With Regenesis under way, some of the characters' decision was abrupt and with X-MEN LEGACY wrapping up its previous storyline, we now get to see some of those decisions along with a new plot twist.
The Good
The conversation between Cyclops and Havok was great to see. Even with X-MEN: REGENESIS focusing on the different members of the X-Men choosing to stay with Cyclops or leave with Wolverine, we didn't get to see everyone's struggle with the choice. In a surprising fashion, Scott actually tries to justify Wolverine's choice to his brother. We also see more of the conversation between Rogue and Magneto which leads to an interesting twist involving one of the members that was out in space.
There's a lot of room here for characters to get a chance in the spotlight. Emma Frost, while usually portrayed as cold and cruel but seeing her interact with one of the students was a great reminder that deep down, she does care about the kids and being a teacher.
The great part of this issue is the return of a character. If it had been previously announced or revealed, I somehow missed it. I felt the excitement build up as I read and turned each page waiting to see who would be revealed. It was a great feeling to be able to read an issue without being spoiled as to what the big twist would be.
Khoi Pham's art added a nice vibe to the story. Combined with the muted colors by Antonio Fabela, this issue had a feel that kept it separated from the other X-titles.
The Bad
We're already two months into Regenesis but this issue is showing us what characters such as Havok and Rogue are going through in making their decision. It's great to see but some of the value is taken away since we already know what side they choose. It's unfortunate that we didn't get to see more interaction between Scott and Alex or Scott and Rachel. There's a moment here she calls him 'dad' but I feel like they don't have a father-daughter relationship. It's weird that she's been gone, out in space, all this time and we never saw whether he cared that she returned. From REGENESIS, we know she chooses to go to join Wolverine.
The Verdict
Even though this sports the Regenesis banner, it's still taking place before the full split of the team. Some members we know will be leaving Utopia are still here as a new and interesting plot twist arises with the return of the mutants from space. It's great to see some of the interaction between characters such as Cyclops and Havok but we don't get enough. There simply isn't room here (or elsewhere) which is unfortunate. There is the return of a character that I hadn't heard about and that made this an exciting read as I read through to see who it would be. This issue should have happened a couple months ago but it's just one of those things you have to let go while enjoying the story. The story combined with the art makes this a great X-title that should stand out apart from the other X-titles. I'm getting more and more excited for where this series is going to go.