Ultimate Comics X-​Men #20 – Review

By: Brian Wood (Writer), Carlo Barberi (Penciler), Juan Vlasco (Inker), Jesus Aburto (Colorist), Joe Sabino (Letterer)

The Review: In contrast to a lot of other readers and critics of Brian Wood’s time on Ultimate Comics X-Men, I seem to have had a hard time really vibing with the story he’s chosen to tell. I think it’s the slow-burn nature of the telling; Kitty Pryde’s evolved into the leader of the Mutant race, born out of revolution and war, and is now in the process of building her people a new nation. But since the Reservation X storyline has been in place she seems to be more of a pragmatic administrator than charismatic figurehead. It makes perfect sense for things to be this way of course but for me it lacks some pizazz. However, the way some people evidently feel about the title, they think this is the best thing to happen to the Ultimate X-Men in years… what am I missing? Is there something more going on here?

Ultimate Comics X-Men #19 Review

By: Brian Wood (Writer), Paco Medina (Artist), Juan Vlasco (Inker), Jesus Aburto (Colorist), Joe Sabino (Letterer)

The Review: Now that the Divide We Fall/United We Stand crossover has ended, the individual books of the Ultimate Comics line are free to go their own separate ways. It’s almost back to business as usual for the Ultimates and Spider-Man (though Spidey’s now part of Captain America’s team and Cap himself is, y’know, the President) but the X-Men find themselves in an entirely new situation. After successfully defeating Stryker and his Sentinel army, Kitty Pryde has become the de facto leader of the Mutant race. They’ve been given a safe-zone, a piece of America that’s all their own. Here, in theory, no-one should be able to bother or murderize them. It’s a fresh start for the series, but Wood chooses to play it sparse and dark – no times for smiles, hugs or celebrations just yet.