Uncanny X-Men #477 Review and Spoilers

[Dr Manolis Dooplove]

Uncanny X-Men #477
Marvel
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artists: Clayton Henry

Review Content: The ending of last issue saw the X-Men stranded in space after following the revenge-driven Vulcan (a.k.a. the Third Summers brother) to towards the Shi'ar Empire and finding themselves in front of a destroyed Stargate. This issue takes a look back a few weeks and 180 degrees away from the X-men space team, to focus entirely on Vulcan and his fiery rampage through Shi'ar space.

Vulcan has set out to exact revenge on Emperor D’Ken for the murder of his mother and his own enslavement. To make it through the Shi’ar Stargates he will need to confront and take over a Shi’ar spaceship, showcasing a different side to his mutant abilities apart from the generic ‘power-blasts’ he had exhibited during Deadly Genesis, and utilising a degree of cunning. Although the success of this specific ‘trick’ seems to have depended primarily on the Shi’ar military’s gullibility/cowardice, it was still refreshing to see an X-villain exercise his mind in a situation.

From the advance publicity I have gathered that these Vulcan solo stories will be a regular occurrence every 3 issues, allowing for fill-in artists to be introduced organically into the 12-part storyline. The final page sees the dramatic return of a cast of characters that should provide for a more interesting opponent for Vulcan. The battle scene and overall plot this issue didn’t break any exciting new ground, but acted as a backdrop for the introspective third-space narration focusing on Vulcan’s motivation and history, slowly urging the reader to sympathise with Vulcan, the X-Men’s villain in the over-arching story.

Clayton Henry has slowly but decisively climbed the ranks in the Marvel offices to become the new fill-in artist for Uncanny X-Men! His Uncanny X-men Annual last month was a revelation as to what he can achieve with his art style given proper grooming from the inker and colorist; unfortunately, the current issue doesn’t play off to his strengths the same way. Even though he is technically levels above Billy Tan, both in consistency, anatomy and overall technique, his loose bold lines style is no more suited for a Space Adventure epic than it was for the gritty horror Dracula/Apocalypse mini a few months ago. Having a very open and distinctive style, Henry reminds me of an early Steve McNiven and is perfectly suited for romantic stories like the aforementioned annual, teen books like his Hellions mini and more light-hearted comedy like his Alpha Flight with Scott Lobdell. Here he is asked to illustrate a solo space adventure with 22 pages featuring nothing but a main character with a generic and uninspired look against the already homogenic Shi’ar army, ending in (unavoidable) disappointment, perhaps partly assignable to the colorist who only made the situation worse with a conventional bright colour palette with little contrast.

Grade: D


read the rest of this week's reviews at the Nexus (http://comicsnexus.insidepulse.com/articles/50066)

[Jared_Humpherys]

Why so low a grade, Manolis?

[Dr Manolis Dooplove]

i thought the review was self-explanatory ;)

I'm a very firm grader with C as the 'average' grade, and ABCDF grades going:
A=excellent/highly recommended
B=recommended<->good read
D=below average
F=disappointing<->unreadable

C is usually titles I enjoyed but didn't make aparticular impression, so D is a step below that where the title was readable but with major gripes.

quick summary of my gripes:

-Vulcan doesn't make an exciting visual protagonist to carry his own story
-the Shi'ar were shown as gullible/cowards for falling for his plan (i dont want to spoil more)
-the battle scene wasn't exciting
-Clayton Henry was a bad artist choice for this space adventure, for the reasons i explain in the last paragraph.

the issue did have some nice qualities, which is why it didn't get the F axe.

[Jared_Humpherys]

I think I getcha. So basically, a weakness in the art and the portrayal of the character?


Quick spoiley question:

Does Vulcan still possess the powers of Sway and Petra? I know it was stated that Darwin initially gave those abilities to Vulcan when he converted to energy and entered him, but Darwin's being expelled didn't definitively show Vulcan losing those abilities.


Also, while I can tell you liked this less than the recent Brubaker and Carey issues, is this still better than the average issue of say, Austen or Milligan(I'm gonna buy it anyways, but I'm curious)?

[Brian M.]

I think I getcha. So basically, a weakness in the art and the portrayal of the character?


Quick spoiley question:

Does Vulcan still possess the powers of Sway and Petra? I know it was stated that Darwin initially gave those abilities to Vulcan when he converted to energy and entered him, but Darwin's being expelled didn't definitively show Vulcan losing those abilities.


Also, while I can tell you liked this less than the recent Brubaker and Carey issues, is this still better than the average issue of say, Austen or Milligan(I'm gonna buy it anyways, but I'm curious)?

No Brubaker has said that Vulcan does not have the powers of Sway and Petra. They were removed from him when Darwin was removed from his body. It sounds good. I can't wait to read it. I will reserve my judgement for when I read it.

[Madrox84]

It sounds good. I can't wait to read it. I will reserve my judgement for when I read it.

Same here, i shall be reserving judgement until i read the issue on Thursday.

[Steven F.]

I don't really like someone coming here and posting reviews they created for another site...seems kinda....tacky or something.

Oh well.

[Beast]

Not to mention there's a rule that says these arn't even allowed until tommorow.

[Dr Manolis Dooplove]

Not to mention there's a rule that says these arn't even allowed until tommorow.

Brian has told me it's ok to post the reviews early Wednesday, so that's what I've been doing...

I don't see why it's tacky to post my review here, it wouldn't make sense to rewrite my opinion for the boards once i've already formulated it for the site review. if it does bother people i will stop posting them though

to Jared:

Also, while I can tell you liked this less than the recent Brubaker and Carey issues, is this still better than the average issue of say, Austen or Milligan(I'm gonna buy it anyways, but I'm curious)?

it's certainly better written than Austen, but on the same level as Milligan for me, whose run I enjoyed. The main complaints I've had so far have been about the art.

[Brian Cronin]

For what it's worth, this was posted on Tuesday, not early Wednesday. :)

In addition, I'm debating even THAT rule. Maybe Wednesday at noon Eastern would be fairer.

-Brian

[Dr Manolis Dooplove]

For what it's worth, this was posted on Tuesday, not early Wednesday. :)

In addition, I'm debating even THAT rule. Maybe Wednesday at noon Eastern would be fairer.

-Brian
it was wednesday am here, i posted it before i went to bed, sorry for the confusion Brian! Will adhere to the new rules next time. I still have no exact idea how the time difference to eastern works though, i'm in UK

[Brian Cronin]

No problema. You were about 4 1/2 hours early. So just check the time on your piece and use that as your gauge.

And I'll make sure to put an announcement if I ever change the time.

-Brian

[Nobbel]

I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings with this but, this is the second review I reed from you and I must say they are a bit to rough. It's again not telling what exactly happens in the issue your reviewing.

There are also no details in this review, like this review no-one knows what really happens or who Vulcan bumps into at the end. I rather read a real summary with spoilers then this. It's just to vague, sorry.

[Dr Manolis Dooplove]

I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings with this but, this is the second review I reed from you and I must say they are a bit to rough. It's again not telling what exactly happens in the issue your reviewing.

There are also no details in this review, like this review no-one knows what really happens or who Vulcan bumps into at the end. I rather read a real summary with spoilers then this. It's just to vague, sorry.

My feelings arent hurt, don't worry, this is exaclty what I was trying for.


it's an advance review of the issue. I specifically avoid posting any real spoilers, since this review is something people are going to read before they read the actual issue. I don't see the point of giving away the major plot points of the issue in a summary before someone reads it for themselves, and I don't think highly of spoileriffic summaries since they only give a skewed perspective of the issue. I\ve given you the premise of the issue (vulcan versus shiar starships essentially) and some teasers and my opinion on what happened. There's a reason the last page reveal is a last page reveal. If I blurt it out in my advance review, it destroys the effect of that page and what Brubaker has tried to do.

[Nobbel]

I understand your point of view, but review treads are allways telling what happened, they give a complete summary and so they always contain spoilers. That's why the titels always have the word spoilers in it.

Besides that: You post it so damn early so no other posters have the change to open a thread with real spoilers. Most of the other regular posters write much better detailed summary.

[Dr Manolis Dooplove]

I understand your point of view, but review treads are allways telling what happened, they give a complete summary and so they always contain spoilers. That's why the titels always have the word spoilers in it.

that's not a review you're describing, that's just a spoiler thread, and I remember Brubaker himself coming in one of those in the last month and criticising how he didn't like seeing his issue spoiled like that in the forums, so I'm not going to follow that route. I'm sure someone will be along in a few hours and post a spoiler summary for you :)

[Nobbel]

that's not a review you're describing, that's just a spoiler thread, and I remember Brubaker himself coming in one of those in the last month and criticising how he didn't like seeing his issue spoiled like that in the forums, so I'm not going to follow that route. I'm sure someone will be along in a few hours and post a spoiler summary for you :)
Then do as you do: Post it on your site, but on this board they always spoil issues. Again, that's why it says spoilers in the title. Brubaker may not like it, but that the way things happen.

Besides that: You post it so damn early so no other posters have the change to open a thread with real spoilers. Most of the other regular posters write much better detailed summary.

[Cowlander]

I get that youre posting this from your review elsewhere. I dont have problem with that, my question is tho. Why not just copy and paste instead of quoting it seems wierd to me. Yes this is really minor but it popped in my head so I figured I'd ask.

[Karl J. Barnes]

Liked the issue, but it really didn't blow me away. I mean, Vulcan is suppose to be this nasty bad-ass, but the fights just seemed effortless and not very engaging. I agree with the Dr. M that the art was really a weak part of the issue. I mean, THIS is the flag ship of the X-Men and it should have the best artist on it.

I not trying to insult the artist, but his work just kind of laid there for me. The space battles should have popped; whereas, they were just there.

[Dr Manolis Dooplove]

I get that youre posting this from your review elsewhere. I dont have problem with that, my question is tho. Why not just copy and paste instead of quoting it seems wierd to me. Yes this is really minor but it popped in my head so I figured I'd ask.

i like the look of quotes :P

[mrc1214]

Another solid issue. I didnt think it would be that great just being a Vulcan issue but it was. The fights did seem effotless but I just think thats because Vulcan is so strong that they really shouldnt be. Its going to be interesting how the X-Men will stop him.

[drwho]

I'm going to have to knock this issue. One Vulcan is becoming a completely megomaniacal unlikeable character. His motivation to continue his mission to destroy the Shiar after he hears of Dkens condition is lame. I'm disappointed with what has been done with Vulcan as a character. Just seems to be some crazy guy that wants to blow up the Shiar. Ed first 2 issues were good but this is your first stinker. Also the art wasn't that good either. Let us hope we get no more solo Vulcan issues and get back to the parts of your run which make it good.

The many faces of SleepWalker

http://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/miamiuu/th_sw08.jpghttp://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/miamiuu/th_sw06.jpghttp://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/miamiuu/th_sw05.jpghttp://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/miamiuu/th_sw09.jpg

[Keith_Martineau]

The 3rd, 6th, and 9th issues of this arc are dedicated to Vulcan.

[kate-pryde]

I'd give it a solid C. Nothing spectacular, but a good set-up issue.

I like where 477 fits into the story. There's enough explanation about Vulcan is able to do what he does and how he gains knowledge about the Shi'Ar.
The Shi'Ar ship does surrender really quickly, and you wonder why they'd be so gullible? Or what does that say about the Shi'Ar? Do they just blindly follow any tyrant?

As an individual story, 477 isn't that great, and it really doesn't provide that much background on the Shi'Ar and Vulcan, like I assumed it would be (since this all seems to be for new readers). I can see how the casual readers are going to see this issue as utter filler and use it as evidence that this is a 6 issue arc stretched into 12.

This issue will be much better in the context of a trade paper back, where you can see how everything fits together and can see how detailed the story is. But the lack of continuity in the art is going to be really apparent then. If Tan can't do every issue, I wish they had picked someone closer to his style. I don't mind Henry, but his style reeks of "filler issue".

I bought the Deadly Genesis hardcover, and having the background character stories with the different art in the middle of all of the action is kind distracting. These Vulcan issues are really going to set apart like those stories, and I'm not sure if that's a good idea. At least having similar art and a couple pages about the X-Men stranded would at least have tied the stories together.

Odd thing that a friend of mine picked up on in Deadly Genesis that I thought was funny. A friend was flipping through the Deadly Genesis HC and he's never read X-Men, but seen the movies and watched the cartoon so he's sort of familiar with the main characters. He wasn't sure about everything going on like who Emma was or what was up with M Day and stuff like that, but he kept referring to Rachel as Scott's new Jean-replacement girlfriend. Of course, that's just really gross and disgusting, but I looked at it and at no point is in DG Ray and Scott's relationship defined. Everything else seems rather straight forwards and fairly clear to someone like my non-X-Men reading friend, except who Ray is. And so far in this arc, new readers wouldn't know Ray is Alex and Gabe's niece.

[Maximum Spider]

I like Vulcan so far after this issue. I hope they keep him as a Villian cause with Magneto out of the picture, hopefully temporary, the X-Teams need a POWERFUL villian with conquest on his mind. We get a better look at what this guy can do in this issue.

[Beast]

Just finished it. Sadly the weakest issue so far. I know Brubaker's trying to develop the character of Vulcan and I like the idea, but honestly I don't like him enough as a villain or a person to even care. He's an uninteresting whiny kid. He makes Anakin Skywalker look mature. ;)

[NMoline]

I like Vulcan so far after this issue. I hope they keep him as a Villian cause with Magneto out of the picture, hopefully temporary, the X-Teams need a POWERFUL villian with conquest on his mind. We get a better look at what this guy can do in this issue.

I really liked the issue alot. For someone who hasn't followed the X-Men in a while this helped me better understand Vulcan. I no longer think he is a villain. I think he has had terrible things done to him and he seeks revenge. He may be a bit of a loose cannon, but I look at him more of straddling the line of hero and villain such as the Hulk.

Brubaker has done a very good job of writing some of these lesser known X-Men and making them seem very relevant.

Also, to the guy who said the Shi'ar just gave in what did you expecct them to do? Fight a fight they could not win? Also, they knew that the Imperial Guard would take care of business when the ship approached the throneworld.

[NMoline]

I can't put a name to the 4th member of the Imperial Guard. Startin from left and moving right I know: Impulse, Gladiator, Starbolt. Who is the 4th member therre?

[Maximum Spider]

I agree that he does need more of a purpose than destroying the Shi'ar for enslaving him and killing his mother. But power wise he has A LOT of potential. Give him an agenda and he'll be awesome.

[Beast]

I agree that he does need more of a purpose than destroying the Shi'ar for enslaving him and killing his mother. But power wise he has A LOT of potential. Give him an agenda and he'll be awesome.
Just hook him up with Emperor Palpatine and get him fitted for black leather and armor. ;)

[Dioces]

I can't put a name to the 4th member of the Imperial Guard. Startin from left and moving right I know: Impulse, Gladiator, Starbolt. Who is the 4th member therre?

His name is Smasher

[Siddon]

The art - was pretty bad it was really foggy and out of focus and kind of seemed like Diet Igor Kordy.

The story - another done in one issue with a character and honestly I really enjoyed the plot of the issue.

Vulcan - well all the interest I had in the character has taken a nose dive, I seriously have no feel as to who Vulcan is and that is very very very bad. Deathcry had a personality, yet the third Summers brother can't have one....

then again he is a Summers the term milquetoast used to be synonmous with Summers.

The next two Vulcan issues.... I dread.

[drwho]

Also, to the guy who said the Shi'ar just gave in what did you expecct them to do? Fight a fight they could not win? Also, they knew that the Imperial Guard would take care of business when the ship approached the throneworld.


The Shiar I'm familiar with would fight at all cost to make sure the kingdom is protected. They wouldn't bend over and turn traitor and betray thier queen.

http://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/miamiuu/th_sw08.jpghttp://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/miamiuu/th_sw06.jpghttp://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/miamiuu/th_sw05.jpghttp://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/miamiuu/th_sw09.jpg

[RH_Duncan]

So basicly we just see Vulcan flying, destroying some spaceships and meet 4 Imperial guardsmen, that's it?

Because the summary does not give that much away, frankly Dr Manolis Dooplove does all the summaries lately and they never give any spoilers eventhough the threadtitle says so. I rather see others like Keith M or Beast do summaries, they do it so much better and Dr Manolis Dooplove post them so damn early so no-one else gets the change to post one. I don't like it. Probably making enemies here by saying this, but it's thats way I see it. But back to my question, is it true we only see Vulcan flying, destroying some spaceships and meet 4 Imperial guardsmen?

[NMoline]

The Shiar I'm familiar with would fight at all cost to make sure the kingdom is protected. They wouldn't bend over and turn traitor and betray thier queen.

http://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/miamiuu/th_sw08.jpghttp://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/miamiuu/th_sw06.jpghttp://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/miamiuu/th_sw05.jpghttp://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/miamiuu/th_sw09.jpg


But they didn't bend over. I believe they knew the imperial guard would be there when they returned. Essentially they would present Vulcan on a silver platter to their queen.

[drwho]

So basicly we just see Vulcan flying, destroying some spaceships and meet 4 Imperial guardsmen, that's it?

Because the summary does not give that much away, frankly Dr Manolis Dooplove does all the summaries lately and they never give any spoilers eventhough the threadtitle says so. I rather see others like Keith M or Beast do summaries, they do it so much better and Dr Manolis Dooplove post them so damn early so no-one else gets the change to post one. I don't like it. Probably making enemies here by saying this, but it's thats way I see it. But back to my question, is it true we only see Vulcan flying, destroying some spaceships and meet 4 Imperial guardsmen?

Vulcan shows how powerful he is by fighting shiar ships.::yawns:: Not even a good space battle seems way too easy. He comandeers the ship the writer tries to reveal motivations of why he wants revenge on the Shiar. There isnt even a battle with the imperial guard. They appear on the last page. I think what really killed it for me was Ed should not have revealed Dkens fate to Vulcan so far in advance. It kind of made his vendetta pointless.

http://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/miamiuu/th_sw08.jpghttp://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/miamiuu/th_sw06.jpghttp://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/miamiuu/th_sw05.jpghttp://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/miamiuu/th_sw09.jpg

[ibrakeforchinwe]

The art - was pretty bad it was really foggy and out of focus and kind of seemed like Diet Igor Kordy.

The story - another done in one issue with a character and honestly I really enjoyed the plot of the issue.

Vulcan - well all the interest I had in the character has taken a nose dive, I seriously have no feel as to who Vulcan is and that is very very very bad. Deathcry had a personality, yet the third Summers brother can't have one....

then again he is a Summers the term milquetoast used to be synonmous with Summers.

The next two Vulcan issues.... I dread.

What issue were you reading? I seriously think you need your eyes checked.

[Dr Manolis Dooplove]

So basicly we just see Vulcan flying, destroying some spaceships and meet 4 Imperial guardsmen, that's it?

Because the summary does not give that much away, frankly Dr Manolis Dooplove does all the summaries lately and they never give any spoilers eventhough the threadtitle says so. I rather see others like Keith M or Beast do summaries, they do it so much better and Dr Manolis Dooplove post them so damn early so no-one else gets the change to post one. I don't like it. Probably making enemies here by saying this, but it's thats way I see it. But back to my question, is it true we only see Vulcan flying, destroying some spaceships and meet 4 Imperial guardsmen?


seriously... i never expected people to get so annoyed by this. so i posted an advance review. what's stopping someone else posting a summary later on in the thread?

[drwho]

seriously... i never expected people to get so annoyed by this. so i posted an advance review. what's stopping someone else posting a summary later on in the thread?

People complain if there are spoilers and complain if there aren't any. What can you do?:rolleyes:I kind of believe complete spoilers shouldnt be given on a book because it gives reasons for people to buy them. Throw in a little here and a little there.

[AnthonyJ]

The combined facts of the review being relatively contentless, and the review being posted at multiple sites, overall makes me think of this particular review as spam or advertising rather than useful content.

[RH_Duncan]

The combined facts of the review being relatively contentless, and the review being posted at multiple sites, overall makes me think of this particular review as spam or advertising rather than useful content.
Second that

Because he puts a link to his site every time!

And ............ a spoiler thread always contains spoilers. Thats why you have to put the word spoilers in the title so people who non't wanna be spoiled won't read it and people who do, will read it. You're so right Anthony, it are just relatively contentless reviews!
It motivates some people to buy a book while they first didn't wanted to if they read it, like me with the Astonishing series.

[fishtaco]

The Shi'Ar ship does surrender really quickly, and you wonder why they'd be so gullible? Or what does that say about the Shi'Ar? Do they just blindly follow any tyrant?The Shi'ar military, as well as the Imperial Guard obey the emperor/empress and do not voice objection, if they even have any. So, yes, the Shi'ar military blindly follow their tyrant. While Deathbird and D'Ken can easily be considered tyrants, Lilandra isn't, although it appears over the last few years that seems to have slightly changed.

So, was this issue just all Vulcan? That's it? No X-men, no Starjammers, no mutant/human conflict, just Vulcan blowing stuff up?

[Mariah]

So, was this issue just all Vulcan? That's it? No X-men, no Starjammers, no mutant/human conflict, just Vulcan blowing stuff up?
Yes, parts 3,6 and 9 are all Vulcan centric.

I'm kinda liking Lilandra maybe being deposed of being Empress. She's always rubbed me as being a rather lame Empress. She doesn't really try to expand her empire. D'Ken as well as Deathbird we're much better at running an Empire than Lilandra imo.

[drwho]

But they didn't bend over. I believe they knew the imperial guard would be there when they returned. Essentially they would present Vulcan on a silver platter to their queen.


For the comic reader isn't the writer or artist supposed to infer something like that? I'm not one to give these writers the benefit of the doubt and I didn't see any of that in the book I read. It's not the readers job to suppose that hey those Shiar that went down so easily did so so they could lead them to the imperial guard who they knew were waiting for them.

[Dr Manolis Dooplove]

Second that

Because he puts a link to his site every time!

And ............ a spoiler thread always contains spoilers. Thats why you have to put the word spoilers in the title so people who non't wanna be spoiled won't read it and people who do, will read it. You're so right Anthony, it are just relatively contentless reviews!
It motivates some people to buy a book while they first didn't wanted to if they read it, like me with the Astonishing series.

first of all, i think the review contained spoilers, as it reveals some of the things happening in the issue. If i had posted it without a spoiler warning in the title, there would have been people complaining that it wasnt marked properly

secondly, "motivates some people to buy a book while they first didn't wanted to if they read it" sounds like a description of a good review. i thought you were dissing me...

it seems people are REALLY annoyed about me posting here, so I'll just stop. I didn't realise a review could tick people off so much... for what it's worth, i was quite proud of this batch of reviews, and thought i had covered the content quirte well without giving spoilers.

xx

p.s. posting on multiple sites/spam? I've only started thread for the issue here and in the X-universe boards. hardly spamming...

[fishtaco]

Yes, parts 3,6 and 9 are all Vulcan centric.

I'm kinda liking Lilandra maybe being deposed of being Empress. She's always rubbed me as being a rather lame Empress. She doesn't really try to expand her empire. D'Ken as well as Deathbird we're much better at running an Empire than Lilandra imo.But they were cruel dictators! Saddam Hussein, Adolph Hitler, Milosevich, Joseph Stalin and the like committed a lot of the same attrocities that D'Ken and Deathbird did. How is that running a good empire?

[Mariah]

But they were cruel dictators! Saddam Hussein, Adolph Hitler, Milosevich, Joseph Stalin and the like committed a lot of the same attrocities that D'Ken and Deathbird did. How is that running a good empire?
Simple, they we're looking out for the best of their empire. An empire is meant to expand ala the Roman Empire, the British Empire and others.

To run an empire, you don't have to be all cuddly with your neighbors, but ever since Lilandra's taken over, everytime they get attacked, they need to be helped out by the X-Men. How does that make her look if 6 mutants from Earth can accomplish more than her entire galactic armed forces?

She's weak and lame.

[drwho]

Simple, they we're looking out for the best of their empire. An empire is meant to expand ala the Roman Empire, the British Empire and others.

To run an empire, you don't have to be all cuddly with your neighbors, but ever since Lilandra's taken over, everytime they get attacked, they need to be helped out by the X-Men. How does that make her look if 6 mutants from Earth can accomplish more than her entire galactic armed forces?

She's weak and lame.

For awhile after Galactic Storm Marvel had propped up the Shiar as a force to be reckoned with by having them take over the whole Kree empire, but alas I guess that was forgotten.

[Dr Manolis Dooplove]

Simple, they we're looking out for the best of their empire. An empire is meant to expand ala the Roman Empire, the British Empire and others.

To run an empire, you don't have to be all cuddly with your neighbors, but ever since Lilandra's taken over, everytime they get attacked, they need to be helped out by the X-Men. How does that make her look if 6 mutants from Earth can accomplish more than her entire galactic armed forces?

She's weak and lame.


that hasnt happened too often to be honest... the first time the threat was inside the empire itself, D'Ken, and the stakes were the fate of the universe!

then again around 275 which i havent read so i cant comment, and following that x-men unlimited 5 (which was indeed a weak moment) and the phalanx infestation during rogue'\s space team (ozt)

[Mariah]

For awhile after Galactic Storm Marvel had propped up the Shiar as a force to be reckoned with by having them take over the whole Kree empire, but alas I guess that was forgotten.
Yeah, a plot cooked up, and planted there by the Kree's Supreme Intelligence intended to further the evolution of his own empire. Seriously, she's a puppet.

[kate-pryde]

The Shi'ar military, as well as the Imperial Guard obey the emperor/empress and do not voice objection, if they even have any. So, yes, the Shi'ar military blindly follow their tyrant. While Deathbird and D'Ken can easily be considered tyrants, Lilandra isn't, although it appears over the last few years that seems to have slightly changed.

So, was this issue just all Vulcan? That's it? No X-men, no Starjammers, no mutant/human conflict, just Vulcan blowing stuff up?

I’m wondering if the Shi’Ar captain has an agenda.

I just don’t see an entire crew causing utter destruction to save their own lives when they know they’ll end up being killed anyway. If Vulcan is stopped, Lilandra will have them executed for treason.

If your ship is hijacked, do you:

1) Sacrifice yourself, your crew and your ship to prevent your ship being used as a weapon against your own people

2) Go along with the hijacker, but secretly plot against him

3) Assume that the hijacker is so powerful he’s going to take over, so you join his side.


So, what’s the case with this Shi’Ar captain?

For instance, what info is the captain giving Vulcan about the Shi’Ar? Is he being truthful or is he manipulating him?

If the captain tells Vulcan the truth about Lilandra, is Vulcan still going to attack the Shi’Ar? Or is the captain trying to use Vulcan to do some sort of coup d'etat?

Also, you wonder what’s going on with the Shi’Ar considering the attack on the Grey family. Is Lilandra really still incharge? Would she have ordered that attack? Or is there more going on with the Shi’Ar?

The description for 479 says that the Shi'Ar have sent someone after Ray, and "rogue soldiers" are going after Xavier. Who would have an agenda against Xavier? Lilandra, most likely.

[drwho]

I’m wondering if the Shi’Ar captain has an agenda.

I just don’t see an entire crew causing utter destruction to save their own lives when they know they’ll end up being killed anyway. If Vulcan is stopped, Lilandra will have them executed for treason.

If your ship is hijacked, do you:

1) Sacrifice yourself, your crew and your ship to prevent your ship being used as a weapon against your own people

2) Go along with the hijacker, but secretly plot against him

3) Assume that the hijacker is so powerful he’s going to take over, so you join his side.


So, what’s the case with this Shi’Ar captain?

For instance, what info is the captain giving Vulcan about the Shi’Ar? Is he being truthful or is he manipulating him?

If the commander tells Vulcan the truth about Lilandra, is Vulcan still going to attack the Shi’Ar? Or is the captain trying to use Vulcan to do some sort of coup d'etat?

Also, you wonder what’s going on with the Shi’Ar considering the attack on the Grey family. Is Lilandra really still incharge? Would she have ordered that attack? Or is there more going on with the Shi’Ar?

The description for 479 says that the Shi'Ar have sent someone after Ray, and "rogue soldiers" are going after Xavier. Who would have an agenda against Xavier? Lilandra, most likely.


That would be refreshing if something like that was cooked up to save this part of the storyline. I don't see it yet. Also you would have thought the Shiar would have at least destroyed the jumpgates before allowing Vulcan use them. They said themselves it would take a hell of alot of time for him to reach Shiar space without them. So why not destroy the gates?

[Volk1]

I liked it.

Beast mentioned that Vulcan makes Anakin Skywalker look more mature, but I digress. Vulcan has no Sen. Palpatine to guide him.;)

I thought Vulcan's actions and dialogue sat well with his "kid in a powerful body" situation. Because that's what he is - just a kid. It all seems like a game to him: bad guys are in space, destroy bad guys. Main bad guys is dead? Kill the one who's in power. Shi'ar are not a lethal empire anymore? Doesn't matter - still going to fack $hit up.....

It's blatant naivete on the part of Vulcan and that's how it should be.

I thought Clayton Henry's art was was fine for ths type of story - all you have is basically outer-space shots and the shots in the Shi'ar warship. It fits Henry's simple yet clean art. To compare, Tan is more suitable for a more kinetic-type of pace. And I totally disagree with the poster that said this was Igor Kordey Light. I'd take Henry's art over Kordey's anyday.

To sum up, a necessary issue. Vulcan's learning how to cope with his powers and using them to his great advantage.

So, what’s the case with this Shi’Ar captain?

For instance, what info is the captain giving Vulcan about the Shi’Ar? Is he being truthful or is he manipulating him?
Very interesting if Brubaker throws in a twist there. The Captain firmly states that they're "defeated." But after what he saw with the other two ships, what's he going to do about it? Was he just trying to save his life or stalling time for Gladiator and company to arrive? Or both? Or something else?

[Bobster777]

Good issue. I like to see things moving along. I just hope that Vulcan just doesn't easily dispose of the Imerial Guard, particularly someone like Gladiator. Then again, Cannonball has defeated Gladiator, so, this is probably going to be a short fight.

[Armless Penguin]

This issue is definitely down compared to the last two. I'm sorry, but Vulcan just isn't an interesting enough character to carry an issue solely by himself. It just didn't work. That said, it wasn't bad, per se, just not the caliber of work that I've come to expect from Brubaker. Oh well, I'm sure the rest of the issues will be great, :)

[Chiasm]

Well after six great Deadly Genesis issues and two good Uncanny issues, Brubaker was due for an off issue. I just wish it hadn't been this off. The dialogue was bad, not Milligan level of bad, but still bad and suddenly Vulcan has gone from a complex villian to a cookie cutter villian bent on obtaining power. And I'm going to be kind on the art by not mentioning it. That would be like beating up a quadriplegic.

[Keith_Martineau]

Simple, they we're looking out for the best of their empire. An empire is meant to expand ala the Roman Empire, the British Empire and others.

To run an empire, you don't have to be all cuddly with your neighbors, but ever since Lilandra's taken over, everytime they get attacked, they need to be helped out by the X-Men. How does that make her look if 6 mutants from Earth can accomplish more than her entire galactic armed forces?

She's weak and lame.

Uh, what?!

None of those man did what was best for their empire. They did what was best for themselves. For their power. If Hitler had done the best thing for his empire, he would NOT have gone in to Russia, leaving his already withered european forces easy pickings for the allied push.

[Ronin Gunslinger]

I hear people complaining that Vulcan is a whiny kid. The truth is that he is, undoubtedly, but hey, he was artificially aged and then was in suspended animation. He didnt have the time to mature and, well, with the "memories" of his being ripped out of his mom's womb and being with the Shi'ar, plus the Xavier debacle, I almost think he has reasons to be an annoying, whining kid, who is full of rage and has the power to unleash that rage.

[Affinity]

Doesn't mean we have to like him being annoying though. I know, you're not saying that. Still.

[Mariah]

Uh, what?!

None of those man did what was best for their empire. They did what was best for themselves. For their power. If Hitler had done the best thing for his empire, he would NOT have gone in to Russia, leaving his already withered european forces easy pickings for the allied push.
I know this but emperors dont' live forever. How many emperors ruled the Roman empire? How many Kings we're there in the British empire? An empire's main function is to grow, to spread it's influence. With the current stagnant state of the Shi'ar Empire, the best thing for it would be someone who has the will to flourish. Especially since they pride themselves on being second to none in their endeavors.

[Sean Whitmore]

I gotta say, a bit of a letdown from the first two issues. I don't know if I can even get behind the premise that gets Vulcan to S'hiar space.

So he defeats the S'hiar fighters and they have to obey him. Fine, I get it, perfectly acceptable. But obeying him to the point where they're bringing an unknown, dangerous killer into their own empire? And crippling their empire's ability to travel through space? I don't think even the Klingons were that obsessed with honor.

I just feel like I'm missing a step here. They respect and follow the teachings of their culture to such a degree that they're willing to aid in the destruction of that selfsame culture?

I could almost buy the argument that they're so arrogant, they can't believe Vulcan could do anything to the empire (discounting the fact that he can destroy ships with his mind and would doubtlessly kill a bunch of soldiers before he was stopped). IF they hadn't destroyed the stargates and crippled their own transportation capability. Seems the proper response to Vulcan would be, "Screw you. Kill me if you want to, my gods will forgive me for not hurting my people so severely."


SEAN

[Mjolnir]

kinda sucked, especially when X-Men is delivering issue after issue of awesomeness.

At first i wasn't sure about the art...but iif i think about it, it was only how Vulcan was drawn that i didn't like. The rest was kinda cool, but Vulcan...well, he jsut wasn't depicted how he has been in every other appearance he's had.

I guess they used this issue to sort of showcase what the hell is going on in his mind to any newbies picking up the title...but i'm pretty sure this issue could have been split up and added into the past 2 issues as a side story. Besides, did anything happen that noone could already just assume or guess?
I've just been waiting for Gladiator and co. to come, so it wasn't a big last page reveal or anything...
I hope this picks up soon...i signed up for the 12 issue long-haul, i hope i'm not disapponted.

I guess what i'm tryna say is...if Warpath was in it, even for one panel, it would have been better :)

[steve2275]

I guess what i'm tryna say is...if Warpath was in it, even for one panel, it would have been better :)
hes not?
worst comic ever :p

[TinMan]

I know this but emperors dont' live forever. How many emperors ruled the Roman empire? How many Kings we're there in the British empire? An empire's main function is to grow, to spread it's influence. With the current stagnant state of the Shi'ar Empire, the best thing for it would be someone who has the will to flourish. Especially since they pride themselves on being second to none in their endeavors.

I have to completely disagree Lala, under D'Ken and Deathbird the Shi'ar were a true empire trying to make itself stronger and put more systems/planets under its boot. However, Lilandra has always been far more benevolent than either her brother or sister; under Lilandra the empire is an "empire" in name sake only, she's more concerned with peace and seeing that her people are happy, not conquering and subjegating more lifeforms. So I think that you're unfairly judging Lilandra by saying that she should be power hungry like her syblings even though she's nothing like them; she seeks peace, harmony and happiness. D'Ken and Deathbird sought power.

As for the issue itself, I found it interesting and it was nice to see what Vulcan was up to. I really don't have any complaints about this issue, the artwork was nice and so was the writing. Theres still plenty of time to explore Vulcan's personallity more, so people should stop being so #$%^ing impatient, let the story evolve.

[Arilou]

If the Shi'ar are having problems with Vulcan then maybe it's a good thing they aren't trying to go up against Annihilus....

[DDM]

Simple, they we're looking out for the best of their empire. An empire is meant to expand ala the Roman Empire, the British Empire and others.

To run an empire, you don't have to be all cuddly with your neighbors, but ever since Lilandra's taken over, everytime they get attacked, they need to be helped out by the X-Men. How does that make her look if 6 mutants from Earth can accomplish more than her entire galactic armed forces?

She's weak and lame.

Deathbird brought the X-Men over to help her defeat the Warlord & her sister, Lilandra in Uncanny X-Men #273-277. The Warlord was really a Warskrull ruling with Lilandra under his telepathic control. Deathbird willingly gave over her rule to Lilandra at that point saying ruling an empire is not all its cracked up to be.

[Affinity]

I didn't like this issue at all, to be honest. Henry's art on the Uncanny Annual and the Hellions mini was cool, and the space and planets looked niced, but I didn't like it for this. It's too harsh of a change after Tan's new look. Too cartoony and bright.

The issue itself was okay, but I think my heart truly belongs to X-Men. I'll still read the book but I wasn't too amazed.

[Will.S]

I enjoyed it.

It's cool to see what Vulcan was doing in the meantime and see the results go back into the team's experience in getting there with the destroyed stargates. I also liked how he was seeing himself become some type of god of wrath to the Shi'ar as he continued his approach.

I didn't think that we'd get an explanation as to why Vulcan is able to do all that stuff in space but luckily Ed explains it with the whole M-Day energy super-charging his powers. I liked the action throughout the book as it showed already how ruthless Gabriel can be, some of it actually had a Star Trek vibe once he took control of one of their ships (which is something Ed didn't want to happen I know) but it happens unintentionally I guess.

Clayton Henry's art is really solid. That's about the best description I can give it since it never delves into the overly flashy but it's very capable stuff that carries out Ed's script nicely. I'm anticipating his interaction with Lilandra and Deathbird so there's still alot to look forward to as well as seeing Corsair's reaction to the whole thing.

If I were to give it a score I'd probably give it a 8/10

[Beast]

I enjoyed it.

It's cool to see what Vulcan was doing in the meantime and see the results go back into the team's experience in getting there with the destroyed stargates. I also liked how he was seeing himself become some type of god of wrath to the Shi'ar as he continued his approach.

I didn't think that we'd get an explanation as to why Vulcan is able to do all that stuff in space but luckily Ed explains it with the whole M-Day energy super-charging his powers. I liked the action throughout the book as it showed already how ruthless Gabriel can be, some of it actually had a Star Trek vibe once he took control of one of their ships (which is something Ed didn't want to happen I know) but it happens unintentionally I guess.

Clayton Henry's art is really solid. That's about the best description I can give it since it never delves into the overly flashy but it's very capable stuff that carries out Ed's script nicely. I'm anticipating his interaction with Lilandra and Deathbird so there's still alot to look forward to as well as seeing Corsair's reaction to the whole thing.

If I were to give it a score I'd probably give it a 8/10
I think it would have been better intercut into the storyline, instead of focusing an entire issue just on the character. Would have felt more connected, and not like a secondary story.

[Editor]

I may be on my own here but i thought the art in this issue was a lot nicer than Tan's.

In the tan issues everyone looks like greasy mannequins.

[AnthonyJ]

This issue didn't do a lot for me, though it could prove more interesting if, say, it turns out the Shi'ar captain is playing political games (Lilandra has plenty of enemies, he might think of Vulcan as a tool to take her out).

[Zombienorthstar]

I think Brubakers dialogue, pacing etc reads better than Carey's....but his central premise leaves me wanting...

[fishtaco]

This issue didn't do a lot for me, though it could prove more interesting if, say, it turns out the Shi'ar captain is playing political games (Lilandra has plenty of enemies, he might think of Vulcan as a tool to take her out).That's kinda been done already, in Uncanny X-Men #'s 154-157. I think.

[Zombienorthstar]

Despite the other good characters in his roster...brubaker is clearly crafting Warpath to be the star of the show.

[AnthonyJ]

That's kinda been done already, in Uncanny X-Men #'s 154-157. I think.
Shrug. Still be more interesting than having things be exactly what they look like.

[dotdotdot]

alright look, that was a good review that started the thread. i'm immune to spoilers, but i'd rather read a review than an issue summary. the thread is always called review and spoilers, so if there's more of one and less than the other, it's still accurate.
and i dont care if it's on some other site or not, it's irrelevant.
keep it up.

[Callisto]

what are vulcan and lornas powers?

[Will Moffat]

The Shi'ar must have redundancies for a Star Gate being damaged or destroyed, well you would think so anyway. So it is posible the Shi'ar Captain was acting in the best interests of the empire, and was learning about Vulcan whilst filling him in on Shi'ar history. Highly unlikely though.

Of course, Gladiator can cross the galaxy under his own steam with no Star Gates so I can't see the loss of the Star Gates being a huge problem.

I just hope Gladiator doesn't job to Vulcan, that would really be offputting.

[kdx125]

The Shi'Ar ship does surrender really quickly, and you wonder why they'd be so gullible? Or what does that say about the Shi'Ar? Do they just blindly follow any tyrant?

If the Shi'ar do have some kind of cultural or biological surrender reflex, it would explain why the Imperial Guard is mostly made up of non-Shi'ar: people who really will defend the Emperor/Empress to the death. And how Corsair was able to escape the slave pits, twice, and why, after the first time when he fought his way to the Emperor's bedroom (!), they just threw him back instead of killing him. Presumably a Shi'ar in that situation would have known he was beaten.

It also makes more sense of the fact that the X-men were allowed to fight a duel to save Jean Grey from Shi'ar justice in #137. Defeat the Imperial Guard, and Dark Phoenix can eat all the stars she wants to? Easier to see this happening if all Shi'ar have the same "winner completely calls the shots" mentality that Vulcan's crew did.

[Sean Whitmore]

Of course, Gladiator can cross the galaxy under his own steam with no Star Gates so I can't see the loss of the Star Gates being a huge problem.


But we learned this issue that it takes years to get from Earth to S'hiar space. So all those times Gladiator flew to Earth, he must have used a stargate, even if it was off-panel.


I just hope Gladiator doesn't job to Vulcan, that would really be offputting.


He almost has to, or this is a really short story. :)


SEAN

[fishtaco]

Shrug. Still be more interesting than having things be exactly what they look like.I'm afraid that's been done with the Shi'ar too, in Uncanny X-Men #'s 275-277. :p

Still, I agree. I'd like to see a neat twist, too. Mayve Vulcan will become the Emperor, and with that amount of power at his finger tips, he won't be a whiny little snot anymore.

[Will.S]

I think it would have been better intercut into the storyline, instead of focusing an entire issue just on the character. Would have felt more connected, and not like a secondary story.
I agree, it would have been better had it been in the other books instead of getting it's own focus. But at the same time I also dig the unique way Ed is doing it in putting the reader into the mind set of Vulcan without having to worry about cutting back and forth into the story since they'll have to intersect at some point.

We'll see though, perhaps the other Vulcan solo issues coming up with use the opportunity to see what he's up to a bit better now that we've seen his journey into Shi'ar space.

[Brian M.]

I'm afraid that's been done with the Shi'ar too, in Uncanny X-Men #'s 275-277. :p

Still, I agree. I'd like to see a neat twist, too. Mayve Vulcan will become the Emperor, and with that amount of power at his finger tips, he won't be a whiny little snot anymore.


I defintely see D'Ken coming out of the coma here soon. I think Rachel takes him out of his coma. Kinda ironic, didn't Phoenix put him it? I gotta reread those issues.

[MasterOdin]

I thought the issue was fine. Not as good as the first two, but it advanced the storyline. I guess I am looking at Brubaker's run here different from Carey's. The Uncanny storyline is going to take longer to reach its climax since it is going to be 12 issues. So, I am willing to be patient. Honestly, I would rather have every third issue set as being a fill-in issue rather than never knowing when another issue will be coming out or who will be drawing it.

[steve2275]

hes not?
worst comic ever :p
actually i liked it

[mrcassandranova]

I thought that this issue moved really slow and it was all stuff that we already knew, or could piece together from the previous issues. The art didn't do too much for me either

[Affinity]

Mister Cassandra Nova?

That's gotta hurt.

[mrcassandranova]

Could you really tell she was a she?

[Syzygy]

I have to completely disagree Lala, under D'Ken and Deathbird the Shi'ar were a true empire trying to make itself stronger and put more systems/planets under its boot. However, Lilandra has always been far more benevolent than either her brother or sister; under Lilandra the empire is an "empire" in name sake only, she's more concerned with peace and seeing that her people are happy, not conquering and subjegating more lifeforms. So I think that you're unfairly judging Lilandra by saying that she should be power hungry like her syblings even though she's nothing like them; she seeks peace, harmony and happiness. D'Ken and Deathbird sought power.

I hardly think we have enough information on Lilandra's rule to say that it's "benevolent". In many opinions, no empire is benevolent.

During the few, short, "Marvel years" of her rule, did she grant complete independence and autonomy to all conquered peoples who asked for it? Did she pay reparations for past abuses and injustices? I doubt it.

So much for benevolence.

[Syzygy]

This issue didn't do a lot for me, though it could prove more interesting if, say, it turns out the Shi'ar captain is playing political games (Lilandra has plenty of enemies, he might think of Vulcan as a tool to take her out).

Yes. But Brubaker should have given us some foreshadowing of this, to keep our faith in him during this particular issue.

Agree that the Captain was inadequately characterized.

[Mariah]

Could you really tell she was a she?
"The only one's who'll know, is her, and her hairdresser"

I see the Shi'ar more like Peacocks/vultures, and less like Eagles. They have the big pomp and circumstance stuff to make them look all classy, and regal, but hardly ever get their hands dirty. They have other races do the dirty work for them, and then they dive in for the leftovers and take over.

[Sean Whitmore]

Does that make Deathbird a gutter pigeon? ;)


SEAN

[Mariah]

Does that make Deathbird a gutter pigeon? ;)


SEAN
You could say that

[Affinity]

BUCK BUCK BUCKAWWWW!

Yeah, sorry.

[Mariah]

BUCK BUCK BUCKAWWWW!

Yeah, sorry.
do it again, come on, do it again!!!

Sorry, lame Jessica Simpson joke.

[The Real Rogue]

If Vulcan can beat these 4 Imperial Guards on his own, The Uncanny X-Men better be happy the stargates are closed. These 4 guards can be considerd stronger together than the team Xavier assembled:

Impulse: Produces enormous amounts of bio-concussive energy, doesn't have an actual body, contains in suit. A kind of fliying combo of Cyclops abd student Dummy.
Starbolt: Exists in a perpetual state of pyroplasma. This gives him enhanced strength, the power of flight, and energy projection abilities to give off intense waves of heat and discharge pyroplasmic blasts. A kind of Ms. Marvel combined with Toorts.
Smacher:absorbs quantum-energy and transforms it into strength A flying Shaw.
Gladiator: Superhuman strength, speed, endurance, invulnerability to all forms of physical injury, enhanced optic nerves give him telescopic sight and heat vision that can melt through metals, increased lung capacity allows him to create gale force winds by exhaling, possesses the ability to survive unprotected in outer space and enter hyperspace travel, and self-propelled flight. The Superman of Marvel so to speak.

So if Vulcan beats those 4, the X-Men better return to earth.

[DDM]

I defintely see D'Ken coming out of the coma here soon. I think Rachel takes him out of his coma. Kinda ironic, didn't Phoenix put him it? I gotta reread those issues.


No, D'Ken went in a catatonic state when the M'Krann Crystal's second defense--making the most awful nightmares seem real. Phoenix herself experienced her fear of death, but she overcame it because she faced death & became Phoenix as a result. When Cyclops smashed the energy ball, the Neutron Galaxy slowly was set free until Phoenix knitted the lattice of anti-energy back to save the universe from the ultimate black hole.

[DDM]

I think it would have been better intercut into the storyline, instead of focusing an entire issue just on the character. Would have felt more connected, and not like a secondary story.

Agreed. This issue is yet another example of story decompression.

3/10

For decompressed stories, my score begins at 5/10 since I'm only reading half of a story.

[Beast]

Agreed. This issue is yet another example of story decompression.

3/10

For decompressed stories, my score begins at 5/10 since I'm only reading half of a story.
It's not bloody decompression. I just don't like the format. :p

[drwho]

I'm really thinking it would have been better if the Vulcan issues were done in a Vulcan mini series or a giantsize book. Cus I feel it puts an abrupt stop to the flow of the story with the X-Men. I still wasn't too crazy about the book and maybe skipping the Vulcan issues in the future.

Marvel's Forgotten heroes:

http://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/miamiuu/th_newdef141.jpghttp://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/miamiuu/th_superprocover.jpghttp://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/miamiuu/th_sw06.jpghttp://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/miamiuu/th_deathlok_vol2_cover_01.jpg

[TinMan]

I hardly think we have enough information on Lilandra's rule to say that it's "benevolent". In many opinions, no empire is benevolent.

During the few, short, "Marvel years" of her rule, did she grant complete independence and autonomy to all conquered peoples who asked for it? Did she pay reparations for past abuses and injustices? I doubt it.

So much for benevolence.

Did you even read my post? I said that she was more benevolent than D'Ken and Deathbird, therefore she probably ruled the empire as such, not like a despot as those two would have.

The evidence is there that Lilandra is a much more benevolent character than her predicessors so I don't understand why you would even try and rebut what I said. Sure we don't know exactly what she did, but we do know how she acts as a character and therefore can judge, based upon her prior actions, how she would rule.

[caney]

I'm glad they're giving us some back story on Vulcan because I didn't read Deadly Genesis, but I can see how this issue would be annoying for the people who did read it. Maybe it would have been better to do the Vulcan stories as back-up stories instead of whole issues. Although, it might be harder for Brubaker to match up the timeline of the Vulcan stories with the X-men stories if he used back-ups.

[Bobster777]

I'm glad they're giving us some back story on Vulcan because I didn't read Deadly Genesis, but I can see how this issue would be annoying for the people who did read it. Maybe it would have been better to do the Vulcan stories as back-up stories instead of whole issues. Although, it might be harder for Brubaker to match up the timeline of the Vulcan stories with the X-men stories if he used back-ups.
Yeah, back up stories would have been a good format. Alas, it is a business after all. They sell more issues doing it this way.

[Red Lotus]

I can't say how much I dislike the art. I had a hard time reading the book just because of the look of it. This is only the third book and I know that, but so far each issue to me has not been as good as the last and I'm going to need something to get me back into it, because so far Brubaker is losing me. Maybe I just had such high hopes that it just couldn't live up to them or maybe like I said its early and I just need to give him more time. :(

[Madrox84]

I liked the issue, i liked the way Vulcan used his powers in different and creative ways. I want to know what his plan is, i also want to see him and Gladiator facing off...

I can't wait for the next issue.

[X-Factor]

The first issue was superb, but these last two issues have been a bore.

At best, I hope this is just a slow start. At worst, I can only hope its just being inconsistent in quality like Deadly Genesis had been.

The choice of artists feels mismatched to me. I wish Clayton Henry was the regular artist while Billy Tan would do every third issue for the 'Vulcan'-based storlines.

[mandog]

I liked the issue. It was a good solid read that will be a nice piece of the puzzle when its all said and done.

[cable guy]

I give it a C rating.

I liked the issue... but it was the weakest story of the 3.

Vulcan just didn't seem like a 'A' rate villian. I think that will change though. My biggest problem was how Vulcan's fights with the great and mighty Shiar empire. It served it's purpose but it was like kinda lame. Or maybe it was rushed, but at the same time the action and interaction with the Shiar dragged on. Vulcan's presence just never seemed to keep me in all. I was expecting his presence to come of as a destructive a force of nature.

But this is great storyline overall and there is a tremendous base in place.

[cable guy]

I liked the issue, i liked the way Vulcan used his powers in different and creative ways. I want to know what his plan is, i also want to see him and Gladiator facing off...

I can't wait for the next issue.

Just that cliffhanger, gives this issue a higher rating.

[cable guy]

Vulcan - well all the interest I had in the character has taken a nose dive, I seriously have no feel as to who Vulcan is and that is very very very bad. Deathcry had a personality, yet the third Summers brother can't have one....

The next two Vulcan issues.... I dread.

Yep.

If people didn't read Deadly Genesis, this was the first time seeing Vulcan. I don't think his whole presentation came off well at all.

[Christopher O]

I wish Clayton Henry was the regular artist while Billy Tan would do every third issue for the 'Vulcan'-based storlines.
I'm glad you don't make those decisions. Clayton Henry was the reason I almost passed on this issue, despite my love for Brubaker, the characters, and the last two issues, and honestly, now I wish I would have. Henry's style really inspires negative emotions within me--and that's about as nice as I can be regarding that subject.

[Faded]

The choice of artists feels mismatched to me. I wish Clayton Henry was the regular artist while Billy Tan would do every third issue for the 'Vulcan'-based storlines.

Hmmm...that might be pretty cool. At first I was really liking Tan but I'm beginning to really not like it again. More of Clayton and less of Billy would work for me.

[Zombienorthstar]

Hmmm...that might be pretty cool. At first I was really liking Tan but I'm beginning to really not like it again. More of Clayton and less of Billy would work for me.

I quite liked Cruz...wish hed stayed on.

[drwho]

I'm surprised there seems to not be as many posts for this issue as compared to the last.

[Beast]

I'm surprised there seems to not be as many posts for this issue as compared to the last.
Not really a surprise, there wasn't as much to really discuss. It was an 'All Vulcan' issue, and a lot of us don't really care about him as a character. He's the X-Men's version of Anakin Skywalker, just less interesting. ;)

[fishtaco]

ooookaaaay, I just went to Borders and read this, and I'm just going to talk about it on X-Crescence instead so I don't get banned. ;)

[Lord S]

Liked the issue, but it really didn't blow me away. I mean, Vulcan is suppose to be this nasty bad-ass, but the fights just seemed effortless and not very engaging. I agree with the Dr. M that the art was really a weak part of the issue. I mean, THIS is the flag ship of the X-Men and it should have the best artist on it.

I not trying to insult the artist, but his work just kind of laid there for me. The space battles should have popped; whereas, they were just there. Yeah I too didn't think very highly of the art. I was hoping to see more of the dark and nasty Vulcan that we saw in 'Deadly Genesis', but he seemed too childish and colourful. Not very intimidating at all. That notwithstanding, I loved it!

I'm an on again/off again X-reader, and was very curious about this story arc, (I had to see for myself why the Shi'ar were not being used in 'Annihilation'), so I bought the 'Deadly Genesis' HC and UXM 375-377 on Saturday and read them all.

Hats definitely go off to Mr. Brubaker, as the story is very refreshing and flows really well. I was quite impressed with what I read, and very much look forward to the next issue...but they really need to replace this artist, Clayton Henry. No offense to anyone who likes him, but the art was just too colourful and cartoony for a space story. I enjoyed Billy Tan's art in the first two issues...it was much darker and had more of a cosmic feel. I hope he does the next issue, and every one after that.

[Christopher O]

I enjoyed Billy Tan's art in the first two issues...it was much darker and had more of a cosmic feel. I hope he does the next issue, and every one after that.
Clayton Henry is drawing two more issues, I believe. The way Brubaker has structured the story, every third issue is an "All Vulcan" issue, and Henry is doing those, but I think #9 is the last one, which, as I said, leaves him with two more. Tan is doing the rest.

[Michael P]

Impulse: Produces enormous amounts of bio-concussive energy, doesn't have an actual body, contains in suit. A kind of fliying combo of Cyclops abd student Dummy.
Starbolt: Exists in a perpetual state of pyroplasma. This gives him enhanced strength, the power of flight, and energy projection abilities to give off intense waves of heat and discharge pyroplasmic blasts. A kind of Ms. Marvel combined with Toorts.
Smacher:absorbs quantum-energy and transforms it into strength A flying Shaw.
Gladiator: Superhuman strength, speed, endurance, invulnerability to all forms of physical injury, enhanced optic nerves give him telescopic sight and heat vision that can melt through metals, increased lung capacity allows him to create gale force winds by exhaling, possesses the ability to survive unprotected in outer space and enter hyperspace travel, and self-propelled flight. The Superman of Marvel so to speak.

Or, you could just say Wildfire, Ultra Boy, Star Boy, and Superboy.

[drwho]

I'm beginning to think Vulcan is Layla Miller's older brother because there is not anything he can't do power wise. Another deus ex machina with unstoppable powers that no one can defeat.

[Vegetarian Goat]

I think i'd like Vulcan a lot more if his powers were more clearly defined. I always find myself wondering what exactly it is that he's doing, and what ways he's capable of being a threat.

Other than that, i find him pretty interesting. He obviously has a lot to deal with. And the family ties ensure that he'll get the chance.

[kate-pryde]

Vulcan didn't seem unstoppable in 477. His powers seemed to show their limits. He was weakened destroying the two Shi'Ar warships and had the third put up a fight, they might have been able to take him out. It's not like he really is the unstoppable force he presents himself to be and he's no longer as powerful as he was in Deadly Genesis without Darwin.

If it was just Vulcan by himself flying through space verses the Imperial Guard, I think he could loose. The ship evens the odds.

But that also means that it's not that important that the X-Men get to Vulcan, other than the chance he gets killed and they don't have the chance to save and redeem him.

[Avo D.]

5 bucks says Warpath cuts Vulcan's neck Rambo style on the real tip. X-Men and Uncanny havent been as good as they are now in awhile and im really excited for where it goes from here.

[G. Wayne]

I'm glad you don't make those decisions. Clayton Henry was the reason I almost passed on this issue, despite my love for Brubaker, the characters, and the last two issues, and honestly, now I wish I would have. Henry's style really inspires negative emotions within me--and that's about as nice as I can be regarding that subject.

Really?! Zounds. I'd be happy if Henry did the whole thing personally. Tan's art has it's quirks, but the last two issues are the weakest work of his I've ever seen.

[G. Wayne]

If Vulcan can beat these 4 Imperial Guards on his own, The Uncanny X-Men better be happy the stargates are closed. These 4 guards can be considerd stronger together than the team Xavier assembled:
...
Gladiator: Superhuman strength, speed, endurance, invulnerability to all forms of physical injury, enhanced optic nerves give him telescopic sight and heat vision that can melt through metals, increased lung capacity allows him to create gale force winds by exhaling, possesses the ability to survive unprotected in outer space and enter hyperspace travel, and self-propelled flight. The Superman of Marvel so to speak.

So if Vulcan beats those 4, the X-Men better return to earth.

Don't forget about Gladiators abilities tying into his confidence, unless that's been changed, of course. If he thinks he can do it, under the power definitions given, he can. If he loses his confidence, he becomes significantly weaker.

[Beast]

Don't forget about Gladiators abilities tying into his confidence, unless that's been changed, of course. If he thinks he can do it, under the power definitions given, he can. If he loses his confidence, he becomes significantly weaker.
And when faced with Cassandra Nova, he wets his jumper. ;)

[Christopher O]

Really?! Zounds. I'd be happy if Henry did the whole thing personally. Tan's art has it's quirks, but the last two issues are the weakest work of his I've ever seen.
Different strokes. I'd drop this book in a hot minute, if that was the case. ;)

[Affinity]

Lol I wouldn't drop it, but I'd be very eager for the every third issue.

[saintsaucey]

Okay I just opened the book so there are no spoilers in this post. Later posts might have spoilers though so be warned. Since I hadn't seen this topic yet I thought I'd start it.

Brubaker rocked my world with the Deadly Genisis story. retconing a third summers brother could have been used as a bad plot device but instead it came out greatly. I am unsure who's choice it was to make Professor X a homo sapian but that was one of the greatest oh shit moments I have ever read. I have only read comics for about three years but one of the first things I read was Giant Size X-Men. Retconning a second (or rather) team b the was obliterated and forgotten is another thing that could have pissed people off but it was used to show One of Charles many failures and flaws. Im glad to have Mr. Brubaker on the title. and am looking forward to reading this issue in 5..4..3..2..1 bye

[spoon_jenkins]

A kind of Ms. Marvel combined with Toorts.
So I'm guessing you're Flemish rather than French-speaking.

I set my expectations low because of the negative and lukewarm reviews, so I was surprised to read a pretty solid issue. I liked learning about Vulcan, since I haven't read Deadly Genesis. Interesting character. Not having read the mini, I can't say whether he makes sense as a whole. Basically, he makes sense of he's a sociopath. If he's not, then it's an unrealistic reaction to turn to such violence to avenge his mother.

Although I like the see plots weaved together rather than segregating Vulcan's story in three separate issues, it makes sense when combined with the fill-in artist schedule. I didn't mind an issue without the X-Men, but it might start to wear on me when we get two more Vulcan-centric issues.

Add me to the list who thought the Shi'ar captain's reaction was off. I could see a Shi'ar officer surrendering to a superior force to save his crew, but I couldn't see one collaborating with a foe of the Imperium unless the guy was a traitor of his own volition. I hope its a trick.

I'm a little wary that it seems we're going to a quartet of Imperial Guardsmen (including Gladiator!) "job" to Vulcan to establish how tough he is. I think Gladiator should be extremely powerful and shouldn't lose so much to boost other characters. I'd like to see Gladiator show up in the book of a top-notch hero (e.g. Iron Man) and beat the crap out of him, re-establishing Gladiator as a threat.

[Frank]

I really really don`t like the artwork on this book. I know Brubaker hand-picked him but that Tan guy hasn`t really impressed me so far. It`s stiff and clunky. The only thing that has impressed me was the second issue cover(that was shown on the net). Come on Marvel do not screw this up, this was supposed to be a great run! The X-Men returning to glory after so many creative teams`misteps. Get somebody better. Fast. If it doesn`t get better in the next 5 issue artwork-wise, i`m dropping the book.

[tedward1984]

It was a solid issue. The art was off putting, but no big deal. I'm still waiting to see Warpath and Vulcan's interaction. I never read X-Force, but weren't Warpath and Siren friends?

[Dioces]

It was a solid issue. The art was off putting, but no big deal. I'm still waiting to see Warpath and Vulcan's interaction. I never read X-Force, but weren't Warpath and Siren friends?

A little bit more than friends if you catch my drift ;)

[fishtaco]

It was a solid issue. The art was off putting, but no big deal. I'm still waiting to see Warpath and Vulcan's interaction. I never read X-Force, but weren't Warpath and Siren friends?They were so close to actually having a relationship, but it never actually happened. I loved reading about those two. X-Force (1st Series) #'s 26, 39, 54, 72-75, 78, 90 all have some great moments between these two. Still, James considers Theresa to be his best friend, and as far as I know, vice versa. But with two characters in the hands of two different writers...

[jsg2295]

And when faced with Cassandra Nova, he wets his jumper. ;)
He isnt the only one...everytime I see her I wet myself.

[Affinity]

It was a solid issue. The art was off putting, but no big deal. I'm still waiting to see Warpath and Vulcan's interaction. I never read X-Force, but weren't Warpath and Siren friends?
SIRYN SIRYN SIRYN SIRYN SIRYN SIRYN.

Siryn. Good.

[The Fury]

I know a bit late but still.

I read it, I find many things in this book annoying, which in itself is annoy beucase I want to enjoy it. Of course i care nothing for Vulcan and that may be why I didn't enjoy this as much as I could. He is of course in this as arogant as he is stupid.

What is confusing me is the way all the Shi'Ar is talking about how D'Ken was lost to illness and Lilandra took over, do they not know what really happened? That D'Ken went mad, tried to destroy everything and Lilandra assumed the thrown to rebuild the Shi'Ar? I guess they thought that bit could be ignored.

Of course in reality the fight is now over due to Gladiator's appearence, Vulcan has trouble with some Warships, what can he do exactly to Gladiator?

Of course PIS and CIS will ensue. :evilangry

[Daithi]

Of course in reality the fight is now over due to Gladiator's appearence, Vulcan has trouble with some Warships, what can he do exactly to Gladiator?


Hmm, pretend to be a slave from a lost/forgotten Shi'ar colony on Earth who was set free when the Phoenix spawn stole a spaceship en route to Shi'ar space?

I can't see Vulcan winning by fighting.

[The Fury]

Hmm, pretend to be a slave from a lost/forgotten Shi'ar colony on Earth who was set free when the Phoenix spawn stole a spaceship en route to Shi'ar space?

I can't see Vulcan winning by fighting.
I can't see Vulcan winning. He's outmatched.