Uncanny X-Men 421 - 422
Rules of Engagement Parts 1 & 2

 

I've been an X-Men reader since well before the new team debuted in X-Men #94 so I have a pretty good handle on their history and the various elements present in the X-universe (though even I get a headache trying to explain Cable to a new reader).  I'm also one of the few who stood by the original Alpha Flight series when most of the rest of you had, rightfully so, gave up hope.  The series really went through some bad (and I do mean bad) story/art years toward the end.  That said, I found myself a bit offended by the portrayal of the Canadian heroes by Chuck Austen in this story arc and I say this knowing full well how bad the team's own series got toward the end.

 

I hate comics that make me feel like I'm an old guy reading a simplified medium.  I like to be reminded, as I read a comic, that these are literary works that tell a strong story.  Austen's work, on one of the premiere titles in comics, has been lacking at best and feels more like Days of Our Lives than traditional X-action.  I like the portrayal of interpersonal relationships, but it needs to be a side plot rather than the driving force of a comic.  If, as a writer, you decide to make it the driving force please elevate that story above the level of daytime soap opera storytelling.  When put up against it's partner X-Men title, New X-Men, it's not even in the same league.  There are moments that shine, but overall the story just hasn't been there for me.

 

The good:  I'm a sucker for the come from behind kid in a story and I'm a big fan of the redemption and humanization of Juggernaut.  His discussion regarding staying at the mansion with Xavier was good and I liked the emotion shared with the young Squidboy especially at the end of 422.  That said, can we get off the cliché bandwagon of passing a baseball.  Surely mentoring a young boy and finding your own way in the world can be about more than throwing a baseball.

 

The bad:  Two words... good-bye Polaris.  If you are going to have Polaris walk the path of Magneto and develop those attitudes toward mankind, stick with it.  Her on again, off again personality makes me wish for an unexpected X-death in the ranks and more closely resembles past portrayals of Havoc than the history of Polaris.

 

While talking about the bad, I might as well address the Alpha Flight issue by asking if Austen has read any of the history of this team?  First, Alpha Flight has long fought it's own perception of being a government stooge dating back to the original Weapon X days.  To portray the team coming to America under the pretense presented in this story is a thin plot line at best, felt rushed and made each of the team members appear more like cardboard cut-outs than members of Alpha Flight.  Further, Puck was always a hero with heart.  He served as the often tragic, pain riddled individual who held it all back for the greater good.  This was something I liked about him.  To see him fighting with a mother for possession of her son and refusing to listen to reason was so out of character, it bordered on sad.

 

The art:  I was relieved to see that Kia Asamiya was not penciling this story arc.  I know many of you love his japanimation style, but pointy noses get old and I've never been a real fan of the doe-eyed look.  I don't fault those who love it, but it's just not my style.  Even with that relief in my back pocket, I found the current art of Ron Garney acceptable, but lacking.  It was the kind of art I would expect on an X mini-series rather than the prime title.  His facial imagery lacked depth and looked almost cartoonist at times.  I love the new look of Angel as portrayed previously by Asamiya.  Garney took that look and made the costume look like something out of an 80's Thundercats episode.  It's just not up to par and it is my hope that those in charge learn from the success of New X-Men and grab someone with a bit more skill as the series continues.

 

Scale of 1 to 10 ... Rules of Engagement: 4
September 19th, 2004