X-MEN SCHISM #4 (OF 5)

Review by: keith7198

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Avg Rating: 4.2
 
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Writer: Jason Aaron
Penciller: Alan Davis
Inker: Mark Farmer
Colorist: Jason Keith
Letterer: Jared Fletcher
Cover: Javier Rodriguez

Size: 0 pages
Price: 3.99

So this is where it all hits the fan? “X-Men: Schism” #4 is the issue I’ve been waiting for. After a strong first issue, Jason Aaron’s game changing mini-series has been good but never sold me on it’s premise that “things will never be the same”. Here that claim is given teeth when Wolverine and Cyclops’ relationship takes a violent turn as their different philosophies and heated history comes to a head amid a looming threat that could wipe Utopia off the map. Sound a bit dramatic? Well, it is and Aaron pulls it off nicely.

For the first time in this series I really believed the tension and the growing animosity between Wolverine and Cyclops. I finally bought into the idea that, even though they’ve had a strained relationship in the past, this could really be the breaking point. Aaron does a fantastic job expressing the points of view of both characters. Both are treated well and their positions feel genuine and heartfelt. I also loved the idea of a self-forming Sentinel that builds itself from whatever metal is nearby. It’s cool, creative, and feels like much more of a threat than the 12 year old Black King of the Hellfire Club. The story does seem to bolt ahead in a couple of spots and it felt that a few panels were missing. But aside from a couple of small pacing issues, this is a solid and entertaining book.

The art is also a step up from last issue and more in line with the first two books. Alan Davis does an incredible job with both the character depictions and the wild action sequences. His characters are beautifully drawn and consistent from start to finish. He not only gives them a slick, polished look with his realistic style but he draws such emotion from them. And his action pages are loads of fun. Whether it’s the huge Sentinel tearing through things in an effort to build itself or the final five pages which pack the biggest punch of the issue even without one word being spoken, the action is brilliant and full of life.

As I said, this is the issue I’ve been waiting for. This book takes Schism and elevates it above being just a good X-Men storyline. This now feels like something important and that could have serious repercussions. As someone who likes both characters I love how Aaron is handling them and I can’t wait to see how everything winds up. Davis’ art is fantastic and gives Aaron’s story the energy it needs. For me, Schism just got interesting again.

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

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