NEW X-MEN #123 REVIEW

[Ben Hutton]

<a href="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/newxmen-123.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/covers/newxmen-123t.jpg" align=left alt="New X-Men #123"></a>Reviewer: Ben Hutton, bhutton@froggy.com.au
Quick Rating: Great
Story Title: Testament

The "Imperial" saga begins in earnest as the Institute throws open it’s doors to the media.

Written by: Grant Morrison
Cover by: Tony Harris
Pencilled by: Ethan Van Sciver & Tom Derenick
Inked by: Tim Townsend, Danny Miki, Scott Hanna, & Sandu Florea
Lettered by: Richard Starkings & Comicraft’s Saida Temofonte
Colored by: Hi-Fi Design
Assistant Editor: Pete Franco
Editor: Mark Powers
Editor-in-Chief: Joe Quesada
President: Bill Jemas

Could I please get a decent fight scene? This is a comic book of the super-hero genre, last time I looked, so while I appreciate Morrison’s storied approach make with the fighting already!

I remember reading an interview with Morrison where he mentioned that X-Men were going to be about more than just running around battling the villain of the week. Great. The concentration on story is obviously on purpose, and I’m all for it. But not at the expense of the things that make me want to read comics in the first place.

The fantastical fights and abilities displayed are a benchmark of comics because readers cant get this anywhere else. The X-Men movie, while good, was still limited by budgets and technical possibilities, whereas only imagination and the talents of the artist limit a comic.

Basically there are hundreds of other books, movies and television shows where I can see people talking. I can even get some special effects, maybe some fight scenes, but comics are the only place you can really indulge in the spectacular.

Or maybe I just like the fights. So sue me. The only good fight we’ve had was the Cassandra smack down of #116, and even that was a little confusing and lackluster. I think there can be a good balance between action and story, but I’m still waiting for that balance to be struck in New X-Men.

That said, on to the review.

I spoke too soon last month. This issue we have the new Angel in abundance, and I’m wishing Emma would throw a noose around her ill-conceived neck. Maybe I’ll get lucky and the Imperial Guard will take care of her for me.

Emma is in dazzling form here, with hilariously deadpan comments book ending the issue. Her interactions with the other X-Men seem to have become extremely friendly too. There’s some flirtatious banter with Wolverine, a vigorous defense of Hank McCoy and even a conversation with Jean that doesn’t involve the hurling of insults.

I like this Emma Frost. She’s still hard, but we’re given a glimpse of some redeeming qualities underneath. Emma even makes a mention of her “lost years”, which almost seems remorseful. Is the White Queen actually sorry for the horrible acts of her past?

But it’s Beast’s discovery that surprises the most. The X-Men have been infected with nano-Sentinels that are slowly destroying their white cells. This is great stuff. For too long the Sentinels have been ridiculous. Fifty story pink and purple robots? It’s hard not to laugh, even if you don’t take into account the fact that they’ve never been effective.

The danger is a nice counter-point to a touching moment between Jean and a dying Charles. He’s locked into Cerebra with his mind and body falling apart. I’d be worried that they were actually going to kill of Charles if I hadn’t seen him in some advance covers. At the very least I hope the make the body swap have consequences, and don’t just return everyone to their rightful bodies without event.

Since launching his New X-Men Morrison has changed all this. Nan-sentinels are actually scary. How do you fight micro robots that are decimating your cells? A very nice idea, and it actually fits into the X-Men canon. I sometimes feel like Morrison has all these ideas left over from The Authority that he’s shoving into X-Men just for the sake of it.

The end of the issue promises the fight scenes I’ve been hoping form, but I wont hold my breath. I’ve been disappointed by Morrison’s arc structure before. The “Imperial” plotline has potential as long as we dive into it, but not if it’s pointlessly dragged out for four issues just to collect into Trade format.

Priceless Emma moment? Well there are too many to count, but I did especially love this one:

Wolverine: “…I’m on the trail of liquor and pool and some easy company.”
Emma: “Better hurry, Logan… The Zoo will be closing it’s gates in twenty minutes!”

ART:
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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/xhalf.jpg http://x-mencomics.com/xfan/images/xnone.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/xnone.jpg

Buy this issue online now from X-World Comics and save! (http://www.x-worldcomics.com/x/bstore/newbooksmain.html)

[mar420x]

GREAT review, Ben.
I thought this issue was alright. Morrison was at the top of his game and Ethan could have done a better job with some of the art. I'm looking forward to your review of New X #124.
Peace out. Be real.
My final score out of ten for New X #123: 8 out of 10

[Brian Wilkinson]

great review and the issue definitely raises a lot of eyebrows.

nano-sentinels? Brilliant, and yet kind of freaky.

While I AM enjoying this series, it just seems to be missing... something. Not sure what. Still some pretty solid and entertaining stories, though!

[ShaggyDiz]

Great review for a great book. Nuff said.

[Mike-O]

Yeah man, I agree, well reviewed.

My only qualm with the issue, really, was the Tom Denerick art. I mean...... I've sen his art on Nightside, and it's good. But he disappointed me BIG TIME on both Ultimate X Men #12 and on this issue. I don't think his style belings in a book of this caliber whatsoever, but that's me.. ;) And what the heck is with having inter-issue artist changeovers? Bagh.... it was THREE PAGES -- if it meant van Sciver took an extra week to get it done on his own, I would have been much more appreciative.

Aside from the above, I loved 123. As always; this title is always a quality read. I just finished 124, and i'm interested to hear what you have to say, Ben.

[Ben Hutton]

The issue just came out over here for us. I'm picking it up tomorrow and hopefully will have a review up on Monday.

[Brandon Yates]

Loved this issue. Everyone thing about it, especially the Jean Grey "conference."

Nano-sentinels is a brilliant spin on everyone's favorite mutant hunting machines, and that last page with Gladiator is just ridiculous (as in so cool, it's ridiculous).

Interesting points in the review. Well done.

[BarbelithXavier]

authority?? What are you talking about- when did Grant write authority and why do you think nanosentinals are a left over authority idea? Seems very X-Men to me, an evolution of a classic villain. Sure I heard Grant might have ghost written an issue for Millar but still- if you're posting official reviews you should have your facts straight- Grant's ideas are his own and have nothing to do with the authority. Did you mean invisibles maybe?

[Michael Fisch]

I'm liking Morrisson's style more and more each issue, and I did'nt have any problem that there wasn't a big fight this issue. The build up is usually more exciting than the actual event. I love what Grant does with Emma (besides the whole Scott thing), and her scenes with her students are priceless. Nano-sentinels? Sounds to Star Trek to me...are they going to be Borgified soon? Beast is great, Jean is great, Scott and Xorn are starting to annoy me.

[DragynWulf]

Originally posted by Ben Hutton
But it’s Beast’s discovery that surprises the most. The X-Men have been infected with nano-Sentinels that are slowly destroying their white cells. This is great stuff. For too long the Sentinels have been ridiculous. Fifty story pink and purple robots? It’s hard not to laugh, even if you don’t take into account the fact that they’ve never been effective.

Since launching his New X-Men Morrison has changed all this. Nan-sentinels are actually scary. How do you fight micro robots that are decimating your cells? A very nice idea, and it actually fits into the X-Men canon. I sometimes feel like Morrison has all these ideas left over from The Authority that he’s shoving into X-Men just for the sake of it.


Well, if you ask me it seems like Morrison got the idea of nano-machines attacking a person's body from a movie/tv show. Want to know how to fight micro robots from attacking you? Reprogram them to attack each other giving the body time to regrow/repair white cells! That is what happened in the movie/tv show I seen.

Nano-probes were also used in THUNDERBOLTS and CITIZEN V AND THE V-BATTALION (a plot that continued from one title to the other) months before Morrison's decided to use them. I also believe they were used in the CONTEST OF CHAMPIONS II as well.

[theprofessional]

Every one keeps complaining about how uneffective the sentinels are. Exactly which x_villians have been more effective? In "Days of Future Past" The sentinels were very effective. In the normal reality they killed off many reavers and all of the Hellions. I also believe they were responsible for the coma that Emma was reffering to as her "Lost Years". I don't believe she was reffering to her criminal years because that is not how she sees herself. All in all I find this to be a sloppy review, If you want stupid stories with worthless fights read uncanny, and for the love of pete check your facts.

[Judius]

Originally posted by DragynWulf


Well, if you ask me it seems like Morrison got the idea of nano-machines attacking a person's body from a movie/tv show. Want to know how to fight micro robots from attacking you? Reprogram them to attack each other giving the body time to regrow/repair white cells! That is what happened in the movie/tv show I seen.


Don't you mean....another comic?! I swear to god, this is the EXACT same plot from the G.I.Joe series which just ended the nanoprobe plot with this month's issue # 4. Just as you said, the solution was to reprogram the nanos to turn on each other.

[mikey g]

I was quite unhappy with th cover. Wolverine already got to be on one why not give someone else a shot or has everyone had a turn already. The art was mint(that means really good in Australia) and i liked the development of Emma and Angel. I dont know why everyone calls her the new angel. Angel isnt her code name its her real name. I also didnt like the lokks of some of the New Imperiul Guard but other than that kool.

[Erwin Rafael]

i was really surprised that holding the X-Men's first press conference was not touched on in your review. i am saying this because i treat this event as a landmark, a symbol of the new era Morrison is bringing into the book...

[DragynWulf]

Originally posted by Judius


Don't you mean....another comic?! I swear to god, this is the EXACT same plot from the G.I.Joe series which just ended the nanoprobe plot with this month's issue # 4. Just as you said, the solution was to reprogram the nanos to turn on each other.

Yeah.... I knew I seen it somewhere else, but couldn't remember exactly. It was in GI JOE #4 that I seen it happen in. Thanks!

[Ben Hutton]

Erwin - There isn't room to say everything I want to say each month, so I have to be a little selective.

As a few people very correctly pointed out - Grant Morrison has never written The Authority. I was getting him confused with another author.

The point being that I feel like a lot of these ideas, though they would be great in a different book, don't really fit in here.

[stormwatch]

Originally posted by Ben Hutton
Erwin - There isn't room to say everything I want to say each month, so I have to be a little selective.

As a few people very correctly pointed out - Grant Morrison has never written The Authority. I was getting him confused with another author.

The point being that I feel like a lot of these ideas, though they would be great in a different book, don't really fit in here.

Well, I agree with you here. Alright, and I love the Nano-Sentinels part. BUt, And i like Morrison and how he writes. But, is it just me, or does Cassandra Nova seem stereotyped. Like Ulysseus from the Cyclops Icons, she is crazy, and wants to do a lot of hurt. And, Although, it might be answered later on, and it should be. BUt, what exactly is she all up to. There is the Connection to the U-Men, the Nano-Sentinels from the Ecuador Master Mold, the death of her twin. And the Shi'ar fleet.

But alas, I still don't see what her overall all goal is. If her universe only has Xavier as its chief threat, what will she do when he is gone? What are her plans? And will we see more character development?

[Erwin Rafael]

Originally posted by Ben Hutton
Erwin - There isn't room to say everything I want to say each month, so I have to be a little selective.

As a few people very correctly pointed out - Grant Morrison has never written The Authority. I was getting him confused with another author.

The point being that I feel like a lot of these ideas, though they would be great in a different book, don't really fit in here.

yeah, i see what you are getting at, although i know that we kind of have different views about this book. for me, i think it's high time X-Men is not treated as a superhero book. it still has a few conventions of the superhero genre, but Morrison and company are delivering something new and moving into the world of the political and the sci-fi which i think fits the X-Men theme much more. i always viewed that the X-Men should not be superheroes per se but should rather move beyond that and push the norms. or maybe what i am saying is that the X-Men can be viewed as superheroes (Claremontian), but there are non-superhero POVs to the X-Men as well..

it's like Miller's redefinition of Daredevil. DD under Millar's tenure was changed from superhero to crime fiction, which fits the character...

i tend to really place a lot of importance to non-superhero elements in judging my X-Men books. i have always thought that "Dark Phoenix Saga" is not the greatest X-story ever, but rather "God Loves, Man Kills". i think it's because i believe that DP Saga is a superhero adventure that you can tell in any other superhero book. GLMKills, on the other hand, is a tale that has a distinct X-Men flavor to it...

now as to pushing THE AUTHORITY elements into NEW X-MEN, well, what exactly is an Authority element? what makes the two books so disparate from each other that similar elements should not be shared? it was the same problem i had when people accused Kurt Busiek of putting in AUthority elements in Avengers when the Davis run started. like people would rather have an ineffective operating system for the Avengers just for the sake of not introducing some elements developed in another book...

i guess i'm just not into pigeon-holing the X-Men. and i am not saying that you are. but just imagine how Claremont's original run would have been judged if the new elements he introduced in the X-mythos have been compared to other trends during that time. "I feel that Claremont is introducing that cosmic element because Star Wars is really in." or something like "I think Claremont should not jump on the futuristic stories bandwagon..." or something like "Chris is really putting in a Fantastic Four-like family feel to the book." it's an unfair analysis, methinks, and it falls along the line of "The X-Men has been written this way, and it should always be written like this." X-Men books should be plagued only with X-ideas? but what IS an X-idea? who defined the concept of an X-idea?

i think New Marvel is doing a good job of questioning the norms. we may get failed answers from time to time, but asking those questions made Marvel comics more dynamic and progressive. just like how Claremont questioned the norms of X-Men, Miller questioned the norms of DD, Shooter questioned the norms of Marvel Comics, Moore questioned the norms of the costumed hero genre, etc...

and slightly off-topic :cool: read Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. really good book and shoves you into the art of comic book creation. that book was really insightful and helped me in understanding comics better. oh, and read Scott Mccloud's books as well ;)

[Omar A. Safi]

I thought this issue was extraordinary. It had plenty of characterizations, which I love about Morrison's work on this title and Van Sciver's art is excellent. Although, I prefer Quitely and miss his work on the title. Some of Van Sciver's depictions in the issue I don't enjoy but he's still the best alternative out of the fill-in artists. D@mn, next issue Kordey is penciling. Well, every time I get a new issue of New X-Men I am reminded of how good this series really is. I am still wondering one thing though? When Jean left Xaiver in his chamber, there were three panels at the bottom of the page. In the last panel, there is some kind of glowing liquid it seems or gaseous form. Does anyone know what that is or is it just me? :?

[Stapler]

Lackluster, to me. Everything happens in the last couple pages. One thing I totally digged was, "What about mutant bartenders?"
Great point, and Wolverine seconded it.
Jean was all hyping the Mutants-as-Nobel-winners. What about mutants as "just-folks"? Wish this might've been explored. Instead of one of the reporters being a jerk-bigot, how bout one being a logical one without their head in the clouds? That's what I might've liked.

As for Sentinels being goofy just because of their color scheme, they were created in the 60s. It was a different time. Might as well call 90% of every outfit the X-Men (and extended family) have worn goofy. "Would you rather yellow spandex?"
The appeal of the Sentinels, yes, they are beatable. They are still formidible, though. (I'd like to see some Sentinels ala Marvel vs Capcom 2, or the sketches in "Guide to the Mansion" Anyone remember those?)
They're formidible not only in size and weaponry. They are the avatars of humans scared and sometimes evil. They are really everything the X-Men are fighting against. Power gone wrong. Soulless and unrelenting, they HAVE to be destroyed. The X-Men can't reason with them or even subdue them. There is a reason why many of the X-Men's signature villains have commandeered the huge robots for their own ends...

Moving back to the issue, I doubt Grant can outdo Neal Stephenson's nano-tech in "The Diamond Age." Really nano-tech in fiction begins and ends there, with me. Still, as a background agent of Cassandra, they could be okay.

I guess we'll see how it plays out...

[russbrett77]

Once again, Grant has great ideas for this book yet fails to deliver.

Nano-Sentinels: Microscopic machines that attack mutants on a cellular level. This is perfect evolution of the sentinel concept. It's a little similar to the Legacy Virus, but I'm sure Grant has his own spin to add. It's too early to judge this plot element. Very little time has been devoted to it so far (the X-Men were being attacked by the Imperial Guard). Once the Imperial arc ends, I'm intersted to see where Grant takes this.

Imperial Invasion: The Imperial Guard is on a mission to destroy all mutants because they are carriers of a deadly disease. This is basic utility theory, sacrifice the few to save the many. But, I find it hard to believe that the Imperial Guard will so readily attack the X-Men (with the intent to kill them), without a little more proof. Yes, on several occassions they have attacked others based purely on orders given. By I think that over the years they have come to learn, and not act so harshly or quickly (especially when their "friends" are involved). Unless Nova is controlling ALL the Imperials (or at least Gladiator and several of the "commanding" guards) I just don't believe they would so readily attack the X-Men. Shi'ar technology is far superior to anything the Earth might have, wouldn't they first try to "cure" the disease? Also, shouldn't they be scared as hell of Phoenix? I don't think the Imperial Guard has had much contact with Jean Grey since her resurrection, but I would think they might be alittle worried about taking on the destroyer of worlds again.

Nova: Grant has prepped her to be the most "villainous" X-Men villain. But so far she is all action and no development. I like to know the reasons behind the villain's actions. I'm not looking for a full fledged origin, but give me something. We know nothing about her. Not her goals, desires, or powers for that matter. Is there anything we actually know about Nova? I'm all for mystery in a character (and I'm sure all will be revealed eventually), but give us something to work with.

Emma's Girls: Modeling them after the Stepford Cuckoos, Wives, Children of the damned, whatever... was a good idea. But did they have to start calling themselves the Stepford Cuckoos? I don't think so. If people saw the resemblance, then they caught the reference, they don't need it shoved in their face. And those who didn't get it won't understand the reference anyway. Also, the concept of they are all one individual in five separate parts is very reminiscent of a character in the movie "The Specials" (great movie, check it out). The character was one mind with eight separate bodies.

New Angel: Was this Grant's attempt at character development?

Like I said, great ideas, poor execution.

[Omar A. Safi]

Originally posted by Stapler:
(I'd like to see some Sentinels ala Marvel vs Capcom 2, or the sketches in "Guide to the Mansion" Anyone remember those?)
Yeah, I think the MvC2 Sentinels were pretty cool. They were really cool and mechanical.

I think all Grant's current ideas are excellent and I know he'll pull through excellently with them.

[King Edward III]

I agree with you for the most part, however there were two artists doing this issue, and the second's work was noticeably bad in comparison to Van Sciver's, kinda ruined it for me in some points.

[Benjamin Ong]

Originally posted by Ben Hutton

As a few people very correctly pointed out - Grant Morrison has never written The Authority. I was getting him confused with another author.



Ahem! What about the issue (#28) that he apparently ghost-wrote? ;)


Originally posted by King Edward III
I agree with you for the most part, however there were two artists doing this issue, and the second's work was noticeably bad in comparison to Van Sciver's, kinda ruined it for me in some points.

KEIII - Ethan had to leave to take on the Phoenix mini that he's drawing. Tom Derenick had to help out with the rest of the pages. I'm sure with the tight deadline and last-minute assignment that it was, he obviously didn't do his best, but at least he got the book out. So, do give him credit for lending a hand.

[King Edward III]

I meant no offense to Tom Derenick, it wasn't really a big deal, he did get the book out on time and that's always good.:)

[King Edward III]

Ah, I see, Tom Derenick is a local here, I must have offended, my apologies.

[jono]

I have to say that the nano-sentinels gave me chills...think about it...microscopic robots in your cells...slowly killing you...it's just evil!

although hopefully morrison won't wuss out and create an excellent dillema and try to solve with a half-ass finale

[Ferino]

Not to sure i like the nano-sentinels yet...as mentioned previously they're a very similar plot device to the legacy virus....I'm hoping morrison is going to put his usual spin on things to whip this facet of the story up into something i'm going to love.

[gyrgatus]

hmmm...
what i liked about the issue is the fact that things are just so messed up. i mean, things were ging at least good with the media after the thing with emma and the bigot of a reporter, but how would the fact that they are present during an attact affect their already dim perception of mutants. Then comes the attack of the Superguardians, and not to mention the threat of the nano-sentinels. its so scary how Nova got it all covered. Just wish this won't end on a not so fantastic conclusion...

[King Edward III]

Originally posted by Ben Hutton
As a few people very correctly pointed out - Grant Morrison has never written The Authority. I was getting him confused with another author.Actually, he has, he wrote Authority #28.

[Ben Hutton]

Well according to his official website he didn't, so I'll go with that. There seems to be some debate about whether he ghost wrote the issue or not, I think.

I'm not an Authority reader, so I'm not really qualified to answer.

[Omar A. Safi]

I highly doubt he "ghost" wrote the issue. I have it and remember reading it and it sure didn't seem like his style. Although, Millar wrote it and he and Morrison are close friends, so that may hint something.

[atxbomber]

Originally posted by Hotrod
I highly doubt he "ghost" wrote the issue. I have it and remember reading it and it sure didn't seem like his style. Although, Millar wrote it and he and Morrison are close friends, so that may hint something.

Well it wouldn't seem like his style because the point is for people to think that Millar was the writer not Morrison.

[Brandon Yates]

Millar already confirmed in one of his X-Fan Millar Chats that Morrison did indeed ghost-write that Authority issue, with a couple of minor dialogue tweaks by Millar so that it would be consistent with his style.

Back to topic... the issue following this one (#124) didn't do justice to the cliffhanger left at the end of #123, but it was a great read nonetheless. I'd give this issue 5 all across the board, but I understand that some are not as impressed with Morrison's run as others.

[Omar A. Safi]

That's pretty cool that Morrison "ghost" wrote the issue. At first I was skeptical of this but I think it's alright now. Morrison should have his name on the issue with Millar.

[Seventh Sense]

Finally got the issue!!!

It was incredibly cool!:yes:
My favourite so far. Period.
The art was amazing and impressive. Love Ethan's work. It fits the mood and the book more than perfectly.
The writing was superb. What else can I say? The wait was more than worth it.;)

[stefaniecat]

This was my favorite issue of Morrison's run so far. I adored the little sub plot with Emma's girls, Emma and Logan's interaction, and Emma and Angel's interaction. In fact, one of my favorite parts of the issue was Emma. She had the best lines, among other things. I also liked the press conference concept, and the end result of the attack by the Imperials.

[DeadmanWade]

the battles so far seem rather anti climatic except for the cassandra nova one where xavier shot her

[melt]

Ethan's art is one of the bests!

[Omar A. Safi]

Magneto is an almost definite, but I don't know about a Bastion story.

[DavisJes]

I one panel at the top of the page near the end there is a girl that looks like Nocturne. I was wondering if that is suppose to be Nocturne or just a random mutant student.