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View Full Version : X-Men: First Class #13 Spoilers/Review


CyberHubbs
06-25-2008, 11:55 AM
Rise, Robot, Rise

Xavier's students are spending a hot, sunny day outside, watching Edna McCoy's bouncing baby boy put together a giant sloth skeleton given to them by the people of the City of Mists. Iceman, in the meantime, is helping to keep his burly friend from passing out from heat exhaustion by forming a huge, upright slab of ice nearby. The banter soon focuses on Warren, the high-flying Angel that it seems decided to remain in the City of Mists because, according to Cyclops, he has a beautiful girlfriend there and an entire society that accepts him despite his feathery mutation.

This baffles Scott somewhat, of course.

Unfortunately, their conversation is cut short when Bobby, ever the helpful one, creates an ice pillar beneath his feet to raise him up and tries lift the sloth's skull onto the rest of the skeleton. Hank freaks, shouting a warning to his young classmate that he hasn't added the support brace to the neck yet! Bobby thinks Hank is just trying to save the best part for himself, but is soon surprised when the entire thing comes crashing down.

As the wreckage settles, the scene cuts to a wheelchair-bound Charles Xavier staring out the window at his students and talking on the phone with a 'Dr. Stack.' He is not at all surprised that there is a commotion, as he expected there to be trouble, which is the reason he had Hank assembling the giant sloth outside to begin with. Charles advises Dr. Stack that he can bring 'It' to the school so he can see the man's work first-hand, all the while watching a bare-chested and bare-footed Hank chase Bobby around the yard with one of the sloth's ribs in his best Neanderthal impersonation.

As Hank gives up his attempt at head-bashing, the scene switches to the interior of Dr. Stack's laboratory. He's talking to an unseen figure that he refers to as 'my boy', explaining that they would be going to see Xavier tomorrow. Dr. Stack is standing over a table of purple parts, and we last see him lowering a golden-lensed faceplate toward someone or something.

"You have much to learn about being human. And I believe Professor Xavier will be a great help," Dr. Stack says, ending the short scene.

NEXT DAY.

Bobby interrupts Hank's latest attempt at re-assembling the giant sloth, informing his teammates that they would be getting a new kid to replace Warren. The others are hesitant to believe the wise-cracking Iceman, but Bobby points out that Xavier is speaking with the new student and his father out in the courtyard. Scott, ever the strategist, wonders what the boy's powers are, and feels that another flyer would be a good thing. Jean berates him. "Yeah, because that's all Warren was, our flying mutant."

Cut to Hank and the others staring out the bushes at Charles and two other figures sitting around a lawn table. One of them is a purple-skinned man with his back to the students. Hank doesn't think they should interrupt, but Bobby insists that his friend use his 'animal hearing' to eavesdrop on them. Before Hank can point out that he can't do that, the third figure's head whirls around and alerts Dr. Stack and Xavier that they are being spied upon! We see Aaron's golden-lenses face for the first time, and he bursts into action by elongating his arms and yanking Hank out of the bushes. But Hank pounces, pointing out that an entry requirement to the school is NOT attacking the student populace! Aaron easily tosses Hank into the air, only to then find himself confronted by Jean, Scott and Bobby.

Dr. Stack moves to stop Aaron, but a smiling Charles wants to let them continue. That the commotion will resolve itself.

Headstrong Bobby frosts up and charges in, blocking Scott's shot, and encases Aaron in ice. He's been dying to initiate someone else since his own hazing, and this seems like the perfect opportunity! Unfortunately, Aaron uses jets of flame from his fingertips to weaken the ice and break free with a flex of his robotic muscles. Bobby seems less than impressed, comparing Aaron's abilities to Johnny Storm, Super-Skrull and even ol' Ben Grimm.

Figuring Aaron can 'take a hit', Scott zaps him with his optic blasts. After he lands in the bushes, Aaron remarks that he is curious about whatever modification allows Scott to fire force blasts without recoil, then stretches an arm out of the bushes and knocks Scott out.

Jean soon ends the fight by capturing Aaron in a force field and holding him aloft.

Charles then tells his students to stand down. Dr. Stack is very impressed, and feels that the Institute would be the perfect environment for Aaron to 'acclimate to the world.' There is a brief mention of 'Agent Baker', and how he is the one that brought Stack and Xavier together. Dr. Stack then explains that Aaron is not a mutant, but rather a part of a military program to build their own super-powered soldiers that he doesn't want to see used by the government as a weapon. He even has Aaron open his chest compartment to show them his mechanical innards! This unnerves Jean, and she asks Aaron to close it up.

Aaron, of course, is a little bothered by Jean calling him a machine. Dr. Stack comforts his 'son' by reminding him that he is as much an individual as anyone present. Jean and Aaron then have a nice exchange.

"I didn't mean to offend you, Aaron. I apologize."

"I take no offense, female. I am merely correcting you."

"My name is Jean."

LATER.

Aaron, bobby and Hank are chatting around the dining room table while Jean and Scott prepare lunch in the other room. Aaron explains that he is solar-powered, and Hank approvingly finds this very ecological. Jean, in the meantime, is not giving Aaron a break. Far as she's concerned, he's not an X-Man, but a science project! Aaron is listening in on the entire kitchen conversation with a hearing device protruding from his ear.

Noticing the crate with all of the giant sloth's parts, Aaron goes off to investigate with Hank and Bobby in tow. Aaron carbon dates the remains, and is intrigued to find out that while the animal has been extinct for eight thousand years, that this specimen died only a year ago. He then begins assembling the parts at super-speed much to Hank and Bobby's amazement. Hank tries to admonish Aaron for eavesdropping on Jean and Scott, explaining that just because he can doesn't mean he should.

While Jean and Scott are preparing the table, Aaron does his best to put Jean's uncertainty to rest but with comedic results. Xavier then interrupts, informing them that they are to suit up, and that they will be taking the jet to Washington state. He's found the perfect investigation for Aaron to join them on...

LawGiver
06-25-2008, 01:02 PM
This series continues to bring a smile to my face. Great writing, great art.

Diablito
06-25-2008, 01:51 PM
So, was Machine Man an X-Man this issue?? I love it when they introduce new X-Men. And sounds like a great issue. Great summary by CyberHubbs.

frog
06-25-2008, 01:53 PM
This sounds really good! Hank and Bobby are too funny.

CyberHubbs
06-25-2008, 02:03 PM
PART 2.

MOUNT ST. HELENS NATIONAL VOLCANO MONUMENT, WASHINGTON.

Charles and the others are investigating Mount St. Helens from afar as smoke drifts up from the active volcano. Activity has raised the suspicions of Agent Baker, who shows up to explain to them that a local took camcorder footage of...Lava Men in the area! Since he didn't bring the footage with him, Charges replays the it in their collective minds. These are akin to the same Lava Men that Thor once fought, and Charles prays that that one was simply one of the most powerful of his kind, rather than a normal breed.

Agent Baker explains that the FBI has been telling people they're seeing hoaxes and practical jokes, afraid that it might cause a nationwide panic if the public discovers they are about to be invaded by a subterranean race of volcanic monsters. I know I'd be! Aaron, unfortunately, fails to see the psychic images implanted in the minds of the others for obvious reasons, and Bobby does his best to act and look the part of a Lava Man...but can't quite pull it off. According to Jean, though, that's as good are you're going to get from Bobby.

Agent Baker then vanishes as mysteriously as he appeared, leaving the group once again alone in the forest. The X-Men then head out to investigate matters more closely, with Aaron at their side.

Cut to the inside of a secret military base. A General is shouting over the phone at Dr. Stack's answering machine, demanding that he call the base immediately! Soldiers show up, informing the General that the 'malfunctioning robot' has been contained to Level D. The General tries to figure out the problem with the machine's programming, but is interrupted by a robotic voice and a blast that shatters the floor and throws the nearby soldiers in every direction.

"The problem is not with the machine," the voice says. "The problem is with you who think us mere machines!"

An imposing metallic figure stands there before their fearful eyes, a renegade X-series android from Aaron's line. "We do not merely follow 'programming'. WE ARE ALIVE!"

Back in the forest, Hank notes a 'sulfur smell' in the air. Before Bobby can make a joke, Jean interrupts him. Scott wonders where Aaron is, only for the machine man to be seen floating above their heads. "You can fly!" Scott exclaims. "Great," Jean says with a smirk. "Now we ARE completely done with Warren!"

But Scott backpedals, that that isn't how he meant it. Aaron then registers activity below their feet. Too late, Lava Men burst forth from the earth to surround the X-Men. At Scott's call, Aaron readies to come to the rescue.

TO BE CONTINUED NEXT MONTH, TRUE BELIEVER!

********************

This was the first issue of First Class I've ever picked up. The banter and the art were both refreshing, as was the characterizations even though they didn't stray too far from the mainstream counterparts. I don't understand how Iceman can be so interesting in this book, yet so lame and boring in the 616-verse! It is extremely frustrating.

'Course, including Dr. Abel Stack and Aaron went a long way with me. Good to see his origin hasn't changed too much, though there are obvious tweaks. I hope he sticks around longer, but I doubt it. Still, it looks like this arc is going to be a great, fun ride.

I, for one, am looking forward to it.

I give it Four Stars.

Beast
06-25-2008, 02:24 PM
Sounds like a great issue.

While I'm not a huge Machine Man fan, this might just turn me around.

Thanks for the synopsis and review CyberHubbs. I'm glad you enjoyed the issue.

CyberHubbs
06-25-2008, 02:38 PM
Sounds like a great issue.

While I'm not a huge Machine Man fan, this might just turn me around.

Thanks for the synopsis and review CyberHubbs. I'm glad you enjoyed the issue.

Machine Man is getting something of a push lately. He's appearing in Ms. Marvel, Marvel Comics Presents, and X-Men: First Class. I'm a happy camper.

Diablito
06-25-2008, 02:39 PM
Machine Man is getting something of a push lately. He's appearing in Ms. Marvel, Marvel Comics Presents, and X-Men: First Class. I'm a happy camper.

Was Machine Man an X-Man this issue???

CyberHubbs
06-25-2008, 02:45 PM
Was Machine Man an X-Man this issue???

My bad, dude. I forgot that you asked that earlier.

Not quite, no. Dr. Stack seemed to like the idea of Aaron joining the student body so he could learn to socialize, and Aaron is joining them in investigating the Lava Men, but I don't expect him to stick around past this arc.

It's more like he's checking out the campus before enrolling full-time.

Beast
06-25-2008, 03:43 PM
Jeff Parker missed a perfect oppertunity with Machine Man though....

When they were eating he should have said, "My robot brain needs root beer." :biggrin:

Diablito
06-25-2008, 03:44 PM
My bad, dude. I forgot that you asked that earlier.

Not quite, no. Dr. Stack seemed to like the idea of Aaron joining the student body so he could learn to socialize, and Aaron is joining them in investigating the Lava Men, but I don't expect him to stick around past this arc.

It's more like he's checking out the campus before enrolling full-time.

Ok, thanks a lot!

Michael Sean
06-25-2008, 08:25 PM
Thanks for the great and detailed review!

I really liked this issue and continue to really like this series.

:cool:

B. Kuwanger
06-25-2008, 11:41 PM
Not familiar with the character, but I do love this series. I love seeing Bobby as the heart of the story.

frog
06-25-2008, 11:44 PM
Machine Man is currently featured in Ms. Marvel. Let's hope he doesn't exhibit some of his current proclivities in 1st Class. :eek:

CyberHubbs
06-25-2008, 11:49 PM
Not familiar with the character, but I do love this series. I love seeing Bobby as the heart of the story.

Well, get familiar, mister! No, seriously. Do. Aaron is awesome.

Machine Man is currently featured in Ms. Marvel. Let's hope he doesn't exhibit some of his current proclivities in 1st Class. :eek:

That'd be creepy.

In MCP, it's sort of a meshing between old-school Aaron and the one from Nextwave. Not quite as sadistic, but definitely suffering from some mental issues ever since he came back from spending time with the Celestials.

timbox
06-26-2008, 06:02 AM
I require a post from Yoshi with both his comments and comments from Brian M. regarding this issue.

Captain Yesterday
06-27-2008, 02:07 AM
Great summary CyberHubbs!

But you may like to know:

I don't understand how Iceman can be so interesting in this book, yet so lame and boring in the 616-verse! It is extremely frustrating.

X-men First Class is in the main 616-verse, at least according to M editorial. It's hard to explain, but Jeff Parker makes the characters (especially Bobby) more interesting by embracing simplicity.

Parker's essentially exploiting an early formative period of Universe Building, when not so many ideas were nailed down.

Captain Yesterday
06-27-2008, 02:08 AM
Accidental Double Post: please delete this.

david r
07-05-2008, 08:03 AM
CyberHubbs, great review! I hope you keep buying the book.

I too am a big Machine Man fan, so was looking forward to this issue. I thought his wearing a wig to make him look "teen" was rather hilarious. I'm not sure Jeff Parker quite got MM's dialogue patterns right, but A for effort. I like how this book brings in lesser known characters, and non-mutant villains into the book. It's a welcome change.

The 2001: A Space Odyssey reference was humorous, when Hank throws that bone into the air. That was like a classic 2001 scene. Also Bobby's icewall STRONGLY resembles the Monolith. Anyone here seen 2001?

My main prob with X-Men: First Class, is Bobby Drake. I'm surprised to see people find this interpretation superior to the current stuff. Jeff Parker's Iceman is WAY too broad. Much too immature and outlandishly dopey. Jeff Parker gets all the other characterizations spot on.....but his Iceman is so far away from the classic Silver Age version of Iceman that he sticks out like an ice-box. I know they want Iceman as comedy relief, but I think they've gone too far.

CyberHubbs
07-05-2008, 08:32 AM
Great summary CyberHubbs!

But you may like to know:

X-men First Class is in the main 616-verse, at least according to M editorial. It's hard to explain, but Jeff Parker makes the characters (especially Bobby) more interesting by embracing simplicity.

Parker's essentially exploiting an early formative period of Universe Building, when not so many ideas were nailed down.

Ah. So it's more of a retelling of their 616 origin, but with a modern day twist. Got'cha.

I once thought it might be that, but then assumed -- not sure why -- that First Class just took place outside of normal continuity. Anyway, thanks for the head's up!

CyberHubbs, great review! I hope you keep buying the book.

I too am a big Machine Man fan, so was looking forward to this issue. I thought his wearing a wig to make him look "teen" was rather hilarious. I'm not sure Jeff Parker quite got MM's dialogue patterns right, but A for effort. I like how this book brings in lesser known characters, and non-mutant villains into the book. It's a welcome change.

Was it a wig? I didn't see that mentioned. It's a little early and I'm still hung over, but without looking back at his original series, I am fairly certain that he did have black hair without the helmet on. This is just a lot more 'stylish'.

The 2001: A Space Odyssey reference was humorous, when Hank throws that bone into the air. That was like a classic 2001 scene. Also Bobby's icewall STRONGLY resembles the Monolith. Anyone here seen 2001?

The bone didn't leap out at me right away as being a 2001 reference, but Iceman's wall of ice, after thinking about it, did. Despite not seeing 2001 -- Yet -- I'm kicking myself for not realizing that.

My main prob with X-Men: First Class, is Bobby Drake. I'm surprised to see people find this interpretation superior to the current stuff. Jeff Parker's Iceman is WAY too broad. Much too immature and outlandishly dopey. Jeff Parker gets all the other characterizations spot on.....but his Iceman is so far away from the classic Silver Age version of Iceman that he sticks out like an ice-box. I know they want Iceman as comedy relief, but I think they've gone too far.

Makes sense.

david r
07-05-2008, 08:22 PM
Was it a wig? I didn't see that mentioned. It's a little early and I'm still hung over, but without looking back at his original series, I am fairly certain that he did have black hair without the helmet on. This is just a lot more 'stylish'.

I don't remember Machine Man having hair. I'm meaning the original 1970s MM. But if you notice his look on #14's cover, THAT is classic Machine Man alright.

The bone didn't leap out at me right away as being a 2001 reference, but Iceman's wall of ice, after thinking about it, did. Despite not seeing 2001 -- Yet -- I'm kicking myself for not realizing that.

It definitely was an in-joke; referencing 2001. Why....I'm not sure why Jeff Parker would have done it. The bone throw definitely is a classic moment from 2001. And of course, the Monolith. (Though it's not made of ice.) But it's these VERY types of little fun things that set this book apart from all the other X-titles. :smile:

Beast
07-05-2008, 10:28 PM
It definitely was an in-joke; referencing 2001. Why....I'm not sure why Jeff Parker would have done it. The bone throw definitely is a classic moment from 2001. And of course, the Monolith. (Though it's not made of ice.) But it's these VERY types of little fun things that set this book apart from all the other X-titles. :smile:
Are you asking why Parker riffed on 2001?

To acknowledge Machine Man's original origins. From 2001: A Space Odyssey #8

CyberHubbs
07-06-2008, 12:41 AM
I don't remember Machine Man having hair. I'm meaning the original 1970s MM. But if you notice his look on #14's cover, THAT is classic Machine Man alright.

I went back and peeked inside my copy of 2001: A Space Odyssey #8. Page 10 shows Aaron for the first time, or rather the back of his head. Page 11's first panel shows his entire face. He has black hair in it. The latest issue of Marvel Comics Presents has Aaron talking to himself during a visit to the psychiatrist, and it's mentioned that he wears a helmet.

So, yeah.

CyberHubbs
07-06-2008, 12:42 AM
Are you asking why Parker riffed on 2001?

To acknowledge Machine Man's original origins. From 2001: A Space Odyssey #8

What Beast said.

http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/marveldatabase/images/thumb/9/9b/2001_A_Space_Odyssey_08-1-.jpg/300px-2001_A_Space_Odyssey_08-1-.jpg