wessaari's Uncanny X-Men #4 review

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    • wessaari has written a total of 64 reviews. The last one was for Dissolution
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    Uncanny X-Men #4

    WARNING THERE BE SPOILERS!!!

    I picked up the last issue of this series to help include diversity through my stack, and include my first Marvel series. I loved everything about last issue, and though I considered picking up Bendis' All New X-Men, it didn't keep me as invested as this series so I will wait on picking up that series. The cover alone won me over, and though All New X-Men coincides with this series, it wasn't hard following through with Scott's plan for Jean Grey's School, but on to the review!!!

    THE GOOD:

    Bendis is really an influential part of the Marvel titles right now, and with him running things in the X-Men after AvX really shows how much the peeps at Marvel trust him. So far, it's been good on a new readers such as myself, with Marvel Now, but Bendis really knows how grasp Scott's new mission after what transpired. This issue focused a lot on Emma Frost, and shows some characters that readers such as myself haven't seen before, namely the trio of Emma's "daughters". I believe that the main conflict was addressed in ANX, so Bendis offers something from a different perspective which is always nice when two series are so aligned. Me being confused as to why some of the mutants powers aren't working have been clarified in this issue, though it wasn't necessarily needed, it is still nice to get some answers in that department. What I found really helpful was the explanation of who was who when the mutants at Scott's school were featured. In a new series such as this, it is always good to stay open friendly to new readers with these explanations. Someone said that they would be worried as to what the new conflict of the series would be, and honestly, I could see the ANX or the official X-Men having a battle amongst each other, but they have their own things to deal with, like Mystique. That would mean that whatever is happening to Magik will be the first real test for Scott's new School, and I am actually excited as Magik is really growing on me.

    Buchalo, like last issue, I felt that he was awesome in this issue. The use of black and white with the telepathic conversations was nice, and the scenes where Magik was freaking out was gorgeous. I just love this guy's style, and hopes he stays on the book for a while.

    BEST STORY MOMENT: Emma's moment with the girls was really nice, but seeing the new mutants freak out in the Danger Room was really funny. I see a potential conflict with Magik and Limbo, so that would be great as well.

    BEST ART MOMENT: I would have to point out Magik's freak out really stood out in the book.

    THE BAD:

    Though it is a nice touch to have series rely on each and place off of each other, there wasn't much that really happened. You would have to read the All New X-Men to see the interactions between the two Schools, and at times it felt as though it was necessary. Though the main focus was on Emma, this issue missed out on things that could or should have happened in this issue. This may be the main thing wrong with this issue, but isn't something that can be ignored so easily.

    Though I loved Buchalo's work, there seem to be a lot of empty spaces or panels in this issue that could have definitely fit some art. I know that the Emma scenes where everything was black and white served a purpose, I think because of that, the rest of the issue was left with empty spaces. It makes sense to have those scenes in black and white, but when some of the bulk of the issue has blank spaces, it seems as though it was a lazy move on his part, since he did art and coloring.

    WORST STORY MOMENT: The fact that this issue relied so heavily on All New X-Men was a huge bummer, and we as readers are left confused at certain points in the book.
    WORST ART MOMENT: Two things really stood out. The empty spaces didn't need to be empty, and Magik's mouth at the end was freaky large. Other than that, Buchalo is rocking it.

    OVERALL

    A really solid issue, though I am really hoping that this series doesn't have to rely too much on ANX. If this series can keep it's momentum for one more issue, this series will definitely be added to my pull list, and I am really excited about that. I would recommend this issue to readers who are familiar with this book, and even new readers. The only problem is that this issue also relies on another series, so if you picked up the new ANX then I would highly recommend this issue and series. Til next time!!!

    STORY: 4/5

    ART: 4/5

    SCORE: 4/5

    6 Comments

    Avatar image for mszekeresh
    MSzekeresh

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    Great review. I have been following the series but haven't gotten to this issue yet. In an interview Bachalo said he was purposefully making use of the space in-between panels in this series. Hopefully he keeps it under control.

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    MSzekeresh

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    Great review. I have been following the series but haven't gotten to this issue yet. In an interview Bachalo said he was purposefully making use of the space in-between panels in this series. Hopefully he keeps it under control.

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    wessaari

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    @mszekeresh: I noticed that it was like a pattern, so that does make sense that it was intentional, but I just saw some of it as a wasted opportunity, especially since I love his style.

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    wessaari

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    @mszekeresh: I noticed that it was like a pattern, so that does make sense that it was intentional, but I just saw some of it as a wasted opportunity, especially since I love his style.

    Thx for liking my review!

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    blackkitty

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    Okay, maybe someone can explain this to me. If Magik doesn't have a soul, why does anyone trust her. Her entire concept of right and wrong could be completely out of whack. Also... has anyone tried to get it back? Sorry, I haven't read in a long time so I honestly don't know.

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    wessaari

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    Edited By wessaari

    @blackkitty: Im really new to Marvel, but I have done some research on Magik, as she is a character that I find fascinating, and I am really enjoying. Personally, I don't believe that her soul would be the center of her morality, and she has pulled some messed up stuff, but I think the whole reason why Scott relies on her is because of what transpired in AvX, and how they were used. She is almost like a force of nature, she just needs to be pointed in the direction that Scott wants. If Scott is using her, it wouldn't surprise me, but I think that Illyana is conscious about it. Idk if I am over speculating, especially since I don't know everything about these characters and I am so new to Marvel, but it is a ride that I definitely want to see play out

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