The Official X-Men & Friends Thread!

[NickT]

No idea what happened in the ressurection scene, but good issue otherwise.

[SpecialK]

Nice interview. But now I'm totally confused as to who the Red Queen is.

Is she possibly the Goblin Queen sans Maddy's good side, as some have speculated. Or, like someone with DID, is the Goblin Queen an alter of Madeline Pryor, so Pryor is for all intents and purposes dead? Or, "absorbed" ...

I need to read the entire comic before I can comment on Land's art in the next issue.

I'm also a bit frazzled about the x-gene stuff.

We've gone from x-gene is gone, to now it's deactivated and hidden from perception in some way. So, does this mean there really are still 16-million mutants on earth, but they just don't know it?


Edited to add: I thought UNCANNY #508 was a great read. Up-to-date and modern but also good-old-fashioned comic-book super-hero magico-science fiction goodness. With lots of interesting female characters. Was Cyclops even in it? I didn't notice him, thank goodness. I've been recommending the book to people who had given up the X-MEN.

It was my understanding that the X-gene being just turned off was always the case.

[Cardinal Braxiatel]

508 was my favorite out of the seven books i read this week, which is quite a turnaround after even loathing it a few times since 500. I loved the Land art even more than usual and even his biggest detractors have to admit that his art is especially suited to the Sisterhood. Was it me or was there less smiling going on and less photo referencing? Not that I mind at all how much Land does. I think whatever the man's technique, he creates an energetic story that flows nicely and is nice to look at it. I find it a lot less sterile than the Dodson issues.

[Fake Pat]

508 was my favorite out of the seven books i read this week, which is quite a turnaround after even loathing it a few times since 500. I loved the Land art even more than usual and even his biggest detractors have to admit that his art is especially suited to the Sisterhood. Was it me or was there less smiling going on and less photo referencing? Not that I mind at all how much Land does. I think whatever the man's technique, he creates an energetic story that flows nicely and is nice to look at it. I find it a lot less sterile than the Dodson issues.

I won't admit something that isn't true.

This arc only highlights many of the major flaws in his work.

[The Roman]

I'm just happy to have Psylocke back, whether she be British or Asian.



Although, I am personally a bit partial to Asian Betsy. :heybaby:

[dnk]

508 was my favorite out of the seven books i read this week, which is quite a turnaround after even loathing it a few times since 500. I loved the Land art even more than usual and even his biggest detractors have to admit that his art is especially suited to the Sisterhood. Was it me or was there less smiling going on and less photo referencing? Not that I mind at all how much Land does. I think whatever the man's technique, he creates an energetic story that flows nicely and is nice to look at it. I find it a lot less sterile than the Dodson issues.

I feel the opposite way. Individually, his panels can look alright, but as a whole, too many faces look too similar, his backgrounds rarely have any sort of detail, and lack an energy, especially in comparison to the fun art that the Dodsons do. And I think all of those can be attributed to relying too much on photo reference. I think the decidedly comic-y or cartoon-y art of the Dodsons' is a much better fit for Fraction's tone on UNCANNY.

But art is subjective. That's just how I feel.

[Fake Pat]

I feel the opposite way. Individually, his panels can look alright, but as a whole, too many faces look too similar, his backgrounds rarely have any sort of detail, and lack an energy, especially in comparison to the fun art that the Dodsons do. And I think all of those can be attributed to relying too much on photo reference. I think the decidedly comic-y or cartoon-y art of the Dodsons' is a much better fit for Fraction's tone on UNCANNY.

But art is subjective. That's just how I feel.

Not completely, especially when you're talking about comic book art.

[dnk]

Not completely, especially when you're talking about comic book art.

Elaborate?

[Fake Pat]

Elaborate?

OK, here's a great example of a problem that Land has that isn't subjective; panel to panel continuity. His people often look like completely different people from panel to panel.

[Cardinal Braxiatel]

I just recalled one glitch with the issue. I read something by Fraction online before getting 508 and he made some references to Maddy (who I still hate seeing referred to as ex-wife with never a divorce for her) and the Red Queen that seems to have not shown up in the issue. Without getting spoilery specific, did anyone else catch that?

[dnk]

OK, here's a great example of a problem that Land has that isn't subjective; panel to panel continuity. His people often look like completely different people from panel to panel.

Fair enough. And that has to do with my overall point from that post: Land's panels can be okay individually (and this is the most subjective part), but I generally do not like the finished product.

[SpecialK]

I just recalled one glitch with the issue. I read something by Fraction online before getting 508 and he made some references to Maddy (who I still hate seeing referred to as ex-wife with never a divorce for her) and the Red Queen that seems to have not shown up in the issue. Without getting spoilery specific, did anyone else catch that?

Do you mean the recent interview where he said Madelyne Pryor and The Red Queen are not the same person?

[Cardinal Braxiatel]

Yeah. It's like he spoiled an upcoming issue since nothing in 508 even hinted to that...

[Spidey616]

X solicits for July. Still no sign of the conclusion of Old Man Logan :(

X-Men/Ultimate Solicits, July 2009 (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=20869)

[artimoff]

X solicits for July. Still no sign of the conclusion of Old Man Logan :(

X-Men/Ultimate Solicits, July 2009 (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=20869)


I'm dissapointed that Uncanny X-Men First Class is only 8 issues.

[RoShambo]

I've noticed an increase in Deadpool appearances and books as of late.

Is he getting more popular, so they're using him to drive sales more, or are they putting out more books to try to make him more popular and capitalize on his appearance in the movie?

How have his books and appearances been doing?
I haven't seen the recent sales charts.

[Dr. Hackenbush]

X solicits for July. Still no sign of the conclusion of Old Man Logan :(

X-Men/Ultimate Solicits, July 2009 (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=20869)

So, Uncanny is $3.99 now? I figured it would happen eventually.

[MabusRex]

I've noticed an increase in Deadpool appearances and books as of late.

Is he getting more popular, so they're using him to drive sales more, or are they putting out more books to try to make him more popular and capitalize on his appearance in the movie?

How have his books and appearances been doing?
I haven't seen the recent sales charts.

I noticed the same thing and was going to comment on how none of the books appeal to me...until I saw the solicit and cover for Merc With A Mouth. Tis my new desktop. :)

[Vonn Hennigar]

Deadpool Sales March 2009

# 26 DEADPOOL #8 DKR $ 2.99 MAR 47,974

Which makes it the 20th best selling Marvel book of the month or the 6th best selling DC book :)

[Spidey616]

First Dark Avengers issue in the crossover

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/974/974667/marvels-dark-reign-in-july-20090420045525134.jpg

DARK AVENGERS #7 Written by MATT FRACTION
Pencils & Cover by MIKE DEODATO
Variant Cover by SIMONE BIANCHI

"UTOPIA: CHAPTER 3"

The DARK AVENGERS/UNCANNY X-MEN crossover continues!

San Francisco teeters on the brink of absolute chaos and the X-Men keep getting in the way of Norman's vision of law and order. So Norman takes his game to the next level: who are the DARK X-MEN? And will Norman's Avengers play nice with Norman's X-Men? Here's a hint: no.
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

[Howlett]

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/974/974667/marvels-dark-reign-in-july-20090420045525134.jpg


Oh Jesus chimp fucking Christ, he's in a wheelchair AGAIN??? :angry:

Could someone please just kill that baldy plank? He's obviously too stupid to exist :mad:

[Fake Pat]

Oh Jesus chimp fucking Christ, he's in a wheelchair AGAIN??? :angry:

Could someone please just kill that baldy plank? He's obviously too stupid to exist :mad:

His pants must be made of the same material as Magneto's helmet.

[John Drake]

Oh Jesus chimp fucking Christ, he's in a wheelchair AGAIN??? :angry:

Could someone please just kill that baldy plank? He's obviously too stupid to exist :mad:

Seriously! Lame as hell.

[Howlett]

His pants must be made of the same material as Magneto's helmet.
Heh.
Seriously! Lame as hell.

Ooooooh, I know what it is! After the years of him being labeled brilliant, and then as a bastard, now we're on to the next step.

Lazy.

[dnk]

So, Uncanny is $3.99 now? I figured it would happen eventually.

Do you think it might just be for the cross-over? I'm really, really hoping so. But am doubting it. The cross-over's got to blow me away to keep me buying.

Let's just all pray it blows us all away and then reverts back to $2.99.

ETA: Interesting to see Daken fighting on the side of the Dark X-Men in that DA #7 cover. But we'll see what actually happens in the ish.

[Fake Pat]

Do you think it might just be for the cross-over? I'm really, really hoping so. But am doubting it. The cross-over's got to blow me away to keep me buying.

Let's just all pray it blows us all away and then reverts back to $2.99.

Never gonna happen.

They can charge it, and they know it. Why not do it?

[John Drake]

Heh.


Ooooooh, I know what it is! After the years of him being labeled brilliant, and then as a bastard, now we're on to the next step.

Lazy.

You know, that'd be pretty funny. "I'm old, dammit! Let me sit down!"

[HOOKS]

Oh Jesus chimp fucking Christ, he's in a wheelchair AGAIN??? :angry:

Those are my words exactly.

If he is actually paralyzed again, this will be the second time in five years he's been put back in a motherfucking wheelchair.

How many times can one man get his goddamn legs fucked up? And what is his thought process throughout this whole situation?

I can walk! Oh shit, giant rock crushed me. Hey, I can walk again! Oops, my bad, another rock. Woo-hoo, Shi'ar clone technology! Goddamnit rock, you art my arch nemesis. Hey look guys, Charles "Legs" Xavier walks the Earth once more! Oh fuck you, Magneto. Hey hey hey, I'm walking again! Jesus Muhammad Christ, do you want me to just put a bullet in my brain? Oh, wait, Bishop did that for me.

[Santana]

Oh Jesus chimp fucking Christ, he's in a wheelchair AGAIN??? :angry:

Could someone please just kill that baldy plank? He's obviously too stupid to exist :mad:


It is a rule that Chuck can only walk for so long.

[Spidey616]

Interview with Mike Carey on the future of Legacy and his Gambit Origins one-shot

The Changing 'Legacy': Mike Carey on His X-Men (http://www.newsarama.com/comics/040922-Carey-Legacy.html)

Plus Preview Pages of Claremont's X-Men Forever

FIRST LOOK: X-MEN FOREVER ALPHA (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0904/22/marvelfirsts.htm)

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0904/22/xmenforeveralpha1.jpg

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0904/22/xmenforeveralpha2.jpg

[Cardinal Braxiatel]

I know I'm in the minority but Carey's writing is not my cup of tea. I stuck with Adjectiveless only as long as the Northstar appearances went on and only bought two issues of Legacy before dropping it too. My dream cast for the book would be Cable, Colossus, and Gambit, since that would put my least favorite X-Men in one place written by a writer I don't care for. Toss Rogue in too since Carey seems to be of the camp that puts no value in Rogue as a character without Gambit attached to her like a sucker fish...

[Spidey616]

Uncanny X-Men #509 Preview (http://www.newsarama.com/php/multimedia/album.php?aid=27525)

[information]

Uncanny X-Men #509 Preview (http://www.newsarama.com/php/multimedia/album.php?aid=27525)

Looks like a perfectly good story... It's a shame to have all that photo referencing louse it up. Might as well read fumetti!

[joeAR]

Oh Jesus chimp fucking Christ, he's in a wheelchair AGAIN??? :angry:

Could someone please just kill that baldy plank? He's obviously too stupid to exist :mad:


Seriously? What the fuck...I hope that's just Deodato Jr. putting him on the cover like that.

[Criden]

Oh wait, wasn't Prof. X in a wheelchair in Deodato's Original Sin covers?

ETA: Nevermind. :-?

[Spidey616]

Messiah War interview at IGN with some very nice concept sketches

The New Faces of X-Men: Messiah War (http://comics.ign.com/articles/975/975676p1.html)

[Cardinal Braxiatel]

Was the Cable installment out? I have the feeling I blanked on it because of my Cable antipathy...

[billthomason]

I'm behind since I trade wait on Marvel books, but I read all the X related ones. Just finished reading X-Men Sins of the Father, Cable, and X-Force's first trades. Gotta say, I really like what they're doing. House of M was a decent idea and Decimation failed miserably to capitalize on it, aside from New X-men. Messiah Complex was a great idea and storyline and so far they have capitalized well on it in my opinion.

I read several reviews of Cable saying it was not so great, that it was all just atmosphere, but after reading it, I think its perfect. It's a nice slow brooding story that fits its character and situation perfectly.

X-Force was also phenomenal. Yost and Kyle prove again why they're some of the best writers X-men has seen in a long time. I was a little shocked by the violence in a Marvel book, seeing a guy get stabbed in the back of the head through the mouth for instance, but it was nice to finally see some blood and guts coming out of a handful of characters who fight with knives. It's been a long time coming. The Purifiers story also continues to be a great one and the writers love of nostalgia and history is great (with all the old stuff they regularly bring up).

I'm looking forward to where they're going. The only book I'm hesitant about picking up is Young X-Men.

[Arion]

I know I'm in the minority but Carey's writing is not my cup of tea. I stuck with Adjectiveless only as long as the Northstar appearances went on and only bought two issues of Legacy before dropping it too. My dream cast for the book would be Cable, Colossus, and Gambit, since that would put my least favorite X-Men in one place written by a writer I don't care for. Toss Rogue in too since Carey seems to be of the camp that puts no value in Rogue as a character without Gambit attached to her like a sucker fish...

I haven't really read enough issues to make a judgment ...

[Cardinal Braxiatel]

I'm looking forward to where they're going. The only book I'm hesitant about picking up is Young X-Men.

The Atomic Comics I go to in Phoenix ran out of the last issue of Young before I got there the week it came out. A few weeks later they put the books that were in boxes of deadbeat pull list holders on the wall and while I jumped at a chance to get Legion #50 finally, it only occurred to me days later that I should have looked for YX too. I think that sums up my opinion of that book by the end...

[HomerGator]

So, I just read the new Astonishing and the new X-Force. The AXM was the best issue of the Ellis run so far, IMO. And X-Force, as always, was great. Just awesome. Clayton Crain's art on this book is friggin amazing. That bit where Stryfe came barreling in and landed with such impact was awesomesauce.

[SpecialK]

Wolverine: Weapon X #2 art preview (http://comics.ign.com/articles/976/976813p1.html)

[Spidey616]

X-Force #15 First Look (http://comics.ign.com/articles/977/977292p1.html)

Warren vs. Apocalypse! Can't wait :)
:Arch::hrsmndth:

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/977/977292/x-force-20090428105018809.jpg

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/977/977292/x-force-20090428105015606.jpg

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/977/977292/x-force-20090428105013356.jpg

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/977/977292/x-force-20090428105008716.jpg

[Foggy's Pal]

How is the current run of Deadpool? I like the character, but Way is a little iffy for me.

[Spidey616]

How is the current run of Deadpool? I like the character, but Way is a little iffy for me.

I've been digging it so far, and can't wait for the next arc featuring Bullseye and Wade facing off. There's also the a 2nd ongoing Deadpool coming in July that will also be worth checking out

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=20906

[SpecialK]

How is the current run of Deadpool? I like the character, but Way is a little iffy for me.

I haven't enjoyed it that much. I prefer Cable & Deadpool over the current one, but others seem to like it.

[Foggy's Pal]

I've been digging it so far, and can't wait for the next arc featuring Bullseye and Wade facing off. There's also the a 2nd ongoing Deadpool coming in July that will also be worth checking out

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=20906

Thanks for the heads-up.

[Foggy's Pal]

I haven't enjoyed it that much. I prefer Cable & Deadpool over the current one, but others seem to like it.

What haven't you liked about it?

[SpecialK]

What haven't you liked about it?

The stories didn't really interest me, didn't like the humour as much. I don't remember, really, I'd have to re-read it to answer the question better.

[Foggy's Pal]

The stories didn't really interest me, didn't like the humour as much. I don't remember, really, I'd have to re-read it to answer the question better.

Thanks

[HomerGator]

How is the current run of Deadpool? I like the character, but Way is a little iffy for me.

I'm not the biggest Deadpool fan. I don't have a lot of Deadpool comics, and I didn't really care for Cable/Deadpool. So perhaps my opinion isn't the one to listen to, but I've got the last two issues of the current series (the Thunderbolts crossover issues) and I think I'm probably going to stick around for a little while. I had a few moments in each issue that made me lol. Of course, I like Daniel Way's writing, so if you don't, you might not care for the current run.

[Marcdachamp]

The current Deadpool book is pretty decent. Not perfect, but readable.

[Foggy's Pal]

Thanks everybody. I picked them up on ebay last night. I will let you all know what I think when I get them.

[Spidey616]

Previews of next week's X Books including Deadpool featuring the long awaited rematch between Bullseye/Hawkeye and Wade :deadpool: :bullseye::hawkeye:

Deadpool #10 (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=2512&disp=table)

Cable #14 (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=2510&disp=table)

New Mutants #1 (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=2522&disp=table)

X-Men: First Class Finals #4 (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=2526&disp=table)

Free Comic Book Day: Wolverine (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=2517&disp=table)

[Spidey616]

Silvestri page for X-Men/Dark Avengers Utopia

http://www.comicbookresources.com/assets/images/articles/1241197305.jpg

[SpecialK]

X-Force # 15 Art Preview (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=2545&disp=table)

[Spidey616]

X-Force # 15 Art Preview (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=2545&disp=table)

GO WARREN!
:Arch:
http://www.comicbookresources.com/assets/images/preview/2545/prv2545_pg4.jpg

[Dr. Chaos]

How is the current run of Deadpool? I like the character, but Way is a little iffy for me.
I know you already made up your mind but I'd say it's been surprisingly good.

I have never liked Way on anything and was terrified when I heard he was on Deadpool, I was pretty much expecting him to murder the character but surprisingly, this character is exactly what he's needed.

Aside from botching The Deadpool/Bob teamup, this series has played to alot of strengths I didn't even know he had.

His issues made the TB/DP crossover which is kind of weird considering I consider Andy Diggle to be a much better writer.

[Spidey616]

Marc Silvestri page for the DA/X-Men: Utopia issue in color!

http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/108/l_d98c3a3b5c7749f481c24b3351a0b6fd.jpg

[billthomason]

You know, I've listened to a few podcasts lately and read a few articles, all happening to discuss Fatal Attractions. And of course everyone mentions Wolverine getting his adamantium ripped out by Magneto, but why is it that no one remembers Magneto doing basically the same thing to Cable before hand? And damage wise, it looked like Cable got a lot more fucked up than Wolverine.

[Spidey616]

How is the current run of Deadpool? I like the character, but Way is a little iffy for me.

Interview with Way on future plans for the Deadpool title

Tuesday Q&A: Daniel Way (http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.7912.Tuesday_Q%26A~colon~_Daniel_Way)

Deadpool pirate :Pirate::deadpool:

The Bullseye story wraps up the first year's arc. We'll be having an epilogue to that in an arc called "Wave of Mutilation," and there will be revelations in that arc that will have Deadpool taking a look at where he is and where he wants to go and where does he belong in the Marvel Universe. My plan is to have Deadpool try and throw his hat into the hero ring, but his biggest obstacle—of course—will be himself and his history. Being heroic means taking that path and sticking to it, and that's going to be extremely hard for Deadpool to pull off.

"Wave of Mutilation" will see the return of Bob, Agent of Hydra. Deadpool has a particular job for him to do. I don't want to give it away, but basically he helps Deadpool become a pirate. After that, I think you can expect a lot of guest stars as far as heroes and teams of heroes. Heroes who tend to operate alone may be all of sudden presented with a prospective sidekick, which with Deadpool would probably last all of 90 seconds.

[Spidey616]

Simone Bianchi variant for DA/X-men

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/979/979953/dark-avengersuncanny-x-men-event-20090505054049132.jpg

[Cardinal Braxiatel]

...why is it that no one remembers Magneto doing basically the same thing to Cable before hand? And damage wise, it looked like Cable got a lot more fucked up than Wolverine.

Because it was Cable involved? I think I'm part of a fairly large group who started out caring very little for Cable and has seen what little interest there was wane with each attempt to course correct, retcon in something new, or whatever this year's new direction for the character is. Back then, I collected every X-Title except for Cable and Wolverine and your post is the first time I've ever heard of Magneto doing this to Cable.

[billthomason]

Because it was Cable involved? I think I'm part of a fairly large group who started out caring very little for Cable and has seen what little interest there was wane with each attempt to course correct, retcon in something new, or whatever this year's new direction for the character is. Back then, I collected every X-Title except for Cable and Wolverine and your post is the first time I've ever heard of Magneto doing this to Cable.

I guess that's probably completely true, because Wolverine is a fanboy dream and I'm one of the only people on the planet who loves Cable. But yeah, X-Force 25, Cable comes back from everyone thinking he died (back in X-Cutioner's Song) and tries to get Graymalkin (now Avalon) back from Magneto, and Magneto basically turns him into a blob of flesh and twisted metal.

[Cardinal Braxiatel]

It's weird. I know that I bought and read that issue back in the day and I have absolutely no memory of that.

[joeAR]

You know, I've listened to a few podcasts lately and read a few articles, all happening to discuss Fatal Attractions. And of course everyone mentions Wolverine getting his adamantium ripped out by Magneto, but why is it that no one remembers Magneto doing basically the same thing to Cable before hand? And damage wise, it looked like Cable got a lot more fucked up than Wolverine.


Because it resulted in Wolverine becoming Feral Wolverine and Wolvies more popular plus I think it only took Cable a couple of issues to recover.

[billthomason]

Because it resulted in Wolverine becoming Feral Wolverine and Wolvies more popular plus I think it only took Cable a couple of issues to recover.

Yeah that's true too. Cable just must be more hardcore than Wolverine.

[HomerGator]

I guess that's probably completely true, because Wolverine is a fanboy dream and I'm one of the only people on the planet who loves Cable. But yeah, X-Force 25, Cable comes back from everyone thinking he died (back in X-Cutioner's Song) and tries to get Graymalkin (now Avalon) back from Magneto, and Magneto basically turns him into a blob of flesh and twisted metal.

I remember that. I actually read the issue at dinner the night I got it (probably the day it came out). I remember my parents bitching, but I was like "but look! Look what Magneto just did to Cable!"

Fatal Attractions was crazy. Although it wasn't a 'hard' crossover, the X-Factor chapter had Magneto's return kicked off with the Acolytes going through a hospital full of 'flatscans' like a friggin' buzzsaw, the X-Force chapter saw Cable get torn to shreds right after returning from his trip into the time stream from X-Cutioner's Song, in Uncanny X-Men they buried Illyana and Colossus joined the Acolytes, in X-Men Wolverine gets his skeleton ripped out and Xavier windwipes Magneto. God damn.

[HomerGator]

This week's issue of Cable was really good. Another strong chapter in Messiah War. My only complaint was that the scene with Warren and the big A was nearly identical to the one at the end of X-Cutioners' Song.

[rwsmith]

I thought Cable was supposed to be some great strategist? How is "we all charge the citadel" a great plan!? The guy is obviously going senile. My money is on him biting it in the third installment of the Messiah Trilogy.

[billthomason]

I thought Cable was supposed to be some great strategist? How is "we all charge the citadel" a great plan!? The guy is obviously going senile. My money is on him biting it in the third installment of the Messiah Trilogy.
I don't know. I have't been reading it yet because of waiting for trades. But Cable's war strategy has never been too subtle, because of the adversaries he's had to face. He was more military style than anything because of the techno organic virus ruining his powers.

[billthomason]

So I just showed my wife the sketch I had done by Tony of Cable, Apocalypse, and Stryfe, and the words out of her mouth were "that's Apocalypse, Wolverine, and some other guy." I was happy that she knew who Apocalypse was, but so sad that she saw Stryfe as Wolverine and didn't have a clue who Cable was, despite me telling her repeatedly he's my favorite. I told her who Stryfe was and that they were clones. "They don't look like clones." I told her they don't look like it because he's clearly wearing a huge mask.

I asked her if she wanted to know why they were clones. "Nah..." and she walked out of the room.

:)

[Ben]

I showed my girlfriend Stryfe's codpiece and we laughed.

[Spidey616]

Previews of next week's X titles

GeNext: United #1 (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=2567&disp=table)

X-Factor #43 (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=2574&disp=table)

Captain Britain and MI13 #13 (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=2562&disp=table)

[Spidey616]

Looks like Messiah War continues its success with Cable #14 selling out with a 2nd printing http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0905/11/cable14.jpg

Plus a teaser image for X-Men: Legacy #224

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0905/10/xmenlegacy.jpg

[Arion]

Looks like people enjoy Messiah War.

[jason hissong]

I love Cable.

[Fake Pat]

Apparently Luke Ross is now drawing at least one of the DA issues of the X-Men x-over.

It's like Marvel is actively trying to drive people away from it.

[Criden]

Apparently Luke Ross is now drawing at least one of the DA issues of the X-Men x-over.

It's like Marvel is actively trying to drive people away from it.

I love Luke Ross, but yeah, that's weird and off-putting. And I dunno if he'd be a good fit for this x-over. Where'd you hear this?

[Fake Pat]

I love Luke Ross, but yeah, that's weird and off-putting. And I dunno if he'd be a good fit for this x-over. Where'd you hear this?

http://forums.millarworld.tv/index.php?showtopic=88214

Dark Avengers #7 DAX (MAY090447D, $3.99; FOC 06/25/09) will have art by Luke Ross, not Mike Deodato.

edit: just to clarify, i'm not shitting on Luke Ross. i think he's a perfectly fine artist.

[dnk]

I love Luke Ross, but yeah, that's weird and off-putting. And I dunno if he'd be a good fit for this x-over. Where'd you hear this?

I like Luke Ross, but I was kind of looking forward to seeing which celebrities Deodato would use for the X-Men.

For some reason, Deodato's photo-referencing doesn't bother me nearly as much as Land's (or even Larroca's) does. I think because Deodato still does makes pretty interesting layouts and TLJ as Osborn is the only really obvious one. I still like Deodato's art, while I'm not too huge on Land. I'm pretty ambivalent towards Larroca.

[SpecialK]

X-Position: Jason Aaron (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21176)

Includes preview pages for Wolverine: Weapon X # 2

[dnk]

X-Position: Jason Aaron (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21176)

Includes preview pages for Wolverine: Weapon X # 2

Haha this is awesome.

What did you think of the Wolverine movie? This may seem like a loaded question, but please be honest...

You mean the “Hulk Vs. Wolverine” animated movie? Loved it.

[Spidey616]

Aaron's writing Mystique again in a story in the Dark X-Men mini. NICE! :D

Even more interested in seeing what her role will be in the Dark X-Men then


I'm working on a short story for the upcoming “Dark X-Men: The Beginning” miniseries. It focuses on Mystique, a character I previously wrote in the "Get Mystique" arc of “Wolverine.” And it'll be drawn by the amazing Jock.

[Arion]

http://forums.millarworld.tv/index.php?showtopic=88214

Dark Avengers #7 DAX (MAY090447D, $3.99; FOC 06/25/09) will have art by Luke Ross, not Mike Deodato.

edit: just to clarify, i'm not shitting on Luke Ross. i think he's a perfectly fine artist.

I'm trying to remember what was the last thing Luke Ross did.

[Criden]

I'm trying to remember what was the last thing Luke Ross did.

He's done a few Cap issues recently. Before that, the first issues of the Jonah Hex ongoing.

[Arion]

He's done a few Cap issues recently. Before that, the first issues of the Jonah Hex ongoing.

I was thinking in a Marvel title. Didn't remember Hex, though.

[Criden]

I was thinking in a Marvel title. Didn't remember Hex, though.

Yep. The Hex stuff was really awesome, too.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9c/JonahHex.jpg

[Arion]

That looks good. I guess I can always find those issues in trade, right?

[Criden]

That looks good. I guess I can always find those issues in trade, right?

Sure, absolutely:

http://www.amazon.com/Jonah-Hex-Vol-Face-Violence/dp/1401210953

[Spidey616]

X-Factor #43

Wow Shatterstar returns!

[MabusRex]

X-Factor #43

Wow Shatterstar returns!

Yeah, I was surprised. I've really been enjoying X-Factor since hopping back on with the birth issue. PAD is knocking it out of the park.

[Arion]

X-Factor #43

Wow Shatterstar returns!

Can't wait to read it.

[The Roman]

A Shatterstar/Rictor reunion . . . maybe?


:heybaby:

[Arion]

A Shatterstar/Rictor reunion . . . maybe?


:heybaby:

I couldn't help reading your spoiler. And yes, I would love that.

[The Roman]

I couldn't help reading your spoiler. And yes, I would love that.

I certainly wouldn't put it past PAD. :D

[Spidey616]

Next week's X title previews

Uncanny X-Men #510 (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=2608&disp=table)

Wolverine: Weapon X #2 (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=2609&disp=table)

X-Men Forever Alpha #1 (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=2610&disp=table)

[billthomason]

So let me get this straight. They're reprinting one of the most over printed set of 3 comics ever put to paper? And charging 5 bucks for it when you could probably find it for about 10 cents a comic? Hell, maybe even in a dumpster.

[Spidey616]

Dodson Uncanny X-Men #514 cover

http://www.comicbookresources.com/images/previews/marvelcomics/uncannyxmen/utopia/UNCX514_CVR_colpreview.jpg

[Arion]

So let me get this straight. They're reprinting one of the most over printed set of 3 comics ever put to paper? And charging 5 bucks for it when you could probably find it for about 10 cents a comic? Hell, maybe even in a dumpster.

What issues are you talking about?

[MabusRex]

What issues are you talking about?

X-Men (Vol. 2) #1-3

It's in the X-Men Forever Alpha reprint.

[billthomason]

X-Men (Vol. 2) #1-3

It's in the X-Men Forever Alpha reprint.

Its things like this that make me question who the hell is actually running things at Marvel. It's got to be the dumbest idea ever.

[Spidey616]

Advanced X Solicits for August. Still no Giant Sized Old Man logan :surrend:

X-MEN/ULTIMATE SOLICITS, AUGUST 2009 (http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21238)

[Spidey616]

X-23 vs. Daken
Nice :cool:

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/983/983933/marvels-avengers-future-august-2009-20090518102338683.jpg

[SpecialK]

Mike Carey's X-Men Gambit (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21249) with interview about and art from X-Men Origins: Gambit and X-Men: Legacy 224

[Supajoe]

So let me get this straight. They're reprinting one of the most over printed set of 3 comics ever put to paper? And charging 5 bucks for it when you could probably find it for about 10 cents a comic? Hell, maybe even in a dumpster.

but you get an all new 8-page story!!!111 :crazy:

[SpecialK]

X-Position: Peter David (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21268) with sexy Monet preview artwork.

[MabusRex]

X-Position: Peter David (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21268) with sexy Monet preview artwork.

Happiest moment for me is where he mentions X-Cell returning in #50.

Yay! More Abyss!

[SpecialK]

X-Force # 15 preview (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=2643&disp=table)

[joeAR]

Did anybody else read the new Uncanny? Loved Fractions writing but there were times when I had no idea what was going on cause of Land's art.

[jason hissong]

Did anybody else read the new Uncanny? Loved Fractions writing but there were times when I had no idea what was going on cause of Land's art.

I randomly purchased this issue and I loved everything about it.

I haven't read Fraction's run until this point.

[Arion]

X-Men (Vol. 2) #1-3

It's in the X-Men Forever Alpha reprint.

Oh, OK.

[Georgie]

I randomly purchased this issue and I loved everything about it.

I haven't read Fraction's run until this point.

It's been quite good. It's not a serious, heavy-handed X-Men that we've had for years (which I've loved) but it feels like it brings the fun back to X-Men. Not to say it's light-hearted. But, Land's work aside (just can't dig on it) it's an A+ book.

[Ahmed]

Re: The latest issue of Uncanny, It looks like Jean's back. She freed Emma from Lady Mastermind.

[Georgie]

Re: The latest issue of Uncanny, It looks like Jean's back. She freed Emma from Lady Mastermind.

I really like the idea of Jean being evil, but not Dark Phoenix, something similar to Psylocke's recent "return". I'd love to see a Jean/Emma beat down of epic proportions. I think it'd wreck psyche-havoc on Scott and it'd give Emma that chance we know she's always wanted. Plus, I'm sure Greg Land is foaming at the mouth at the idea of it. If he can pull anything off, it's drawing a messed up and beaten super hero.

[SpecialK]

Wolverine # 72 preview (http://comics.ign.com/articles/985/985641p1.html)

[Ben]

Wolverine # 72 preview (http://comics.ign.com/articles/985/985641p1.html)Looks awesome.

[Kefky]

So this week's comic book legends revealed is about Claremont's unused plans for the x-books:

http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2009/05/21/comic-book-legends-revealed-208/

It's all stuff we've heard about a million times before, but it's pretty neat seeing it all compiled in one article.

[Fake Pat]

Did anybody else read the new Uncanny? Loved Fractions writing but there were times when I had no idea what was going on cause of Land's art.

That issue was easily one of the worst artistic performances I've seen in a long, long time.

Just awful.

[Cardinal Braxiatel]

I thought the Land artwork easier to follow than usual and has anyone else noticed most of what we know about 'Maddie' comes from other sources than the story? There was Fraction's reveal that it wasn't Maddie in an interview and then the Previously page is what tells us what Maddie's plan is rather than any issue...

[Cardinal Braxiatel]

The X-Men Forever Alpha got me thinking (and I bought it for the preview. The Lee artwork is so primitive compared to now I couldn't read the reprint)...

Why did Byrne only last a second as Claremont's successsor? I've always assumed it was an epic ego battle but have never read confirmation...

And has Lee or the others ever revealed who they had in mind as The Traitor? That's always had me wondering...

[joeAR]

The X-Men Forever Alpha got me thinking (and I bought it for the preview. The Lee artwork is so primitive compared to now I couldn't read the reprint)...

Why did Byrne only last a second as Claremont's successsor? I've always assumed it was an epic ego battle but have never read confirmation...

And has Lee or the others ever revealed who they had in mind as The Traitor? That's always had me wondering...


I would also love the answer to both of these

[Supajoe]

Why did Byrne only last a second as Claremont's successsor? I've always assumed it was an epic ego battle but have never read confirmation...


byrne didn't get along well with lee & portacio. it may be listed on the comics urban legends revealed on CBR, but i think they were plotting the book, and he would write dialogue, only to get pages where they drew something completely different, forcing him to rewrite his dialogue.

[WinstonWolf]

So, I have an X-Question. Who is currently an Alpha mutant? I would guess Professor X and Exodus are Emma Frost are definetely on the list. Magneto would be, but he's powerless.

[The Roman]

So, I have an X-Question. Who is currently an Alpha mutant? I would guess Professor X and Exodus are Emma Frost are definetely on the list. Magneto would be, but he's powerless.

Gambit, The Stepford Cuckoos, Husk, Monet, Bishop, Wolfsbane, Sebastian Shaw, Siryn, Vanisher, Karma, to name a few.

[The Roman]

Storm, Sunfire, Sunspot, Archangel, Beast.

[The Roman]

This might help:

Alpha Mutants are the most powerful and most feared mutants. Alpha mutants have extremely powerful mutant traits without any significant flaws. Less than 10% of mutants are Alpha mutants so they are very rare. Some of the Alpha mutants include Gambit, Professor X, Colossus, and Emma Frost.

Classify Mutants as Alpha level if they have a normal human appearance and their mutation is powerful, useful and controllable (i.e. turn it on and off, direct it at will.)
So if they are powerful (but not all-powerful) and their powers don't have significant flaws, they are Alpha..

[WinstonWolf]

The Vanisher, Archangel and Colossus are Alpha mutants? Really? I know that Spiral would be on the list, but was she ever classified as a mutant? Avalanche is pretty powerful, and he's still powered post M-Day. Madison Jeffries. Selene. Come to think of it, it doesn't seem as if many of the BIG mutant names have lost their powers post M-Day. Blob and Magneto aside.

[The Roman]

The Vanisher, Archangel and Colossus are Alpha mutants? Really? I know that Spiral would be on the list, but was she ever classified as a mutant? Avalanche is pretty powerful, and he's still powered post M-Day. Madison Jeffries. Selene. Come to think of it, it doesn't seem as if many of the BIG mutant names have lost their powers post M-Day. Blob and Magneto aside.

Quicksilver, Polaris, Jubilee, Moonstar, Professor X and Black Tom Cassidy wept. :p


(Granted 2 of those 6 have since regained their powers through non-mutant means)

[WinstonWolf]

Quicksilver, Polaris, Jubilee, Moonstar, Professor X and Black Tom Cassidy wept. :p


(Granted 2 of those 6 have since regained their powers through non-mutant means)


Black Tom only lost PART of his powers, I thought. I read the comic online on Scans Daily: God, I miss that site.). But it doesn't seem like any of the really important mutants got depowered, or if they did, they certainly got repowered fast enough. I was against the depowering because I thought it was a regression after Grant Morrison's work, but it does have some interesting possibilities.

[Spidey616]

Profile on Mimic with Fraction commentary plus some Dodson preview art

Dark X-Men Dossiers: Mimic
(http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.8145.Dark_X-Men_Dossiers~colon~_Mimic)http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/111/l_cfe49ac0dfdb42ebb5ae5ad0dac046a8.jpg

[artimoff]

byrne didn't get along well with lee & portacio. it may be listed on the comics urban legends revealed on CBR, but i think they were plotting the book, and he would write dialogue, only to get pages where they drew something completely different, forcing him to rewrite his dialogue.


Byrne said that he had 3 or less days to do the scripting for each issue. He wanted more time, Marvel gave it to someone else.

[Cardinal Braxiatel]

Does anyone else want Fraction to remember that 1) Allison Blaire attended law school (I believe she even took the bar but went no further, causing the rift with her judge father) and B) has a mutant half-sister? I've always felt like we've only had half a Dazzler as an X-Man since none of the rich history she was given in her series has ever even been acknowledged in any X-Book...

[Howlett]

Does anyone else want Fraction to remember that 1) Allison Blaire attended law school (I believe she even took the bar but went no further, causing the rift with her judge father) and B) has a mutant half-sister? I've always felt like we've only had half a Dazzler as an X-Man since none of the rich history she was given in her series has ever even been acknowledged in any X-Book...

Personally, I want him to minimise his cast and history, not add more elements. Because I think he's playing with WAY too many toys at the moment. But of the stuff to use, that WOULD be a pretty cool thing to include. I never knew that about Dazzler.

[Zac Goyette]

Profile on Mimic with Fraction commentary plus some Dodson preview art

Dark X-Men Dossiers: Mimic
(http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.8145.Dark_X-Men_Dossiers~colon~_Mimic)http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/111/l_cfe49ac0dfdb42ebb5ae5ad0dac046a8.jpg

I can't wait to see how this plays out.

[MabusRex]

Profile on Mimic with Fraction commentary plus some Dodson preview art

Dark X-Men Dossiers: Mimic
(http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.8145.Dark_X-Men_Dossiers~colon~_Mimic)http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/111/l_cfe49ac0dfdb42ebb5ae5ad0dac046a8.jpg

Um...huh...look at that last panel...
Wonder what he's doing there...

[SpecialK]

Um...huh...look at that last panel...
Wonder what he's doing there...

Dark Beast? Because he's Dark, man! He may be the original Dark X-Man.

[Spidey616]

New profile on Cloak&Dagger and Dodson art

Dark X-Men Dossiers: Cloak & Dagger (http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.8157.Dark_X-Men_Dossiers~colon~_Cloak~and~Dagger)
http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/75/l_6afaf84121aa4b71bdd66f0083f1b454.jpg

[SpecialK]

X-Position: Zeb Wells (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21362) talks about New Mutants.

[billthomason]

Does anyone know exactly how many Manifest Destiny trades there are going to be?

Are there three? Are these accurate?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0785138188/ref=s9_sdps_gw_s0_p14_t1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1BZ74HY65T364GQRE4NX&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846
http://www.amazon.com/X-Men-Manifest-Destiny-TPB-Men/dp/0785135189/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243474546&sr=1-3
http://www.amazon.com/Uncanny-X-Men-Manifest-Destiny-TPB/dp/0785124519/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243474566&sr=1-13
http://www.amazon.com/Manifest-Destiny-Uncanny-X-Men-Vol/dp/078513817X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243474546&sr=1-1

[SpecialK]

The Final Hours of Messiah War (http://comics.ign.com/articles/988/988114p1.html)

[Spidey616]

Apocalypse!

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/988/988114/x-forcecable-messiah-war-event-20090529011135551.jpg

[Spidey616]

Astonishing X-Men #30 Preview (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21398) aka the Conclusion of Ghost Boxes. Wonder what the future holds for the title

[Cardinal Braxiatel]

1) I've only been picking up X-Force during the Messiah War crossover (learned my lesson from the X-Factor/She-Hulk crossover and besides, I have a severe Cable allergy) and I have to say that I feel like I've been getting a full story.

II) Am I the only one seriously considering not bothering with any more issues of Astonishing? I love Ellis' Marvel work but the rich complexity and sheer density of his brilliance is being actively worked against by Bianchi's disregard for narrative in art IMO. Am I the minority?

[Spidey616]

Out next week New Mutants #2 (http://comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=2720&disp=table)

And coming soon....
Marvel Preview: X-Men Forever #1: Claremont's Back! (http://www.newsarama.com/php/multimedia/album.php?aid=28341)

[Master Jack Rabbitt]

Out next week New Mutants #2 (http://comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=2720&disp=table)


:rock:

[jason hissong]

I just finished vol 3 of Morrison's New X-men run. Here Comes Tomorrow might be my favorite part of the entire run.

[HomerGator]

Apocalypse!

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/988/988114/x-forcecable-messiah-war-event-20090529011135551.jpg

Awwww yeah!

[Magnum V.I.]

I just finished vol 3 of Morrison's New X-men run. Here Comes Tomorrow might be my favorite part of the entire run.

It was my personal favorite story. But I do have a thing for alternate future timelines.

[jason hissong]

It was my personal favorite story. But I do have a thing for alternate future timelines.

Damn straight. Also, I love how Morrison was able to expand the Phoenix mythology a bit.

[Magnum V.I.]

Damn straight. Also, I love how Morrison was able to expand the Phoenix mythology a bit.

Me too. I thought that was a cool touch. Plus evil beast was badass.

[jason hissong]

Me too. I thought that was a cool touch. Plus evil beast was badass.

Yes. And his idea of grafting multiple super powers on clones was brilliant.

[Magnum V.I.]

Yes. And his idea of grafting multiple super powers on clones was brilliant.

I have to admit I was geeked out a little bit with the 'porters'. Cyclops, Madrox, and Nightcrawler all grafted into one was awesome.

[jason hissong]

I have to admit I was geeked out a little bit with the 'porters'. Cyclops, Madrox, and Nightcrawler all grafted into one was awesome.

Absolutely.

[Spidey616]

New article at newsarama with PAD on X-Factor's future

X-Factor's X-Factor: Talking to Peter David (http://www.newsarama.com/comics/060901-PAD-Xfactor.html)

[HomerGator]

X-Factor might just be the best X book out there right now.

[The Roman]

Damn it, I missed the "Grant Morrison was good for X-Men" chat?

:(

[billthomason]

Damn it, I missed the "Grant Morrison was good for X-Men" chat?

:(

He was? He was good for readers who didn't like the status quo, but he was bad for the X-men I would say overall.

[HomerGator]

It's ok, you can keep it going. For my part, I loved E is for Extinction and Imperial, but really dont' like the rest of it. I think it's maybe my least favorite Morrison project ever. IMO, it completely falls apart in the last eight or nine issues.

Assault on Weapon Plus had its moments, but not enough.

[The Roman]

He was? He was good for readers who didn't like the status quo, but he was bad for the X-men I would say overall.

It's ok, you can keep it going. For my part, I loved E is for Extinction and Imperial, but really dont' like the rest of it. I think it's maybe my least favorite Morrison project ever. IMO, it completely falls apart in the last eight or nine issues.

Assault on Weapon Plus had its moments, but not enough.

Sarcasm, people, sarcasm. :lol:


I can't rag on it too much. I definitely think he hit more often than he missed, and at least he tried to do something NEW with the series, which is more than we can say about most of the other X-writers of the time.

[Blake Sims]

Morrison got me interested in the X Men. I wish I hadn't of sold my issues a couple of years ago. I would love to reread the run. I just wish Quitely could have drawn the entire run, that would have been epic.

I wasn't crazy about Here Comes Tomorrow at first, but it grew on me. My favorite arc was probably Riot At Xavier's.

[billthomason]

I will say that the other writers had just been treading water or even drowning for quite a while when Morrison came on. And I did enjoy his style and writing, as I usually do. But I just think he could have done so much more. Instead of re-energizing the franchise, he tore it down and recreated it in his own image, which doesn't work for a book like that. It has too much history.

[HomerGator]

Sarcasm, people, sarcasm. :lol:


I can't rag on it too much. I definitely think he hit more often than he missed, and at least he tried to do something NEW with the series, which is more than we can say about most of the other X-writers of the time.

Heh. Sorry about that. It's kind of hard to read saracasm in text...

[HomerGator]

I will say that the other writers had just been treading water or even drowning for quite a while when Morrison came on. And I did enjoy his style and writing, as I usually do. But I just think he could have done so much more. Instead of re-energizing the franchise, he tore it down and recreated it in his own image, which doesn't work for a book like that. It has too much history.

I think Claremont said it best. Grant did whatever he wanted to do, regardless of how it would affect the other X books at the time, or those writing those books. He did his crazy stories, and then when he left, the mythos was in fucking shambles. Everyone knows who they are, where they live, etc. The mansion is destroyed, Magneto is dead (for like a week, anyway).... all you have to know is that as soon as he left, Marvel spent months backtracking and trying to 'fix' some of the things he did.

All that said, I will give Grant credit for injecting LIFE into the franchise, because before he came on, that shit was D-E-D. Dead. Had his run been, say, 12 issues, I think it would go down as one of the very best X-Men runs ever. Instead, it's a mixed bag at best.

[billthomason]

Every writer has their ups and downs, especially on X-men. But Grant did some really almost irreversible damage. Such as secondary mutations, Cat Beast, too many kids at the school, Xorn (for the love of fucking god how terrible), etc.

[The Roman]

Every writer has their ups and downs, especially on X-men. But Grant did some really almost irreversible damage. Such as secondary mutations, Cat Beast, too many kids at the school, Xorn (for the love of fucking god how terrible), etc.

Only one of those, to me, was a bad thing.

[billthomason]

Only one of those, to me, was a bad thing.

Which one? I'm more upset about others but generally have misgivings about all of them, not necessarily because of how Grant wrote and executed the idea, but because it painted everyone else into a corner they couldn't get out of. Which ended up resulting in some really terrible story telling down the line. Which of course the blame for should lie on the editors shoulders, but Grant should have known how X-men comics work.

[The Roman]

Which one? I'm more upset about others but generally have misgivings about all of them, not necessarily because of how Grant wrote and executed the idea, but because it painted everyone else into a corner they couldn't get out of. Which ended up resulting in some really terrible story telling down the line. Which of course the blame for should lie on the editors shoulders, but Grant should have known how X-men comics work.

It shouldn't really be that hard to figure out.


(hint: it was very "special.")

[billthomason]

It shouldn't really be that hard to figure out.


(hint: it was very "special.")

You referring to Xorn's freak team? Or Xorn himself?

[Blake Sims]

I guess I could see being left cold being a X-Men fan, but from my stand point everything clicked. The Xorn/ Magneto stuff was great.

Man I really need to reread this run.

[The Roman]

You referring to Xorn's freak team? Or Xorn himself?

Just Xorn.


The freak team can stay. Actually, I was a fan of most of Grant's students. In fact, I think turning the Academy into an ACTUAL academy was one of the moves I could have stood to keep. Without it, we might not have several of the younger mutants who frequent the X-books (although Marvel has left most of them out in the cold since New X-Men's ending)

[VonDoom]

SO I just grabbed Fraction's Lovelorn trade. It was pretty good. I like the tone he has going here - the X-Men's camaraderie and banter remind me what it was like to be an X-men fan as a kid - imagining all these super people just chilling in their clubhouse, hanging out.

I like the slow build Fraction has going on here - it feels like there's gonna be some major shit going down, but for now he's wrapping up previous threads (Colossus dealing with Kitty's death, Emma joining Osborn's Cabal) while seeding plots of his own. I don't have a problem with that.

The mad doctor who invented the Human Torch (his name escapes me for the moment) is pretty great. Was his current nazi-hunting a previously established thing, or did Fraction come up with that?

The one thing I'm iffy on is his use of Magneto. Bru made it seem like Magneto might already have his powers back because of Xorn (as Bendis had hinted at in New Avengers), and that Mags was plotting something sinister. Fraction seems to have ignored all that, in favor of some weird shit with the High Evolutionary and all. Nevertheless, I'm glad to have Magneto back, and I hope Fraction has some marvellous master plan in mind for him.

I hope, also, that Magneto is given a more understated characterization. It seems to me that some writers lately have been characterizing magneto as a genocidal lunatic, which he never struck me as before. He always seemed like a Malcolm X figure (I don't want violence, but I don't shy away from it) as opposed to a crazy dictator. I hope we get some of that back.

[jason hissong]

I loved Grant Morrison's New X-men and it continues to be fresh, and interesting and new after a re-read just a week ago.

[billthomason]

I guess I could see being left cold being a X-Men fan, but from my stand point everything clicked. The Xorn/ Magneto stuff was great.

Man I really need to reread this run.

I'll say two things on either side.

If Morrison was the final run forever on X-men, it would have been fine. But he wasn't.

However, making all the X-men believe that an old man and their oldest enemy could hide amongst them for a long time simply by wearing a helmet is really retarded.

[Blake Sims]

I'll say two things on either side.

If Morrison was the final run forever on X-men, it would have been fine. But he wasn't.

However, making all the X-men believe that an old man and their oldest enemy could hide amongst them for a long time simply by wearing a helmet is really retarded.

Eh it worked for me.

[The Roman]

I'll say two things on either side.

If Morrison was the final run forever on X-men, it would have been fine. But he wasn't.

However, making all the X-men believe that an old man and their oldest enemy could hide amongst them for a long time simply by wearing a helmet is really retarded.

Well, to be fair, 1) Magneto isn't as old as he looks, he's actually much younger than he was when he first debuted. 2) Mags used to be close chums with Prof X, you don't think he knows how to trick telepaths?


I know it requires you to swallow alot, which is why I'm not a fan, but it's not totally impossible, if anything the X-Men's love of giving every mutant they meet a all-access pass into their lives was gonna bite them in the ass eventually.

[Arion]

I loved Grant Morrison's New X-men and it continues to be fresh, and interesting and new after a re-read just a week ago.

I re read the entire run a couple of months ago. It's not my favorite Morrison's work but it has a lot of wonderful ideas and very good issues.

[billthomason]

This reminds me, I know Magneto has been written through the history as basically being able to do anything, but did they ever explain how he manifested Xorn's perceived powers?

[billthomason]

Scott and Logan at the Hellfire Club remains one of my favorite issues of X-men of all time. That's the stuff Morrison should have focused on more. Characterization, and less of the tales of adventure and wonder that ended up really bogging down his run.

[The Roman]

This reminds me, I know Magneto has been written through the history as basically being able to do anything, but did they ever explain how he manifested Xorn's perceived powers?

Technically, hmm, good question, the "official" answer as far as I know, is that Xorn's powers were all smoke and mirrors, he never actually ever truly "healed" anyone.

[Arion]

My biggest complaint about Xorn being Magneto was issue 127. An entire issue dedicated to Xorn and his unique perspective as a Chinese. And then it wasn't Xorn, it was good old Magnus. If only Morrison had included a few more hints and if he hadn't tried to trick readers into thinking that Xorn was real with issue 127, then I wouldn't have complained about it.

[billthomason]

Technically, hmm, good question, the "official" answer as far as I know, is that Xorn's powers were all smoke and mirrors, he never actually ever truly "healed" anyone.

But didn't he display his "star/black hole" power or whatever at some point? I don't get how Magneto could have done that.

Which I guess is not really the point because it turned out not to be Magneto anyway. But looking at Grant's run in a vacuum, how could Magneto have done any of that?

And secondly, coming off of that and why Grant sort of ruined things for future writers, how could Xorn have appeared to be Magneto?

[The Roman]

I actually would have been happier if it would have just been Xorn pretending to be Magneto instead of the other wayaround. (You know, for real, not retconned.)

[billthomason]

My biggest complaint about Xorn being Magneto was issue 127. An entire issue dedicated to Xorn and his unique perspective as a Chinese. And then it wasn't Xorn, it was good old Magnus. If only Morrison had included a few more hints and if he hadn't tried to trick readers into thinking that Xorn was real with issue 127, then I wouldn't have complained about it.

Which I think illustrates the point that Morrison was more interested in clever writing than good storytelling. Which is often the case with him and usually works. But again I say, his style does not fit the X-men.

[jason hissong]

Here Comes Tomorrow might be my favorite X-men story.

[Arion]

Which I think illustrates the point that Morrison was more interested in clever writing than good storytelling. Which is often the case with him and usually works. But again I say, his style does not fit the X-men.

Morrison is a really talented writer but sometimes, especially in the past few years, he seems to lose focus. I think there were some narrative problems in New X-Men but even so Morrison was, by far, one of the best writers the title could have.

[billthomason]

Morrison is a really talented writer but sometimes, especially in the past few years, he seems to lose focus. I think there were some narrative problems in New X-Men but even so Morrison was, by far, one of the best writers the title could have.

I don't know. Is he a great writer? Definitely, with the right material. But being one of the best writers X-men could have means that either there aren't enough good writers out there (untrue) willing to write comics (probably true), or the Marvel executives simply don't get the right people more often than not to write the book.

And in the past, its definitely been on the Marvel execs. But now at least, I'm happy to say, I think pretty much all the X-men writers/books/directions are pretty great.

[billthomason]

And can I say, its kind of nice to be able to have a nice rationale discussion about the merits of Morrison and X-men without constantly hearing "Morrison rules, X-men is teh suxors". Probably because this is the X-men thread.

[The Roman]

:lol: it's sooooo true.

[jason hissong]

Carey's Supernovas/Blinded by the Light story is also one of my favorites. I view at as an incredible story that builds on what's come before while at the same time taking in forward. If you were to tell me that that group of people would make a good X-men book I probably would have laughed.

[Arion]

And can I say, its kind of nice to be able to have a nice rationale discussion about the merits of Morrison and X-men without constantly hearing "Morrison rules, X-men is teh suxors". Probably because this is the X-men thread.

Damn it! I was about to say "Morrison rules".

[jason hissong]

All I've ever done is die on you.


Mauraders: Mission parameters stand. Kill them all.

[The Roman]

Carey is the Zod Almighty of 21st Century X-Men comics IMO.

[jason hissong]

Carey is the Zod Almighty of 21st Century X-Men comics IMO.

Zod Almighty?

[The Roman]

Zod Almighty?

. . . what? :)

[jason hissong]

. . . what? :)

I just don't understand the reference.

[HomerGator]

Carey's Supernovas/Blinded by the Light story is also one of my favorites. I view at as an incredible story that builds on what's come before while at the same time taking in forward. If you were to tell me that that group of people would make a good X-men book I probably would have laughed.

I love Mike Carey's X-Men. Honestly, he's my favorite writer of the bunch when it comes to the core X-Men (ie. not X-Factor; Peter David rules). His Lucifer book is really good, too.

I can't wait to see where Legacy is going. Especially during UTOPIA. Rogue v Ares? Yes, please!

[HomerGator]

I just don't understand the reference.

Zod=God

I'm guessing?

[The Roman]

I just don't understand the reference.

General Zod? Almighty Zod?

KNEEL BEFORE ZOD??!?!

Come on! You're a DC guy! :mad:

Zod=God

I'm guessing?

See, even HE gets it!

[HomerGator]

General Zod? Almighty Zod?

KNEEL BEFORE ZOD??!?!

Come on! You're a DC guy! :mad:



See, even HE gets it!

Um...thanks?

[jason hissong]

General Zod? Almighty Zod?

KNEEL BEFORE ZOD??!?!

Come on! You're a DC guy! :mad:



See, even HE gets it!

I'm a DC guy? Since when?

[The Roman]

Um...thanks?

I'm a bastard. :lol:

I'm a DC guy? Since when?

Since you post in Ray's Megathread on a semi-regular basis!

[jason hissong]

I'm a bastard. :lol:



Since you post in Ray's Megathread on a semi-regular basis!

That in no way makes me a DC guy.

[The Roman]

that in no way makes me a dc guy.

confess, sinner!!!!

[billthomason]

I'm annoyed that the TPB, HC, PHC thing keeps continuing without any kind of method in the X books. Lovelorn comes out in TPB well before the Manifest Destiny will because they insist on putting out an HC every half year. I get that they're anniversary type books, but Marvel has put out about 7 or 8 oversized HC's now on just the X-men books in the past year or so. In the mean while, the TPB versions of those books come out at least 6 months later, but the continuing stories in those books come out in TPB before then. It's ridiculous.

[jason hissong]

By the way- I recently wrote a three year X-men outline. It was just a fun little exercise for me over the last weekend. If you would like to read it, PM me and I'll shoot it your way.

[billthomason]

By the way- I recently wrote a three year X-men outline. It was just a fun little exercise for me over the last weekend. If you would like to read it, PM me and I'll shoot it your way.

What does it outline?

[jason hissong]

What does it outline?

It outlines the stories I would tell if the Marvel X-office called me up and said "Jason, we want you to write the X-men."

[MabusRex]

It outlines the stories I would tell if the Marvel X-office called me up and said "Jason, we want you to write the X-men."

I'm bored. Hit me up. :)

[billthomason]

Wow. Just read X-Men 167 and 168 in the Essentials. It's about god damn time Claremont blew me away. I'd liked some of his stuff before this but for some reason none of it clicked with me, even Dark Phoenix. But these two issues that ended the Brood saga and brought Kitty and Lockheed together were phenomenal. And I think I know why.

First, they came off as far more adult. Not just the sexual references (which were quite a bit more obvious than ever before), but just the theme of the characters. They all seemed to instantly have matured after their fight on the Brood home planet. I think this may be in part to the beginning of the New Mutants book. Claremont clearly had a book about kids to write about there, and perhaps he decided the X-men should act more grown up for a change.

Second, they were quick reads. I have nothing against thick stories, but one thing that I think Claremont really suffered from at the beginning was being far too wordy in his storytelling and especially dialogue. I also noticed this in adjectiveless X-men in the 90's and figured that's just the way he always was. But these two issues were efficient, succinct, and just brilliantly paced. I hope it stays like this for a while.

After these two issues comes God Loves Man Kills. So I hope to be in for more great stuff. Most people say the golden age of X-men was far earlier, in the beginning of Claremont's run, but in my opinion, his best stuff really begins with the Brood saga.

[Spidey616]

Uncanny X-Men #511 Preview (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=2759&disp=table) out next week. Can't wait to find out whether or not Jean Grey is really coming back

also
Exclusive Preview: X-Factor #44 - Dirty Sexy Monet (http://www.newsarama.com/php/multimedia/album.php?aid=28474)

[billthomason]

Let me again protest, to get it out of my system.

Uncanny 512 comes out in a few weeks. You can only get issues 500-503 in a ridiculously expensive HC right now. The TPB isn't coming out until at least September. By then Uncanny will be on 515. That's over a year worth of comics in difference. Give me a break. I know they want to sell HC's, but do we need that huge of a time gap.

[HOOKS]

Let me again protest, to get it out of my system.

Uncanny 512 comes out in a few weeks. You can only get issues 500-504 in a ridiculously expensive HC right now. The TPB isn't coming out until at least September. By then Uncanny will be on 515. That's nearly a year worth of comics in difference. Give me a break. I know they want to sell HC's, but do we need that huge of a time gap.

I miss when the TPBs came out a week after the last issue of the arc.

Some might disagree, but I liked being able to get the collections as up-to-date as the monthlies.

[jason hissong]

Give me a hardcover with 500-512/513/the end of this story.

[Cardinal Braxiatel]

It outlines the stories I would tell if the Marvel X-office called me up and said "Jason, we want you to write the X-men."

So everybody does that?

[billthomason]

Give me a hardcover with 500-512/513/the end of this story.

Fat chance.

I dig the stories they're telling, but Marvel is really raping people on the collections right now because of the crossovers and anniversary issues.

I'm sure a lot of people like to collect the same style of books like I do, meaning only HC's, or only TPB's, or only floppies. So it annoys me when one story will be told in TPB (X-Force), PHC (Cable, X-factor), oversized HC (every crossover and anniversary arc). It makes it impossible to keep things in the same format in a collection unless you fall a year behind the current stories.

[dnk]

Fat chance.

I dig the stories they're telling, but Marvel is really raping people on the collections right now because of the crossovers and anniversary issues.

I'm sure a lot of people like to collect the same style of books like I do, meaning only HC's, or only TPB's, or only floppies. So it annoys me when one story will be told in TPB (X-Force), PHC (Cable, X-factor), oversized HC (every crossover and anniversary arc). It makes it impossible to keep things in the same format in a collection unless you fall a year behind the current stories.

I'm definitely the same way. Although I am sometimes willing to move to monthly single issues, in which case I might plan on selling those issues on eBay once the arc is up and then buying it again in whatever format I already have most of the run. I did this with SCALPED, but will just try to show some willpower and just wait for the trade after the "High Lonesome" arc ends.

However, Fraction's run is fairly self-contained. I imagine that if they deem his run deserving of the OHC treatment, Volume 1 might contain #500-511, Annual #2. And it would stand fairly well as that. Volume 2 would probably be like #512-514, UTOPIA, DARK AVENGERS #7-8, EXODUS, DARK X-MEN: THE CONFESSION, UXM #515-518 or so. Then hopefully be cross-over free, and just continue on until Fraction's story is over.

Also, waiting for the trade or HC is a decision in which the "waiting" is a pretty big factor. And I think Fraction's UNCANNY is kind of a rarity. I think most Marvel TPBs are released pretty quickly. And I also feel like OHCs are something that not a lot of runs get. Do many people buy PHCs? Besides when they're the only collected edition available, they seem like kind of a rip-off.

[jason hissong]

So everybody does that?

What do you mean?

[Cardinal Braxiatel]

What do you mean?

I get bored, I plot comics. I have a half hour walk to the bus and then again home and to distract I come up with all sorts of ways to rejigger existing comics or create whole universes to make the time pass by quicker...

[jason hissong]

I get bored, I plot comics. I have a half hour walk to the bus and then again home and to distract I come up with all sorts of ways to rejigger existing comics or create whole universes to make the time pass by quicker...

Cool.

I did it as a writing exercise and nothing more. I write things all the time.

[VonDoom]

I miss when the TPBs came out a week after the last issue of the arc.

Some might disagree, but I liked being able to get the collections as up-to-date as the monthlies.

That would be great. As a trade waiter, that would drastically reduce my tendency to get spoiled on everything.

[Arion]

So everybody does that?

Not everybody.

[Savage Gong]

That would be great. As a trade waiter, that would drastically reduce my tendency to get spoiled on everything.

And it would allow new readers to jump into the monthlies. But I guess that would make it too easy to be a trade-waiter and cut into monthly sales.

[Spidey616]

Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-Men: Utopia Preview art-

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/988/988835/marvels-days-of-e3-20090605033329629.jpg

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/988/988835/marvels-days-of-e3-20090605033323785.jpg

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/988/988835/marvels-days-of-e3-20090605033326801.jpg

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/988/988835/marvels-days-of-e3-20090605033337879.jpg

[NickT]

Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-Men: Utopia Preview art-

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/988/988835/marvels-days-of-e3-20090605033329629.jpg

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/988/988835/marvels-days-of-e3-20090605033323785.jpg

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/988/988835/marvels-days-of-e3-20090605033326801.jpg

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/988/988835/marvels-days-of-e3-20090605033337879.jpg
Yay, Toad!

[Fake Pat]

Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-Men: Utopia Preview art-

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/988/988835/marvels-days-of-e3-20090605033329629.jpg

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/988/988835/marvels-days-of-e3-20090605033323785.jpg

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/988/988835/marvels-days-of-e3-20090605033326801.jpg

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/988/988835/marvels-days-of-e3-20090605033337879.jpg

I almost can't even believe that's Silvestri.

That is some weird looking stuff.

[WhindamPryce]

That looks great!

[Cardinal Braxiatel]

I noticed X-Men: Legacy 226 and 227 are listed as tie-ins to Utopia. Does that mean they're non-essential and I can skip them? Has anyone heard? The only way I'll pick them up is if Fraction is writing them too...

[Spidey616]

I'm pretty sure they're non-essentials to the crossover since Mike Carey is writing them and not Fraction. Though Carey did foreshadow a Rogue and Ms. Marvel (Karla Sofen) confrontation.

[artimoff]

X-Men Legacy has been really great. You should be buying the book anyway.

[HomerGator]

I almost can't even believe that's Silvestri.

That is some weird looking stuff.

It looks like Silvestri was just being really lazy when he drew that.

[joeAR]

It looks like Silvestri was just being really lazy when he drew that.


It kinda does doesn't it

[HomerGator]

I've always been a Silvestri fan, but honestly. I've looked at that preview like five times now, and it really looks like he half-assed it.

[Cardinal Braxiatel]

X-Men Legacy has been really great. You should be buying the book anyway.

Other than the annual that was devoted to fixing what he himself broke with Aurora and Northstar I haven't enjoyed any Carey work for Marvel. I even sampled the first two issues of Legacy and that was enough for me...

[Omega Flight]

I'm pretty sure they're non-essentials to the crossover since Mike Carey is writing them and not Fraction. Though Carey did foreshadow a Rogue and Ms. Marvel (Karla Sofen) confrontation.

Solicits are also hinting that Rogue absorbs from Ares. That should be interesting, the tie-ins probably won't be important to the larger story since again what you said and the fact that they haven't listed it in any reading order and the fact that it's just to re-establish Legacy as a continuity book again.

[Omega Flight]

X-Men Legacy has been really great. You should be buying the book anyway.

It got boring after the Sinister stuff came along, I'm rather happy that Fraction is going to write Professor X though, no slight to Carey.

[SpecialK]

X-Position: Craig Kyle & Christopher Yost (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21530)

[The Roman]

Omega Flight, where ya been man?


Oh yeah, wait, military school. NVM.

[Spidey616]

Quite a lot of classified X-Force pages. Should be interesting :)

[Dan Lombardo]

It kills me that the current Messiah War is all "Zomg what powers does the Messiah Kid have?! Does she have ANY powers?! Zomg."

Have the writers really forgotten that Rogue's mind was cleared of all personalities and powers when Mystique had her touch the baby? Or was that explained?

[Arion]

It looks like Silvestri was just being really lazy when he drew that.

To be honest, I've never been much of a Silvestri fan.

[Cardinal Braxiatel]

And I'm finding I'm not such a fan of the current Uncanny artists. I do love Grege Land's art but he and Dodson aren't really serving Fraction's scripts all that well. Land's style and the sterile looking cheesecake of Dodson feel like they are in fact working against what the writing hopes to accomplish. My wish? That they'd find two young artists to replace them, preferably unknowns who bring what Joe Mad did. The book really needs artists who have an energy and dynamism to reflect what Fraction appears to be going for rather than poses...

[Fake Pat]

To be honest, I've never been much of a Silvestri fan.

Me neither, but I still think that art is pretty sub-par even compared to his other stuff that I never really liked.

[billthomason]

Me neither, but I still think that art is pretty sub-par even compared to his other stuff that I never really liked.

I kinda hate that he was displayed so prominently in Messiah Complex, especially that terrible cover for the TPB.

But I did use to dig his art. His Inferno stuff is cool.

[Spidey616]

New X-Force/Cable interview at newsarama

Double-X Update: Swierczynski & Yost After the 'War' (http://www.newsarama.com/comics/090610-xforce-cable-post-messiah.html)

Looks like something BIG is coming in October

The arc after 'Not Forgotten' is the biggest we've done since the opening arc, "Angels and Demons". It's something pretty special, and it kicks off in October. Even the title of the arc is a spoiler. It's not Bastion, though. That's the next one.

[Spidey616]

CABLE #15 PREVIEW (http://comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=2811&disp=table) aka the Penultimate chapter of Messiah War

[Arion]

Me neither, but I still think that art is pretty sub-par even compared to his other stuff that I never really liked.

So it is worse than I thought.

[WinstonWolf]

Are all the X-titles going to $3.99 soon? Because then I can't buy any of them.

[NickT]

Are all the X-titles going to $3.99 soon? Because then I can't buy any of them.
I don't think any of them are yet, are they?

[Spidey616]

Some Giuseppe Camuncoli preview art for Dark Wolverine #75
Looks like some tension between Daken and Bullseye and Daken gets some action.

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/994/994053/wolverine-vol-3-20090611025302077.jpg

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/994/994053/wolverine-vol-3-20090611025305030.jpg

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/994/994053/wolverine-vol-3-20090611025308139.jpg

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/994/994053/wolverine-vol-3-20090611025253077.jpg

http://comicsmedia.ign.com/comics/image/article/994/994053/wolverine-vol-3-20090611025256295.jpg