X-Men: Portrait of Strong Leadership

 It is amazing that the X-Men are about to turn 50 years old and Marvel is working on making them beat out Avengers for the top spot again. Charles Xavier is now dead (for good from the looks of everything ... his brain was ripped from his own body and is currently being used by the Red Skull) for good. Yet, Charles has truly fostered some wonderful people to carry on his dream. The following are the "official" leaders of the X-Men over the course of  the last 50 years. I am not counting any other X-team and I am only going with the 616 Continuity cause this list would be Ridiculously large if I added the leaders of all the other X-teams.

 Here are the official torch bearers of the dream over the last 50 years.


CYCLOPS -

   Scott Summers, for decades, was the first and favorite torchbearer of the dream. He lived and breathed Charles Xavier's ideals. He worked hard to fight for Charles' dream, going about it different ways over the course of the last 50 years. He commands respect from every mutant he comes across. This can be clearly seen when he first brought up Utopia after dealing with the then top cop Norman Osborn ... beating Osborn by creating a mutant nation of his own and most mutants following him. Scott was the favorite son.

    Yet, after being absorbed by Apocalypse ... Scott came back a different man. When he came back, he seemed colder ... crueller. More of a dick. And the decimation, death of Jean Grey (for good it seems), slaughter of the majority of the Grey bloodline and his psychic affair with Emma Frost, Scott REALLY changed. He was willing to have blood on his hands. He was willing to protect mutant kind by sending out kill squads. He even decided that having Idie save people by killing Hellfire Club was okay.

  Scott went from being the ultimate leader of Xavier's dream to becoming the new face of mutantkind while turning his back on what Xavier taught him. Yet, Scott moved many X-Men over the course of the last 5 decades. He even made Magneto & Namor respect him ... at the same time. Scott Summers is, as Darryll B Carter would say, that cannon that would show you how to fight for survival and for a dream. It just changed from Charles' dream to his own.


STORM -

  If Scott Summers was the favorite son of Xavier, Storm has more than made her impression as the favorite daughter. Storm, with or without powers, is a formidable commander in her own right. Regal in her own way since she was first worshiped in Africa, Storm learned to get down and dirty too as a thief in the streets of Cairo (and part of the reason why she & Gambit have been close friends up till this day).

  Storm even beat Cyclops ... when she had NO powers. Being one of the first African American women in comics to hold a leadership position to such a popular team, Ororo Monroe paved the way for both creators and heroines alike. Most of her early tenure as leader of the X-Men really focused on a family like atmosphere amongst her, Kitty, Colossus (remember when she used to call him Little Brother) & Kurt. Since then, she lead the X-Men alongside Cyclops, then she was leader on her own again. Then she shared leadership of the X-Men with Emma Frost and Cyclops as heads while her running her own show.

  Storm became one of Charles' shining examples of his dream when she married Black Panther and was Queen of Wakanda. During her time as Queen, she was a member of both the Fantastic Four and the Avengers. Yet, those ended quickly as (according to some that no one could write Storm & Black Panther's marriage correctly since the late, great Dwayne McDuffie) their marriage was annulled (which is still bullshit, in my opinion). Now, after standing behind Cyclops to make sure he doesn't cross the line, and kinda failing at that, Storm returns to the Jean Grey School and go from wife to back to the Wind Rider we know and love ... with Mohawk included. Welcome back Storm.





EMMA FROST -


Her relationship with Charles was adversarial at first but Emma warmed up to Xavier's dream. She ran Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters during her time with Generation X but then , after falling in love with Cyclops, ended up co-leading the X-Men alongside him. During the time the X-Men moved to San Francisco then Utopia, Emma Frost had become the undisputed Queen of Mutant kind. Even with her villianous ways behind her, Emma loved helping mutant kind and being a teacher.

  While she still has her air of superiority, Emma and Scott were strong leaders of the X-Men. Yet, she knew the dark road that Scott was going down. And many blame her as the catalyst as to why Scott Summers is now the way he is now. Yet, when you look at all the decisions, she made some of them but Scott proved himself behind his actions. Her love for Scott changed her ... wanting to make sure her being an X-Man and helping mutants very important to her. Yet, she is still a strong leader in her own right that should be celebrated for going to Charles' enemy to one of his biggest advocates. Yet, while she embraced the dream, she had no problem pointing out the holes in it and many things. Still, Emma Frost definitely earned her spot among the leaders of the X-Men.



HAVOK -

 The younger Summers brother has come a very long way since he first appeared as a tool for the Living Monolith. Alex Summers first showed his leadership skills when he was brainwashed to be a Magistrate for Genosha. Then, at the request of both Charles and Scott, Alex took the job leading the new government sponsored X-Factor. After a jaunt into an alternate reality leading a team called the Six, Alex returned and actually ended up taking leadership of an X-Men team from our next X-Men leader.

  During his tenure as a X-Men leader, Havok displayed confidence in leadership that was akin to his brother but seemed to surpass him with dealing with more volatile personalities ... considering he had Juggernaut, Wolverine, pre-Kyle Northstar & a bratty Iceman on his team ... that is certainly a feat. He made the unit work extremely well together.

 Now, Alex has become the positive face of Mutant kind with him as leader of the Uncanny Avengers.



  ROGUE -

       Rogue has come a VERY long way from the days where she was a member of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants alongside her Mom, Mystique. She was one of the most unpredictable X-Men, with her multiple personas in her head from all the people she absorbed, Rogue always seemed to be a wild card. Yet, little by little, Rogue worked hard to become a better person and X-Man. She grew in confidence to the point where she ended up taking leadership during a trip to the Shi'ar alongside Bishop, Gambit,  Joseph, Cannonball, Beast & Deathbird (there was a truce and she was banging Bishop).

      She later ended up leading a team of X-Men officially at least 3 times, her first with Thunderbird, Archangel, Psylocke, Nightcrawler & Colossus, 2nd time with Cannonball, Iceman, Cable, Mystique, Sabertooth, & lady Mastermind on it and that didn't turn out well but ...I digress. Rogue's team disbanded but she end up getting her multiple personalities from people she absorbed out of her head then learned to control her powers. She was then given the charge of looking after the Students. She grew to love the job and taking a strong command position in Utopia then again in the Jean Grey School, only having Kitty and Logan be ahead of her. This southern belle has come a very long way. From being very alone and stand offish with no control to her power to a confident, strong leader with full control of her abilities.


GAMBIT -

   Ah. Yes. This was definitely one of the most unpredictable leaders in X-Men history. Yes. Officially, Gambit lead the X-Men. He lead a team with him, Jean Grey, Beast, Cable, Storm and Bishop. Yeah. Gambit was leading a team over Storm, Jean & Cable. But under the very prolific pen of Chris Claremont, it worked. Jean was in mourning for the loss of Scott and was spending time with her 'son', Cable. Storm was getting a bit more free spirited after things went wrong during The Twelve storyline. So, Gambit stepped up. Stopping the Neo was important but the X-Men had been scattered.

    Gambit was an interesting leader but not a bad leader. He had a strong line-up with this group with Brains & power.Plus, this group was more than willing to  go on the wild side a bit more than others. And while Gambit was not leader very long ... he proved himself capable.


NIGHTCRAWLER -

    Kurt Wagner is one of the most beloved X-Men. He was always friendly to any other person that ever wore an X ...  till you gave him a reason not to be. Nightcrawler first temporary took over the X-men for Storm when she was getting over losing her powers. He then stepped up as the leader of Excalibur. When he came back to the X-Men, Kurt allowed his experience to work alongside Storm.

   Kurt was a team player till he got his chance to lead again as he lead a team of X-Men alongside Archangel, Iceman, Stacy X, Wolverine  & Chamber. Yet, after he was manipulated by an organization to thinking he became an ordained priest and was being used in order to fulfill some prophecy about the Devil in the Vatican (Chuck Asten wrote it.). That shook Kurt so much that he stepped down as leader and his team was then given over to the command of Havok. Still, Kurt proved himself a strong leader.


BISHOP -

    Bishop was first in charge of the XSE. When he came to the present day, Bishop had to learn to be an X-Man. And slowly but surely, Bishop grew into his role and into being an X-Man. He was no longer shoot first ... unless he found it was warranted. Bishop went from an angry man to seemingly a great investigator and model X-Man, warning the X-Men of a traitor.

   Well, the  traitor first ended up being Xavier himself. Yet, after Onslaught, Bishop roamed a bit till he made his way back to the X-Men. After Storm left her team, Bishop stepped up to lead it. Leading the team for a short time, Bishop led Nightcrawler, Rachel Grey, Psylocke & Cannonball ... he proved himself a leader and earned his command tags left. Unfortunately,  this was short lived after Hope Summers was born and Bishop betrayed the X-Men in order to stop his future from happening. Bishop reemerged recently in Uncanny X-Force # 1 (Volume 2).


WOLVERINE -

      Ever since Schism, Wolverine has stopped up. He has become the premiere student of Charles Xavier and the headmaster and over all leader of the X-Men (even though Storm seems to be working on getting back), Wolverine went from a feral, killing machine to a man who is dealing with his past by being a teacher and stopping these new mutants from making the same mistakes he did.

  Wolverine decided that he needed to be a better man after Cyclops was going "too far" in his opinion. The straw that broke the camel's back was Cyclops pretty much being okay with Idie, a 14 year old girl, killing a bunch of Hellfire Club members in order to save everyone else. Wolverine was the last person we all thought would become the champion of the dream but he opened the school again, renaming it the Jean Grey School and get



  Bis And there you have it. The official leaders of the X-Men in the 616 universe. I know some of you will say but Jean Grey was headmistress ... yet Cyclops was still overall field leader and she still listened to him.

Comic News: Women Reign Over New X-Men Title

            It seems to be that X marks the spot in Marvel. It was announced today that there will be another X-book relaunching, X-Men. X-Men will be relaunched with a new # 1 by writer Brian Wood and art by Olivier Copiel. Yet, the focus of this book will be all of the X-Women. Yes, this book will boaster a cast that includes Kitty Pryde, Jubilee, Storm, Rogue, Rachel Grey & Psylocke.

            The first arc will deal with New X-Men Grant Morrison era creation, Sublime, returning with a baby that may hold the key to the survival of the human race, with Jubliee taking the lead in the story.

            Wood told USA Today, "I feel like as far as the X-Men go, the women are the X-Men. Cyclops and Wolverine are big names, but taken as a whole, the women kind of rule the franchise. If you look at the entire world as a whole, it's the females that really dominate and are the most interesting and cool to look at. When you have a great artist drawing them, they look so amazing and always have."

            X-Men # 1 will hit the shelves this April.

Comic News: Adjectiveless X-Men Book to End in February

 Marvel NOW has started with new titles popping out every week this month and more. Yet, with new titles coming in, there are casualties: Titles that are being cut and/or cancelled. Well, the latest book to join the chopping block is "X-Men." Announced this Friday, X-Men final issue will be #41. It will be written by Seth Peck with art by Jeffe Palo.

   The final issue will feature Storm taking a team of X-Men to find a new mutant only to find Angel challenging her for leadership. Which is kind of weird cause Angel isn't really Warren Worthington anymore (at least not the one we knew) so he's been kind of just there. Still should be interesting.


  The final issue of X-Men will be written by Seth Peck with art by Jeffe Palo and a variant cover by Adam Kubert and hits stores in February.

Editorial: Lack of Respect For Marriage in Comics

Warning: The Following contains spoilers from AvX #9 and more.

  Years ago, I went to my comic book shop and bought X-Men # 30, the wedding of Jean Grey and Scott Summers. For years, I would reread that very issue; merely enjoying the love of the characters had for each other and those around them. And then Grant Morrison's New X-Men happened and Scott Summers ended up having a psychic affair with Emma Frost, which became physical. Jean Grey died ... again and Scott moved on as he and Emma fell in love with each other.

Look at that. STAN LEE married Luke & Jessica! WTH Marvel!

  Fast forward to about 5 to 6 years ago. New Avengers were young in their first volume but Luke Cage's character rose. He and his long time love, Jessica Jones, tied the knot in New Avengers Annual # 1. They ended up having a daughter, Danielle, named after Luke's best friend, Danny Rand aka Iron Fist. They ended up buying the Avengers Mansion for a $1 ... I am not kidding. New Avengers Volume 2, # 1 for that one folks ... and they had become full fledged Avengers while Squirrel Girl became their babysitter.

  Go back about 7 years ago, during the time of Civil War where hero was fighting hero ... but the X-Men were out of it at this point. Captain America was on one side while Iron Man was on the other. The breather between the event happened to be the nuptials of T'Challa, long time Avenger Black Panther, and Storm, former leader of the X-Men. They had wed and became King and Queen of Wakanda. They also served a small stint on the Fantastic Four, allowing Reed and Sue to FINALLY have a honeymoon. The Watcher said they were gonna have children! The WATCHER! Freakin' Uatu! Said that T'Challa and Ororo would have CHILDREN! And they have been married since then ... UNTIL TODAY.

Black Panther's & Storm's Wedding

 Which gets to the bulk of my article. Marvel ... more so then any  Other comic book company, it seems, seem to not enjoy having their characters stay married anymore. And while I understand the divorce rate is 50% in the country of the United States and wanting to reflect society, some of these marriages desolving his troublesome. Now, motivations-wise, I can understand some marriage falling apart. Like Scarlet Witch and Visions.  Even Scott and Jean's I can understand.

 But there are some break ups that I'm just scratching my head over. Like Storm and Black Panther. THIS MAKES NO SENSE! Time and again, Storm has reached out to her husband and her husband is like I love you but I need to figure my way alone. Once I do,  I will come back to you. And Yet ... He annuls their marriage today. Why? I don't know?  Does he blame her for what happened or not telling him about the Phoenix? I don't know. And while in some cases, that translates to a relate-able marriage ... I do not believe that THIS would be true grounds for T'Challa to give up on his wife. Not after EVERYTHING they've been through together over the last several years. It just comes out of nowhere. Marriage counselling I see. Annulment? NO!

   Then, at the top of AvX, Jessica Jones decides to leave her husband, Luke Cage. Just 2 minutes before, he announced to the world that he wants nothing more than his wife and child. Granted, Jessica ran from him before but I figured that  1- Jessica knew what she was getting into when she joined the Avengers and married Luke Cage. 2- Even with a child, what makes her think she is REALLY any safer alone. Especially after having her face plastered on tv who knows how many times by now. So ... she ran. To take care of her child. Admirable. But still, logically ... she has a better chance WITH The Avengers than not. And Luke ... 2 minutes ago, you said you wanted nothing more than your wife and child ... on National TV .... but then you decide its important to fight the X-Men; when clearly ... the reason why is still kind of up in the air. Damn it Luke! You are better than that. *sigh*

  Oh. Marvel isn't the only culprit. Let's see ... ah yes. DC. Their reboot of Superman has brought so many new people to the book. And it is understandable ... to all but this.. . Lois and Clark had been married for nearly 15 FRELLIN' Years ... and that got all erased so they can have a new history. Sure ... we get to see Clark and Lois go through it all over again. But this time, there is no guarantee that they will end up together.

 And who can forget DC for breaking up Donna and Terry. Cause Terry suddenly decided, after them having a child, that super heroics was a no no ... even though Terry had stood by her as a hero for YEARS. Terry damn well knew what he was getting into when he married her. They had a child together. He even helped her with looking after the Team Titans (I know, obscure) but decided all of a sudden ... "Nope. Don't want to stay with you anymore after all these years."  So yay! Break up a marriage for convenience. Yay!

  And on top of that, let's go to the dozens and dozens of heroes and/or heroines who have had extra-marital or out of relationship affairs:  Omni-man, Green Arrow, Green Lantern, Cyclops, Jean Grey, Psylocke (twice), Gambit, Kyle Rayner, Havok, Kendra Saunders, Dick Grayson (how can you not know the person you are sleep with is not different when you have sex, even if they are a shape shifter), etc.

  But let me get to the easiest, most heinous of all marriage break ups that were pure and utter bullshit. Yes. I am speaking about THAT storyline. ONE. MORE. DAY.  And now, I have enraged probably half my readership by saying those three words. Yep. One More Day. The storyline that rebooted Spidey from long-time, happily married man, into the single man he has now become. Quesada has gone on print back when the storyline first came out stating that him being single will open more doors to Spiderman, storywise and him being married was holding him back. WHAT?! They were married for YEARS and you decided that that marriage couldn't work in upcoming storylines. WHAT?! They never even divorced. Spidey made a deal with the devil ... the freakin' devil ... to save Aunt May ... who had died before already. Sure, she was a clone but still ... save Aunt May for his marriage.

   What the frell?!

  While overall, some of these marriages coming apart are good and natural. There are these others that make me wonder what is on the minds of the writers and why do this. I understand divorce rate is 50% but it is looking like 80 to 90% in comics now. While life should be seen in multifaceted ways, this trend is starting to get REALLY disturbing. Makes you think about it, huh?

My name is Frankie Rodriguez and these are my thoughts.

TOP 10 AFRICAN/AFRICAN AMERICAN CHARACTERS IN COMICS

Countdown:  Top 10 African/African American Comic Book Characters 

According to Darryll “YTC” Carter

No. 10: Storm

Name: Ororo (Munroe) Iqadi T’Challa

First Appearance: Giant-Size X-Men #1

Storm is the one character that is on everyone’s top Black/African/African American list. If she isn’t something is wrong. She’s a mainstay X-man for so many of us who grew up in the 90’s watching the cartoon, most of us thought she was an original member until we educated ourselves or got educated. She can’t be dismissed and with a power like hers it’s no way she was missing my list. But because Storm is so rudimentary and expected that is why her place is number ten on the countdown.

No. 9: Vixen

Name: Mari Jiwe McCabe

First Appearance: Action Comics #521

Vixen’s origin is a tale wrapped in family betrayal, lineage and the real world horrors that occur in Africa every day. Short version, Mari takes a mystical relic, the Tantu Totem, from her malicious uncle, General Maksai and becomes Vixen. Vixen’s powers allow her to endow herself with the powers/abilities of any animal of the animal kingdom. If she evokes the spirit of the eagle, she can fly and has excellent vision. If she calls upon the form of the rhinoceros she can charge at a tremendous speed and rampage through her foes.

My first encounter with Vixen was on Justice League Unlimited where she played the love interest of Green Lantern John Stewart. She earned her keep with me by trying to manage a rag tag edition of the Justice League as its leader in the pages of JLA.

No. 8: Lucius Fox

Name: Lucius Fox

First Appearance: Batman #307

Lucius Fox is the right hand man of Bruce Wayne and depending on how you look at the picture, Batman as well. Depending on continuity he acts as the CEO or head of the Board for Wayne Enterprises supporting Bruce Wayne’s and Batman’s agendas on a need to know basis. He’s loyal, depending and brilliant as all hell, able to match Bruce in intellect and possibly exceeding it when it comes to engineering.

With Batman being my favorite hero, period, I have an insatiable respect for Lucius Fox. For without him there would arguably be no Batman, at least not a very good one.

No. 7: Fatality

Name: Yrra Cynril

First Appearance: Green Lantern #83

Fatality is on this list due to three things; she’s smoking hot, she’s basically a pink Green lantern and she has an unquenchable first for vengeance. I like women that don’t back down.

More officially, Fatality is a Star Sapphire that was more or less rocketed to her power by the destruction of her world at the hands of a novice John Stewart, inadvertently. Fatality went through a long journey, losing two arms along the way. But once becoming a Star Sapphire she was set on forgiving the so called destroyer of her world and told John Stewart to forgive himself. It takes a lot of strength to forgive someone who you feel has wronged you. That’s where Fatality earned my respect.

No. 6: Black Manta

First Appearance: Aquaman #35

While I’m not so sure how I feel about a Black guy being the arch nemesis of a superhero who conveniently falls into the prerequisites of the Aryan race, I am sure about one thing; Black Manta is one bada** dude. Call me whatever you want, but I didn’t even know Black Manta was Black until the DC Comics’ event, Brightest Day came out. Then I immediately felt silly for not really acknowledging the ‘Black’ in his name. Forgive me for thinking that maybe other characters created before 1970 with ‘black’ in their names didn’t have to be African American.

All that aside, Black Manta has taken Aquaman’s hand… twice and felt the need to remind him about it. Let’s not even mention his pure unadulterated hatred for the guy. I’ve never read hate so pure. He just tickles my fancy.

No. 5: War Machine

Name: James Rhodes

First Appearance: Iron Man #118

Do I really need to explain why War Machine is on this list? He’s like John Stewart with Stark Tech. After the performance Don Cheadle gave in Iron Man II, my already high respect for Rhodes went through the roof. Who doesn’t want to go into battle, with a bunch of guns, enough ammo to quell a small zombie apocalypse and an attitude that would make Gunnery Sergeant Hartman from Full Metal Jacket sit down and shut the hell up? Yeah, oh hell yeah I’m rolling with War Machine.

No. 4: Nick Fury (Ultimate Universe)

Name: General Nicholas Fury

First Appearance: Ultimate Marvel Team-Up #5

Ultimate Nick Fury is different from regular Col. Nick Fury. In fact, his race is only half of the difference. I mean, he is based off of Samuel L. Jackson. Who doesn’t like Samuel L. Jackson? If you don’t, well you should probably go die, but that’s beside the point.

The point is that Ultimate Nick is nearly a separate character, his closest connection to Col. Fury being a name and position. Bendis did a great job recreating the personality of a prominent Marvel Character and for whatever reason he felt the need to make him Black. If he did it because he thought Samuel L. Jackson was badass… well that’s fine by me. Cause he is.

No. 3: Firestorm (Jason Rusch)

Name: Jason Rusch

First appearance: Firestorm #1 (July ’04)

Firestorm can rearrange the atomic structure of matter to create ‘things’. He’s Dr. Faustus wet dream, essentially an alchemist, Firestorm can turn wood into gold. He’s fairly powerful.

I was ecstatic when I heard DC was bringing Firestorm back. I was even more ecstatic when I found out it wasn’t Ronnie Raymond, who I find to be somewhat of a tool. In the end I was disappointed because he and Ronnie were one for a spell and then eventually back together again after Blackest Night. Jason’s origin is colored in shades of single parenting, abuse and independence. Jason struggles to become his own man while wrestling with the depression his rage of his father and the adversity of his urban environment. He’s a relatable character, who through adversity becomes a mature person before he even starts college and in my opinion a better Firestorm than his predecessors because of it.

No. 2: Max

Name: Maxine Gibson

First Appearance: Batman Beyond TAS (“Unmasked” don’t quote me on that)

Max is probably the most unexpected character on this list. But she is definitely my number two. Possibly my favorite non combatant comic book character next to Alicia Masters, Max brings a lot to the table. She’s smart, hot and did I forget to mention smart? This girl may not have powers, but she’s got spunk and serious skill.

Max is a techno wizard. She makes her waves backing up, Terry McGinis, Gotham’s Dark Knight of the Future (presumably after Damien…?) with Intel, and tech support. Terry makes a joke calling Max his “Alfred” during the animated series. She’s Terry’s best friend and one of her duties as such is covering for him with the misses, Terry’s girlfriend Dana. Max comes off as a sort of Oracle like figure of the future and I had really high hopes for her character development in the pre ‘New 52’ Batman Beyond ongoing series. I hope they pick it up. I can’t wait to see her again.

No. 1: Green Lantern John Stewart

Name: John Stewart

First Appearance: Green Lantern vol. 2, #87

I’m going to start off by saying I love Green Lanterns. A super power that relies on will power and imagination is a writer’s dream. Having said that, I can’t stand Hal Jordan and John Stewart is anything, but Hal Jordan. Stalwart, disciplined, and stern, John Stewart is a model solider who uses his training as a marine and a gifted architect to create his ring’s light constructs. You never see John make anything trivial such as a pair of scissors or a fist to dispatch his foes. It’s always something fairly precise and tangible; usually a sniper rifle or some form of military tech. John Stewart’s willpower is astonishing. He nearly recreated an entire planet from scratch and reconstructed his entire Desert Storm battalion from his ring. John is everything a Lantern should be. That’s why he’s my number one.

VALENTINE'S DAY REVIEW SPECIAL # 2: X-MEN # 30 (THE WEDDING OF SCOTT SUMMERS & JEAN GREY)

VALENTINE’S DAY REVIEW # 2

 X-Men (Volume 2 aka X-Men Legacy) # 30

“The Ties That Bind”

Written by Fabian Nicieza

Art by Andy Kubert & Matt Ryan

Marvel Comics

Review by Frankie Rodriguez

TALE OF THE TAPE

   Ah. Welcome to another Valentine’s themed review. This time, we are gonna go in the way back machine to the 90s. Yes. The 90s. Where big guns and artist reigned surpreme and the X-Men was the biggest comic book franchise! Between the 90s cartoon and the comics, the X-Men were household names. And it was at this point and time that the X-Men comics were really milking as many mutant as possible . .. well, until the recent Regenesis that is. 

  Before Emma Frost became the premiere love of Scott Summers’ life, there was one other. The love that Scott Summers was meant to be with . .. at least according to many fans at that time. Jean Grey. Yes. Marvel Girl or Phoenix, Jean Grey was a character who really brought you in with her warm and made you awe in her badassery ( yes I just made that word up.)

  Scott and Jean had gone through so much to be together before they got married: particularly the revelation that Cable was Scott’s long lost son, Nathan who he gave away to Mother Askani (aka a future version of Rachel Grey Summers) back in X-Factor #68. The recent crossover with the other X-teams during X-cutioner Song and Bloodties (which featured the Avengers). Wolverine had left the team to heal from having his Adamantium ripped out of his body by Magneto. So the time was ripe for the couple. Which brings us to  “The Ties That Bind”

CLASH FACTS

   Our book opens with a lovely little letter from Logan and there are 2 things I notice right away: 1 – feminine hands holding it & 2 – while the paper of the letter looks pretty beaten up . . . Logan’s got some pretty handwriting. Seriously, that is the best cursive I had ever seen from a guy. The letter is addressed to the wedded couple to be as it was a bit awkard sounding “I’ve never been too good at what I feel inside . . .” to oddly poetic “You go together like fire and ice …like a hurricane and its eye . .. “ all leading that they should look with new eyes as they take the next step in their lives.

  Not bad Logan. Then we get some narration that we are not quite sure who it’s from at first but admits that he’s effected by the day. And honestly, so was I. When this first came out, I screamed at the pages “It’s about time.”  Give me a break. I’m a lover AND a fighter. Back to the comic.

  Jean is complaining about breathing in her dress as Storm and Jean Grey’s mother hit at Jean’s nervousness. Jean admits she wished Logan was there (and with most X-Men fans now, they wished he was there too . .. to take you away from Scott) Storm reminds her best friend (and yes X-fans, Storm and Jean are best friends. People seem to forget that.) that Logan needs time to heal his wounds and while he’s not there physically, he’s there in spirit. Or so you think Storm … or so you think.

 Jean has a heartwarming moment with Ororo as Jean’s mother says to stop hugging or they will never get done. Jean goes on about how her mom is one in a million, Elaine Grey retorts that so is Jean with the genetics to back it up. If only Jean could have seen her mother about a decade later … (That will be a review for another time)  Jean talks with Rachel, who recently fixed their very broken relationship. Jean hugs her future daughter warmly, proud that this day could very well lead to Rachel being born one day.

*grabs a tissue for my eye* I’m not crying. I swear. There was something thrown into my eye.

The narrator continues and while it does not flat out say it, the moment when the narrator says Robert instead of Bobby for Iceman, I figure it was the Professor. Bobby comments how Storm came through for Scott and Jean today with a sunny, 70 degree day . . . in January. (in Upstate New York mind you). And then Bobby points out how embarrassing it would be for the bride to be ready before the group. And we see Scott sitting on a chair with his brother Alex (Havok) across from him, huddled by the other 3 original X-Men, Beast (Hank), Archangel (Warren) and Iceman (Bobby). Beast goes on to say they have “encountered an opponent far more dangerous than Magneto, more devious than Mr. Sinister, more dastardly . . .”

 FOR THE LOVE OF FRELL HANK! IT’S A BOW TIE!

Oh wait, Warren echoes my sentiment while Alex teased his big brother that this is the first day of the rest of his life. (Rest of her life maybe …) Bobby replies that marriage is a death trap while Warren and Hank STILL can tie the bow tie. The narration from Professor X tells of how big the day is starting to sit with Scott when the Professor reveals himself to his students; immediately chiding Bobby for his cynicism. And Charles easily slides in, grabbing to bow tie from his Warren and Hank , admits that this day has him nervous as it clearly shows that they are adults, while he finishes a bow tie and ask if they need the “old Prof” anymore. Scott asks if that was a set up but Charles admits he stumbled upon everything. Scott admits his nervousness with the normal grace you come to expect from ole Cyke:

  “Truth to tell Professor, without you by my side, I’d feel safer walking into the Danger Room alone and naked right now rather than face what’s coming next.”

And Havok immediately chants what the majority of fans were thinking: “Gee. There’s an image that’s stuck in my head now fro the rest of the day . .. “ THANKS CYCLOPS! *facepalm*

 Professor Xavier gives a speech about moving forward and taking the next step and the Heart of the Cards, blah blah blah.  Oh hey. I did that right.

 The Groom, best man and groomsmen all begin to walk out the door as Professor’s narration reveals that while his speech seemed to calm and help out his students a great deal, it did little to give him solace. He goes on about how he’s afraid of losing Scott and Jean forever and wishing he had a better social life so he had some kind of frame of reference. As Charles was transferring himself from his hoverchair to his wheelchair (can’t show all the civilians the fun and wacky Shi’ar tech) he drops his own note from Logan which Rachel picks up. Charles comments that he’s yet to read it and Rachel points out “Goodbyes are always tough . . .especially if you think there’s still a lot left to be said before parting.”

 Charles says he’ll read it later when he catches a glimpse of Jean. You know, this is made creepier when we find out that Charles was in love with Jean himself. EEEEWWWWWWWWW.

  We go outside to see Scott and Alex stand on the altar with the priest with Scott being nervous with all eyes on him. Alex points out the obvious to Scott : “Of course they are. We’re Standing in front of them” and tells his brother to look at them all. Xavier narrates how much satisfaction and pride he has at seeing the X-Men and most of the groups of the X-Men extended family are there for this joyous occasion. He also reveals Scott’s pride in the X-Men and what they stand for when . ..

 Ororo comes out as the Maid of Honor, motion for the wedding march from . . . DEATHKLOK?!  . ..

 SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIKKKKKKKKKKKEEEE!!!!

  The wedding band is lead by musical artist and mutant Lila Cheney. Geez! You couldn’t bring back Alison (Dazzler) for this occasion? Ah well. Charles, being the upper class guy that he is reveals that he was never a fan of Lila’s music … until now. Storm walks by when Gambit says how good she looks and finds Scott there: telling her he’s ready to explode.

 Storm taunts that they couldn’t have that and that he’s about to sent to another world where whatever she’ll or anyone will say won’t matter. When he’s about to ask . . .

DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMNNNNNN!!!

 After Jean’s father hands over his daughter to Cyclops, the minister starts a great ceremony that the Professor was kind enough to let us hear. They used a sash as a way to symbolize wedding ties and exchanged rings till the minister proclaimed them husband and wife and tells them “Let’s see a kiss now.”

  Then the couple and the rest of the X-Men gets down to boogie with Professor Xavier still narrating the whole peace. As Xavier oohs and ahs over the happy bride and groom, Lila reveals that the song the couple have chosen was “One” by U2.  Scott and Jean got good taste.

  While the X-Men are having fun, a metal gloved and mouth covered Sabertooth just goes on about how dumb the X-Men are and thinks about making trouble . .. till he is send face furst into the snow with a small little note saying: Don’t Even Think About It!

  Back with the X-Men, Jean throws the bouquet at a stunning collection of X-Men: Storm, Polaris, Domino, Boomer,Wolfsbane, Jubliee, Psylocke and nd more when . .. Rogue flies up to catch the bouquet.  Then Scott takes out Jean’s garter belt when she asked why they agreed to it. Scott answers that Hank told him that Guido (X-Factor’s Strong Guy) would sulk for a week; Jean promises a lecture to Guido latter and Scott throws. Quicksilver, Archangel, Beast, Forge, Guido and more dive for the garter belt .. . if for nothing else but to slip it on Rogue. And with an explosion . .. Gambit ends up holding the belt.

   Gambit’s reply: Now, Mes Amis. Y’ Didn’t think I’d give anyone ELSE a chance t’slip this on the little lady, did you? I t’ink not.

Smooth Gambit. Really smooth.

   And just when you and the professor thought the festivities were over . . . Jean saves the last dance for Charles. Charles protests at first, worried about people who don’t know about their gifts …  HEY CHARLES! Why not start with protesting when Rogue flew the catch the bouquet. Or when Gambit used his powers to make sure he got the garter belt. Or when you have Beast, Nightcrawler and Warren there .. . all with blue skin.  A LITTLE LATE TO WORRY, AIN’T IT CHARLES?!

  Jean says she wants to dance with the Professor and makes it happen with her telekinesis. And after Charles’s start to protest comes one of the best lines I have ever read in an X-Men comic from Jean Grey:

  “ .. . And what if they did know about us, Charles? That I’m a mutant? Or that I’m a woman who wants to celebrate the best day of her life? If dancing with you is what makes me happy and if being a mutant gives me the opportunity to do that then there’s nothing in this world I would rather be than a mutant. And I’m proud to dance with the man who taught me that being one should in no way limit the happiness I can enjoy or the love I might share with those I’m blessed to call my family.”

 . . . I seem to have . .. something in my eye again . ..

 Charles and Scott have a quick exchange, partially on how Havok is coping with the loss of Madrox (look at X-Factor # 100) and then Charles going on about how a great guy Cyclops has grown to become. Cyclops gives the credit to being the man that he is because of Charles, telling the professor than he loves him then leaves the room. And our comic ends with Xavier looking over some papers, opening Logan’s note that simply says:

  “Dear Chuck,

    Lighten up.

   Yer Ol’ Pal,

   Logan “

And again, Charles reflects the same reaction I did to that note .. . laughter.

CLASH TACTICS

   I admit. I am a sucker for a good wedding. And, even with my knowledge of what will happen to this couple, this is a GREAT wedding. The combination of Xavier’s evolution to mentor to friend with the great character bits throughout the issue were fun, insightful and enjoyable.

   It was so good that so many things were touched up on while at the same time making sure it did not affect that pace of the book. And while sure, this was a Cyclops, Jean heavy issue, it was great to see everyone from Rachel, Cable to Wolfsbane and Quicksilver having lines in the book. Nicieza made this issue a stunning wedding cake in comic book format. Layers and layers of sweet, wonderous goodness with a topping of some great Jean/Scott on top. This wedding seemed to really signal a lot of things for the X-Men and these characters.

  Andy Kubert’s art is near breath taking during must of the book and he and Matt Ryan’s inks when Jean came in was a showstopper. There were not inconsistencies artistically as the team renders a beautiful wedding issue. The only real issue I have with X-Men # 30 is Charles’s whole . .. what if the people who don’t know we’re mutants see us. That really seemed to be very misplaced cause he should have said it a lot sooner. I doubt they all had image inducers. And while I love Jean’s speech that spawned from Charles’s line, it was out of place in my mind.

 So overall, a great solid wedding issue. And while it is not the best wedding issue I have read, it is certainly one of my favorites. Even though we know Scott is a man slut.

  X-Men Vol. 2, # 30 gets a Intercontinental Title Spot ( 4 out of 5). It was a strong issue but just that misstep opened a hole bigger than what could be ignored.

And that is all for this particular Valentine’s Day Review. Check out our other Valentine’s Day stuff here on Comic Book Clash and on J1 Studios. Till next time, Keep Clashing.

    

# 34 UNCANNY X-MEN (#1-3) EVERYTHING IS SINISTER & THE WORLD'S MIGHTIEST HEROES

Hello Clashers. My, my, my. It has been a LONG time since I did one of these. CBC EIC . . . wow, great acronyms there Frank . . . Frankie Rodriguez (aka Seraph) is here to today to give you a look on the other side of the fence.

   Last week, Hector Ramirez broke down the new status quo as we inspected the Jean Grey School of Higher Learning with our review of the first 3 issues of Wolverine & the X-Men. Since this jumps off after Schism and Hector already described it last week, no need for me to exposite about it again.

This week, We go back to Utopia and look at how Cyclops's side operates as we begin the next chapter of their evolution.

WARNING: SPOILERS ABOUND!

You have been warned. And now, our review of Uncanny X-Men, Volume 2, #1-3.


UNCANNY X-MEN
Issues #1-3

Written by Kieron Gillen


Art by Carlos Pacheco, Jorge Molina, Rodney Buchemi, Paco Diaz (He's all over the X-franchise these days) , Roger Bonet, Walden Wong, Cam Smith.

Colors by Frank D'Armata, Rachelle Rosenberg, Jorge Molina, Jim Charalampidis, Dommo, Rex Lokus

Review by Frankie Rodriguez (Seraph)

___

RATING SYSTEM:

Ubersuck Crown – Run away from the story &/or book. It is bad. Treat it like the plague. Think of it as a 1 or 1 star. Pretty much VERY BAD.

Cruiserweight Contender – A book that has some great flash and ability to entertain for a while. Not a definite buy but still not too bad. It’s ok. Aka 2 stars.

X Division Contender-  Something that is out there. Brings out something a little different. Something entertaining and over all enjoyable but still not enough to make a huge impact.  3 stars or Average.

Intercontinental Contender – Something polished, some what thought provoking. Great story telling. Fair characterization but things not completely utilized to the best of their ability more than it should. Something that is on the verge of greatness but just falls short. Good or 4 stars.

World Heavyweight Contender – Outstanding. Great art. Great characterization. Great storyline. Excellent plot. Outstanding use of characters, area. Great use of new concepts or old concepts in a new way. Frellin’ awesome or 5 stars.

_________

CLASH FACTS

          We open our book with a nice, scenic tour of San Francisco and get exposition as to why it is one of the most welcoming places on Earth: allowing everyone from artists to hippies to mutants all living there . . . plus the  GIANT Golden Dreaming Celestial. I mean, the Celestial is huge! REALLY, REALLY HUGE. Did I mention he was Huge?
   
         As the tour continues, San Francisco's little tour guide "book" gives us information about Utopia and the X-Men: like how no one can visit the island as per orders of King Namor or how if you want to see the X-Men, tour buses stop a premiere X-Men patrol spots. Yes, folks. Cyclops has allowed the X-Men to become a tourist attraction. *sarcastic thumbs up*

      As the tour exposition finishes, we find a couple in front of the HUGE Dreaming Celestial.  (For those not in the know: Celestials are UBER powerful beings that are just . . . well, put it this way . . . they are stronger than Galactus and can destroy the world with a thought.) They were reading said exposition and talking about the Dreaming Celestial when they are suddenly assaulted by a man with black hair and a white face. Oh my God, It's Antonio Bandares's character from Interview With A Vampire!! Nah! It's just Mr.  Sinister; looking quite dapper in his Victorian styled clothing and . .. killing the couple he just met with a sword in his cane. Yeah . . . I bet they weren't expecting that on their trip. Sinister goes on, in a very gentlemanly evil manner, about how humanity are not the top 2 species on Earth. He turns his cane around and taps the leg of the Dreaming Celestial with it's ruby top and . . . finds a doorway and walks in.

*face faults*

      After that interesting opening, we cut to Utopia where Scott (Cyclops) is talking with Emma. Emma asks if ole one eye is nervous and Scott answers with his "now" usual bravado of confidence; saying how people have tried to kill him cause of who he is, blah, blah, Heart of the Cards. Oh wait! Wrong time to insert that. Emma goes on that showing nervousness is okay and that while he's a weakling, she is the living embodiment of perfection.

    The two enter the room to see an assembly of X-Men and others there: Namor, Magneto (yes he's a good guy now), Magik (yes, she's alive and she's not evil anymore), Danger (yes she is good & not evil anymore . . .), Colossus (who now has the powers of the Juggernaut) . . . I am noticing a very distrubing pattern here. You want to guess what it is? The team rounds out with Hope Summers (Scott's granddaughter) and Storm. Cyclops first words to them is that they are his "Extinction team."

Okay? Extinction Team. Right? Anyone else not loving the name?

    Cyclops explains that because of the Schism between him and Wolverine; excuse me, the fact that the Westchester School reopened that they in Utopia are gonna have to secure the future and make a larger statement with this team. Cyclops goes on about how they have always been "Earth's Mighiest Heroes" and that this team will show the world that; and while safe guarding the world and mainly mutantkind is one of their top objectives; they want to show the world that it needs them. And to be afraid of them till they can fix mutant and human relations. Cyclops had even gone so far as to say that :

  "If we're going to be considered a rogue state . . . Well, what's the difference between Iraq and North Korea. Iraq didn't have weapons of mass destruction and every time this team goes into the field, we remind the world we do."

Our Fearless Leader, ladies and gentlemen.

  Storm then points out all the overt problems with this idea, including the name and the fact that only 3 of them have not gone through a villain phase. Storm questions if Scott is sure when Emma replies that they are working on it. Scott details that if they are scared of them, they won't attack "Logan's little school" or any mutant for that matter. Can't disagree with that.

    After going through some exposition, a week passes and S.W.O.R.D's director and Beast's main squeeze, Abigail Brand, contacts Scott and Emma about the Dreaming Celestial showing activity. She states she wanted to talk to them first before calling the Avengers when Scott says not to bother calling them cause if they can't handle it, no one can.

   Magik teleports the majority of the team to meet the Dreaming Celestial and Sinister wastes no time revealing himself in grand fashion . . . by transforming the head of the Dreaming Celestial  into a golden version of himself while having other parts of the Dreaming Celestial be attack bots to fight the X-Men. After some flirting between Emma and Namor, he, Storm and Magneto join the point. The fight is brutal for the first outing for the Extinction Team (Wow! I really am saying that.) and we see it. From a small hole on Colossus's chest that makes him turn on the rage and magically fueled Juggernaut powers to seeing Emma Frost holding her own severed arm . . . IN DIAMOND FORM. Finding themselves slightly overwhelmed, the group figures out the smaller robots are controlled by electromagnetism. Magneto decides to stop the little Celestial robots . .. by become it's new head and spine. Yay!

   Sinister lands the head at the Palace of Fine Arts and uses the energy of the Celestial to make . . . well, more of him. LOTS more of him. As most of the X-Men are surrounded, Hope mimics of the powers of Emma Frost and falls back while the others enter the Palace of Fine Arts. As Sinisters continue to walk around, Hope goes to a rooftop and does something her daddy Cable taught her; using a sniper rifle to kill as   many Sinisters as she can.

     Meanwhile, the X-Men gaze upon Sinister on a golden throne with an army of Sinisters around them. Of course, this was minutes after Abigail told them that other Celestials are coming to Earth. As Namor makes a funny that the X in X-Men is about the target on their backs, Sinister exposites about his past till now. How the Summers DNA and all that he's done over the years have lead up to this moment. And how Sinister is a different race of his own, believe that the world would be much better if EVERYTHING was Sinister, literally. And that the use of the Dreaming Celestial would bring the others to Earth so they can destroy it utterly except for him. As Storm and Emma points out how Sinister is gloating and being very annoying, Sinister continues his gentlemanly evil speech with details on the recent schism between the X-Men.

  After the X-Men refuse to surrender to him, Sinister forces Cyclops to blast at Piotr in order for him to control Piotr. Sinister gains control of all but Emma, Danger, Hope and Magneto. Danger gets blown to bits and Emma puts a simple plan in motion where Hope teleports out (mimicking Magik's powers). Sinister goes on about Emma's little gamble when he is then shot in the Head by Hope's rifle.  Yet, with all the Sinisters, Sinister's mind moves to another body; only to have his head crushed by Piotr. Hope teleports in to shoot the latest Sinister in charge (Surreal huh?) but only gets knocked back. Emma tells Namor to hold her severed arm which the Atlantean mutant thinks it is Emma returning his affections. Namor holds it and Emma goes flesh to use her telepathy to take down Sinister when she realizes that Sinister was using Scott's mind in order to take down the others.  Danger also lays an assists saying how Sinister is beyond redemption. All but  one Sinister melts away. The man tells them that he will continue to evolve to be better while he gave them a grand show in order to prove themselves as "Earth's Greatest Heroes." Sinister then teleports the Palace of Fine Arts away, returns the head on the Dreaming Celestial and then shoots himself in the head with a pistol.

WHAT?!

Before the X-Men can breathe, Magneto summons them back. Magik teleports in the rest of the team as the HUGE Dreaming Celestial now has friends on Earth. A LOT of HUGE FRIENDS. Before Cyclops says anything else, he checks on Magneto and tells Emma to leave for the second time during this storyline (first time was before they walked to meet Sinister) and Emma reminds him that it is not everyday that anyone stares down a large group of Celestials and goes along. Cyclops explains that the world is under their protection and that means protecting the Dreaming Celestial as well. Hope adds that they should leave. And with a point of the Dreaming Celestial, the other Celestials fly off Earth. Hope makes a comment to call the Avengers to tell them that they've been made obsolete and our book ends with Cyclops saying that a crowd of people who watched what happened are saying or doing nothing and that becoming the world's mightiest team of heroes is gonna take a lot of work.

CLASH BREAKDOWN

  The new status quos of both factions of X-Men have been building for ages now and the pay off seems to be good. With that said, I am gonna be focusing on what I just described. With that said, this was a fairly good opening. It establishes a new status quo for the X-Men and really feels like a new beginning. And I don't mean that just for the split. Cyclops is nearly unfiltered, except for Storm watching him and we are seeing what Cyclops will do with little to no one saying what he is doing wrong.

    We get good impressions of many of the characters, such as Namor, Cyclops, Emma, Hope, Colossus, Magneto and Storm but it felt as though Magik and Danger has very small roles in this story. While it is a big team and I understand why each member was chosen, two members of said team seem to have had little consequence to the story. And while I can give a little leeway cause it is the first 3 issues, if you are going to introduce a new team, we should have had good character moments with all of them. Danger had a good spot in #3 but otherwise used for joking purposes. Magik . . . was just kind of there.

 Artistically, the books were solid. Even with the multiple pencils, the differences in style didn't hurt the story. The scope and colors were beautiful. And each of the characters were very distinct in style and look. The artists took full advantage of those and used them well. Yet, many of the art seemed to be relying on exposition more than the picture itself to tell a story.

So, my main gripes would be how the large cast was handled and the story had some holes in its plot. While the characterizations were amazing and the art was good, this opening arc seemed to have some plot holes that were not easy to ignore. Like how does Sinister know how to go inside a Celestial? What was that ruby on his staff?  All Magik seemed to be there for was for her teleportation powers and keep Piotr calm. Yet, Magik could have teleported them without going with them and Storm could have fulfilled the whole keeping Piotr calm role. The premise and the reasoning are good, no matter how much I want to punch Cyclops in the throat. And the final death of Sinister just seemed a tad unnecessary but that is just personal opinion.

All in all, Uncanny X-Men, Volume 2, starts off with a Bang and ends with you wanting to get on the ride again, even though you feel a little dizzy. The characterizations were great, good solid art but it was bogged down by plotholes and lack of spotlight for characters that are main characters in the book.

Thus Uncanny X-Men #1-3 gets an X-Division Spot (3 out of 5).


Ah. THAT FELT GOOD! And yes, I will be doing more of these from time to time. Remember to check out all our other news and content from Comic Book Clash and J1 Studios. Til next time, Clashers.