Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artists: Frazer Irving & Kris Anka
This has been a very good series up till now, as although it's not been outstanding, it has been very enjoyable to read. I am however more focused on the upcoming Battle of the Atom crossover, and look forward to seeing the involvement this series will have.
Plot
Cyclops' X-Men take on a Blockbuster Sentinel in a brutal fight that could spell the end of these X-Men.
Review
This was a good issue, but nothing special, being slightly mediocre. Brian Michael Bendis did a decent job with this issue, but it felt a bit rushed, making way for the upcoming Battle of the Atom storyline, being nothing more than a filler, and an early set-up for future events. It was however still interesting, and I really enjoyed the mystery in this issue. There was also some brilliant monologue from Cyclops in this issue, and that with the dramatic dialogue was a nice addition, helping to give tone, and depth to the issue. I also loved how Bendis handled the characters reactions in this issue, as with all the action there needed to be this kind of emotional response.
I wasn't too sure on the art in this issue, as although I love Frazer Irving's art, with his art on this series being very good so far, there are times when I question whether his style suits this series, as although it suited the Magik centred story, also suiting last issue, I wasn't entirely sure if it suited this one. I did however like the detail in Irving's art, as although the faces looked slightly awkward at times, with Emma Frost's diamond form still not looking right, it was overall very good, and I loved the emotion from Cyclops. This issue would however also have artist in Kris Anka working on it, producing art during the S.H.I.E.L.D./Madripoor sequences. Anka's art was also good, but not as good as Irving's.
This issue would see a Blockbuster Sentinel go against Cyclops' X-Men in a phenomenal battle. Now as fights go this is a very good one, and if it wasn't for the suddenness of this battle, as well as the lack of meaning it would have been even better. As it was however this was still an outstanding fight, and I loved seeing the X-Men function as a team during this. I also loved seeing the younger X-Men come out of their shells a bit more, and look forward to seeing the developments of this, and hope that they make up for the quickness of this set-up fight.
This issue would also have a lot of monologue from Cyclops, with that being the main form of storytelling in this issue. This isn't the first time that Bendis has used this style of storytelling in this series, as just a few issues ago Magik would do the same. Much like then I enjoyed this, as although it wasn't expected either times, it's a very unique, and interesting way of telling the story. I did however much prefer it this time round, as I felt that last time round it took away slightly from the story, adding an anticlimactic tone to the issue, with other things helping to pick up the overall quality of that issue. This time however it added a lot of emotion, and showed what was going on in Cyclops' head, which I loved.
S.H.I.E.L.D. would also once again feature in this issue, still having an interest in the X-Men. Overall I found this sequence to be mostly unnecessary, as there was only one thing that made it interesting, and that was the clarification that Mystique is still pretending to be Dazzler. It would also appear due to this, and the actions of Mystique during this issue that she still has a plan up her sleeve, and I question whether this is something that will pay off in Battle of the Atom or after (I personally think it will pay of in Battle of the Atom due to her involvement in All-New X-Men as well).
Final Verdict
This wasn't a terrible issue, but it is probably the worst in the series so far. It had some interesting monologue, with plenty of emotion, action, and some mystery. It was however overall a bit mediocre, being more of a filler/set-up issue, also having too quick a pace. I would however probably still recommend the issue, as it was a good read, and has a lot of interesting mysteries to it.
Rating: 6/10
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Frazer Irving
This has been a very interesting, and entertaining series, and although it hasn't always been brilliant, it has been good. I also have been enjoying the build-up to Battle of the Atom, and as we get even closer I'm getting more, and more excited.
Plot
Cyclops, and his X-Men go about training the younger members whilst Magneto heads off to meet Maria Hill.
Review
This was a very interesting, and entertaining issue, being very good. Brian Michael Bendis did a great job of adding suspense, and drama, as well as excitement to this issue, and it had a lot of tone to it. I did however feel that it was a little too quickly paced, as it didn't take that long to finish. Now that isn't usually a problem for me, as if it's a good, and exciting story I don't usually mind how quickly I read it, but for some it will, and at $3.99 some people may even feel slightly cheated. The dialogue for this issue was also amazing, being very natural, and entertaining. I also loved the character development, and was happy that we are finally getting more, as due to the constant flow off events, there hasn't been much time for this.
Frazer Irving returned to do the art for this issue having previously done the artwork on issues 5-7 of this series. I was had mixed feelings over Irving's art earlier in the series, as although it was amazing, it had a few awkward imperfections, also feeling that his art only suited the series due to the type of story suiting his style. He has however proved me wrong with this issue, as I actually prefer this lighter tone to his art, as having seen only dark magical stories featuring his art I wasn't sure whether he could do lighter tone. There was however still the odd awkward facial expression, but overall his art was outstanding, and his inks, and colours helped to make it phenomenal.
This issue would see Cyclops put the younger X-Men through training, with Tempus being trained by Magik. I found this to be a very fun, and entertaining sequence, and also liked to see the characters get a bit of time to be more normal, as due to jumping from adventure, to adventure they haven't had much chance to relax, and be the school that they're supposed to be. I also enjoyed seeing Triage use her powers, as well as learning new things about them, and I hope that we get to see some training sequences like this sometime again in this series.
Whilst this was happening Magneto would take the Blackbird, and head to Portland, OR, where he would meet with Maria Hill. After everything that has happened recently in this series I was surprised that there'd still be a connection between Hill, and Magneto, and although this issue would answer this concern, I still questioned it prior. The interaction itself was however very interesting, and although it wasn't entirely necessary, it did show where S.H.I.E.L.D., and more importantly Maria Hill stood on the subject of Cyclops, and his X-Men.
WARNING: THIS PARAGRAPH WILL SPOIL UNCANNY X-MEN #9!
Another thing that I questioned about this sequence was Dazzler being with Hill, and I questioned whether this was in fact Dazzler, or Mystique in disguise, as after the ending of issue 9 it would appear that Mystique is using Dazzler's post as special mutant liason to her own benefit. This is probably the case, as they wouldn't have had that ending for nothing, and following Mystique's time in All-New X-Men it is apparent that she has plans against the X-Men, both Cyclops', and Wolverine's, and it should be interesting to see how this develops, especially with Battle of the Atom being even closer.
Final Verdict
This was an amazing issue, being one of the better issues that this series has produced. It had some fun, and exciting moments, with brilliant drama, and suspense, as well as great dialogue. It was however very fast paced, not taking long to finish, which questions whether it's worth $3.99. I would however still recommend this issue, as besides that it was very fun, and should appeal to both new readers, and old.
Rating: 8/10
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Frazer Irving
This has been a series that I just picked up recently, having not long read the back issues. It has however been amazing me, and although it's not as fun, or exciting as All-New X-Men, it has overall probably been more consistent, and maybe even a little bit better.
Plot
Magik goes to Doctor Strange for help, and tells him about the X-Men's battle against Dormammu.
Review
This was yet another brilliant issue, but it wasn't as good as the last couple, and was actually slightly disappointing. After the amazing build up that's been happening in this story I was expecting an epic conclusion, and although it wasn't a bad conclusion, it wasn't as good as I'd hoped it would be, and was slightly anticlimactic. Brian Michael Bendis did however still do a brilliant job of this issue, and although it overall was a bit disappointing, I did feel that it was a very clever way to finish the story, and although it's not necessarily the way I'd prefer, I have to give him credit for that. Bendis also did a great job of showing the character emotion, especially in Magik, as whilst telling her story you can really feel her emotions over the subject, which is interesting as this shows how she's developed as a character, as she'd never have been like this before the X-Men accepted her as a member. I also liked the way Bendis handled the action, but it still could have been better, as with the anticlimactic overtone, and narration it really took away from the suspense, and drama. I did however love that Bendis added a bit of mystery to the story, and although it doesn't leave too many questions, what we find out is very exciting, and kind of makes up for the anticlimactic tone of the issue.
The art from Frazer Irving was once again brilliant, and I've been really pleased that he worked on this story. His style is simply made for this type of story, and his art always shines in these kinds of moments, as although Chris Bachalo was winning me over with his art on the previous issues I seriously doubt that his style would have worked with this story. The way Irving laid out his art also really helped, especially in this issue, as with the narration over the top, it really helped to set the tone of the issue, as well as add a bit more drama. I also loved how he had one double page that was virtually all black, apart from a small silhouette, which although not easy to see, was still nice. Irving also did a fantastic job with the action sequence, as it was at times explosive, as well as exciting, and the emotion throughout was perfect. Talking about emotion, Irving also did a decent job of showing the character emotion during this issue, as although he's not the best at showing character's emotions, he's far from the worst, and did a brilliant job during this issue. I did however still dislike how Irving drew Emma Frost during diamond form, but as this didn't feature too much, it didn't make any difference to the art overall.
Now the rest of this review will be shorter than usual, as less happened in this issue, and I don't want to give away too many spoilers. This issue would see Doctor Strange make an appearance, as Magik goes to him for help, telling him the rest of this story. Now I'm not the biggest fan of Doctor Strange, but it's always nice when he makes appearances, especially in this type of story. The interaction between Strange, and Magik was brilliant, and very emotional, and one of the better things about this issue. I also loved how Strange would make the odd comment as Magik told her story, making it feel more natural, as well as helping the overall flow of the issue. As I said earlier though, it was also due to this that the story had an anticlimactic ending, but you have to take the good with the bad.
The X-Men's fight with Dormammu would continue in this issue, and although I won't go into too much detail over this sequence, as to avoid unnecessary spoilers, I will say what I thought of it. The fight in general was outstanding, as it was in last issue, but to be honest there wasn't really much more added, and although there was some brilliant dialogue, it was ever so slightly disappointing, and not quite as good as I'd hoped. It was however still amazing, and Magik's actions were certainly interesting, but I just can't shift the feeling that it was lacking in something ever so slightly.
WARNING: SPOILER AHEAD!
As anyone who's read a few of my reviews will know, I don't like giving away spoilers, and avoid it if at all possible. Now to be fair it is possible to avoid this one, but as I found it so interesting, as well as the fact that I have little to talk about in this review, I felt that I might as well add it in, and put a warning above it, so let this be your final warning, as the spoilers are next. For those that are still here, near the end of the issue Magik does a drastic thing, by absorbing Limbo (Hell) into herself. Now this left ton's of speculation for me, as it made me question if she now has to travel through herself, and how this realm can exist within her. There are also other matters, like the revelation that the Doctor Strange she's talking to is from the past that questions if she can now travel through time at will, or whether she also has no control over this (it would appear this way). I do look forward to seeing the developments of this, and with Bendis previous work with magic being great I'm sure he'll do good with this.
Final Verdict
This was a fantastic issue, and although the anticlimactic ending of this story was ever so slightly disappointing, the issue as a whole was relatively good. It had cool action, that was exciting, and impactful, as well as emotional sequences. It also had some mystery to it, and the appearance of Doctor Strange, which was also brilliant. Due to this I'd recommend this issue, especially if you've been getting the series so far, but I'd also recommend the rest of the series to others who haven't. On the other hand if you're short for cash, and considering jumping on this series I'd recommend waiting till next issue, which is the start of a new story.
Rating: 4/5
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Frazer Irving
I originally wasn't going to get this series, hence the reason I'm reviewing it so late. I did however decide to get it as it had decent reviews, but the main reason was the upcoming Battle of the Atom crossover which features this.
Plot
The X-Men have been dragged to Limbo (Hell) by the demonic like Dormammu, and have to find a way out. Also a new mutant appears who has the ability to will things into action.
Review
After an amazing last issue, Brian Michael Bendis continues to amaze, continuing the story he started last issue perfectly, and keeping a steady, and exciting pace. This issue started a bit slower than last issue, but once it returned to the X-Men in Limbo it soon picked up pace again. This is the type of story that Bendis is best at writing, as he always likes to play with magic in his writing, with his second New Avengers series mainly focusing on magic, and he once again did a brilliant job of introducing magic to this series. What I preferred about this time though was that it was a much different type of magic, not having any spells or incantations, simply having a magic based connection, and magic based character's. Bendis also did an amazing job of adding both drama, and suspense to this issue, as although it's only the second part of a three part story, it didn't dive too much into action, but at the same time, didn't feel like a drag. Bendis also once again did a fabulous job with the dialogue, as you could really see what the character's were thinking, and feeling through this, and it added both drama, and also at certain times humour, making the issue much more dynamic. There was also a lot of emotion shown in this issue, and Bendis handled it perfectly, making it work to the advantage of the story.
Frazer Irving once again did an outstanding job on the artwork in this issue, and I'm more than ecstatic that he's working on this story. His style simply suits the subject matter, and although there are many artists I prefer overall compared to Irving, I doubt there's anyone that could top him with this type of story. The detail in Irving's art is simply amazing, as no matter what he's drawing, whether a simple sequence involving S.H.I.E.L.D., or an extravagant sequence in Limbo, it always amazes, and the detail is never far of perfection. Talking about Limbo, that was probably the best thing about Irving's art, and the real reason that he was needed for this story. It was simply phenomenal, with everything from the scenery, to Dormammu, to the fiery setting looked beautiful, and was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The emotions that Irving showed through the character's facial expressions was also brilliant, as although it had very minor flaws, you could really tell what the character's were feeling. Now there was one thing that I didn't like about Irving's art, and that was the way he drew both Emma Frost, and the Stepford Cuckoos in diamond form, as although it wasn't terrible, it just felt unrealistic, and not as organic as it should look. Irving did however make up for this as his inking, and colouring was terrific, and although it may have been his colouring that hurt the diamond form look, the rest of his colouring was spot on, giving a very vibrant, and dynamic look to the issue.
This issue started rather differently than any other issue in this series so far, and although I was questioning it's necessity it soon showed why. Basically this sequence revealed a new mutant, one that appears to be able to will things into action, as when his girlfriends about to leave he begs her to come back, and presto she does, or at least her car does. This made the sequence, which otherwise was strange, and dull very interesting, and it showed a realism to people becoming mutants, as although it isn't real, it shows it in as real a manner as possible. I also loved the emotions that came near the end of this sequence, and although it was brief I kind of look forward to seeing it developed.
The issue then gets back to the main story, showing the X-Men in Limbo. Now this was a brilliant way to end the last issue, and seeing the continuation of it was just brilliant. This was something that I was really looking forward to in this story, and although it took the whole of last issue for it to happen, I was happy that it did. It did however make sense to keep having the X-Men from going to Limbo till now, as it spreads the story out better. Besides that I loved the reactions we got from both the X-Men, and their students (especially their students). The way the students freaked out was brilliant, and I really found it amusing. It also brought reality to these students, who haven't necessarily been taking things seriously.
This issue would also see Dormammu make another appearance, and he was obviously not finished with Magik, or the X-Men. Now I won't go into too much detail over this, but it's needless to say that there was a bit of a fight. Although this was nowhere near from being over, with Bendis obviously holding back something for the conclusion of this story in the next issue, it still added the action, and excitement that the series has needed, and although last issue also had this, it was nice to see that it continued into this issue. The reaction, and overall input from Dormammu in this issue was also brilliant, and exactly what I'd expect from him. Besides this the reactions from the students that were staying in the background was also once again amazing, and once again added a touch more humour to the issue, which was brilliant.
Now the issue didn't fully centre around the X-Men in Limbo, as besides showing the new mutant at the start of the issue, we also saw a continuation of Maria Hill pondering over the mutant situation, eventually deciding that she needs a mutant expert, who themselves is a mutant. This was a brilliant addition, and I questioned over who the choice would be, having a few thoughts in my head. I won't say who Hill would choice, as that would be too big of a spoiler, but I will say that one it was none of the people who I initialy thought of, and two that they questioning, and speculation over this person made the issue very interesting, and also added a bit of mystery.
Final Verdict
This was a brilliant issue, and although not quite as good as last issue it was still amazing, and much better than the first four issues of the series. It had drama, and suspense, as well as a bit of mystery. It also was very exciting, and entertaining, with some brilliant action, and dialogue. It also had another couple of plot developments that were interesting, and overall the issue left me wanting more, but in a good way. After all this I would highly recommend this issue, as well as both the previous issue, and series so far, but would especially recommend this, and the previous issue, as they're both outstandingly good.
Rating: 5/5
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Frazer Irving
I originally wasn't going to get this series, hence the reason I'm reviewing it so late. I did however decide to get it as it had decent reviews, but the main reason was the upcoming Battle of the Atom crossover which features this.
Plot
Cyclops goes to confront, and comfort Magik over her recent problems, and learns that she was dragged to Limbo (Hell) against her own free will by the demonic like Dormammu.
Review
This was a phenomenal issue, and although I've been enjoying the series so far, I can finally say that it's finally met my expectations. With the first four issues being all over the place, with poor pacing, and not enough excitement it was nice to have an issue that was, as this issue stuck to one main plot development, whilst also being brilliantly paced, and exciting. Brian Michael Bendis has really out done himself here, creating something truly wonderful. Bendis also continued to give us some outstanding dialogue, and although a lot of other things topped that this time round, in general his dialogue has been the best thing about this series, and it continues to be very fun at times, whilst also being dramatic, and serious at others. Bendis also did an amazing job of livening up this series, as although it's been very interesting, it's sometimes felt a bit dull, and not as exciting as it could be. I also loved how in this issue Bendis featured on an X-Man that isn't always in the spotlight, Magik, which was nice, as I don't want a series that constantly focuses on just Cyclops, Emma Frost, and Magneto, as although they're bigger names than Magik, she's still a huge member of the team, and Bendis showed that here.
The art was also phenomenal, as although I started to like Chris Bachalo's art (which is saying something considering I don't like his art in general), it is nothing compared to Frazer Irving's artwork, which is simply outstanding. Besides the fact I prefer Irving's art, I feel that this really suits his style more, as Bachalo is more suited for fun, and normal action, and Irving is more suited for the weird, and magical, like what this issue was. The way he drew all the X-Men was brilliant, and although there were very minor imperfections, it in no way took away from his marvellous art. Irving's layouts were also perfect, giving more depth to the story, whilst also adding more mood, and drama, which really help the overall quality of the story. The best thing about Irving art however had to be the way he drew Limbo, and Dormammu. It was simply out of this world, and although it's probably not as hard to draw as you'd initially think, Irving still manages to make it look stunning. Another thing that helps with Irving's art is the fact that he does his own inking, and colouring, as this gives him full control over the final art, making sure the tone, and mood suits him. It certainly does that, as although you can mostly tell his art due to his style of colouring, it also really helped this story, and set the perfect mood.
This issue started with Maria Hill viewing the video of Cyclops saying how he's here to hep mutants, and human supporters, and how his X-Men took down the Avengers without lifting a finger. It was nice to see Hill appear in this series again, as after her appearance in issue 1 she's not made another, and although both S.H.I.E.L.D., and Cyclops' X-Men have been busy, it was nice to see that it wasn't the end of their conflict. I also loved the reaction Hill had towards what Cyclops was saying, and even more so when she learned what really happened, and I look forward to seeing how this is developed in the future.
Last issue finished with Magik acting strange, and apparently not being able to control her powers. This issue would follow this, showing Cyclops reach out to the troubled X-Man, trying to find out if she's okay, and whether her predicament will hurt the team. This was a brilliant sequence, full of emotion, and you could really see both character's characteristics show through, as you had Cyclops who was concerned, whilst wary, and Magik who was confused, and worried, whilst trying to look strong. I also liked how you could tell that they were friends, and although Magik never really shows any feelings towards anyone, this time you could see that she felt safe around Cyclops, showing that he's a friend.
Magik would then go onto say what happened to her, and how she was dragged to Limbo against her own free will by the demonic, Dormammu. Now I'm not the most knowledgeable person on Dormammu, only knowing the basics, as well as the fact that he has a history with Doctor Strange, but I was happy to see him again. Dormammu always brings mystics, and excitement to a story, as with him being described as, "something worse than a demon," something which he usually lives up to, he's always a force to be reckoned with. Now Dormammu didn't do a great deal in this issue, but his presence along, plus his conversation with Magik was enough, and I look forward to seeing what he has in store for the X-Men as this story continues.
Another thing that I loved about this issue was the location that a good part of it was set in, Limbo. Now I've already talked about how amazing the art was in Limbo, but I'll go onto say my feelings on it being in this story, and whether it was handled right. First of the thing that I've always liked about Magik has been her connection to Limbo, as although we don't always get to see it, when we do it's usually amazing, and this time was no different. Both Bendis, and Irving used this setting perfectly, and with both Magik, and Dormammu being the main character's involved it was more than perfect, and easily makes the series more exciting, as well as giving it more tone, and depth.
Final Verdict
This was an outstanding issue, and easily the best of the series so far. Everything that was wrong in this series has been fixed, whilst also keeping all the amazing qualities the series already had. It's pacing is much more consistent, and it has a lot more excitement, as well as ton's of suspense, and mystery. It also had phenomenal art from Frazer Irving, which more than suited the style of story, and I for one want to read more. Due to all this it's easy to recommend this issue, and I'd do that all day long, as it's truly something amazing.
Rating: 5/5
