Brian Wilkinson
Mar 6, 2002, 09:42 pm
<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/ultxmen15.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/ultxmen15t.jpg" align=left alt="Ultimate X-Men #15"></a>Reviewer: Brian E. Wilkinson, bewilkinson@yahoo.ca
Quick Rating: Excellent!
Story Title: It Doesn't Have To Be This Way
A touching story that looks at the lives and trials which the X-Men must face every day in the cause of peace between man and mutant.
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Adam Kubert
Inks: Danny Miki
Letters: Chris Eliopoulos
Colors: Stewart
Editor: Ralph Macchio
Editor In Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas
“Come on. Let’s figure out who you’re going to save today.”
Mark Millar has proved that he is capable of weaving dramatic and exciting story arcs that give glimpses into the lives of these characters and the cause that they fight for. Adam Kubert has turned out some of the best art of his career with levels of detail both in his character renditions, backgrounds, and tones that leave no doubt he is truly one of the best of his field. In other words, there was no fear whatsoever in my mind that when the duo returned to the series after a two-issue fill in (by Chuck Austen and Essad Ribic) that they would continue this fine tradition. What I didn’t expect, however, was that this issue would leave them all in the dust on both counts.
There are so many things that set this issue apart from the norm… both in terms of Millar’s usual writing style and in the events that unfold within. The most obvious change is that this issue isn’t part of a sweeping six-issue event but is self-contained. Though Millar touches upon events in the previous two arcs, it is largely the character development of this issue which leaves one with a sense of awe after reading it.
The issue largely works as an article written by Professor Xavier on what it is to be a mutant as a precursor to a book he has recently finished writing on the subject. Using the article as his medium, Millar lets readers behind the curtain on the lives of our favorite mutants and their extra-curricular activities outside of the school. Marvel Girl, for instance, does work with the mentally ill and assists police in unsolved cases. Cyclops is mentioned as having poor grades, but excellent leadership skills which Xavier helps him develop by taking groups of under-privileged kids on dangerous trips. Iceman works with the homeless, and Beast, despite all the pain he has recently been through in the ‘Return To Weapon X’ arc, works on developing alternatives to pharmaceuticals in Third World countries. The most interesting out of all of these is how Millar not only acknowledges the violent backgrounds that Wolverine and Colossus were both showing to have had early on the series (Wolverine was a part of the early Weapon X program and Colossus was a Russian mob enforcer) but shows them walking the streets from dusk until dawn in search of people “who might need their particular kind of help.”
If all the development of the core team wasn’t enough, we are treated to further glimpses into the ranks and motivations of the Brotherhood. Last seen working alongside the X-Men in issue #12 it seems that though the X-Men might find themselves at philosophical odds with the group, that is apparently where the conflict ends. Xavier is seen discussing alternatives to violence with Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch (some of these alternatives include outing mutant celebrities and targeting corporate crime) and they even go so far as to call Xavier “Uncle Charles.” In one of the oddest pairings yet, Cyclops is seen to be developing a friendship with Toad!
This is not your father’s X-Men. The thing that struck my as the most bizarre about this issue was that it all seemed so reasonable. Contrary to the events that often take place in the main X-Men series where violence and conflict is often the only means to an end, the approach taken here by Millar really throws the reader. The Brotherhood showing up in issue #11 was weird enough, but now, despite the differences in agenda, they really aren’t all that bad? There is only one word that seems to suit this idea: brilliant.
Though Millar has said that Xavier has an even bigger secret yet to reveal to the team, the one he imparts upon Colossus this issue is good enough for now. The rumours are true. Magneto is alive. Not only is he alive, though, but in the process of a mental rehabilitation. Xavier has given Magneto a new identity and purpose to his life as a man who works with mentally handicapped children. Magneto, the man who stood poised to rule America only a few short issues ago, faces the far simpler challenges of dating and neighbours who play their music too loudly. Though an impressive twist in the story and one that leaves so much for potential exploration later, it really raises a lot of moral and ethical dilemmas. Since this series started, I’ve found that the Ultimate version of Professor X is far more willing to use his powers to alter the minds and perceptions of those around him. Though it often frustrated me that he didn’t do this in the regular Marvel continuity, it wasn’t until this idea was put into practice that it struck me how right the Professor was to impose limits on himself. In this issue, Xavier is denying Magneto the right to know who he is and to choose how he lives. Though his heart may be in the right place, is this really the kind of thing you want to be seeing from a man who devotes his life to peace? Peace, at any cost? If Xavier is willing to go that far, I wonder, how far will he go to ensure that his dream becomes reality?
Though the issue could have been done as a very dramatic look inside the minds and hearts of the X-Men, Millar and Kubert kindly decide to include a little bit of fun. I laughed out loud when Iceman ‘accidentally’ entered the women’s locker room for the third time that week and how Storm retaliated by setting off a tiny thunderstorm in his lower intestine. I also liked seeing Beast getting along with ‘Mutantchick’ in a chat room, only to discover near the end of the issue that it was actually the Blob who he was chatting with (though I don’t think poor Beast knows that). Perhaps this issue is actually a cautionary tale from Mr. Millar to the dark side of online dating?
And for those of you who delight in speculation, it’s time to add fuel to the fire and throw in my two cents on the truth behind that cat of Xavier’s. It’s been rumoured for quite some time on the Internet that the cat is none other than the shapeshifter, Mystique! Mark Millar has himself confirmed that she has shown up in over half the issues and the logical choice would be that darn cat. In what is either an obvious declaration to confirming this rumour or a brilliant red herring, the cat is seen wearing a simple tag with the letter ‘M’ on it. While this doesn’t mean anything, I’m sure it will get many people excited.
The art here is nothing short of breathtaking. The soft tones and shades used here give the book a calm feeling that was sorely needed after a year of nearly solid action. The last page alone featuring Iceman and Xavier outside the mansion at dusk makes this issue something special. Though nothing too complicated in terms of level of detail, it is rather how simple the picture is that makes it so memorable. The characters are all beautifully done, especially the one character I mentioned in the spoiler space above. Adam Kubert is simply fantastic.
Other than hailing Mark Millar as brilliant and one of the best writers in comics today, what else can I say about him? What else needs to be said? His characters, stories, and attention to detail all mark him as a master storyteller. If Ultimate X-Men doesn’t convince you of this, then I strongly suggest you check out his new series, The Ultimates which features the Ultimate version of The Avengers.
It’s a great time to be a comic book fan. I haven’t felt this energized by the stories and quality of art in years. Marvel has made so many improvements in the last year that it leaves no doubt that a new Golden Age is upon us.
{I may be nitpicking, but it's just 'cause it's all so good, y'know?}
Art:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg
Story:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg
Overall:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg
Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics (http://www.x-worldcomics.com/x/bstore/newbooksmain.html) and save!
Quick Rating: Excellent!
Story Title: It Doesn't Have To Be This Way
A touching story that looks at the lives and trials which the X-Men must face every day in the cause of peace between man and mutant.
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Adam Kubert
Inks: Danny Miki
Letters: Chris Eliopoulos
Colors: Stewart
Editor: Ralph Macchio
Editor In Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas
“Come on. Let’s figure out who you’re going to save today.”
Mark Millar has proved that he is capable of weaving dramatic and exciting story arcs that give glimpses into the lives of these characters and the cause that they fight for. Adam Kubert has turned out some of the best art of his career with levels of detail both in his character renditions, backgrounds, and tones that leave no doubt he is truly one of the best of his field. In other words, there was no fear whatsoever in my mind that when the duo returned to the series after a two-issue fill in (by Chuck Austen and Essad Ribic) that they would continue this fine tradition. What I didn’t expect, however, was that this issue would leave them all in the dust on both counts.
There are so many things that set this issue apart from the norm… both in terms of Millar’s usual writing style and in the events that unfold within. The most obvious change is that this issue isn’t part of a sweeping six-issue event but is self-contained. Though Millar touches upon events in the previous two arcs, it is largely the character development of this issue which leaves one with a sense of awe after reading it.
The issue largely works as an article written by Professor Xavier on what it is to be a mutant as a precursor to a book he has recently finished writing on the subject. Using the article as his medium, Millar lets readers behind the curtain on the lives of our favorite mutants and their extra-curricular activities outside of the school. Marvel Girl, for instance, does work with the mentally ill and assists police in unsolved cases. Cyclops is mentioned as having poor grades, but excellent leadership skills which Xavier helps him develop by taking groups of under-privileged kids on dangerous trips. Iceman works with the homeless, and Beast, despite all the pain he has recently been through in the ‘Return To Weapon X’ arc, works on developing alternatives to pharmaceuticals in Third World countries. The most interesting out of all of these is how Millar not only acknowledges the violent backgrounds that Wolverine and Colossus were both showing to have had early on the series (Wolverine was a part of the early Weapon X program and Colossus was a Russian mob enforcer) but shows them walking the streets from dusk until dawn in search of people “who might need their particular kind of help.”
If all the development of the core team wasn’t enough, we are treated to further glimpses into the ranks and motivations of the Brotherhood. Last seen working alongside the X-Men in issue #12 it seems that though the X-Men might find themselves at philosophical odds with the group, that is apparently where the conflict ends. Xavier is seen discussing alternatives to violence with Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch (some of these alternatives include outing mutant celebrities and targeting corporate crime) and they even go so far as to call Xavier “Uncle Charles.” In one of the oddest pairings yet, Cyclops is seen to be developing a friendship with Toad!
This is not your father’s X-Men. The thing that struck my as the most bizarre about this issue was that it all seemed so reasonable. Contrary to the events that often take place in the main X-Men series where violence and conflict is often the only means to an end, the approach taken here by Millar really throws the reader. The Brotherhood showing up in issue #11 was weird enough, but now, despite the differences in agenda, they really aren’t all that bad? There is only one word that seems to suit this idea: brilliant.
Though Millar has said that Xavier has an even bigger secret yet to reveal to the team, the one he imparts upon Colossus this issue is good enough for now. The rumours are true. Magneto is alive. Not only is he alive, though, but in the process of a mental rehabilitation. Xavier has given Magneto a new identity and purpose to his life as a man who works with mentally handicapped children. Magneto, the man who stood poised to rule America only a few short issues ago, faces the far simpler challenges of dating and neighbours who play their music too loudly. Though an impressive twist in the story and one that leaves so much for potential exploration later, it really raises a lot of moral and ethical dilemmas. Since this series started, I’ve found that the Ultimate version of Professor X is far more willing to use his powers to alter the minds and perceptions of those around him. Though it often frustrated me that he didn’t do this in the regular Marvel continuity, it wasn’t until this idea was put into practice that it struck me how right the Professor was to impose limits on himself. In this issue, Xavier is denying Magneto the right to know who he is and to choose how he lives. Though his heart may be in the right place, is this really the kind of thing you want to be seeing from a man who devotes his life to peace? Peace, at any cost? If Xavier is willing to go that far, I wonder, how far will he go to ensure that his dream becomes reality?
Though the issue could have been done as a very dramatic look inside the minds and hearts of the X-Men, Millar and Kubert kindly decide to include a little bit of fun. I laughed out loud when Iceman ‘accidentally’ entered the women’s locker room for the third time that week and how Storm retaliated by setting off a tiny thunderstorm in his lower intestine. I also liked seeing Beast getting along with ‘Mutantchick’ in a chat room, only to discover near the end of the issue that it was actually the Blob who he was chatting with (though I don’t think poor Beast knows that). Perhaps this issue is actually a cautionary tale from Mr. Millar to the dark side of online dating?
And for those of you who delight in speculation, it’s time to add fuel to the fire and throw in my two cents on the truth behind that cat of Xavier’s. It’s been rumoured for quite some time on the Internet that the cat is none other than the shapeshifter, Mystique! Mark Millar has himself confirmed that she has shown up in over half the issues and the logical choice would be that darn cat. In what is either an obvious declaration to confirming this rumour or a brilliant red herring, the cat is seen wearing a simple tag with the letter ‘M’ on it. While this doesn’t mean anything, I’m sure it will get many people excited.
The art here is nothing short of breathtaking. The soft tones and shades used here give the book a calm feeling that was sorely needed after a year of nearly solid action. The last page alone featuring Iceman and Xavier outside the mansion at dusk makes this issue something special. Though nothing too complicated in terms of level of detail, it is rather how simple the picture is that makes it so memorable. The characters are all beautifully done, especially the one character I mentioned in the spoiler space above. Adam Kubert is simply fantastic.
Other than hailing Mark Millar as brilliant and one of the best writers in comics today, what else can I say about him? What else needs to be said? His characters, stories, and attention to detail all mark him as a master storyteller. If Ultimate X-Men doesn’t convince you of this, then I strongly suggest you check out his new series, The Ultimates which features the Ultimate version of The Avengers.
It’s a great time to be a comic book fan. I haven’t felt this energized by the stories and quality of art in years. Marvel has made so many improvements in the last year that it leaves no doubt that a new Golden Age is upon us.
{I may be nitpicking, but it's just 'cause it's all so good, y'know?}
Art:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg
Story:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg
Overall:
http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xfull.jpg
Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics (http://www.x-worldcomics.com/x/bstore/newbooksmain.html) and save!