Cyclops #2

   So here's what I like about this series: it has transformed Cyclops from a humorless thug into a likable young man.

   It managed this by using the teen version of Scott Summers, who time-traveled to the present day and is now stuck here.

   I've always liked the character - he was a bit dour, but as the leader of the X-Men, he had to be serious.

   But without those hindrances, and now exploring the galaxy with his Dad, Corsair (who Scott thought was dead, much less a Space Pirate), the young mutant gets to lighten up.

   This issue offers some good father-and-son moments, as they visit an alien world (natch), Scott makes a new friend and (of course) they end up in a fight for their lives.

   I like Greg Rucka's writing here - it's still a bit on the laid-back side (action sequences aside), but it's building nicely.

   The art by Russell Dauterman with colors by Chris Sotomayor is very good, with a clean, expressive and original look to these alien worlds.

   So it continues to be a good start to this new series. Now if they could just fix the modern-day version of Cyclops.

Grade: B+

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Cyclops #1

   I have to admit, I'm impressed.

   Cyclops has traditionally been one of the driest, most two-dimensional of the members of the original X-Men - but as he's depicted in the All-New X-Men, and now in his own title, he's much more of a real person.

   (Assuming that person is a mutant who's able to fire destructive optic blasts, of course.)

   So this Cyclops is the original article, not the modern-day version who's even more dour and grim than ever before.

   And this Cyclops is off on a big adventure. Having traveled through time to the present day, he discovers that his father is not only alive, but it also a pirate in charge of a starship loaded with aliens.

   To the shock of his fellow X-Men, he leaves the team and joins his father in space. This issue shows the young hero learning the ropes and finding himself in a dogfight - and invading an alien attacker.

   I didn't expect much from this issue. I wasn't even sure "which" Cyclops it would feature. But writer Greg Rucka turns in a sharp, funny and engaging story, as we learn more about the challenges of being a space pirate alongside Scott Summers.

   The art by Russell Dauterman is very good, with expansive space vistas, strong layouts and attractive character designs.

    So it's a good start to yet another offshoot from the X-Men family, as Cyclops ventures out on his own. It's not his first solo mission (if I recall correctly), but so far it's the best of the bunch.

Grade: A-

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