UNCANNY X-MEN #502

Review by: coltrane68

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Size: pages
Price: 2.99

What happens when an established title cascades into a series of spin-offs, each with its own writing team leading to a new take on the series? In the case of the X-Men, often the results are tough. I think that this is largely due to the incredible successes of Chris Claremont’s epic run on Uncanny X-Men. The stories were memorable, but the best aspects of the X-Men were always about the characters: conflicts, teamwork, loves, lost loves, isolation, and dignity. When later writers emphasized global conflicts (man vs. mutant, genetic manipulation, etc.), the books devolved into more generic super-team stories. Some were really good. Most were not. But none had the sheen of the great Claremont era (although Whedon came close).

I don’t know a lot about Matt Fraction, but I think that he is bringing a neoclassical approach to Marvel that is long overdue. Not every comic needs to be post-modern (though I am thankful, very thankful, for Ed Brubaker’s Cap). Uncanny X-Men is an old book; Fraction is bringing back the characters. I pray that he does this even more, but he is on a great path as witnessed by Uncanny #502.

Without divulging the plot too much, it is enough to know that the X-Men are facing a new foe with old ties – the Hellfire Cult. And while the Cult is featured, the focus of the book is the X-Men themselves. We learn a bit about a coming-of-age Pixie. We see the best of Wolverine, as he drives what I belive to be an early ’70’s GTO through one of SF’s hills, “Streets of San Francisco” style. We see Nightcrawler build a chapel and state that he hopes he never has to use it. But most impressive to me, we see Dazzler return to the X-Men, and I am shocked to say, it warmed my heart. I am shocked, because I never cared much one way or the other about Dazzler.

The old friends are back, and the art is strong enough to capture them. Sure, Dazzler’s chest is ridiculous, and Emma looks a bit silly pozing in diamond form, but the characters’ smiles are great. I would like to note that Justin Ponsor, the colorist, seems to have taking an unnatural liking to magenta this issue – what’s up with that? However, he did manage to capture the ugly yellow-green of the late-model GTO beautifully.

Get on board with this book. I think that it will be worth the trip.

Story: 4 - Very Good
Art: 4 - Very Good

Comments

  1. I’m only reading Astonishing, but would also be reading this if not for the art. You almost convinced me to, though.

    I’ve been a huge Fraction fan since Punisher War Journal #1 and even moreso now with Invincible Iron Man. If you like how Fraction focuses on character, then you should check out those books if you aren’t already. His characterizations of both Tony Stark and Frank Castle are both believable and refreshing.

  2. I hate to post twice in a row, but I have to wonder who Greg Land traced for that cover? 😛

  3. @J4K3

    1) I have been reading Invincible Iron Man. I’m not a big Punisher fan, but I would consider checking out Punisher War Journal.

    2) Nice cut on Land. However, this issue was much stronger than other Land work I have seen before. I know it’s kind of an in joke to hate Land, but the art was not distracting.

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