Post by sinclair on Jun 27, 2011 16:58:13 GMT -5
Title: New X-Men.
Issue: 5: Fate of the Gene: Conclusion.
Author: Corey Wiegel.
Brand: Marvel 2000.
Warning: There be Spoilers Here!
m2k.omegacen.com/nxm/NXM05.html
m2k.omegacen.com/
Ponderings:
The opening four issues of New X-Men haven’t left a great deal of time for one to catch their breath, the Brotherhood launching an assault on Muir Island and the newly minted team of X-Men responding in kind. With plenty of action proceeding this current instalment, and with the story arc coming to a close, it’s time for a welcome break from fisticuffs, and while some R&R isn’t on the agenda, a great deal is accomplished regardless.
Corey tackles multiple plot points this issue, balancing the conclusion of this story arc with the need to set up the next.
First of all, with the siege of Muir Island over, the current team are essentially assembled on page for the first time; some much needed space taken towards establishing them as a group and as individuals. All of the characters are strongly represented, offering something different to the group dynamic, which suggests Mr. Wiegel has assembled a balanced team for the future ahead.
Equally so, the X.S.E are also introduced, an organisation under the mandate of the UN for Mutants to have to opportunity to police their own kind. The group is strongly represented in their debut, and their already strained/co-operative relationship with the X-Men themselves is clearly defined. Abigail Brand and Hand both look promising, while it was a welcome surprise to see Brass (of M2K X-Force fame) make his presence known. This group has potential, one that already adds to M2K’s rich tapestry.
In many respects what this issue accomplishes, I feel, represents the overall mandate of “Fate of the Gene” as a whole. The New X-Men are established, the characters defined, the premise is set, and the Brotherhood, along with the elusive Scott Summers, are bound and determined to be long term antagonists.
This issue sets out to accomplished a fair bit, building those strong foundations, and I feel it has done just that.
High Point:
Personally, I will have to go with the underplayed moment wherein Logan appears to be bleeding without cause. It comes as quickly as it goes, and yet enough attention is drawn to it to make it memorable. Clearly something is happening here, and it’s a plot point that has me curious. It’s nicely played, without bells and whistles, but accomplished what it sets out to do.
For Improvement:
I’m reasonably sure this is a first for a Sinclair Shuffle, but the criticism isn’t from the issue itself, but rather the advertising that has preceded it. Despite my steadily faltering memory, I can still recall the banner that accompanied the launch of this series that proudly announced the arrival of Havok as a new member of the reorganised team. Which is all well and good, as it looked pretty good, drummed up some interest, and basically did what advertising is supposed to do.
In retrospect, however, I believe it would have been better to have not let the cat out of its proverbial bag, as it renders his actual arrival at the end of this issue much diminished. I honestly believe, given its context, that this could have been a big moment, and one that could have generated some genuine surprise. As it is, I knew it was coming, I saw it coming half way through the issue, and that’s a bit of a shame.
Surprise endings should be, well, a surprise.
Overall:
A great issue that I really enjoyed. Not much on offer for those in constant need of action and explosions, but high on plot progression and characterisation, setting the stage and premise effectively for future storylines to come.
Issue: 5: Fate of the Gene: Conclusion.
Author: Corey Wiegel.
Brand: Marvel 2000.
Warning: There be Spoilers Here!
m2k.omegacen.com/nxm/NXM05.html
m2k.omegacen.com/
Ponderings:
The opening four issues of New X-Men haven’t left a great deal of time for one to catch their breath, the Brotherhood launching an assault on Muir Island and the newly minted team of X-Men responding in kind. With plenty of action proceeding this current instalment, and with the story arc coming to a close, it’s time for a welcome break from fisticuffs, and while some R&R isn’t on the agenda, a great deal is accomplished regardless.
Corey tackles multiple plot points this issue, balancing the conclusion of this story arc with the need to set up the next.
First of all, with the siege of Muir Island over, the current team are essentially assembled on page for the first time; some much needed space taken towards establishing them as a group and as individuals. All of the characters are strongly represented, offering something different to the group dynamic, which suggests Mr. Wiegel has assembled a balanced team for the future ahead.
Equally so, the X.S.E are also introduced, an organisation under the mandate of the UN for Mutants to have to opportunity to police their own kind. The group is strongly represented in their debut, and their already strained/co-operative relationship with the X-Men themselves is clearly defined. Abigail Brand and Hand both look promising, while it was a welcome surprise to see Brass (of M2K X-Force fame) make his presence known. This group has potential, one that already adds to M2K’s rich tapestry.
In many respects what this issue accomplishes, I feel, represents the overall mandate of “Fate of the Gene” as a whole. The New X-Men are established, the characters defined, the premise is set, and the Brotherhood, along with the elusive Scott Summers, are bound and determined to be long term antagonists.
This issue sets out to accomplished a fair bit, building those strong foundations, and I feel it has done just that.
High Point:
Personally, I will have to go with the underplayed moment wherein Logan appears to be bleeding without cause. It comes as quickly as it goes, and yet enough attention is drawn to it to make it memorable. Clearly something is happening here, and it’s a plot point that has me curious. It’s nicely played, without bells and whistles, but accomplished what it sets out to do.
For Improvement:
I’m reasonably sure this is a first for a Sinclair Shuffle, but the criticism isn’t from the issue itself, but rather the advertising that has preceded it. Despite my steadily faltering memory, I can still recall the banner that accompanied the launch of this series that proudly announced the arrival of Havok as a new member of the reorganised team. Which is all well and good, as it looked pretty good, drummed up some interest, and basically did what advertising is supposed to do.
In retrospect, however, I believe it would have been better to have not let the cat out of its proverbial bag, as it renders his actual arrival at the end of this issue much diminished. I honestly believe, given its context, that this could have been a big moment, and one that could have generated some genuine surprise. As it is, I knew it was coming, I saw it coming half way through the issue, and that’s a bit of a shame.
Surprise endings should be, well, a surprise.
Overall:
A great issue that I really enjoyed. Not much on offer for those in constant need of action and explosions, but high on plot progression and characterisation, setting the stage and premise effectively for future storylines to come.