Friday, September 6, 2013

X-Men Battle of the Atom #1

      One of the key events since writer Brian Michael Bendis took over two of the X-Men titles (All-New X-Men and Uncanny X-Men) was bringing the original team (Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Iceman, Beast, Angel) forward in time to see what happens when they grow up.

   As you'd expect, they've suffered (mostly) disappointment as they see the tragic and surprising events that have shaped their lives.

   But the unanswered question (up to now) has been, what effect will this have on the time stream?

   We finally get some clues about it - and just how severe the consequences might be - as this issue plays out.

   Of course, the problem with time travel stories is that the rules get a bit fuzzy along the way. Will the memory of this time trip be erased when they return to the past? Is it possible to change history? Are they creating an alternate timeline? Where are the time police? Perhaps this event will address those questions. Or maybe not.

   But I digress. It's a story loaded with action, some nice character moments and several surprises.

   The art is excellent - both the Art Adams cover and the Frank Cho interiors are outstanding, with great character designs, powerful splash pages and terrific layouts.

   The 10-issue story will wind through several X-books along the way, and is promising - so far.

Grade: A-

---------------------

 
   

No comments: