Flowing right out of those scenes, we find a modern equivalent for our beloved X-Men. The splash page, with X-Men looking on at crucified mutants, is a powerful image that instantly ingrains itself into the readers’ minds. The perspective used here by Garney, from behind the X-Men, aptly synchronises the reader into the X-Men’s shock. That, coupled with the horizontal tilt angle of the scene to add to the direness of the situation, truly makes this an unforgettable image. And the accompaniment of a Bible verse stresses the “holy war” nature of the situation even more. Austen’s choice of Deuteronomy 7:14 is a peculiar one because it says nothing of monsters, demons, or any sort of evil beings, which would have been the obvious choice. Rather, it is Moses’ insistent warning to follow a one true god and not any other gods, lest we face undesirable consequences. I actually find Austen’s choice refreshing as it suggests the Church of Humanity’s twisted view of the X-Men and mutants in general. ”Do not follow other gods” suggests that mutants are the creation of “another god” since the Bible’s god is not too friendly with the concept of evolution – and this corresponds with the sign hung around the neck of Skin (a.k.a. Angelo Espinosa). Or it could also suggest that the Church of Humanity views mutants as false gods because of their inhuman powers and abilities. ”The anger of the Lord your God would be kindled against you and he would destroy you from the face of the earth” is another appropriate excerpt because it justifies the Church of Humanity’s resort to violence against mutants. Conversely, if we slap the Bible verse onto the X-Men’s perspective – or to be more specific, Nightcrawler’s (a.k.a. Kurt Wagner) – it suggests that the Bible’s god wouldn’t do such hurtful things to these mutants and that the false god is the one to whom the Church of Humanity worship. Make of the Bible verse what you will; it’s a fun inclusion regardless.

The above prologue and opening scene makes for a solid foundation for Holy War. However, I find the main theme and its impact lost throughout the rest of this issue, mainly because there’re just too many strong subplots going on at the same time. Garney’s art adequately lends itself to the flow of Austen’s plot. But I’m just not feeling the crucial scenes where emotions are supposed to come right out. Again, I think that because so much is going on, that a scene just doesn’t stand out when it’s supposed to. The reversion to more colourful costumes rears its ugly head and also hurts this story arc. The saving grace is that Morales et al’s dark and heavy inks in appropriate scenes still allow for the desired mood.

At the center of this story arc seems to be Nightcrawler and the problem of his recent almost-schizophrenic personality. We find out that his priesthood and ordainment has only been happening in his mind all along. This could be an interesting revelation and mystery. And it does finally lend some clues as to what the Supreme Pontiff has been doing to manipulate Nightcrawler. However, I can also understand how some people may see it as a copout as an easy retcon to escape Nightcrawler’s messy priesthood subplot. But this has also affected Nightcrawler in other ways – i.e. his personality, his confidence, his sense of humour, and so on. And leading from that is the intense power struggle – or rather, non-struggle – between Nightcrawler and “overall” X-Men field leader, Cyclops (a.k.a. Scott Summers). First, the two disagree on how to handle the crucifixion situation on the Institute’s front lawn. I find their motives to be inconsistent and as if they’ve done a switcheroo of principals. Cyclops is the rigid by-the-book man who would keep the mutants on the crosses for the authorities, while Nightcrawler would be the more compassionate of the two who didn’t give a damn and would convince the others to take them down. Not the other way around, as is portrayed. Later on, Cyclops pressures Nightcrawler into accepting his responsibility as leader of the “Uncanny team,” while Nightcrawler is content in sharing such responsibility with Archangel (a.k.a. Warren Worthington III). I actually find Austen’s holier-than-thou speech by Cyclops to be appropriate, no matter how annoying it is, it’s still within his character to say such things. However, the leadership of the “Uncanny team” has been a mess since scribe Joe Casey’s run, and hopefully Austen can utilise Cyclops’ lecture to Nightcrawler as the start of something concrete.

Joining Cyclops in his guest-starring stint is wife, Phoenix (a.k.a. Jean Grey). While I see Cyclops’ role in this issue as necessary to sort out the leadership problems, I fail to grasp any redeeming qualities of Phoenix’s guest-role other than being another familiar face off the screen of X2. Please don’t let there be a scene next issue where a falling Nightcrawler is telekinetically levitated by Phoenix in the church they’re in right now. In fact, her presence poses more problems than it adds to the story. In New X-Men, scribe Grant Morrison treats the Phoenix Force with delicate allusion and ambivalence. It’s very symbolic and prophetic more than anything tangible (at least so far). But here, the Phoenix Force makes a big splash in plot points, narratively, in the convenient identification of blood traces to be mutant blood, and also visually, in its blatantly taking full shape when she rips the floor open with none of her fellow X-Men reacting to it at all, which is inconsistent to how the Phoenix Force is perceived. Perhaps the comparison is critical, but if a complex main character from another title is going to be used, I expect him/her to be consistent. I feel the same way about the recent Emma Frost guest-star in X-Treme X-Men, and the current Bishop and Sage guest-star in New X-Men. The level of inter-swapping of characters between the core X-titles is exciting to me as a fanboy, but disturbs me as an observer as it alarmingly threatens consistency. But I digress…

Another thing I find confusing is Archangel’s recently discovered healing powers. Ok, so he’s trying to save these lives by having his blood pumped out of him into them. But why isn’t it working? Because of something they don’t understand yet about these new powers? Because there’s not enough of his healing blood to go around? Because the Church of Humanity victims are beyond healing? It’s unclear.

I loved the death in this issue. I’m an avid supporter of character death and retirement as a form of progression in comics. In this regard, I applaud Austen for having the gaul to kill off this character. Granted, it would be nice if more of the old, tired characters would die (and stay dead), instead of the newer ones who still have untapped potential. But I just don’t understand the outcry of: “Death is just being used as a plot device to make the antagonist more dangerous and threatening!” Well… yeah… that’s the point. And sorry if it’s a character you loved, but it happens. The only problem I have with this particular death is in its execution (no pun intended), because obviously, people are uncertain of its validity. But I would say that the silent panel where the team has their heads bowed down and their faces inked darker is confirmation. Sorry.

The strong presence of all the above subplots inevitably shifts the focus from the main theme of Holy War. Why is Nightcrawler having delusions? Has Cyclops beat some sense into him? What’s up with Jean Grey and the Phoenix Force? What was wrong with Warren’s healing powers? Is the death in this issue supposed to be dramatic or was it purposefully downplayed to make a point? It’s unclear. The Chamber-Husk-Archangel triangle is brought up, with no apparent development. Wolverine and Jubilee have a touching reunion. Chamber, Husk, Jubilee, and Skin have a touching reunion. Magma is around, but no one cares. And Iceman still insists on wearing that purple trenchcoat that is totally wrong for him. Phew. The only thing not brought forth is the Polaris-Havok-Nurse Annie triangle. And this is with the absence of regulars Professor X, Northstar, and Juggernaut. I shudder to think what might’ve come up were they present.

At the core of this problem is the staggering amount of characters. Of all the X-books, Uncanny X-Men has the most characters in its regular cast. And to add even more characters as guest-stars is just overwhelming, especially for new readers. Subplots, no matter how many, have always been integral to X-Men continuity. But here, there are far too many going on at the same time, and too looming, that they just overshadow what could otherwise be an excellent story arc.

ART:
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STORY:
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OVERALL:
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Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics and save! (http://x-worldcomics.com/yourvirtualstore/shopdisplaycategories.asp?id=36&cat=UNCANNY+X%2DMEN+)

[ReaperFett]

Well, this converted me. I'm now going to get Uncanny on order. The art was a lot better than previous, and I thought it was a great opener to a two parter, and Ive bugged a few non comic readers to give it a try. 4.5/5 for me :D

[Negasonic Warhead]

This is probably the last issue of Uncanny I'll be buying (until a new creative team comes on). There's just so much I find wrong with Austen's writing. It's become too much of a soap opera. And two love triangles in one book is too much for me. Plus, Garney's art is bland, and not to my liking. Oh well; this title had lots of potential in the beginning of Austen's run.

[Mr. Brootz]

I disagree with the review. This issue made me happy with what Austen did in the past few issues, and now I'm really excited about Uncanny again. About 2-3 issues ago I was getting really irritated by how some characters were handled. Though I do wish Northstar was around right now, and Polaris got the shaft by being sent to the back of the church. But all in all I am happy.

This is one of my favorite post-Casey issues, if not my favorite.

[Airhead]

I also disagree!
I would have given it a 4 out of 5!
I think Chuck is a much better writer than Casey!
He's at least taking care of this stupid Church of Humanity thing that Casey left unanswered!
And he's brought back cool charactors like Polaris, Havok, Juggy, and Northstar!
I missed them a lot!
And Ron's art is much better than Kia's!
(at least I think so!)
Sure the art looks cartoon-y some times but it's not that bad!
And the best part of this issue was........
......it was 25 cents!
:p
Saved some money in my wallet!:D
-Airhead

[NicholasRogue]

I didn't like the artwork at all, and I agree there was way too much going on here. I felt Cyclops was an ass, but then Nightcrawler was way too pasive. The opening scene was shocking yet who were the other mutants hanging there, there was Skin, Jubilee, Magma- who I thought was Polaris for a second because her hair looked green, Jesse Bedlam, and 2 or 3 other mutants that I have no idea who they are. It would have been nice to see some clarification on that. Again I agree with the review that they are way too many characters, As much as I love Jean I don't think she needs to be in here, nor does Cyclops. Was I the only one that found Havok's comments to Kurt about being a priest rude, and I'm sorry as a Catholic I don't regularily quote scriptures, I'm not saying some Catholics don't do this, but I found this to be more prevalent with Baptists(no offence) than Catholics, that kinda just bugged me a little, plus Havok's new costume which looked really cool drawn by Phil Tan just looks silly drawn by Garney. Paige seemed to be a brat, I mean what really was she going to do sitting there with Archangel, I don't know she just seemed childish, when he asked her to go to the team meeting that she just smacked in his face, "C'mon Jono", Polaris's costume- ugh! and in the intro before the wonderful scenes of other Holy Wars, what's up with saying Havok's in love with Annie know, I know he's kinda turned on to her maybe for saving his life, but there wasn't any real indication that he's in love with her, although with the way that Lorna's been acting I could see why his relationship with her would deteriorate. I liked the Jubilee and Wolverine interaction and her lines, they were appropriate to her character. I hope Jubilee stays on the team and the other X-Men guest stars stay on their own book. Where were Juggernaut and Northstar? And is it just me or does the last panel look exactly like Mutant 143, Jason Strker from X2 This issue had alot of problems with it, maybe if the artwork wasn't so bad I could've liked it more, but I'm sorry.

[Black mamba]

chuck i know what ur capable of and this just isn't it jean making a joke while a bunch of her students lay bleeding on a cross to death seems a little odd to me. nightcrawler not teleporting the victums out off the cross seemed wierd to me also. the whole team not knowing kurt was a priest i mean the whole time he was wearing a priest coller and talking about his priestly duties how could they not know?:? skin though i'm not a fan had a pretty pathetic death jeez hes been gone for 5yrs he returns only to be killed without saying a word is just a diss to the fans. if marvel has a sudden need to kill people they should start with the original x-men and not characters who have barely even gotten a chance to develope. also i too agree spriteguy i found alex to be quite rude with his comments about kurt being a priest i don't know much about him so is that in character of him? also annies comment about girls love a man who can kiss was stupid and childish u can just tell she has a drawer filled with romance novels.

[Anthony Cordova]

Originally posted by Al Harahap


I support character death, as well. I'm especially happy about the two established characters who died, Bedlam because he annoyed me with his whining and Skin because he was a complete stereotype. Barrio, indeed.

The strong presence of all the above subplots inevitably shifts the focus from the main theme of Holy War. Why is Nightcrawler having delusions? Has Cyclops beat some sense into him? What’s up with Jean Grey and the Phoenix Force? What was wrong with Warren’s healing powers? Is the death in this issue supposed to be dramatic or was it purposefully downplayed to make a point? It’s unclear. The Chamber-Husk-Archangel triangle is brought up, with no apparent development. Wolverine and Jubilee have a touching reunion. Chamber, Husk, Jubilee, and Skin have a touching reunion. Magma is around, but no one cares. And Iceman still insists on wearing that purple trenchcoat that is totally wrong for him. Phew. The only thing not brought forth is the Polaris-Havok-Nurse Annie triangle. And this is with the absence of regulars Professor X, Northstar, and Juggernaut. I shudder to think what might’ve come up were they present. At the core of this problem is the staggering amount of characters. Of all the X-books, [b]Uncanny X-Men has the most characters in its regular cast. And to add even more characters as guest-stars is just overwhelming, especially for new readers. Subplots, no matter how many, have always been integral to X-Men continuity. But here, there are far too many going on at the same time, and too looming, that they just overshadow what could otherwise be an excellent storyarc.

You know, I really liked this issue when I bought it, but the more I read it, the bigger the problems get. Which is weird, because usually its the reverse for me. Oh well. Great review, Al.

[Zachary J. Morrison]

Great review, Al. And I agree, I think. This was good, but not good enough. The segment with Jean trying to get Annie to come outside was good, but I somewhat didn't like seeing Jean having her hair up instead of it being out. I do hope the next issue will be better than this one.

[Bry Katz]

Good review. I've been enjoying Uncanny X-Men pretty much strictly for the character development, though I feel the plots are pretty weak. This time, though, I'm treated to a pretty strong plot, but an overwhelming amount of characters and subplots. I think Chuck needs to simplify the title and find his direction before he bites off this many guest stars and subplots. As is, it's becoming a confusing mess.

The art was awful. I've never been a big fan of Garney's, but his earlier work was hands-down better than this. From body size to hair length to uniforms, Garney's art is unreliable and erratic. Why is it that Nightcrawler's new uniform looks completely different every time Garney draws it? He takes Logan's rather-cool new uniform and makes it look like a lame spandex nightmare. His portrayal of the New X-Men duds are pretty weak, too. Everything and everybody look two-dimensional and plastic. I can't stress how much I hate the art. Incredibly lazy and sloppy work from Garney and colourist JD Smith. Somebody, please get them away from this title until they decide they can put out some half-way professional work. :help:

I'm really hoping next issue is better than this. For 40-cents Canadian, this was worth the money. Next month? I'm gonna need something a bit more solid.

[Twilight]

I can stomach the death of a hero if its told in stories that rock (ie. the deaths of the original Captain Marvel or the Phoenix entity, heck, even the death or 1/5 of the cuckoos!), but the powers-that-be running the X titles have gotten out of control in recent months using these senseless deaths to excuse the poor story lines theyve been drudging up. Lately, they stooped to alluding to someone's death (ie. Risque) but the opening scene in this issue just annoyed and disturbed me. They would never have shown a horrid scene like this without explaining how it occured, or why any of these mutants were at the school in the first place. Absolutely senseless and a lousy story at that. Risque. Colossus. Psylocke. Maggott. Sunpyre. Darkstar. Radius. The White Queen. I didnt love all these characters, but c'mon! At least have the courtesy to keep them in character limbo until a future creative team with better ideas has something interesting to do with said characters. It takes years to develop a character to the point that readers care. Im sick of this nonsense of killing characters. This doesnt happen in other Marvel titles. The point Im trying to make is that I used to enjoy what was going to happen next. Now I sit there and wonder, OKAY who's going to get the axe next?! Id rather see these characters used effectively than dug up from the grave to star in yet another alternate universe title.

[Michael Fisch]

I keep hoping for Austen to get better, but each issue leaves me further in doubt. I think he's got great ideas but the execution seems off. Which is odd because I know he can do better, as seen in The Call and Captain America. Maybe those stories have more focused plots while here there is too much going on as many have said. To me, the problem isn't in having too many people around, since both Claremont and Morrison, as well as the past writers over in Avengers, have shown an ability to juggle a large cast effectively. Chuck seems to try to have too much going on all at once. As a result, we only see the highs and lows of each development where a more experienced writer would show us the subtleties that would pack a more emotional response. Austen just doesn't give himself enough time to show the details of each relationship he has going. As a result, we see Warren and Paige getting along fine one issue to Warren shutting her out the next without any reason as to why he got to that point. Another problem is in his characterizations....he just doesn't seem to understand these characters, with Nightcrawller, Polaris, and Iceman suffering the most. I realize he's trying to do something with all three here, but that doesn't mean he should portray them in a way that clearly defys their past characterizations. Lorna may be crazy now, I can buy that...but she's a professional archeologist. She would never express disgust at seeing bones at a dig, it'd be old hat for her. Too many times Austen portrays the characters in inappropriate or immature ways, such as Jean in this issue at the beginning and Havok's degrading comments to Kurt (and likewise Kurt's acceptance of those comments), which was the part of the story I had the biggest problem with. Add to that his weird obsession with his characters and nakedness...we've seen instances or conversations with Havok/Annie, Paige/Angel, Stacy/Nightcrawller....does anybody else notice this trend?

How on earth did someone cruicfy a half dozen or so mutants on the X-Men's front lawn without someone noticing or tripping some alarm? What happened to the mansion's defenses?

As far as the art goes....I'm sorry, I'm not a Garney fan. I love the art over in Xtreme (even with Igor) and New (especially with Phil Jiminez), and I really want to love it here. At least with Kia it was a fresh take, an experiment....that didn't work out. I miss artists like Churchill, Van Scriver, and Bachalo. Why doesn't someone see what Arthur Adams has been up to these days?
All in all, Chuck Austen is a talented writer with interesting plots. But he's pumping out the most issues than any other of the core X-Books, and he should be able to afford to take the storylines at a slower pace.

[GuyX]

Good review Al, I agreed with everything you said expect your bit on the death...but thats a discussion that need not begin anew until i have time to correctly collect my thoughts and write an organized analysis to submit to the forum.


Ps. I agree on what you said about this not converting new readers...my friends who knew nothing about X-men but loved the movie were just confused when I showed them this and politly turned down my request on reading any other comics...they all really disliked he way Nightcrawler was written in particular.

[spinarakboi]

I agree. The issue was certainly not for new readers it relied completely on past continuity and was just a big old mess. I really didn't like this but it was okay for 25 cents.. but normally Austen is much better in my opinion so I'm still on bored. I'd give this a 2/5

[DeadmanWade]

I have to say bedlam and magma's appearances were pointless and did nothing for the story. You dont even know its magma till annie gets her to drink something. Skins death i guess i can count as meaningful but not Bedlam
A small comment by husk like "Thats Bedlam he was on X-Force with my Brother Sam"
I could barely tell it was Bedlam. And had to go on the boards and confirm it was him by reading some posts. My point is these could have been completly new charcters and had just as much meaning for new readers which is what this issue was directed at. I wouldnt say it was below average. It just failed in its purpose. If i was a new reader i wouldnt care about Skin or bedlams death. because i would have no idea who either of them is. The only charcter that I would have reconized would have been jubes.
Polairis's new costume that Kia designed defiently doesnt work with Garneys style it just looks awkward. I didnt hate this issue the more and more i read it over again i start to like certain elements of the book less. The Deaths seem like they could have been any mutant and have the same value. The Art by Garney isnt up to par. Hopefully Philip tan takes over as full time regular artist. And they send Garney over to another book.
Austen write some charcters very well but others can be down right annoying (Annie). Don't get me wrong He has Written Angel very good. Northstar has been a welcome adidition to the team when he appears. Juggernaut has been given a great amount of depth under Austen's pen. Chamber has been written surpisingly well under Austen considering that austen dumped him at the start of his run and stated many times he didnt get the charcter.
I dont think Jean was written badly i just think she was put into the story pointlessly. It just seemed like there could have been any other charcter in her place. Maybe her role in part two is of this arc is more importantly.
I think this issue could be one of those issues that is more a lead in to something really good. Or atleast i hope.

[DiamondPaladinX]

Now for m' input. This issue was overall alright. Not the grandest in the run of Austen; but none the matter, on a decent level. The omnipotence of soap-opera and hidden subplots do need to be freshened out, correctly, before this leads to a mess of an ending.

Course, the good parts was the useage and concept of "Holy War" used throughout the issue. Austen was able to make it not a "God Loves, Man Kills"-clone. Plus, Garney had...some good moments, namely the opening scene, and the panel of sorrow over the fallen amigo. Yet, Garney seems to be lower in quality ever since #410. In a odd way, it seems have more tan to it...perhaps for Tan coming aboard and, hopefully, replacing him as regular artist, since the only reason Garney is drawing at the moment is to show he's still with UXM for some odd reason.

Overall, not too shabby at all. We'll just have to see the results of both this arc, and all those dang subplots.

[thewrite1]

I really enjoyed this issue. All right, it was implausible for the mutants to be found in the X-Men's front lawn. Okay, the discussion about whether to leave the mutants hanging for 'evidence' was a bit redundant - since our first and only instinct would be to get them off. But, I really enjoyed myself. So none of that seemed to matter. It may not be a good jumping on point for newcomers but I loved it. The power play between Kurt and Scott was interesting, and the relationship between Logan and Jubilee was certainly touching. Annie's comments about Chamber seemed in character, and I'm waiting for Jono to seduce her now! The whole illusion of priesthood was an interesting concept and the choice of scriptures was well-placed and added to the story (when it could so easily have hindered the development as narration so often does). Plenty of dialogue to keep up the pace. I liked it.

[ReaperFett]

I agree. The issue was certainly not for new readers it relied completely on past continuity
This was the first time I had read about a fair few of the characters, and I got on fine.

[Wolverine]

Great issue but can I just ask who died. I didn't notice anyone. also I can't believe that the whole Father Whitney plot was a dream. its almost like that bobby erwing thing from Dallas

[Black mamba]

is it just me or is this whole death thing getting a tad hmmmm boring and unoriginal so far characters are being killed left and right and after so many deaths i've become desensitised to it. i keep thinking each characters gonna die each issue and distance myself away from them trying not to get too attached for fear of losing them. which is why i stick to the money making characters like storm and rogue theres no way marvel has the guts to kill them off unless there intrested in losing millions. i don't understand how the mutants could have gotten crucified the mutants crucified are no push overs i dought some gun toting religious guys would take them out. i think chuck better find a reasonable explanation as to why someone with the power to create volcanoes and somone who can create explosive fireworks strong enough to blow up a house were taken down by a bunch of freaks in cloaks. . and why was annie screaming when jean was talking to her telepathicly i thought she was use to it after the dozens of times charles yells in his x-mens heads.

[DeadmanWade]

Annies Comment about Chamber made me Like him more and Hate her even more. Maybe that was Austens point. Because Chamber has always been the freak with his face blown off.

[ReaperFett]

Annie isn't an X-Men members though, she's "normal". Maybe she's never been called before?

[SQUIRREL-GIRL]

yeah
i saw bedlem,jubes magma and skin
but who else was there?
who died?
skin?
is that it ....help!

[DeadmanWade]

Originally posted by SQUIRREL-GIRL
yeah
i saw bedlem,jubes magma and skin
but who else was there?
who died?
skin?
is that it ....help!

I think the white hairy Dude Was Chewbacca's second cousin

[gideonpryde]

Well first of all, Skin was the unlucky winner of the death award.

Overall, I thought the review was a bit harsh. I enjoyed the story, except for two things:

a) Garney's art is not doing the X-Men justice...It's almost something I would expect to see doing a cartoon adaptation. Luckily Tan is on the way.

b) Ummm....Nightcrawler quit as leader of the team and suddenly he is being forced back into the position. I dunno...seemed a bit forced.

Well thats my two cents

[Anthony Cordova]

Originally posted by gideonpryde

b) Ummm....Nightcrawler quit as leader of the team and suddenly he is being forced back into the position. I dunno...seemed a bit forced.

I thought that was the highlight of the issue - I thought that showed Scott being a *great* friend. Kurt is capable of leading the X-Men - he proved that in Exaclibur. Scott knows that, and realizes Kurt is shirking from his responsibilities and potential, for no discernible reason. So he keeps on pushing, until finally they get to the bottom of the problem - Kurt's mind being tampered with. Scott's character was spot-on, not the mopey character in New (which is also spot on, but differently). Great stuff in that scene, and proof Austen's strength is in character development.

[William Reverend Stryker]

R.I.P Skin, he was a personal favorit of mine:(
Jubilee should've been killed off!:mad:

[Black mamba]

Originally posted by ReaperFett
Annie isn't an X-Men members though, she's &quot;normal&quot;. Maybe she's never been called before?


yes she has in an early issue of uncanny paige was talking to annie and charles contacted both annie and paige telepathicly and she freaked out.

[DeadmanWade]

Originally posted by Dragonspawn01


I thought that was the highlight of the issue - I thought that showed Scott being a *great* friend. Kurt is capable of leading the X-Men - he proved that in Exaclibur. Scott knows that, and realizes Kurt is shirking from his responsibilities and potential, for no discernible reason. So he keeps on pushing, until finally they get to the bottom of the problem - Kurt's mind being tampered with. Scott's character was spot-on, not the mopey character in New (which is also spot on, but differently). Great stuff in that scene, and proof Austen's strength is in character development.

i got to agree that part of the issue was a highlight for me i forgot to mention it because the death part is the main thing you think about when thinking about this issue is all the death

[cityof02]

it got a bad review so what, what do you expect for twenty five cents

[Dragon]

I though the issue was great, Yes it sucked we lost another X charater with Skin's death, but it was a really good start to a new storyline and we got the returns of JUBILEE i give it a 4/5

[Black mamba]

Originally posted by cityof02
it got a bad review so what, what do you expect for twenty five cents

he has a point. :yes:

[Toga]

i'm sort of mixed on this one, i'd give it a three maybe 2.5, but probably not, i do agree that to many characters and subplots, and that the characterization is great, especailly cyclops, he's my favorite and austen does him well. the art was ok, i've seen better, garney did a few panels good but other then that nothing really stood out, and the last panel confused me, it says to be continued but then theres this other panel with a guy on it, i looked for him in the mass of mutant deaths in the church but couldn't find him.

[ChaosPhoenix]

Originally posted by Al Harahap
But here, the Phoenix Force makes a big splash in plot points, narratively, in the convenient identification of blood traces to be mutant blood, and also visually, in its blatantly taking full shape when she rips the floor open with none of her fellow X-Men reacting to it at all,

But Jean was able to tell the difference between alien and human made bullets in New 133 by looking at molecular ringtones. She was flaring up a little while she did it and levitated the bullet in place by holding it with the phoenix claw.

And Jean manifested the full phoenix raptor effect in New 139.

I just didn't like Jean's attitude with Cyclops while there were crucified friends on the lawn.

Cyclops might should have reacted to the phoenix effect but they should pretty much be use to her doing it by now- I'd hope since she used it a lot in revolution etc.

I pretty much agree with the rest of your critique though. :D

[BeasiL]

Originally posted by William Reverend Stryker
R.I.P Skin, he was a personal favorit of mine:(
Jubilee should've been killed off!:mad:
agreed.





I also liked the annie comment towards chamber, hopefully if austen continues to write her in a bad light, he will reverse what hes doing with lorna atm. i really dont like her being 'crazy lorna', give me peter david lorna any day. :P

[Wolverine]

How do we know for certain that skins dead. He looked like he was just badly injured

[UMichWolverine]

Ok, people just went nuts on this thread so my comments are going to seem way out of place here.

Ok, I had mixed feelings about this issue. It was emotionally interesting for me at points. The crucifixion scene and the "death" scene.

But there were things I didn't like.

I have really liked Annie, she seemed like the loser in love, the underdog to root for. That comment about Chamber was childish, rude, and inconsistent with her character.

Where is Juggernaut? He just lost his best friend in Sammy and we get no follow up on it?

Paige annoys me. Thats it...nothing else...she just annoys me.

Does Wolverine do anything anymore besides appear on covers?

This cannot be the same mansion of New X-Men. As someone else pointed out, how do that many people get crucified on the lawn and no one notice?

The whole thing with Nightcrawler seems like a huge cop out to me. This is especially strange after having a discussion about Ultimate X-men with another user here that all Mark Millar does is cop out, which I disagree with.

Skin and Jesse are dead huh? "meh. We said...meh...m - e - h" These deaths have lost all meaning.

Lastly, this is something that has been bugging me since the end of Dominant Species: "Who is Carter's father?" Will we ever get an answer to that question?


Pfft, not a coherent thought in this entire post. I should stop posting at 2:00 AM:sleep:

[supercalifragilistic]

the first few pages were a real shocker. a lot of writers promise a 'horror' in their intro at the beginning and don't follow through, but austen really delivered.

i liked seeing some different characters in this story. sometimes you wonder where everyone is...they all live in the same giant house and yet they never get to interact. so i liked how jean and cyclops and wolverine were put into the story.

one complaint only...those costumes of theirs...when do the xmen start dressing like intelligent people again? archangel's loincloth...lorna's flying wing thing around her head...what is this?? im all for creativity, but not when it ends up lookin like some kinda circus.

and thats all i got.

[Cbenioff]

I liked this issue. Uncanny has become my favorite X title now that Sal has left Xtreme. The recent Uncanny issues remind me off the classic X-stories that hooked me on the franchise long ago. I am very excited to read each new issue of Uncanny right now.

[Mr. Brootz]

Originally posted by lockheed
How on earth did someone cruicfy a half dozen or so mutants on the X-Men's front lawn without someone noticing or tripping some alarm? What happened to the mansion's defenses?

Don't forget what the CoH suits do.

[Michael Fisch]

Originally posted by Mr. Brootz


Don't forget what the CoH suits do.

Okay, I admit I forgot since I never found the CoH that interesting to begin with. But it still seems implausible, with several high caliber telapaths in the building, electronic defenses powered by ShiAr technology on the premises plus Forge-made technology, and dozens of mutants running about.

A couple of other things that bugged me that no ones mentoined yet:

Wolverine didn't pick up Jube's scent right away? His bad breath must have been REALLY bad.

Annie's right. The X-Men need a doctor, not a nurse. And especially not a gossip.

I find it hard to believe that in all these months that the CoH has been around, No One from the Uncanny team thought it fit to share what happened with the other team, or that it never got back to Scott.

Wolverine reduced to gurard duty. For the moneymaker of the book, he's shot to the background an awful lot. Here and New both. It's ironic that we have to go to Xtreme, where he's NOT a member, to get a good wolvie fix (other than his book).

And to be fair, some things I did like:

Jube's back, and her usual sassy self!

The opening sequence, especially the line about cancer.

Annie's freaking out at Jean's telepathy. This is very true to how she would react, especially with her acknowledged prejudices toward mutants.

Anyway, enough from me. Ciao!

[Kevin Woodside]

Best Austen issue so far. Very, very emotional, esspecailly the Logan/Jubilee scenes - that had me on the edge of my seat. As for the charcter death . . . Skin has a great character and I'm sorry to see him go. I enjoyed the impact his death had on the former Gen X members present - Jubliee, Jono, Paige. I hope we see Monet, Sean, and Emma (if she's still around) react to that death.

I haven't been a big Austen fan, esspecialy of his "Captain America" work, but this issue proves to me that he has potential to be something great.

I have a friend that never cared for "Uncanny", but reads "New." He bought this issue because it was so cheap and loved it. He's hooked!

I thought this issue was definetly an "Excellent."

~W~

[Black mamba]

Originally posted by lockheed


Okay, I admit I forgot since I never found the CoH that interesting to begin with. But it still seems implausible, with several high caliber telapaths in the building, electronic defenses powered by ShiAr technology on the premises plus Forge-made technology, and dozens of mutants running about.

A couple of other things that bugged me that no ones mentoined yet:

Wolverine didn't pick up Jube's scent right away? His bad breath must have been REALLY bad.

Annie's right. The X-Men need a doctor, not a nurse. And especially not a gossip.

I find it hard to believe that in all these months that the CoH has been around, No One from the Uncanny team thought it fit to share what happened with the other team, or that it never got back to Scott.

Wolverine reduced to gurard duty. For the moneymaker of the book, he's shot to the background an awful lot. Here and New both. It's ironic that we have to go to Xtreme, where he's NOT a member, to get a good wolvie fix (other than his book).

And to be fair, some things I did like:

Jube's back, and her usual sassy self!

The opening sequence, especially the line about cancer.

Annie's freaking out at Jean's telepathy. This is very true to how she would react, especially with her acknowledged prejudices toward mutants.

Anyway, enough from me. Ciao!



i agree with everything u said except the annie thing[god it makes me wonder if people acctually read my posts] shes already gone through the whole telepathy thing before for her to start screaming doesn't make sense especially since she has a telepathic son.

[emesem]

The main problem with uncanny is (and has been) the art. While Morrison's plotting can overcome "Kordley"-like rushed art, Austen cant. No slam against him, even Claremont's work suffers without the right artist. Hopefully this new guy will make Austen read better.

My storyline complaints are:

1) The college professor dead? Did I miss something? When did the Archology professor die? That whole sequence in 422 seemed like it was missing a few panels.

2)The inclusion of Jean and Scott are obviously movie related, Its bad enough Wolverine's in all 4 main titles (kudos to Morrison for haveing him take a back seat recently) but the JeanScott entity really had no purpose here (even Scott's yelling at Kurt could have been delivered by someone else and while we're on the subject, didnt Nightcrawler just resign, anyway...seems this should have happed before he quit...then his resignation would have made more sense)

3)The whole warren blood thing is getting annoying....it would have been better that he simply developed healing powers transmitted through his hands (therefore prehaps becoming more 'angelic') but the way its being used is getting ridiculous...(the Unlimited with Alpha Flight was aweful they way it employee this)....blood can just be spread around like that!...unless he's going to bring in Paige's dumb AIDS comment in later.....(pretty sneaky)

for all its flaws this issue did something most of Austens run up to this point hasnt, make me anxiously await the next issue and thats half the battle in this business...

[Inferno256]

uncanny is lacking....

[jujubes78]

Are we sure that Skin's dead? Nobody actually said "he's dead". Maybe he's just in a coma?

If he did die, that's pretty crappy...I agree--if you kill off an established character like that for pretty much no reason, it makes the character's death useless.

I REALLY liked Skin--I don't think he was the barrio stereotype at all--if you read GenX you'd know that he was constantly battling that stereotype and was one of the more interesting characters; specifically because he had a lame power and he knew it. Most of the GenX run was him trying to come to grips with having a not-so-great power and trying to do the best with it that he could.

I really really really hope he's not dead fer sure, and that he's just close to death.

Sigh...freaking marvel...

[ChibiKasai]

Is Austen trying to make us hate his characters? Seriously, it seemed like everyone in this issue came off as a jerk-

Jean's little comment at the beginning.
Paige's childishness.
Annie's remark about Chamber.
Alex's comments to Kurt about his preisthood.
Every other word out of Scott's mouth.
Man, even when Jubilee's brought back from the brink of death, one of the first things out of her mouth is a smart-ass remark.

I didn't even like Nightcrawler in this issue. And it takes alot to make me dislike the fuzzy one.

Don't even get me started on Skin's death. :(

As far as I can see, the only good part of this issue was that I only wasted 25 cents on it.

[Wolverine]

I really don't think Skin is dead...

[Natester]

i dunno, everytime i read this book, it seems more like some sad fan fiction... i thought i would be picking this up after this 25 cents issue but i guess not, and it's a shame.. new and xtreme seems to be doing well but this one is in it's own world...

[Agent 10]

I am not a regular Uncanny reader but my cheap self saw the big 25c sign and suddenly decided to pick this ish up to give it a try. It did little in the way of convincing me to say the least. I found the art to be really sloppy.. eg. the panel where Jean warns the crew that they wont like what they find she seems to be smirking psychoticly, also Iceman's purple shades...hmmm. That really Scared me.Damn i get chills just thikning bout it. The shades that is. Overall, This ish really reaffirmed my allegiance to Grant morrison's mad mutant mayhem.

[jujubes78]

Originally posted by Natester
i dunno, everytime i read this book, it seems more like some sad fan fiction...

Dang, you kinda hit the nail on the head. At least with this issue because it seemed like forced stereotypes of major characters with uneccessary cameos (and deaths) of beloved characters...

I really wanted to like this issue :(

[D4773T]

THIS BOOK WOULD HAVE LOOKED SO MUCH BETTER WITH LARROCA. DAMN!

[catseye107]

ok..havent posted in awhile..but wanted to throw up a possibility here..
As for havok's comments and personality.. could it be that we are dealing with the alternate version of Havok??.. :rolleyes:
Austen is working on an Exiles crossover that is supposed to be dealing with this character and he mentioned that it would affect Uncanny..
otherwize i enjoyed the issue but hope that Kurt comes out of it a personality again.

[DeadmanWade]

If Austen is writing Annie so we hate her she is doing a great job with making me hate her.

And he made me feel sorry for chamber because he had to deal with crap like that from idiots like annie his whole life.

[Alex Guillen]

I tought Chuck's take on the COH and Kurt's faith was good and I really liked the issue, I tought Al had some good toughts on what Chuck needs to fix but I tought he was too critical and I would have given the issue 4/5 X's.
Garney's art was good but not really my style but still quite good and it's beginning to grow on me.

[Twilight]

As for havok's comments and personality.. could it be that we are dealing with the alternate version of Havok??..

No way! MAN, that is getting so old and would cause confusion ad nauseum not only for new readers but old fans as well. Weren't Rachel Summers, Nate Grey, Cable, and Bishop enough??? Talk about moody apocalyptic characters.

[DeadmanWade]

Originally posted by kotsin
I tought Chuck's take on the COH and Kurt's faith was good and I really liked the issue, I tought Al had some good toughts on what Chuck needs to fix but I tought he was too critical and I would have given the issue 4/5 X's.
Garney's art was good but not really my style but still quite good and it's beginning to grow on me.

In my opinion Garneys art would have been 2 stars and Austens writing 3 and overall 3.

[thewrite1]

I really liked Garney's art. In no way did it seem awful or rushed and some panels really were beautiful. I liked Logan's face as he spoke to Jubilee in the medical room. Garney seemed to have a bit of fun as well. In the last spread, showing the mutants under the church, did anyone else notice a feline with six breasts! These men!

[gideonpryde]

Garney's art is too blocky. While I did like the art in the med room sequence between Wolvie and Jubes....He just doesn't strike me as an X-artist. Now when he was on Captain America...he was awesome.

Y'know, while I am not a highly religous person, I thought the inclusion of biblical overtones throughout the narratives were a very nice touch.

Regarding the siege on the front lawn....as long as it isn't left unsaid how it happened, I'm cool with it. Perhaps the CoH conditioned Nightcrawler and found ways into the mansion, ya never know. But Austen should explain.

Jean's remark was completely out of character

And after reading it again, I am not sold Skin is dead. Now I have heard many a rumor that an X-man will die, frankly I would hope its him instead of a core member.

Havok's new suit rules as long as its not Garney drawing him.

[Wolverine]

It will look really cool with Tan drawing it!

[ExtraEpidermis]

Did it say it was Skin. Because it didn't look like Angelo. I mean, he had curly hair! It couldn't have been Angelo. Skin was the only real reason I still liked Marvel. Please don't let him be dead! Excuse me, I have to go cry in a corner.

[Wolverine]

Yes they said one of the pole was skin but I really don't think he's dead

[xman4life]

Geez folks, first you complain about Ian Churchill's art (whom in my opinion was the best artist Uncanny has had in a while), and now we're complaining about Garney?! :? I like Austen's writing style, yes at times it can be a little too soap operaish, but not bad overall. I like how Austen has added Juggy, Northstar, Husk, & Chamber (hopefully) to the team, the X-MEN needed some new blood & I hope they stay around for awhile instead of recycling old characters all the time. Although I did hate Skin's death, it seems like a waste of a character; but am glad to see Jubes back on the squad....now if we could just get Monet in the ranks, I'll be a happy camper.:D

[ferretnaura]

Hit and miss. Uncanny has been a tough read and tough to look at off an on since the "big change" a year plus ago with Casey writing. Having some 400 issues of UXM, its a title I can't cancel or stop (just out of loyalty and 20+ years of reading it)

I labored through the Casey run (art was okay, writing was not). Casey is great on his other titles, I just couldn't get into his opening story.

Then we have Manga UXM.. please................. there are enough of these manga artists running around, we don't need to throw them in on the UXM. Don't we have 5 Mutant mini series' right now in the manga format? That run just depressed me. Its hard to read a book when you don't want to look at the pictures.

Currently, although Austin is fine writer.. it seems like anybody can be healed now... lets call Warren in!, let's get Warren, Hey, Warren can heal them.. boy..... makes me not worry how beat up people get now. or bring in the Universe in my brain guy to heal you.... no worries, no drama.

Speaking of drama. as was mentioned by many, what is up with the love stories????????? geez, reminds me of the 90's X-men cartoon... yuck.... one love triangle is good.. but not everyone on the cast!

Garney's art is also very......... something.......... its just fitting in.. too simple maybe.

Oh well.. In 23 years I've seen my share of writer's and artists... and its been real hard these past two years to keep up with what has been going on with UXM... I love XXM and am always curious about NXM.. but UXM........... 400 issues straight or not.. time is running out on this title.

[spaceboi]

Chuck has good concepts, but there are way too many characters on the title, and their directions are so confused and just jumbled. It's the same problem I had with Lobdell. He just kept piling story upon story upon story without a clear direction and focus. Morrison in New X-Men structures his stories in arcs, and a lot more happens in one issue.

Do we really care that Skin, who reappears in the title after being gone for how long, died? Not really.

I really do not like what he's doing to Lorna either. Not one bit at all.

I think Austen did a great job with Cyclops this issue though. The contrast between him and Nightcrawler were excellent.

[Keeyah]

Originally posted by Twilight


Absolutely senseless and a lousy story at that. Risque. Colossus. Psylocke. Maggott. Sunpyre. Darkstar. Radius. The White Queen.


Sorry to stray off the subject a bit here but when did Radius die? Was it when he was in X corps?

[Kevin Sutton]

Originally posted by Keeyah


Sorry to stray off the subject a bit here but when did Radius die? Was it when he was in X corps?

Yeah, he was buried by Avalanche. With no body he could always pop up again though. (Writers are like that)

[Arachne]

It just seems like they are killing off characters to get a rise in sales. This is stupid. I have a feeling that you will see Jubilee, Husk, and Chamber in the next issue acting like nothing totally happen to their teammate and best friend. Marvel should have kept Austen as a artist and never let him touch a script. He is the worst X-writer out there right now who doesn't care about characters, their histories, or what's going on in the other titles. :mad:

[Steven Paul]

So is Bedlam dead?

I liked the art but that was about it. :cool:

[TurdFerguson]

Is it just me, or does Chuck Austen not know how to write characters? Havok and Lorna were both formerly very insecure characters (at least during X-Factor) and they were completely broken up, Lorna never wanting to be involved with Alex again. Suddenly, they're engaged, Alex never even said yes, and they're happily going away. Chuck Austen has taken the Nightcrawler plot that Casey so politely left in his lap, and thrown it out the window, he's taken Iceman, and turned him into the biggest *******, and he's taken Cyclops and turned him into a complete out of control lunatic. One of cyclop's best leadership qualities in the past has been his ability to handle grace under fire. Look at the first X-Men story arc after the Age of Apocalypse for more proof of that (X-Men 42-46).
Chuck Austen's run on Uncanny has gone on for about a year too long, and I really hope that Marvel recognizes this and gives him the yank before he does any irreperable damage. Joe Casey just finished with Automatic Kafka, so I know he has some free time in his schedule.

[Mr. Brootz]

Austen is their go-to writer, he's not going anywhere.

I personally like the fact that Austen even used the Church of Humanity, and I think it ties in pretty well with the Nightcrawler story Casey built. The only thing that's pissed me off is certain mischaracterizations (Lorna and Alex, though there may be a strong chance when marriage time comes up Alex will tell Lorna he never said he would marry her) and not enough Northstar.

[DeadXman]

why did they put logan in his ultimate uniform ?

[Mr. Brootz]

Originally posted by DeadX-man
why did they put logan in his ultimate uniform ?

I second that! I thought it was a cover snafu in the last few covers to Austen-written issues I'd seen. I hope it gets fixed. I don't want Ultimate crap impeding on regular Marvel universe.

[Michael Fisch]

Originally posted by Arachne
...who doesn't care about characters, their histories, or what's going on in the other titles. :mad:

As much as i don't care for the way Chuck's stories have been going, I think I'd have to disagree with this statement.

[Alan Lynch]

Originally posted by Mr. Brootz


I second that! I thought it was a cover snafu in the last few covers to Austen-written issues I'd seen. I hope it gets fixed. I don't want Ultimate crap impeding on regular Marvel universe.
It's Marvel's new policy regarding Wolverine. He's going to look the same in all the books, for merchandising purposes. Only his re-vamped solo book has escaped. Though why they chose to use his Ultimate look escapes me.

[Ryan Scott]

Originally posted by TurdFerguson
Is it just me, or does Chuck Austen not know how to write characters?

It's not just you, but that doesn't mean you're right. I personally completely disagree, and I'll show why the instances you present are, IMO, off-base.

Havok and Lorna were both formerly very insecure characters (at least during X-Factor) and they were completely broken up, Lorna never wanting to be involved with Alex again. Suddenly, they're engaged, Alex never even said yes, and they're happily going away.

First off, happily going away? Are we reading the same book? Have you somehow bought 425/426 and not told anyone? ;)

Secondly, while they did break up at the end of X-Factor, there was always the question of whether they'd get back together. You had characters in Chuck's UNCANNY run even specifically refer to this instance (Iceman and Archangel in UXM #413). Also, Lorna's appearance in issues after XF #149 mainly showed her denying Alex's "demise" and longing for his return. (NEW) X-MEN #95 and UNCANNY X-MEN #376 to be specific.

Third, something that's a running sub-plot boiling under the surface: Lorna's not quite right in the head anymore after Genosha's destruction. "Wait and see". Or don't and live with your frustrations. Makes no difference with me.

Chuck Austen has taken the Nightcrawler plot that Casey so politely left in his lap, and thrown it out the window,

"So politely"...heh...if you only knew.
Casey thrusted the full-priesthood angle onto Chuck's run in #409 as an afterthought, fully knowing it was always Chuck's intent to drop this aspect from the character. Now, Chuck's working (using continuity while he's at it *gasp*) to complete the change. Either you like it, or you don't. Doesn't invalidate the story process.

he's taken Iceman, and turned him into the biggest *******,

Bobby's always been a bit of a prick at times, but there are things happening with him that are subtlely bringing out this forced negativity and crassness. This is a wait-and-see subplot, not a "I'm doing this just 'cause" subplot.

and he's taken Cyclops and turned him into a complete out of control lunatic. One of cyclop's best leadership qualities in the past has been his ability to handle grace under fire. Look at the first X-Men story arc after the Age of Apocalypse for more proof of that (X-Men 42-46).

I found him quite sane and in control, honestly. Just very stern and demanding.

Joe Casey just finished with Automatic Kafka, so I know he has some free time in his schedule.

Sorry, but with the downward sales trend his run brought the book, I doubt he'd be allowed to return to the title.

And I was a fan of Casey's run, too. Heh.

[ronin_jw]

It needed help.

[Vasilios]

First time poster, hi everyone! I bought this comic and i wanted to share my thoughts being a long time X-man having NOT read anything since Age of Apocalypse/ early Onslaught era.

Anyway, first and foremost let me say I am not a fan of the art. I think my 13 year old brother can draw better than that and I am not joking or trying to be funny. Even he says it is sloppy....but anyway.

I didn't get the story as much as I thought I would since I am familiar with all the X-men and whatnot. Why is Cyclops and the rest acting like they never heard of the Friends of humanity? i thought it was kind of weird. Also, were the young mutants crucified on the front lawn of the mansion? Hmm kind of fishy to me....I would think a security alert would break out but whatever. Maybe it was a mutant who did this? Weird...

Cyclops chewing out Nightcrawler was cool. Definetly Cyclopsy in terms of speech and tone. I dont know whats going on with the whole Nighty/preist thing so I will just ignore it for now.

Ummm where is Prof X? Wouldnt he sense that his former students are hung on crucifixes right on the front lawn? Maybe hes away and I missed the sub plot from a past issue, so fill me in.

I hear Lorna is a crazy bitch, and that kind of bothers me. Was she always like that? I always thought she was the Jean grey of X-factor..... I hope the writers clear this up...she is a great character.

I guess Jubilee wears a headband now instead of her trademark glasses..... hopefully its just an artistic mistake being that the art is bad anyway... She gets some good lines in and Im glad she is ok. Jubilee kicks ass!

I understand Annie is a human nurse with a mutant son....so im guessing her son is staying at the school which is why she is there as well which is cool i guess but I dont like the whole Havok/Lorna love triangle thing with her... Does she not see the father of her child? (backstory ive missed?)

Husk seeing Jubilee and hugging her was nice but ummm shouldnt everyone be happy to see her? Oh and why is it that the only one who says anything to Magma is the nurse who doesnt even know her....? Im confused....

Skin is dead? Yikes, I guess the Gen X kids have some curse on them.

Wow this was pretty negative...am I being too critical or am I just overwhelmed since things are just seeming weird in this X-book?

Oh and when did Morrigan from Dark Stalkers join the X-men? Heehee....

[TurdFerguson]

Originally posted by Vasilios
Why is Cyclops and the rest acting like they never heard of the Friends of humanity? Also, were the young mutants crucified on the front lawn of the mansion? Hmm kind of fishy to me....I would think a security alert would break out but whatever.

It wasn't the friends of humanity, it was the Church of Humanity, which Cyclops had never encountered. And their uniforms have been able to bypass both security and psychic scans before.

I understand Annie is a human nurse with a mutant son....so im guessing her son is staying at the school which is why she is there as well which is cool i guess but I dont like the whole Havok/Lorna love triangle thing with her... Does she not see the father of her child? (backstory ive missed?)

That's a good point, where is the kid's father?
I hope we see him in the future because that's a pretty big thread to leave hanging. Maybe kid's dad is someone we've already met . . . like Batman.

[Vasilios]

Oh, I see so they are two different organizations.... thank you for clearing that up! Their uniforms can bypass psychic scans? Ok....whatever works for the story I guess.....

i hope they just skip the father and have Annie leave soon....I mean Xorn is a healer and I'm sure he is smart enough to learn a thing or two about nursing. Speaking of which, where was he when they needed him to help the young mutants? Was he actually away at the time? Hopefully they will clear this up next issue...

While Im here ill finish up my overall thoughts about Uncanny. Being that this was the first issue ive picked up since AoA/Onslaught era I must say I am not that impressed. I'll read the next issue at Borders before buying it....
I'm definetly going to buy the New X-men because I like the new style and the story is great. Argh! Why couldnt Jubilee be there instead of Uncanny? LoL

[S.D.Polaris]

I don't understand what people want from this title. Chuck is doing something that a writer has not done for this title in a while. Made people talk about it. He keeps us hanging, and waiting for the future issues. I think that he has explanations planned for all of his subplots, and is simply developing them as a tale, rather than just shoving them down our throats with no closure. I don't particulary love everything thing he has done, but I am hooked, and am going to sit back and enjoy the ride. As far as the previous writer, I was thinking just yesterday that I need to reread most of his run because it was so unimpressionable to me that I don't remember any of its details.
As far as his characterization, I think he has done a nice job of developing the X-Men in new ways. Polaris is my favorite Marvel character, and I was not thrilled at first with what was going on with her, but the more I think about it, the more "in character" she is. And as I stated above, Chuck has something bigger planned. What he has done with Juggernaut is also very exciting. The best example of using a character ti his full potential in a while. My biggest complaint would be that he may be overdoing it with the size of his cast, but again, I know he has intentions of getting a set cast and going from there.
The biggest thing I could ask from Chuck is that he stay on this title for a long time, and finally give us some consistency.
And I happen to love Garney's art. Not up to his full potential(see Hulk) and a bit inconsistent at times, but a great relief from what we have seen on this, and NXM, in the past couple of years.
There's my rant for the morning. Have a good one y'all.

[TurdFerguson]

What people want from this title is for the characters to act not necessarily the same, but in an at least recognizable manner from the way they have acted in the past. We enjoy the characters in the X-Universe because of how they interact with other characters and the way they develop. It is one thing for characters to grow, it is another thing for Cyclops to start screaming at people and Havok telling him to calm down when Havok is always the exciteable one and Cyclops is always reigning him in. These types of examples go on, but in the end all we're left with is a really big mess up of all of our favorite characters.

[Ryan Scott]

Originally posted by TurdFerguson
These types of examples go on, but in the end all we're left with is a really big mess up of all of our favorite characters.

Aww...thank you for speaking for me...


:p

[Dino Pollard]

Originally posted by Airhead
I think Chuck is a much better writer than Casey!
He's at least taking care of this stupid Church of Humanity thing that Casey left unanswered!

Casey had planned to answer it, he just didn't have the chance.

But how is Casey's Church of Humanity any dumber than Austen's werewolves?

[x-guy59]

I like this title and i feel Chuck is doing a much better job than Casey did. Out of the 3 titles it is my least favorite but nontheless a very good book that has kept me very excited and eager for more. I felt issue 423 wasn't Chuck's strongest issue but it was pretty good. I love the fact of seeing Havok and Polaris in action once again.

[Vasilios]

For some reason i dont feel like there is chemistry in this roster.... i dont know if its the writing or just the characters themselves. I hope Im not being too cirtical but this is juts how I honestly feel. Hopefully Jubilee can bring in some... flare to the group...no pun intended LoL :)

[PsychoDane]

Can't say I liked this issue very much. I found it kind of boring, but I love what Chuck's doing so far. I did enjoy seeing :lorna:in this issue even if it was for a second. I want to see her in action already! Hope I see it in next issue:)

[TurdFerguson]

Originally posted by Vasilios
For some reason i dont feel like there is chemistry in this roster

I couldn't quite figure out what was bugging me the most about this roster, but I think that's it. When Casey wrote the book, it seemed like Warren, Bobby, and Kurt had things well under control, that it was their team, and that there were three co-leaders. It also seemed like the three belonged together, like part of a family. Nowadays, I didn't know who was in charge until Cyclops blew up at Kurt, and it seems like the beginners were running the show.

[Radius]

I agree with the fact that maybe this wasn't an accessible issue! but I don't really care, thats what ultimate x-men was created for, the general public after seeing the x-movies! but i gues if they were trying to pull such a stunt I would have attached the 25 cent price to the current issues of X-treme x-men which actually has characters from the movie. like deathstrike and stryker!

Anyways I liked the art in this a lot and I disagree with the rating that the art got in this review! I also think that this issue was very intriguing fast paced and full of developments, I loved it!

[havok1979]

I've gotta say that I am definately in support of Chuck Austen as the writer of this title. I think, as others have mentioned, that this book has come closer now, under Chuck Austen, to what it was accomplishing in the peak of the Chris Claremont era. I'll admit that at times some of the churlish remarks made by characters don't seem to fit, but in reality everyone snaps offa comment or two that we wish we hadn't. Skin dying is sad, I liked him as a character. True he was bloody useless in a fight but he was a good guy and friend to Jono, Jubilee and Paige. I thought that moment that those three had was very touching as well as very real. I agree that Austen needs to try and do alittle less and not use as many characters but on the whole I really do look forward to this series coming out now. I truly hope that Austen gets the chance to develop his storylines.

Oh and I think that the reason Magma appeared here was to justify her presence at the mansion for the new New Mutants title thats starting. Given that she has never been all to keen about being at the mansion in her history, being crucified by the enemy gives a little bit of incentive to stick around a safe place like the mansion.

[Patrick Star]

-Jubes is back! Angelo is out, wasted potential. He was the "not hero type" yet he was still a hero. Glad to see that they were together, somehow they ket the continuity after the gen x ended and the Ulimited XM appearence. To bad it ended like this.
-Scott, way too hard on Kurt still i felt that he was right. Its complex but true.
-Jean, she was the zero of the issue. Why was she here?
-Kurt's daydream priesthood, Great. it was all a dream and he believe it. Sad but its way much better than having him all the issues battling with God. Plase end it here, capture the criminals and lets have the "Blueberry-muffin" back with the hunnies.
-Northstar! Where art thou?
-The same with Juggy.
-Lorna following Jean Grey steps like she did in the 90's. Another Zero in the issue. Whoever said that Jean Grey only had a clone was wrong, Maddie might have been the clone of the 70-80's but Lorna was the 90's clone. If not go back and check the art/personality.
-Havok's costume...cool
-Paige/Jono/angel- whats going on? Is Angel realizing that Jono & Paige are better suited for each other?
-Annie, she's been a long time(at least to us) and she's still getting freaked out by mutants? Hello u r in a school for mutants get used to it.
-HINT HINT- Annie is not a doctor but CECILIA REYES IS! DR. CECILIA REYES!
-I thought that Lorna/Kurt/Alex where taking a vacation, what happened? Did it only last 1 issue?

[Michael Fisch]

This issue apparently takes place 2 weeks after the events of the last, Patrick.

[havok1979]

Hey, I was just reading some OLD back issues and noticed something. For all of those saying that Scott's dressing down of Kurt was out of line and all that its not entirely out of character. If you read the first issues of the new team, I mean the old new team beack in uncanny #94, Scott was always particularly hard on Kurt. Last night I was just reading Issue 109 and he totally disses kurt when Kurt is trying to make him feel better. There are lots of examples of Cyke riding Kurt pretty hard in those early years.

Maybe Cyclops is bigoted against obvious mutants. Just kidding.

[Daniel J Ciccaglione]

I liked this issue, this issue made me go out and get more Uncanny X-Men comics. I stopped collecting them a while ago and was only picking up Wolverine. I must say Chuck is a talented writer and this issue had me drawn in. I can't wait for next weeks 424 to come out.

[Yogan]

i also happen to be another longtime fan who hasn't read Uncanny for ages, but pick up 423 (for the apparent 25c reason). and i'm hooked with the story (especially Scott pressing on Kurt).

then i borrowed the whole Chuck Austen run from a friend, and i'm disappointed. the whole Dominant Species thing was crap. werewolves?? come on.. so now i'm not sure if Chuck can have a consistent quality.. guess i'm gonna have to stick around to find out.

[TurdFerguson]

Don't bother sticking around. The only reason I'm still reading Uncanny is that I haven't missed an issue since around 270. The only consitency in Austen's run so far is that it is consistently inconsistent

[Deus Ex Chris]

Originally posted by TurdFerguson
The only consitency in Austen's run so far is that it is consistently inconsistent

You noticed that too? By golly, I think we're on to something.

[TurdFerguson]

I haven't just noticed it, but I've been preaching it. Even those people that didn't like Casey's run can agree that he didn't irrevocably screw up any classic characters. The only thing that Austen's done with anyone that I really like so far is the development of Angel. It would be interesting to see how he interacts with Jubes since the last time I saw them on panel together (IIRC) was when Jubes moved out (UXM 318?) and she had that big scene with Warren where he was like "just because I never showed you how much I cared, doesn't mean I never cared."
Man I could go for another one of those issues. That was what Scott Lobdell was so great at. The issue after the big monstrous story-arc.

[Daniel J Ciccaglione]

I didn't like how Juggy became an X-Man but like how Alex and Lorna are finally getting married though. But Scott pressing on Kurt was great in this Issue and having Havok sticking up for Kurt was neat to.

[thewrite1]

Originally posted by havok1979
Hey, I was just reading some OLD back issues and noticed something. For all of those saying that Scott's dressing down of Kurt was out of line and all that its not entirely out of character. If you read the first issues of the new team, I mean the old new team beack in uncanny #94, Scott was always particularly hard on Kurt. Last night I was just reading Issue 109 and he totally disses kurt when Kurt is trying to make him feel better. There are lots of examples of Cyke riding Kurt pretty hard in those early years.

Scott never had anything against Kurt. Kurt just has the knack of understanding how another feels, and on many occasions he has tried to bring a positive change in the behaviour of his teammates. With Wolverine, Kurt made Logan face up to the fact that violence is not always the answer and pure killing is wrong. He has stopped trying of late, I think everyone has given up on Wolverine. With Scott, Kurt was trying to make him face up to and deal with his emotions rather than get bogged down in misery. Scott had trouble accepting this because he has never been able to deal effectively with his emotions.

[Midknight]

Kurt has always been the reluctant leader even back in the pre-Mutant Massacre days when Kurt would take the leadership mantle every now and then in Cyclops and Storm's absences.

I think Cyclops being hard on Kurt was typical Cyclops. He's always been like that with every team member, even Storm back in the day, except Storm was an exceptional leader and she was the one I think Cyclops always had full confidence in.

I liked how Havok checked him with the whole 'tightwad' thing. True Havok. I hope that this writer can connect this Havok with the old Havok of the Aussie days in the way he relates with certain teammembers. For example, Wolverine always tore into Havok the way he did Cyclops, but it seemed Logan liked Havok better than his older brother because Havok had that rebel, solitary quality that Cyclops lacked. And Havok drank a lot too, making a sort of drinking buddy for Wolvie when Kurt wasn't around.

Now that Kurt's one with the faith, he probably doesn't drink too much anymore. It would be nice to see a Havok/Wolvie anti-relationship develop as well as Havok continuing to keep his older brother in check when he gets a bit too anal.

I thought this issue was okay, but it did seem like we missed an in between issue from this one and the last one. This writer isn't bad, really. But I think he could really improve if he'd do less with love triangles and focus more on the emotional stress of living and dying as an X-Men.

Angelo's death was tragic but it seemed more of a footnote, especially for such a semi-popular character. I'd like to see something develop from those who perished from this attack of the CoH, and not just be an excuse of the team to beat up some villians and then hold their heads down until next issue.

I've only seen a few issues of uXmen handle death of characters correctly, but the best would be Valiant comics early 90's Harbingers. When they're teammate was killed, they rest of the team didn't organize and seek revenge. They checked into a motel, and sat cleaning out their fallen comrades belongings, too scared to move or think, and trying to figure out how they were going to handle a burial. I always thought that was the most realistic premise. This writer seems to busy writing soap opera drama than to handle an accurate death of a semi-popular character.

[TurdFerguson]

And that's the biggest problem with Uncanny. Austen is so busy trying to make his characters fit these archetypes that exist in soap operas that he has taken away from what these characters really are. He doesn't want to come up with compelling stories, he wants to force these characters into the stereotypical roles we can see on daytime television, from Nightcrawler as the not so holy pastor, to Lorna, the crazy bitch, to Havok, who just came out of a coma, to Angel, the rich Businesman fooling around with a girl half his age. We're starting to see this in morrison's work too, with Jean and Emma.

[Booyah9]

This is the first I've read of Uncanny in a long time and though I can only comment on this issue, I must say it seems mediocre. I didn't think a lot of the dialouge was written well, which would have been fine if there had been some actual fighting or problem solving. I'm assuming I need to read some Tpbs so I can see what Austen has been doing with the characters before I really decide whether I like the direction or not.

Since I've seen that many of you like Austen's run so far, my question is this: How does this issue compare to the others of his run on Uncanny? Better, Worse, Same? I'd like to know before I invest in the TPBs.

[CmX]

I liked the issue. :) Oops....did I actually share my honest opinion?? :O

[Midknight]

No harm in that, me thinks.

It's not that I disliked the issue, just some elements of the writing. I love the fact that Havok is back. Quite a shame that Lorna Dane's once again insane.

I'm a poet and didn't know it! :havok:

[thewrite1]

Originally posted by Midknight

I thought this issue was okay, but it did seem like we missed an in between issue from this one and the last one. This writer isn't bad, really. But I think he could really improve if he'd do less with love triangles and focus more on the emotional stress of living and dying as an X-Men.


Nicely put. The soap opera aspect of Uncanny is annoying, and I hated Austen's handling of Stacy X. You're right. More focus should be on decent storytelling and decent action sequences. I liked this issue and I'm looking forward to next week's issue, but his run as a whole has been lacklustre. More Northstar please!

[Daniel J Ciccaglione]

Well people were saying that now that Stacy left she should head over Weapon X series. Yeah it does seem like we missed something like there was an issue. And when did Havok and Nightcrawler get back and what about the storyline that they were setting up with the whole finding the bones of the mutants in 422.

[TurdFerguson]

To stand up for UXM for once, I didn't mind the whole "Hey, Alex and Nightcrawler are back" thing, it would have made it that much more difficult for new readers to get into (remember, this was a 25 cent issue), and with the whole Nightcrawler tail thing, it seems that Austen is trying to build towards something in the future, but I'm just not sure I like what it seems like it is going to be.

[I-Ching]

Originally posted by Booyah9

Since I've seen that many of you like Austen's run so far, my question is this: How does this issue compare to the others of his run on Uncanny? Better, Worse, Same? I'd like to know before I invest in the TPBs.

do NOT invest in his run...by any means...at it's best it's plagued with mediocrity and ridiculously uneven art. His tenure generally been viewed as an improvement to that of Joe Casey but it hasn't produced anything noteworty. Yet, at least.

[Michael Fisch]

Does anyone really believe that Lorna and Alex are getting married??? You know that Annie's gonna win out in the end. And in true Austen fashion, it will be a high drama moment like at "speak now or forever hold your peace."

OR I could be wrong.:D

[Brandon Yates]

Best of luck to the creative team, but I've dropped this book as of now. Archangel's healing blood just seems silly to me and maybe Havok's costume should have been designed with his teammates in mind (he looked wildly out of place at that table).

Those aren't the main reasons I'm dropping the book (now that would be misguided, woo'nit?), just a couple of final criticisms before I go off into that dark night.

[TurdFerguson]

Originally posted by I-Ching


His tenure generally been viewed as an improvement to that of Joe Casey but it hasn't produced anything noteworty. Yet, at least.

Only if by "an improvement" you mean the biggest screw up of a great lead in the history of Comics.
This is like taking the last episode of Seinfeld, and following it up with The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfieffer.

[Midknight]

...and maybe Havok's costume should have been designed with his teammates in mind (he looked wildly out of place at that table).

Well he has been in a coma for a few years, which means he's missed the first X-Men movie and the resultant mutant costume fashion updates. He can still catch X2 if he hurries.

HAVOK: Hey Wolvie, what happened to your blue and yellow outfit, you know, with the thingies hanging over your ears--

LOGAN: Drop it, Sommers, ya jerkoff. Don't ever, ever bring up that 80's nightmare ever again.

HAVOK: What? I liked it! It was very caribbean. Much better than the brown and yellow get up--

*SNIKT!*

[Howlin James]

I've been a fan of Uncanny X-men for 13yrs. and i must say, Chuck Austen's stories have been horrible since day one! He's killed off skin....turned black tom into swamp thing, Juggernaught is a #ussy now!! and his characterization with the x-men has gone for a crap! Get with it Chuck!

And Ron Garney......oh man, i cant stand your pencils!.....the only thing that saved me from not dumping this ish was the 25cent price tag on this comic!

Get a new team on Uncanny, Marvel....this is a mainstream comic....act like it is!!!!!


where did claremont and Byrne go???


:wolvie: :beast: :cyke: :bamf: :storm: :colossus: :jeanphnx: :angel:

[TurdFerguson]

to be fair, Black Tom was already turning into Swamp Thing. Did you read Gen X #25? There wasn't much difference between how he was portrayed there and in UXM, although he was a little more . . . wooden? in Gen X.

[thewrite1]

Wow, there's some bitterness in this forum at the moment. Chuck's best work has undoubtedly been his stand-alone issues. 'Annie's Moving Day' and the introduction of Northstar were amazing.

The characterisation is usually spot-on and Austen is keeping with continuity while introducing and developing his own stories. He is doing everything a writer should do and that is no easy task.

[Michael Fisch]

Originally posted by TurdFerguson



This is like taking the last episode of Seinfeld, and following it up with The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfieffer.

:eek: Owwwwch!!! Nothing like taking the kid gloves off, eh?