X-Men #6 – Review

Brian Wood (Writer), David Lopez, Cam Smith, Terry Pallot (Artists), Laura Martin, Matt Milla (Colorists)

The Story: The real X-Men from the future warns the current X-Men about the other mutants from the future as some mutants from the present fights the impostor.

The Review: One of the major problems of huge crossovers is the incorporation of the major themes in the ongoing books touched by the bigger story. When themes which aren’t necessarily touched upon or characters who aren’t always featured appears in a book, it can sometimes kill the pacing or the subplots that drive it forward. It’s an evil that doesn’t seem that necessary in some case, which makes it all the more disappointing when it occurs in the worst of ways.

It’s a mixed blessing then that Brian Wood is really able to use some of the characters and themes brought by Battle of the Atom to his own ongoing in a way that surprises, but also make sense. Despite the whole time-travelling characters being pushed in this book, Wood is successful in moving forward both his own plot as well as the larger one of the crossover.

X-Men #6 – Review

By: Victor Gischler (writer), Paco Medina (pencils), Juan Vlasco (inks), Marte Gracia (colors), Clayton Cowles (letters)  & Axel Alonso (editor)

The Story: An aftermath of sorts to the battle between the X-Men and the vampires.

What’s Good: Lots of good Cyclops stuff in this issue.  One of the biggest changes from the X-Men of my youth is the transformation of Cyclops from nerdy, goodie-two-shoes to a much more interesting character.  Of course, he didn’t make that transformation just in this story arc in X-Men, but it is clear the Gischler “gets” the new Cyclops and enjoys writing him.  In some ways, Cyclops is almost becoming like Batman in that he’s planned for everything and nowhere is that more apparent than in his showdown with Dracula towards the climax of this issue.

I also really like what Gischler has done with Jubilee.  If you pay attention to solicits of future issues, you know that there is going to be a Wolverine and Jubilee miniseries.  One of the sad things about Wolverine is that he is somewhat immortal and will outlive all his friends from the X-Men.  He’s always had a special relationship with Jubilee and now that she’s an immortal Vampire, perhaps he has a friend to hang out with.   Hopefully this will be explored in the miniseries.

Weekly Comic Book Review’s Top Picks

Dean’s Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: Amazing Spider-Man #650 – Dan Slott and Humberto Ramos are on a really good start to their run on ASM because this is the 3rd straight issue I’ve given an A to (and I sometimes go for a couple months without awarding an A).  The story is fun and fast-paced, the supporting characters get face-time and the art is great.  The epitome of what Spider-Man comics should be.  Runner-up: Velocity #3

Most Anticipated: American Vampire #10 – This series hasn’t taken a wrong step yet and has quickly become one of the best comics on the market.  After seeing how much Scott Snyder enriched the story with the last story arc, I can’t wait to see what he does as he starts a new arc in this issue.

Other Picks: Haunt #12, Morning Glories #4, Neonomicon #3, 28 Days Later #18, Fantastic Four #586

 

DS’ Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: Batman #705 – Green Lantern #60 came out swinging, but Batman #705, Tony Daniel’s offering of Dick Grayson’s Gotham, was just awesome. I really enjoyed the art, the mood and the story a lot. Highly recommended.

Most Anticipated: Warlord of Mars #3 – I’ve been waiting impatiently for this one! Green Lantern Corps, with the Weaponer of Quard and Sinestro would otherwise have taken the Anticipated title, but I can’t pass up classic new Barsoomian action!

Other Picks: Green Lantern Corps #55, Legion of Super-Heroes #8, Uncanny X-Men #531

Joe’s Top Picks

Best of the Past Week: Uncanny X-Force #3 – You can read my review to see exactly why I enjoyed this so much, but let’s just say you need to own this.  Like, right now.  Actually, if you haven’t read these at all, do yourself a favor and pick up the last three issues as a holiday gift to yourself.  You won’t be sorry.

Most Anticipated: Stuff of Legend: The Jungle #3 – It’s been a little while since the last installment of this equally fun and suspenseful story of toys journeying into a magical land to rescue their owner, but that time hasn’t dampened my anticipation.  Mike Raicht’s & Brian Smith’s whimsical script combined with Charles Paul Wilson’s amazing pencils deliver a singular reading experience every time I pick a new issue up, and I have faith that this will be no different.  A perfect Christmas gift for me!

Other Picks: American Vampire #10, Green Lantern Corps #55, Green Lantern Larfleeze Christmas Special, Justice League Generation Lost #16, Morning Glories #5, Chaos War Dead Avengers #2, Invincible Iron Man #33,  Secret Avengers #8, Superior #3, Ultimate Doom #1, Ultimate Spider-Man #151, Uncanny X-Men #531, X-Men Legacy #243, X-Men #6