Onslaught saga, Star Trek/X-Men

Let’s see if I can knock this post out before the end of the year…

X-Men Prime 1

This might be the first time I bought one of those “extra-length issues that devotes a few pages to each title in the universe.”  Here, each of the X-books shows a glimpse of what’s in store post-AoA.  Meh.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: No

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Fine

Uncanny X-Men 322-326, 328-331

I did not realize until this readthrough just now much I like Joe Madureira’s run on Uncanny.  His art makes the experience an absolutely joyous breeze.  It’s a shame that he’s so slow; four of these issues needed fill-in artists.  The stories themselves are fine; Onslaught gets teased, Marrow shows up for the first time, and the consequences of Sabretooth’s stay at the X-Mansion are dealt with.  

A nice homage to Storm's first battle for Morlock leadership...

...way back when.

Heh, Joe Mad is well aware of Roger Cruz's tendencies...

Nice M pinup pose.

Such a clean, simple page, what a joy to look at.

Psychic knife 13.

Psychic knife 14.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes (No for 331)

Would read again: Yes 

Rating: Pretty good (Nice for 322-324, 331)

Sabretooth Special 1

Surprisingly meh art from Gary Frank, who’s capable of wonderous things.  Wraps up the stupid “let’s try to rehabilitate Creed” plotline.

An encyclopedia of lame Jean poses.

Also, no way Jean is having trouble lifting Sabretooth.  Lame.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: No

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Fine

X-Men 46-52

One of the better X-Baby appearances, and a nifty fight against Post (what a stupid name and generic baddie).  The rest of it’s kind of lame, with a bunch of fill in artists.  (Andy Kubert taking a break with Joe Mad?)

Luke Ross ripping off Jim Lee...

...from X-Men 1

No way Wolvie's bone claws don't snap.  

Why bother to cover your eyes?  It's not like cloth stops the blasts.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: No

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Nice (Didn’t suck for 48, 49, 51, 52)

Uncanny X-Men 333-336

X-Men 53-56

Cable 34-35

Fantastic Four 415-416

Onslaught: X-Men

Onslaught: Marvel Universe

Such a great build up to such a meh climax.  I’m all for Professor X being the X-Traitor that was set up all the way back when Bishop was first introduced in Uncanny 281.  Seeing the full, ungarbled message from Jean was chill inducing.  But then the writers wussed out by making Onslaught an entity separate from both Xavier and Magneto.  If you’re going to pull a heel turn, have the guts to commit to it.  

On top of that, the conflict itself is a muddled mess.  Onslaught suffers from Undefined Power Syndrome, alternately as strong or weak as the particular issue calls for.  The final fight is a total mess, with the Avengers and Fantastic Four running into some glowing energy, followed by the X-Men attacking that energy.  Somehow, that leads to Heroes Reborn.  Okaaayyy…

Joe Bennett ripping off Jim Lee...

...coincidentally from the same page as before.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Nice, deteriorates to Fine.

Uncanny X-Men 337

X-Men Unlimited 14

Scott Lobdell really knows how to do post-event epilogue issues.  This one’s centered around a breakfast, which I found charming.

Love Joe Mad's Cyclops.

Family feelings reinforced.

The Unlimited issue dealing with the trauma inflicted on Franklin Richards with the ‘death’ of his parents and friends is well done too.  Bonus is the art by Jim Cheung, who does children really nicely.

So cute.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Nice

Star Trek/X-Men 1

An amusing crossover with Top Cow art.  Perfectly fine for what it’s trying to do, with some nice character moments.

Of course Kirk would hit on Jean.

Hee.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: No

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Nice