This week: New X-Men
By Miles Baker
Each week we use random.org’s random integer generator to create two random numbers. They then count down on the release list until they find out their RANDOM COMIC OF THE WEEK! No matter what the publisher, what the issue, what the arc, we will be there reviewing things with little or no context.
Miles’ Book
New X-Men #45 (Chapter 8 of the Messiah Complex crossover)
Written by Craig Kyle and Chris Yost
Art by Humberto Ramos
Marvel Comics, 2007
I was supposed to review the Marvel Holiday Special this week, but it was sold out and I was left in a tricky situation. Then I realized that since I was buying Messiah Complex anyway and Christ was the Messiah (according to many) that this would do instead.
It’s a stretch, but here we go.
See, I decided to follow this crossover completely. Why not, I thought. There were promises that Cyclops would be super cool again (for the first time to many people) and I love Cyclops. I also love X-Factor and there was no way I was dropping that for a few months. So here we are, eight chapters in, and this thing is finally starting to pick up and be really interesting. They’ve made a lot of really good calls, and tried to keep the story as simple as possible when you have a cast of about 50 characters.
This book continues what I’ve been liking about the series: tightly written dialogue, good characterization, exciting stakes, and something that makes me want to come back for next time. The Kyle/Yost team is really solid and this might make me start buying all their books. That said, there are two elements of the narrative that need to pay off soon: what the Madrox-dupe and Layla are doing in the future and what is up with Predator X, a cross between a dragon and a lion that is made of crystal. Both are taking baby steps and have yet to play out in any significant way. Here’s to hoping they do soon.
The only real thing to dislike about this chapter the art. I’m of the opinion that Humberto Ramos is a terrible artist. I dislike his razor-like chins and huge eyes, how his characters are constantly screaming. I dislike the complete lack of subtlety in his work. I don’t think that his style fits into the X-Men line as a whole, as really sticks out in this crossover. I am not looking forward to him taking over on Runaways.
That said, I can look past his art and enjoy this exciting X-Event.
