“Fear Itself” hasn’t really lived up to it’s potential and the tie-ins have been bigger letdowns. Uncanny X-Men is one of the few exceptions. In the last issue the table had been set as the Serpent possessed Juggernaut prepares to “cleanse” San Francisco. Issue #541 has Cyclops and his X-Men coming to meet him in an attempt to save the city. It’s basically an action issue but one that really amps up the stakes.

Kieron Gillen has been hit or miss with his storylines. That said I really enjoyed the last issue and this one follows it nicely. Gillen has set up the scenario well and here we get to see the inevitable battle getting underway. But it’s not just cover to cover action. Gillen keeps the political tension woven throughout the story as Scott not only has to deal with the frontline strategies but the political ramifications. There’s some great dialogue between Scott and Mayor Sadie as well as some fun banter from Emma. Overall it’s a very well written issue that really impressed me.

Yes, Greg Land handles the art and overall it’s pretty solid. I’ve defended Land more than once and the same applies here. The book has a slick polished look to it but you are always going to get some weird, quirky, out of place panels that makes you roll your eyes. This issue’s biggest one is Sadie’s goofy Marilyn Monroe-like pose after she is drawn into a psionic conference room by Emma. How can you look at that panel and not shake your head? Aside from that his characters look solid and his action sequences are fantastic. For this type of book I thought Land’s art worked.

Considering this is a tie-in to the underwhelming “Fear Itself” event, I’m surprised to see I’m enjoying it so much. This isn’t just another X-Men versus Juggernaunt issue. In fact there’s alot more at play including a slick ending that could set up some major consequences. My hat is off to Gillen and Land. Uncanny X-Men is a really fun book right now.