X-TREME X-MEN #26 REVIEW

[Brian Wilkinson]

<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/xtxmen26.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/xtxmen26t.jpg" align=left alt="X-Treme X-Men #26"></a>Reviewer: Brian E. Wilkinson, bewilkinson@xfan.cjb.net
Quick Rating: Good
Story Title: God Loves, Man Kills II, part 2

William Stryker is back, but is he the worst the X-Men have to face?

Written by: Chris Claremont
Cover by: Salvador Larroca
Pencilled by: Igor Kordey
Inked by: Scott Hanna
Colors by: Liquid!
Letters by: Tom Orzechowski
Editor: Mike Raicht
Supervising Editor: Mike Marts
Editor In Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas

I think the problem I have with an arc such as this is that right from the beginning the writer, artist, and reader are all saddled with such high expectations that a name on a story has to match the earlier success and critical acclaim of its predecessor. 'God Loves, Man Kills II' is an enjoyable, thoughtful, and entertaining story in its own right, but it isn't amazing me to my core.

So right away, expectations are unreasonably high. Chris Claremont has to outdo his own writing, Igor Kordey has to match the standards set forth by Salvador Larroca, and the reader wants a life changing experience.

Unfortunately, that isn't going to happen here.

Now, the story is by no means bad. There is a lot to like here. Strong action, interesting villains, and great plot points. In fact, it's the same high quality I've come to expect from Claremont on this title. For some reason, I thought he'd go back in time, write an immediate sequel to his story, and then just wait until now to publish it.

Anyway, moving along...

The most outstanding feature of this issue lies in its action. Not that I noticed, but action is something that has been missing from this title lately. Sure, there are one or two little scraps, but this is the first time that the team has truely been in perril.

Bishop takes center stage as the rest of the team, including the mighty Wolverine, are all subdued. His fierce fighting and honed abilities give the rest of them the time they need to fight back. This is the kind of thing I've been waiting for from Bishop. I don't like the guy who stands in the back corner talking and analyzing. Bishop has always been a take charge kind of guy, and was a great fighter as well.

That's what makes this issue really refreshing. I imagine it was tempting to let someone like Wolverine do all the fighting, or even Claremont's favorite fighter, Storm. Between Sage and Bishop cutting loose, and old fighters, it seems the X-Men are still a force to be reckoned with.

While the dialogue heavy action (not something I've seen since The Matrix Reloaded where everyone has a five minute point to make) makes the story kind of crawl along, the scenes with Shadowcat more than make up for it.

Shadowcat is an underused character and it's a joy to see her used so well in the pages of this book. My hope is that she stays on with the team as her views and powers would be a great mix.

The scenes depicting her at different stages in her life, and in different versions of her life, are a clever way to introduce an unfamiliar reader to her past. Illyana and Colossus show up, in a way, and lend strong support to her decision to become an X-Man. Despite having very relevant roles to play, it was more fanboy excitment at seeing the armored mutant show up than anything he actually said.

I miss Colossus.

But the thought bubbles that rippled off of Kitty were really eye-catching. Though just memories that have been torn free of her somehow, the visual was simply stunning. At first I thought she was melting, but as it became clear, it seemed almost like a possible variation on her powers. I'm sure it's just my imagination, but I'd reallly like to see a follow-up on this in the future.

The only confusing part for me comes in what it is Stryker's organization is trying to do. How Lady Deathstrike fits in to it all is still a mystery, but her change of heart (forced though it may be) later on makes her the perfect villain for all groups to face. The ending was well-timed, but it makes me angry because there is a whole month to wait before the next chapter.

As for who, and what, Mount Haven, a competitor of Stryker's are up to, your guess is as good as mine. I wasn't expecting another faction to show up in the book, but it seems as though it's going to make life interesting for both Stryker and the X-Men. Perhaps they'll be a neutral third view point to counter what the good guys and the bad guys will say to each other.

The art this month by Igor Kordey isn't very satisfying. It seems rushed on a few pages, and just when I think he's working on doing better, the quality seems to disappear again. Maybe I'm just having trouble adjusting after Salvador Larroca's run (and his incredible cover to boot), but I'm just not wowed by Kordey's work.

I'm not saying he's a bad artist, as I found his pencils last issue to be miles ahead of anything he's done in the past. Maybe it's the monthly schedule, or maybe it's just his style that I'm not into. Although, I must say, that his style seems very reminiscent of the work done during the original 'God Loves, Man Kills' graphic novel. Kordey is dark and gritty, which so far seems to match the tone of the story.

Claremont has crafted an interesting story, and has certainly laid the foundation for an exciting and moving climax. Whether or not it lives up the hype will be left up for readers to decide. I know I'll be along for the ride to find out!


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/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=51&cat=X%2DSTATIX+%28X%2DFORCE%29)

[Stormy]

Originally posted by Brian E. Wilkinson

As for who, and what, Mount Haven, a competitor of Stryker's are up to, your guess is as good as mine. I wasn't expecting another faction to show up in the book, but it seems as though it's going to make life interesting for both Stryker and the X-Men. Perhaps they'll be a neutral third view point to counter what the good guys and the bad guys will say to each other.


Well all the solicits for this arc have talked about how the X-treme team may have to team up with Stryker against a third party, which I guess is this Mount Haven. As for the art, I'm just glad Salva's still giving us his gorgeous covers.

[Booyah9]

I pretty much agree. This issue had some great action scenes separated by interesting Kitty material.

As for Kordey's artwork I thought it looked fine. His layout and story-telling abilities are quite good, and his close-ups are nice looking as well. Only at the very beginning in that one panal with Storm and Bishop did it look sloppy. It's really not bad stuff though occasionaly the faces look a little off at mid-range. Overall I'm satisfied, and his Colossus looked pretty sweet!

I thought it was a good read, and seems to be setting up a cool three-way confrontation between Haven, Stryker and the team.

[Joey Meyers]

I was slightly dissapointed that Doug wasn't among Kitty's friends in the "dream" sequence, but I still I liked the issue, wish Sam would have done more though.

[Alex Guillen]

good issue, I loved that Kitty is back and Bishop is taking charge, he's often been underused by Claremont.
Well having Stryker have to team up with the XXM against a thrid party should be interesting, can they really trusts each other and who's leading this Mount Haven.
Good to see Kitty back as mentione before, she should really add alot to the story and I love the cover :love: Salva did it again!

[Booyah9]

Yeah Sal's covers are just awsome. I hope we get them for a while yet.

[NicholasRogue]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Brian E. Wilkinson
[B
The art this month by Igor Kordey isn't very satisfying. It seems rushed on a few pages, and just when I think he's working on doing better, the quality seems to disappear again. Maybe I'm just having trouble adjusting after Salvador Larroca's run (and his incredible cover to boot), but I'm just not wowed by Kordey's work.
I'm not saying he's a bad artist, as I found his pencils last issue to be miles ahead of anything he's done in the past. Maybe it's the monthly schedule, or maybe it's just his style that I'm not into. Although, I must say, that his style seems very reminiscent of the work done during the original 'God Loves, Man Kills' graphic novel. Kordey is dark and gritty, which so far seems to match the tone of the story.
QUOTE]

I pretty much agree with what you said here. Brian. I liked last month's issue better. Kordey's depiction of Shadowcat was good and I agree that I liked the memory bubbles, but his action scenes weren't nsync at all in my opinion. From Bishop's energy blasts to Storm flying around - it wasn't my cup of tea. This storyline seems promising but I'm still not that impressed. I mean I haven't been able to read a copy of the original and I bet that would help, but I guess I'm just not into the story, although having Kitty in it, does help me. Igor's art doesn't do it for me. I miss Sal. I don't really care if the story's supposed to be "gritty", Sal would just make it better. The mysterious Mt. Haven figure reminded me alot of the Beyonder for some reason. I don't know why though. I liked seeing Colossus and Illyana. I don't understand what Stryker is planning for Kitty yet or what Yuriko has to do with the picture. Ah well, I guess (as stupid as this sounds) I'm waiting for Rogue and Gambit's return. They've been gone since Decemeber and won't return now to September instead of August when they were originally were scheduled to return until GLMKII was changed from 5 parts to 6. You have to understand, when you don't have your 2 favorite characters in the book for almost a whole year, its frustrating. I hope though that Kitty remains with the team. She's another favorite of mine. One last little complaint. What's up with the New X-Men costumes. I thought either the team was going to stick with their old ones or get new ones. Sigh..... oh well.

[Fusion]

If Kitty is now a part of X-treme then I am sooooooo staying on board. Just more $$$ down the drain.:(

[SmashedPumpkin]

I take it all back. I miss sal so very very much.

[Zachary J. Morrison]

Good review, Brian. This was a good issue. I liked how things went for the beginning to the end of the issue, but it seemed weird how it all ended. I somewhat got myself lost during the part where Kitty was hallucinating about Illyana and Piotr making a short appearance, and etc, so pretty much that part was confusing. I can't wait to pick up the next issue. It's going to be great, I hope.

[Wolverine]

good review though I wish sal were still with us

[Michael Fisch]

I'm not enjoying this issue as much as I would have hoped. Igor's artwork is nowhere near the quality it was last month, especially in his action scenes and certain faces. As far as the story, it's not that I have high expectations but at this point there isn't anywhere near the emotional impact that GLMK 1 had. Well there's still four issues so maybe CC and IK can pull it off...we'll see.

[Hellion]

I found the art this issue distracting. Illyana never had a bob and freckles. On the page where Yuriko checks in on the operatives in the van, one panel she doesn't have armor, the next she is fully armored, it took a second to realize it was her and not another character entirely. bishop's power signature is totally different. The armor on the last page just looked ridiculous.

I agree with Spriteguy16 that when I saw the Mount Haven guy my first thought was the Beyonder.

The story was good, but there was just too much going on I thought. New readers would be so confused. I did like the hinted past tryst of Tessa and Logan.

[Kevin Sutton]

Originally posted by Hellion
I did like the hinted past tryst of Tessa and Logan.

Where was that? I must have missed it.


Kordey's work moves well from one panel to another, and his perspectives of the characters are good, (even when some don't look like they used to) but his effects look very flat and his action seems wrong somehow. If Salva was a ten, then Kordey remains a five for now.

As for the writing, my only complaints are that Deathstrike's melodrama is a little silly, I'm still unsure why she's there, and its possible that the mutant villain could detract from Stryker. These are minor complaints though -I still like this story. Its increased length should allow Clairemont all the time he needs to explain anything.

[ferretnaura]

I'm happy with the issue...
1) Kitty is back (and hopefully to stay)

2) CC seems to be enjoying the chance to write a sequel to his GN from years ago (and I was collecting then too, ouch)

3) Had Sal not drawn this book before, Kordey's work would've been greeted a lot more openly. Its hard coming in after a legend (or soon to be). I think Kordey is doing an okay job (compared to some art on other Marvel titles. ie; UXM).

3.5) But boy! That Kitty cover by Sal........(poster anyone) I was hoping to have Sal draw Kitty in more than a cover (and a guest appearance)........ but I'll take that cover anyday! Too bad I'm not planning on reading a commercialized made comic/hope for a movie/cuz I'm in charge of the company Namor, even if Sal is drawing it.

4) I'm enjoying the slimmed down cast (5+Kitty).. although I know Rogue and Gambit are due back soon.. just don't lose Kitty (or have I said that?)

5) Looking forward to parts 3-6... that's going to be a looooonnnnggggg wait.

[Dragon]

I liked the issue, sure things are a bit odd right now, but it's only the beginning. It's nice to See Peter and Illyana back even if only as memories. Did i mention i love the cover, i hope thats Kitty's permit X-men Uniform.

[Hellion]

Originally posted by SuperMutant
Where was that? I must have missed it.

Page 19 bottom two panels.


Logan- "Sage'll figure it out, sam. She's good at that."
Sage- "Among...OTHER things."
Logan- "Oh, yeah."

Did anyone notice everyother page is an ad? There seem to be more ads now.

[TurdFerguson]

That's because there are. In a 32 page comic, there used to be 22 pages of Story and 10 pages of ads. They put one more piece of paper in the comic which means that there are now 36 pages, but by my count there is the same number of stories. So we're getting the same amount of comic, but marvel increased the number of pages at their own expense in order to sell more ad space to cover the difference and make up for the pressure to keep cover prices down.

Personally, I'll take more ad space over a higher priced comic or lower priced talent.

[Hellion]

Good to know. So would I. I never noticed until I stated counting to figure out a page number.

[spare_ribs85]

Yeah i thought this issue was great, its a bit confusing right now...the whole stryker/deathstrike thing, and thier motives, but i'm hoping this will be cleared up in the next couple of issues...

[Sage4ever]

does the kitty cover fit in with the other ones so far... and does that mean that Kitty could be permanent?

[gambitX]

I am seriously depressed when I see the cover and then open the issue..
it's such a dramatic change (and not for the better)..

ugh!!!

Does anybody think the guy from Mount Heaven looks like one of the Specials from RISING STARS????

[ursabearX]

WOW,:O

I loved the cover but it breaks my wee heart that Sal aint drawing the issue:( .

So this issue was actually good, althought the stryker-yukio connectoin is a total x2 tie-in.
Was it just me or does Storms hair look ala Emplate, I am soooooo gland to have Sammy back I just pray to Ganesh that Kitty decides to stay with the team now that they are not affiliated with the Institute.

[Hellion]

Originally posted by Sage4ever
does the kitty cover fit in with the other ones so far... and does that mean that Kitty could be permanent?

No the last two are of Gambit and Rogue. I forget the issue numbers for them, maybe #31? Don't quote me on that. It's after GLMKII storyline.

[gambitX]

Originally posted by ursabearX
Was it just me or does Storms hair look ala Emplate, ....

ROFLMAO!!
so true!

[Patrick James]

Yes, yes, we all miss Sal. There is no comparison and I won't make one as I think it is unfair to Kordey.

Kordey's Storm looks strange to me, as does his Wolverine in these last few issues.

I don't think Kitty is staying around, but it wouldn't hurt my feelings, if done properly. I actually support her emotional struggle to get out and thought it was an excellent step for her character back when Colossus died. It's one of my favorite X-Men issues ever, actually. That said, some serious chagnes would need to take place during this arc to nullify those feelings for me.

The implied relationship between Wolverine and Sage, if that was what it was supposed to be, didn't come off like that at all. To me, it read as though Wolverine knew Sage was really some sort of ho and Sage wasn't denying it. :mad: Didn't work for me and seemed a little out of character for Sage.

Lady Deathstrike looks terrible in her non-uniform. He old costume is classic and this new one doesn't stand up.

Also, Claremont is not getting around to her connection to Stryker fast enough. Just by saying that she has known him forever doesn't explain why she broke him out of jail, and certainly not why she did it now as opposed to years ago when he was put away.

A lot of questions, but a nice issue nonetheless.

Arkangel4Psy

[Kevin Woodside]

This book was awesome. It got me emotionally involved. Strong, progressive plot. Great art. Can't wait until this arch is through and I can see it as one big story.

Using Illyana and Peter as emotional ties allowed me to feel a part of this story. I am, probably, one of the few that saw the point and logic to Colossus's death, but I was still surprised to see him there and felt a twinge of sadness.

The action is high-octane and the plot twists keep getting better and better.

There were two books that came out this week that dealt with zealots versus mutants. You can guess which one I liked better . . .

(um, well, if you don't read my comments on Uncanny, then I'll just tell you that I liked X-Treme a lot better)

~W~

[Twilight]

The cover was fantastic. At first I was ready to give credit to Kordey until I saw Sal's name on it. Kitty looked great. Man, Im so missing Sal!

[Black mamba]

loved this issue! i loved the fact that chris gave us some insight into yurikos personality and how she feels about being more cyborg than human now that shes in a relationship with a man. i have a question if kitty is always in phasing state and has to think herself out of it than how does she sleep? i'd assum shed just phase though her bed and everything. I MISS SAL!!!!!!! and i didn't like how ilyana looked peter looked amazing.

[NicholasRogue]

I thought Kordey's best artwork in this issue were the scenes of Kitty myself :kitty:

[ferretnaura]

I agree. The scenes of Kitty seemed to be drawn with more detail and facial emotion than the team panels.......

Kordey is doing fine (better than his other X-title stuff). We're all just spoiled, spoiled, spoiled (Thanks Jemas for taking Sal away) with a few years of Sal that we're not giving Kordey the chance. I'd take Kordey over Garney in UXM anyday though :)

I still can't get over that Kitty cover though!!!!!!!!! Man.. Marvel, put that out as a poster! Best Kitty cover since Paul Smith UXM #168 (Kitty against wall with hair over face).

[NicholasRogue]

Originally posted by ferretnaura
I agree. The scenes of Kitty seemed to be drawn with more detail and facial emotion than the team panels.......

Kordey is doing fine (better than his other X-title stuff). We're all just spoiled, spoiled, spoiled (Thanks Jemas for taking Sal away) with a few years of Sal that we're not giving Kordey the chance. I'd take Kordey over Garney in UXM anyday though :)

I still can't get over that Kitty cover though!!!!!!!!! Man.. Marvel, put that out as a poster! Best Kitty cover since Paul Smith UXM #168 (Kitty against wall with hair over face).

Oh I remember that issue "Professor X is a Jerk!" Best Kitty issue!

[Rimpelwillem Returns]

:no: Man... If this doesn't get better... I'm gonna give it till after the intifada arc and I'm outa here... :no:

[Duncan]

Solid issue, loved it. Pacing was excelent and I'm dying to know who the guy from Mount Haven is and what his plans and backstory are..

[Inferno256]

I do wish Kitty would stay, but they did say GUEST appearance. And with rogue and gambit coming back, that already makes it five, so if they keep adding characters, it will be like before when they had about 10 people on the team. TWAS HECTIC. AAAAAAAHH!!

[NicholasRogue]

I remember that, way too many characters. I think six would be okay, but I want Kitty on team too, Just get rid of Wolverine and keep Neal, Heather, and Davis off and then you got my team.

[TurdFerguson]

Ten characters would still be better than Uncanny, when half the "team" doesn't make it into every issue.

[ultimateX]

well, the issue was fairly good.

but the problem is, as the book progresses, im finding it hard to buy xtreme because of its art.

im one of those people who always want a "good buy," meaning good story and good art at a reasonably good price. i dont care if xtreme costs P180 pesos here in our country as compared to P135 price of uncanny and new xmen.

not that igor's art sucks. i have to give credit to the guy for his improved strokes. but salvador larocca has set a very high standard on comic book art from the beginning and i think it is impossible for igor to fill in his big shoes.

now there's news that he's returning to uncanny as regular penciller. why the heck didn't they return him to xtreme?

there are other amazing artists out there who can draw uncanny. chris bachalo is one of them, and of course, my fellow "pinoy" Phil Jimenez. or carlos pacheco. or joe madureira.

please. return larrocca to xtreme.

[Booyah9]

I feel sort of the same way. I happen to like Kordey because of the strong layouts, but with Larroca gone the price of $3 seems a bit high. I'd pay that for Larroca+Liquid, but with Larroca gone the art isn't spectacular any more. Does anyone know if art was in fact the reason for the $2.99 price tag?

[TurdFerguson]

Originally posted by ultimateX

there are other amazing artists out there who can draw uncanny. chris bachalo is one of them, and of course, my fellow &quot;pinoy&quot; Phil Jimenez. or carlos pacheco. or joe madureira.

please. return larrocca to xtreme.


Oh, man I get shivers in my knees just thinking about Joe Madureira coming back to the X-Men. Don't tease us like that.

[Daniel J Ciccaglione]

GRRR I thought I wrote something in here about the this issue. I liked it alot it was the first X-Treme title I picked up and I enjoyed it alot. What happen to Kitty why is her powers acting all weird?

[Kevin Sutton]

Originally posted by Tha Wolverine
What happen to Kitty why is her powers acting all weird?

I don't think there was anything wrong with her powers. Stryker was trying to brainwasher and was having difficulty because of the nature of her powers, but her powers were acting like they always do.

[D4773T]

the book suffers with this art. I think ill wait for them to get another artist before i buy another issue. I hate this art but i love the characters. damn jemas:mad:

[ursabearX]

i think the best Xtreme team would be, SHOULD BE:
Ororo, Sam,Remy, Rogue, Lucas, Sage and Kitty. seven max
lets pray now:worthy:

[Daniel J Ciccaglione]

Well X-Treme needs some more people. Gambit and Rogue would be good for the team. :gambit: :rogue:

[Midknight]

This issue was solid. However I don't like where Claremont is going with Deathstryke. I mean, she was crying in the last panel.

The Deathstryke I remember was a hard edged killer working for Pierce. Now she seems virtually soft, and not worth worrying about. I think Claremont is under pressure with this issue, trying to connect Xtreme with the movie in which he initially wrote in 82 (God Loves, Man Kills).

Don't get me wrong, it was still good, and Bishop and Sage are quickly becoming two of my favorites (I still call her Tessa :) ), but I want the hardcore nasty Deathstryke back. If she found herself out of control, she would NOT cry. She'd let them know and continue killing and probably be more pissed off than broken up. She's a killer, it's what she does.

Other than that, and the art (which is good, but I miss YOU KNOW WHO!) Great stuff, and worth a read.

[Will]

I'm really liking the God Loves Man Kills 2 story arc so far.

I do notice that many things are just tacked on only due to the recent X2 movie release like the black leather/red/yellow uniform costumes, Stryker and the facial hair(not as much of a big deal), Lady Death Strike among other things, but I can live with it.

The group interaction is very well done, I especially liked the escape plan Sage had for Logan and Cannonball. Pretty inventive.
Bishop whooping ass was great too as well as Storm's arial maneuvers. The whole Kitty/Stryker/Lady Deathstrike part of the story was also handled solidly. I'm still extremely sad and a bit angry Claremont had killed Colossus in the Legacy virus cure story, I'm sure he could have used any fodder mutant for that part of the plot.

Anyway seeing him again just reminds me of how cool of a character he was(as well as Illiyana but I could care less about her really) and serves some good purpose behind Kitty for motivation.

As for the art, I really think Igor is doing some really good competent work. Definitely not sloppy and all over the place like some of his New X-Men work and with Scott Hanna's inks his work should be tightening up some come later issues. This time though, it seems as if the book didn't have much of an inker since some of it looked pretty sketchy like Wolverine's intimidation tactics scene among others.
I usually never complain about sketchy artwork unless its unruly which it isn't here, but following the very clean Salvador Larroca is a bit tough. Nontheless I can't draw that good yet so I'm not one too complain too much about stuff like that. ;)

As said by Brian, I think the artwork has a bit of a classic look but with modern coloring techniques. As far as that goes Liquid! is doing a pretty good job so far. The only thing that bugs me is that the coloring can be "off" at times and certain uniforms will have different colored parts in the next panel. The colors also look less vibrant since the inking is implemented this time for a bit more clarity but other than that I love Liquid!'s coloring techniques and effects.

While I haven't read God Loves Man kills the original(shame on me) this arc is a good solid read. I wish Chris Claremont didn't name this the sequel to the first since expectations will obviously be high given the high acclaim the first one had but I think this once can be treated as a good/above average follow-up.

I'd give it a 8/10

[NicholasRogue]

Originally posted by Tha Wolverine
Well X-Treme needs some more people. Gambit and Rogue would be good for the team. :gambit: :rogue:

Well being as they're already members of the team, but just aren't shown b/c the stupid GLMKII arc had to go an issue longer. ERG!!!:mad: Fear the wraith of Sprite!!!!!! and :rogue::D Just Kidding!

[Will]

Heh well I definitely want Gambit back. Sorry Rogue fans but I've sort of grown a dislike for her as of recent.

Maybe because of her recent superpower whoring out and having leached off Warbird to gain the powers she has today. I like the sexy/somewhat charming nature of character herself some but just the nature of her powers bother me. I actually like the X-Men Evolution cartoon version the most since she's more self reliant and likeable.

[Daniel J Ciccaglione]

Originally posted by Spriteguy16


Well being as they're already members of the team, but just aren't shown b/c the stupid GLMKII arc had to go an issue longer. ERG!!!:mad: Fear the wraith of Sprite!!!!!! and :rogue::D Just Kidding!

Well since this is the first issue of X-Treme I picked up I didn't realize that they were apart of the team. I know what happen to them with looseing there powers.

[Stormboy8]

hey folks,

like most of you i liked the story and was less than pleased with the art.....but the burning question i have for ya'll is, when did Kitty kill before? it mentions that she had to kill someone, but like the cryptographic scribe he is, Claremont doesn't mention who and when it was...any one care to help me out?

thanks,

Storm

[katharsis]

Originally posted by Stormboy8

.....but the burning question i have for ya'll is, when did Kitty kill before? it mentions that she had to kill someone, but like the cryptographic scribe he is, Claremont doesn't mention who and when it was...any one care to help me out?

thanks,

Storm

Sure. Somebody had the same question a few weeks ago and I answered it here (http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=497840). Hope this helps.

[Michael Fisch]

Originally posted by Will
I'm still extremely sad and a bit angry Claremont had killed Colossus in the Legacy virus cure story, I'm sure he could have used any fodder mutant for that part of the plot.


Claremont didn't kill off Colossus. Scott Lobdell did (under editorial mandate, I'm sure). I agree that they did it for shock value and because for years they didn't know how to effectively use the big guy--I'd have called him the most expendable character under Lobdell's scripting chores. But that's old news and not worth bringing up again, right?

Scenes like this one in Xtreme make me miss Pete and Illyana all the more.

[Daniel J Ciccaglione]

Well Pete ain't coming back that is for sure. It sucks to If you read 176 in Wolverine you will know why Pete won't come back.

[Stormboy8]

i appreciate the assistance, katharsis! thanks a lot!

Storm

[MrHymes01]

Eh... I really hate when they do these movie tie-ins. I just hope it's over soon.

[Booyah9]

It's not really a movie tie in, there are just some influences from the recently released film. (Namely Stryker and Deathstrike together and you could say Wolverines guest appearence.) It's quite good, especially if you like Xtreme, so don't let the appearence of Stryker put you off.

[Will]

Originally posted by lockheed


Claremont didn't kill off Colossus. Scott Lobdell did (under editorial mandate, I'm sure). I agree that they did it for shock value and because for years they didn't know how to effectively use the big guy--I'd have called him the most expendable character under Lobdell's scripting chores. But that's old news and not worth bringing up again, right?

Scenes like this one in Xtreme make me miss Pete and Illyana all the more.
Ah yes it was Scott Lobdell, didn't even bother to look since Clarement and Lobdell's runs are so close together. Nontheless it sucks hard. I guess we still have a more hardened warrior version of Colossus in Ultimate X-Men.

[steve2275]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Brian E. Wilkinson
I miss Colossus.

AMEN

[supercalifragilistic]

i thought this issue wasnt bad, but in comparison to all the exciting things happening in uncanny and new, im barely looking forward to the next issue of xtreme. part of this is due to kordeys work on the book...i keep wanting something more from his work. i was willing to give him a chance on the book, but his art has been REALLY weak. no punch or excitement to it at all.

and has anyone else noticed he draws bishop as though he's only 5 feet tall??

[xmanson2.0]

I liked this issue...

[OmegaRedneck]

Nobody asked, but I'm gonna have to throw my 2 negative cents in on this one. I'm not a big fan of X-Treme to begin with, so I admit a certain bias toward the title. That said, I really enjoyed the original GLMK story, and looked forward to a sequel. What I've seen so far in GLMK2 has been a terrible dissapointment.

Correct me if I'm wrong (which happens quite frequently), but when exactly did Lady Deathstrike a) become a mutant, and b) gain the ability to morph her adamantium claws into I/O ports? I was under the impression Yuriko's "powers" were cybernetic implants from Spiral's Body Shoppe. Also, when did Kitty become immune to telepathy?

I was a bit startled by Illyana's appearance in this issue. I don't recall her ever having freckles or a bobbed hair-do, or talking like she fell straight out of a bad piece of Buffy fanfiction. Then again, Storm's line on page 4, "No joy from plan A. Switch to plan B!" seemed terribly out of character to me. I'm not trying to nitpick an issue to death, but there were several lines that just felt extremely forced to me, like my dad trying to sound cool.

Plus, the idea of Sage and Wolverine: eww.

The idea of Deathstrike teamed up with Stryker seemed like a very forced movie tie-in to me. Passing it off as a lifelong affiliation seemed like a cop-out. Additionally, I still don't like Kitty's new "bartender/dominatrix" thing. Doesn't seem like the Kitty Pryde I loved from Excalibur.

Maybe GLMK2 is gonna get better before it ends, but I was very unimpressed with this issue.

[Booyah9]

Well, CC addresses some of this in the Xtreme Xmen 26 thread, so that might have some answers. I can't say I'm great with continuity or anything, but others may be able to comment on other issues you bring up.
In fact I agree with some of your points, as those are a few of the minor things I didn't like about the issue, but for me they weren't enough to spoil the whole thing. On the contrary, I really like what Claremont is doing as a whole.
So it's really just a matter of taste. If you didn't like X-treme before, this arc may not change much.

[Hellion]

Originally posted by OmegaRedneck
I was a bit startled by Illyana's appearance in this issue. I don't recall her ever having freckles or a bobbed hair-do.

Ya, I had the same problem with this, I don't even want to get started on the art again.

Plus, the idea of Sage and Wolverine: eww.

I actually like this one. I could imagine them going at it for a week straight on some beach. Not that I think about them, er, um ya. :blush:

I still don't like Kitty's new &quot;bartender/dominatrix&quot; thing. Doesn't seem like the Kitty Pryde I loved from Excalibur.


It fits her character now, it you read Makanix.

[OmegaRedneck]

Originally posted by Hellion
It fits her character now, it you read Makanix.

Yeah, that's the thing. I read part of Mekanix, and was once again unimpressed. Ever since Claremont has come back to the X-titles, I've gotten the impression that he didn't bother to read anything anyone else wrote using Kitty. He just immediately put his own spin on her and disregarded all the previous continuity with her.

Take the Black Sun storyline, for instance. When they needed a virgin, for whatever reason they need virgins these days, Kitty was their girl. During Excalibur, I'd bet you a dollar to a sweet delicious doughnut that Kitty Pryde and Pete Wisdom didn't keep their relationship PG-13. Her evolution into the leather-clad bartender we see now seems very awkward. I just don't accept this persona as a natural evolution for the character.

Then again, I could be wrong. Could you cliff-notes Mekanix for me? Maybe if I get the official story, it'll seem less lame to me.

[katharsis]

Originally posted by OmegaRedneck

Could you cliff-notes Mekanix for me? Maybe if I get the official story, it'll seem less lame to me.

Not a problem. Here (http://www.uncannyxmen.net/db/issues/showfaq.asp?fldAuto=92) is the link to the summaries of the entire series. The precursor to that (and might explain Kitty's current dress/occupation) is here (http://www.uncannyxmen.net/db/issues/showquestion.asp?fldAuto=1129).

Hope it clears things up...

[William Reverend Stryker]

I'm still extremely sad and a bit angry Claremont had killed Colossus in the Legacy virus cure story, I'm sure he could have used any fodder mutant for that part of the plot.
actully, it wasn't Claremont that killed Colossus, Claremont's last story on his second run was Uncanny X-men #389, Colossus died in Uncanny X-men #390, I believe it was by Scott Lobdell.

[Hellion]

Originally posted by OmegaRedneck


Yeah, that's the thing. I read part of Mekanix, and was once again unimpressed. Ever since Claremont has come back to the X-titles, I've gotten the impression that he didn't bother to read anything anyone else wrote using Kitty. He just immediately put his own spin on her and disregarded all the previous continuity with her.

Take the Black Sun storyline, for instance. When they needed a virgin, for whatever reason they need virgins these days, Kitty was their girl. During Excalibur, I'd bet you a dollar to a sweet delicious doughnut that Kitty Pryde and Pete Wisdom didn't keep their relationship PG-13. Her evolution into the leather-clad bartender we see now seems very awkward. I just don't accept this persona as a natural evolution for the character.

Then again, I could be wrong. Could you cliff-notes Mekanix for me? Maybe if I get the official story, it'll seem less lame to me.

I with you on that. I was extremly pissed when Chris de-aged her and threw out the whole Kitty and Pete thing.

Look at Katharsis always on it! :)

[CornerDemon]

I can't help it - Kordey isn't bad, but he's not Sal. That cover is just wowsome, and then to look inside... I don't wanna offend the guy, but he's just not what I want. His action is kinda lackluster, and Sal has so much clarity in his drawings. Everything looks so wonderfully uncluttered...
I love it when Wolverine is used right. Though this is the umpteenth book in a row he's been taken out of fight quickly, this one seemed the most logical and well done, since everyone else had the same problem. And I ADORED watching Bishop step up to the plate!
I wasn't a big Kitty fan until after Colossus croaked. Now I am. Her character has changed, she's no longer cutesy and there's an edginess to her that works. She's angry, and hurting, and it all blends together to make her ten times more interesting. I really wouldn't mind seeing her added to the team, in fact, I'd like it a lot. Even if it means a bigger team, she'd be a good addition.
This is another one of those arcs where I can see I'll be waiting for something to get cleared up after every issue. But I don't mind. After all, if I read "Murder in the Mansion" without mind-raping Grant Morrison for the ending, than I can read anything.
-CD

[zookeeper]

This arc is typical CC, and I'm glad he has an additional issue to finish up a potentially long story with his verbose writing style cleanly.

A couple things about this team of X-Men and the series in general: I'm beginning to like the crime-solving partership of Sage/Bishop. It gives CC something more to play with storywise then just having the "bad guy" attack the mansion/hotel/planet and then the team fight whatever off. Murder-mystery X-men may not be everyone's favorite portrayal of an action-orientated team, but it's a nice change.

As far as future speculations on team line-ups, keeping the previous paragraph in mind, it actually would make sense to have Kitty on the team because of her abilities: she'd be perfect to sneak around and gather evidence and spy for Sage/Bishop. Also, she's has a lot of prior X-man experience to keep up with the action, something that newcomers T-bird, Slipstream, and Lifeguard did not. Furthermore, with her close relationship with Storm dating for almost two decades, I'd be surprised if we didn't see at least some effort to recruit her, even if she doesn't accept the offer.

Whatever happens, I have a feeling Kitty's going to be kicking some butt in the next few issues, and it feels like CC has been building her up for something good to vent her frustrations over.

One last thing: anyone remember the last story in XMU 43? Remember, that's CC's pet character too... :) Again, I hate to speculate, but CC has a number of different angles to play with, largely due to his work in this series and Mekanix, and I find he's pretty good with surprises.

[ferretnaura]

I hope you're right.. I spent my teen years reading Kitty in every issue of UXM... then I grow up and she goes into limbo, then brought back, then limbo again, then a mini-series here and there, then editor limbo, and on and on and on.

I do hope Kitty is back and monthly! CC???

man that was a FINE cover!!!! Sal, you sell original art?