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Uncanny X-Men #20 - Fallout

3

It's the end for Cyclops' squad of X-Men as the battle is over. Find out what their fate will be.

The Good

As with AVX: CONSEQUENCES, we get to see some of the fallout from the decision to use the Phoenix Force to try to change the world. It could be argued that the Phoenix Five had the best of intentions but even with a portion of the power, did they have the right to try to play God?

The issue basically divided into three portions with the focus is on Cyclops, Unit and Danger and Colossus and Magik. Cyclops is incarcerated after the events of AVENGERS VS X-MEN. He is paid a visit by the X-Men's former P.R. specialist, Kate Kildare. It might seem peculiar that she would visit Scott or even be allowed access to a S.H.I.E.L.D. classified location. How she got there is explained later and what she has to say to Cyclops definitely opens the door for more in the future. Unit and Danger take a look at the notion of being prisoners. Colossus and Magik have an encounter that resolves and establishes their relationship moving forward.

This being the final issue, the storylines present in this series are wrapped up nicely. There are definitely some great twists and surprises you won't see coming. It's a fitting end to a good series that often got lost in the shuffle of so many different X-titles.

The Bad

We're seeing more timing problems just as during AVENGERS VS X-MEN. I didn't fully put it together at first but I was a little confused why Cyclops would have his normal visor when Kate came to visit him. Apparently this takes place before the two issues of the weekly AVX: CONSEQUENCES yet in AVENGERS VS X-MEN #12, we see Cyclops with his new inhibitor helmet and ruby quartz prison. Is this supposed to take place before that meeting with Captain America?

Colossus fate felt too rushed and too easy. It was a surprise how quickly things could change. You would think someone in the X-Club could have found a way to help him before. We'll have to keep an eye on Colossus to see how he comes out of this.

I never cared for Unit as a character and Danger became more and more annoying. I could have easily done without their portion of this issue.

The Verdict

It's the end for UNCANNY X-MEN and Cyclops' Extinction Team. This clearly feels like a final issue as we see several story points resolved nice and neatly. Cyclops and Colossus get some big surprises while the resolution of Unit and Danger's story wasn't too fascinating. It's a shame that this series had to end and I felt it got overlooked at times (by myself included) due to the fact there are/were so many X-Men titles. There are the unfortunate continuity questions with this being tied to AVENGERS VS X-MEN and the CONSEQUENCES weekly title. This issue may be the final issue but it definitely opens the door to new possibilities we'll have to wait to see explored. It was a great run. Let's see what Marvel NOW! holds for these members of the X-Men.