One of the things that I always worry about with cross-over books is the set up.  Too many times, the reason for the characters crossing over is very forced; some contrived situation comes up that brings the two characters or teams together, there's usually a misunderstanding that makes them fight, then they realize that they're really on the same side or are being manipulated by the real villain of the piece, and they team up to kick ass and take names. 

This book is not like that.

Stemming from events in Uncanny X-Men, the debate over Proposition X comes to a head in San Francisco.  When the violence gets too out of control, Norman Osborne swoops in with H.A.M.M.E.R. and his Avengers squad to assist local authorities in containing the situation.  Fighting between the Dark Avengers and the X-Men ensues.  The story ends with at least two X-Men incarcerated and a weird cliffhanger that causes the reader to question what's really going on.  It makes sense, but it does add to the mystery of the whole story.

This was a completely organic bringing together of the two teams, and it makes absolute sense.  I would contend that, were the traditional Avengers still in place, they would also be present in a similar capacity.  The difference would be that Captain America and crew would be conflicted in dealing with the X-Men, while Iron Patriot and the gang seem to be enjoying their jobs (though they are not permitted to use lethal force so it does dampen their usual glee in creating carnage).  Norman's conversation with Emma also makes complete sense- they had a deal, she didn't hold up her end, now he's altering the deal.  This leads into the creation of the Dark X-Men we've seen previewed for a while, but the final page reveal creates a lot of questions that I can't wait to see the answers to.  Lastly, it brings the X-Men squarely into the Dark Reign world.  Lately, the X Universe's connection to major events has been tangential and not part of the larger story (Civil War, Planet Hulk, Secret Invasion).  This story line brings the X-Men back into the larger Marvel Universe, which is where they should be, and it's about damn time.

What I also liked about this book was the small moments Fraction creates.  At the beginning, various groups are watching the rioting in San Fran on the news and commenting on it.  The best is when we see Franklin Richards talk about it.  He asks why people have to hate mutants so much, and then in smaller letters he says, "Does that mean they hate me?"  That just breaks the heart, hearing a little boy say that.  Later on, some of the mutants in San Francisco ask why this is happening- didn't Scott and the X-Men promise mutants a utopia there?  Now humans want to control their reproduction- why?  But on the human side, the worry seems very justified- look what happened to the last place a mutant was born.  Nevermind much of that destruction was caused by the forces looking for the baby, the baby's birth was a powerful event and is a real concern.

What I truly hope does not happen is that Trask's actions are being sponsored somehow by Osborn, and that this is all part of his larger scheme.  That would wreck the original and intelligent story Fraction has going on, and would make this a forced plot like the old days.  If this story keeps going in the current direction, this could be a very good and unexpected hit.

Marc Silvestri is the penciler here, and it's great seeing him back on the X-Men.  Ironically, I've recently been reading Essential X-Men 8 and looking at his uncolored work.  I honestly didn't recognize Utopia as Silvestri's work, partially because he isn't drawing characters with 80's big hair, and partially because his line work has evolved from the 80's.  His faces have more detail when in close-up, but his full body figures are still very universally tall and lanky.  Also, while he's obviously up to speed on all the current incarnations of the characters he's using, the Loki we see in Latveria is the traditional male Loki.  Is that correct, or is that an error on his part?  Finally, why are there umpteen inkers on this book?  Is there that much work needing to be done that one or two people, maximum, can't get it done on time?  Someone explain that to me.

I will definitely be buying Uncanny X-Men along with Dark Avengers and following this story. Fraction has a great set-up here in this issue, and if you like either of these teams, Silvestri art or Fraction writing, get this book and hop on the train.