Uncanny X-Men #500 Review and Spoilers

[Brian Cronin]

http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/uxm500a.jpg

http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/uxm500b.jpg


To their credit, Brubaker and Fraction are really seeming to try a new approach with this title. The attitudes of the X-Men are so different from what we’re used to, mostly because they are actually, for the first time in a long while, HAPPY. Whether they will stay happy will be the point of Brubaker and Fraction’s run on the book, but the new status quo certainly is an interesting one - the X-Men have now been accepted by the city of San Francisco, and for the first time in a long time, the X-Men are not being treated like freaks at all. So the X-Men build a big mutant haven in San Fran, and that is where the future conflicts will arise.

It’s a good idea, and the issue is filled with good ideas for future stories, but for this one issue, it is not a particularly great story.

The plot revolves around a controversial art exhibit involving Sentinels. While at the exhibit, Magneto shows up and turns the Sentinels on the X-Men. This all turns out to be a big diversion to distract from a plot Magneto has cooked up with the High Evolutionary where Magneto distracts the X-Men while the High Evolutionary collects some sort of data/materials from the Celestial that is sitting in Golden Gate Park (it is a nice touch of continuity by Brubaker and Fraction to work in the Celestial plot from Gaiman’s Eternals storyline - I wonder if we’ll see any crossovers between the books?).

Brubaker and Fraction take an interesting approach with Magneto. Remember, in some way, due to the events of House of M and the fact that the Scarlet Witch is his daughter, Magneto is perhaps kinda sorta sorta kinda indirectly responsible for the almost extermination of his entire species. For a man whose life has been built around the preservation of that species - this has got to be a devastating blow for him. Remember how freaked out he was when he hurt Kitty Pryde in Uncanny X-Men #150? Well, imagine the guilt he must feel about THIS! It has to be tremendous, and Brubaker and Fraction play upon that guilt well, as Magneto does many things he would not ordinarily do in this issue, just because nothing else matters to him as much as the gambit he and the High Evolutionary have cooked up to hopefully restart the mutant race. So we get a Magneto who SEEMS like a standard villain in the issue, especially with his interactions with Colossus and the Sentinels, but really, what we have is a man consumed with guilt who would do anything, even make himself look like a mockery of his former self, just to help mutantkind (something that he, currently, is not even a member of!).

That was a great idea by Brubaker and Fraction.

However, that was only one part of the issue, and most of the rest of the issue was just exposition for the new mutant status quo and setting up of future plot lines. I like how they used the epilogues of the comic to set up future stories - that makes the comic work really well as a jumping on point, as it establishes all the future stories that readers are hopefully intrigued by (including what’s the deal with this Simon guy? What’s the deal with the Hellfire Cult? What’s the deal with that Guy guy? When will we see Dazzler?!?). It doesn’t do much for THIS issue, though.

The artwork, meanwhile, was not great. Greg Land’s characters were generally weak, especially the way they changed looks from page to page. The Dodsons, who I am not a huge fan of, were SOOO much better than Land. Still, their art styles are not similar at all, so having them alternate every few pages was pretty jarring. Having the Dodsons do a full issue in the future will be nicer.

Anyhow, for a jumping on point, this was a good issue. Brubaker and Fraction have come up with a good new status quo and their upcoming stories sound intriguing. This issue, by itself, though, did not have enough “meat” on the story, spending more time on set-up (both for the status quo and for future story arcs). And while that may be a necessary evil, it still results in a comic that was only “okay,” so one that I would slightly not recommend.

-Brian

[DeniseXfrost]

Why does Land never trace Storm's legs? Look at the pic above and the one panel during the fight where Storm created lightning- no legs!

[frog]

Why is the High Evolutionary now interested in the mutants? He wasn't too concerned when Beast went to him.

[nikbackm]

Who says he is now? It was not spelled out in the issue what HE's and Magneto's goal is.

He could also have changed his mind or simply lied to Beast earlier.

[frog]

Who says he is now? It was not spelled out in the issue what HE's and Magneto's goal is.

He could also have changed his mind or simply lied to Beast earlier.

I see no reason that Magneto would work for him if he isn't helping on that front.

[worstblogever]

Lord only knows what the High Evolutionary could want. But if he's messing with Celestial tech? It's huge.

Hope this continues to go forward until we see an X-Men/Eternals crossover. My word, that would be epic. I want Sersi to try and seduce Scott, just for the drama and catfight between her and Emma. :biggrin:

[claimtosubclaim]

I didn't really like this issue very much. The Magneto conflict was interesting, though as pointed out, he acted like a 2-D villain. I didn't really get the subtext before reading this review though. Magneto just berates Cyclops for appointing himself leader of the mutant race, so I didn't notice any signs of guilt coming from him regarding his role in M-Day. The dialogue for several X-Men seemed out of character at many times, and much of the script sadly read like a Michael Bay movie. Land's art was abysmal. Cyclops' face got increasingly chubbier over the duration of the issue, and Angel looked terrible.

Were there any high points? The Dodsons' work was just fine, and I'm glad that at least every other UXM arc from here on out will have good art. There are also some interesting set-ups for future arcs: the Dreaming Celestial, High Evolutionary, and Simon Trask. The Hellfire Cult seems a bit generic, but I don't know enough about them to assume anything, so we'll see how it plays out.

One point of confusion: Can anyone tell me what was up with Warren not responding to Emma's telepathic call? I mean I'm sure he was distracted by dismantling a sentinel with his bare hands-- and *without* metal wings, all you Angel skeptics-- but there seemed to be some foreshadowing that gets dismissed as Warren is back to normal in the next scene, and it's not addressed. Maybe the text was just awkward.

[nikbackm]

There is a faction of Eternals that has plans to somehow enslave the Dreaming Celestial and use it to rule the universe or something.

Might be something HE want to get involved with.

[nikbackm]

One point of confusion: Can anyone tell me what was up with Warren not responding to Emma's telepathic call? I mean I'm sure he was distracted by dismantling a sentinel with his bare hands-- and *without* metal wings, all you Angel skeptics-- but there seemed to be some foreshadowing that gets dismissed as Warren is back to normal in the next scene, and it's not addressed. Maybe the text was just awkward.

My guess is that he transformed into his metal wing form to destroy the Sentinel and switched back later.

[claimtosubclaim]

In a sort of ironic twist, on this same day, Duane Swierczynzski, whose short run the X-book 'Cable' has been poorly-received, just put out his first issue of 'The Immortal Iron Fist', and it actually turned out to be a very strong one.

(I'm not sure if this counts as creator comparison because I'm addressing different franchises and in a roundabout way, but if I'm breaking a rule, feel free to delete this post. I thought I'd just point out the almost humorous oddity of the situation.)

[worstblogever]

There is a faction of Eternals that has plans to somehow enslave the Dreaming Celestial and use it to rule the universe or something.

Might be something HE want to get involved with.

I believe you mean Druig., yeah. There's a whole series of things in that book coming up, and I'm trying to make sense of it all after the first 2 issues. No idea, other than by geography, how the X-Men will come into play. The Order were in issue #2, though, getting told to bugger off by Ajak.

And they did.

[frog]

Out of curiosity, which X-Men aside from the usual suspects appeared in this issue?

[DeniseXfrost]

My guess is that he transformed into his metal wing form to destroy the Sentinel and switched back later.
That would be awesome!

[claimtosubclaim]

Out of curiosity, which X-Men aside from the usual suspects appeared in this issue?

That's about it. Cyclops, Emma, Beast, Logan, Angel, Colossus, Storm and Nightcrawler (very briefly). Pixie shows up at the end, and Dazzler's name is mentioned.

EDIT: Oh, and Cannonball shows up to save the day for two panels. Turns out angry Sam from Divided We Stand #1 was just a red herring to make us think he joined the New Brotherhood of Evil Mutants.

[nikbackm]

I believe you mean Druig., yeah. There's a whole series of things in that book coming up, and I'm trying to make sense of it all after the first 2 issues. No idea, other than by geography, how the X-Men will come into play. The Order were in issue #2, though, getting told to bugger off by Ajak.

And they did.

Yeah, that darn Eternal mind control came into play right?
They should not be able to dismiss the X-Men as easily.

[Samuraixsithlord]

Why is the High Evolutionary now interested in the mutants? He wasn't too concerned when Beast went to him.

Wasn't he messing around with the Kree around this time? That fell through and now he needs a new project because he's bored.

[frog]

That's about it. Cyclops, Emma, Beast, Logan, Angel, Colossus, Storm and Nightcrawler (very briefly). Pixie shows up at the end, and Dazzler's name is mentioned.

EDIT: Oh, and Cannonball shows up to save the day for two panels. Turns out angry Sam from Divided We Stand #1 was just a red herring to make us think he joined the New Brotherhood of Evil Mutants.

Cannonball should join X-Force.

[AcesX1X]

I don't know....

I may hold off on buying this after reading the summary. It all seems rather uneventful for a 'milestone' issue.

Color me dissapointed.

[claimtosubclaim]

Cannonball should join X-Force.

But Sammy doesn't have murder in his heart. He couldn't even kill Serafina! I'd rather see Iceman on X-Force... well, just as a guest star because I think Clayton Crain would draw one mean Iceman, and Bobby should have dibs on any confrontations with Bastion.

[frog]

But Sammy doesn't have murder in his heart. He couldn't even kill Serafina! I'd rather see Iceman on X-Force... well, just as a guest star because I think Clayton Crain would draw one mean Iceman, and Bobby should have dibs on any confrontations with Bastion.

I thought he did kill Serafina. :confused:

[claimtosubclaim]

I thought he did kill Serafina. :confused:

Mike Carey said that Sam didn't kill her, and she's very much alive.

[frog]

Mike Carey said that Sam didn't kill her, and she's very much alive.

I missed that. I think that Sam probably did intend to, however.

[claimtosubclaim]

I guess we'll find out next year when they have their inevitable reunion.

[Shaid O Gray]

Not bad, not good. Too early to tell really. All depends on where they're heading with this. At least Magneto wasn't just attacking out of 'evileness'.

It does seem though that Brubaker thinks that the key to writing Magneto dialogue is having him call Scott 'boy'.

A lot.

[nikbackm]

Not bad, not good. Too early to tell really. All depends on where they're heading with this. At least Magneto wasn't just attacking out of 'evileness'.

It does seem though that Brubaker thinks that the key to writing Magneto dialogue is having him call Scott 'boy'.

A lot.

That might have been Fraction's contribution to the issue. That, and calling Emma 'babe'.
I don't remember anyone having done that before and now both Wolverine and Cyclops did it.
Perhaps it's a foreshadowing for a future ménage à trois.

[AcesX1X]

That might have been Fraction's contribution to the issue. That, and calling Emma 'babe'.
I don't remember anyone having done that before and now both Wolverine and Cyclops did it.
Perhaps it's a foreshadowing for a future ménage à trois.

No, they're just calling her 'babe' now because they found out she didn't know what her flank was.

[Christopher O]

I missed that. I think that Sam probably did intend to, however.
Well, he spent time as a terrorist, so it's not beyond him.


Anyway, I didn't think much of the plot or the art, but I loved much of the dialogue--although I hated Storm's line to Magneto--and the characterization. It was really nice to see the X-Men happy, and I look forward to what comes next.

[Teh m0nk3y]

But Sammy doesn't have murder in his heart. He couldn't even kill Serafina! I'd rather see Iceman on X-Force... well, just as a guest star because I think Clayton Crain would draw one mean Iceman, and Bobby should have dibs on any confrontations with Bastion.

If the task has to be done, I don't see Sam having any problem with X-Force's modus operandi.

Stuff that Sam has been willing to do for the greater good:

The time X-Force under his orders blew up the main offices of a corrupt company without caring about the collateral damage.
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/4223/xf114p02yi8.jpg
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/3914/xf114p03hw3.jpg

And he obviously had no problem pulling Jack Bauer decisions in the past.
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/9186/xf114p20om2.jpg
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/7964/xf114p21wu9.jpg

So Sam willingly joining X-Force wouldn't be too far fetched for me. Though, I'm happy if he gets to show up more often in future issues of Uncanny.

[Pro]

Sounds .. forgetable. Might drop the title and stick to Legacy and X-factor.

[Bamf25]

I have not read the issue yet so please kepp that in mind. But saying meh, when this is being used as a jumping on point, as opposed to a true event issue seems premature. Yes, I realize most landmark issues are the end of a big arc, so lets gives this at leat 6 issues (which will get us through land's arc and dodson's arc)

But, I do think making this issue a starting point for new stuff with light story, and kinda bland seems a little odd. Maybe we just expect all landmark issue to blow us away and be well Landmark. I wonder how people would feel abou this issue if it was just a regular issue, and not what the number says it it. How bout it was issue 504?

[LordAllMighty]

Sounds .. forgetable. Might drop the title and stick to Legacy and X-factor.

Sadly, I was thinking the same thing.:frown:

[jade_nova]

A question for the OP. How did you get this issue already? It is about ten in the morning and most comicbook stores aren't opened yet.

[frog]

A question for the OP. How did you get this issue already? It is about ten in the morning and most comicbook stores aren't opened yet.

Since he's a CBR mod he may have received an advance copy. Also, many people who have a subscription sometimes received their issues early.

[Christopher O]

Sounds .. forgetable. Might drop the title and stick to Legacy and X-factor.
It's actually very promising.

[KiplingKat]

I will never understand this romantic fascination some writers have with the Silver Age, during which the X-Men were canceled. They did not become hugely popular until well after the Silver Age. The story that rocked them to polarity was one in which a Hero turned evil and ended up sacrificing herself. Magneto did not become a popular character until he was made a morally ambiguous anti-villain. So why are so many writers desperate to write the X-Men dumbed down to Silver Age levels?

*sigh*

As for the issue itself. Yes it did start some plot lines that promise to be interesting, maybe. (I think the major factor in whether or not those story arcs end up being interesting is if Faction can get around Brubaker to write them). However beyond that, it was....I understand BruFact was trying to write an homage, but they did so in a manner that can only be described as "lame".

The flaws:

(Greg Land’s tracing aside.)

~IF Magneto and the High Evolutionary are trying to undo the effects of M-Day (which tantalizingly not said for sure, but Magneto was saying that "I myself will save mutantdom!", so why else would they be teaming up?), why did they need to hide what they were doing? Beast contacted Wyndham in Endangered Species to get help correcting M-Day. Wouldn’t the X-Men want to assist them? Or at least stay out of their way?

~Secondly, why would Magneto bother to create this large convoluted situation in order to distract the X-Men? He could have started a ruckus in the middle of sporting event or concert. He could have started ripping up one of the bridges in the middle of rush hour to achieve the same effect. There was simply no need for them to go through all that trouble. Especially to use Sentinels, which Magneto would find utterly abhorrent given the Genoshan Massacre.

~Forty-five years and “Magneto tactics” still means “Everyone take a turn like a bad martial arts film”?

~Then there was the X-Men wondering how a guy who controls electromagnetism turns on a giant robot. (Hel-loooo!)

~ And hasn’t Storm learned by now that throwing lightning at someone who controls ELECTROmagnetism is simply handing him a weapon?

~ The end of the fight was very anticlimactic.

~ Then there is incongruity of Cannonball taking Magneto out and what Magneto said to the High Evolutionary at the end of the issue. He said suit made him feel “more powerful than he ever had been before”. And he’s taken out by Cannonball? Just by blasting into him? Are you kidding? Magneto’s shields have stopped blows from Thor and the She-Hulk, at once! He has stopped ceramic missiles that were fired at his back while fighting off the X-Men. We’re talking about a guy who was held the planetary EM field together while he was fighting a younger version of himself. That has raised piece of the ocean’s crust to create small islands. That has started playing around with space-time. He’s been a lot more powerful than he showed in this issue. So either the suit did not make him measure up to his previous power levels, or it makes no sense.

~ “You find a way to fake out losing your powers? We’ll find a way to stop you from ever doing it again.” Uhm…no Scott, Magneto is faking having his powers. If he is relying on a suit he really did lose them. (I won’t even touch the screamingly out of character and unnecessary “Suck it”.)

~ Then there was Emma, who is now more powerful than Xavier has ever been.

~ Scott calling all the mutants to gather in one place...so they can be wiped out. Again.

Now we get down to what really disappointed me.

Magneto’s characterization in this issue which has taken him back to the 1990’s. One can read Eve of Destruction and then this story and not tell that anything has happened to the character in between., despite the character being at the center of universe-altering, and character altering, events.

Now when Magneto almost killed Kitty Pryde, he did a 180. He reconsidered his entire approach and his feelings about human kind. It was the start of his Reformation Period. Now he is involved in what is almost his worst nightmare, a kind of passive genocide of the mutant species, and is torn down emotionally further than he has ever been since the night Anya died and Magda abandoned him…and he just trucks along.

Not only is he trucking along, he is moving backwards.

[Christopher O]

Well, thank god this is Uncanny X-Men #500 and not Uncanny Magneto #500.

[darknessatnoon]

Well, thank god this is Uncanny X-Men #500 and not Uncanny Magneto #500.

lol!

I need flaneur to come help with all this prose.

[KiplingKat]

Well, thank god this is Uncanny X-Men #500 and not Uncanny Magneto #500.

An protagonist is only as viable and interesting as his or her antagonist.

That's proven by this issue.

And Magneto's characterization was far from the only flaw.

[worstblogever]

Well, thank god this is Uncanny X-Men #500 and not Uncanny Magneto #500.

Totally. Then it would apparently be the worst issue ever.

[Christopher O]

An protagonist is only as viable and interesting as his or her antagonist.

That's proven by this issue.

And Magneto's characterization was far from the only flaw.
Magneto's characterization was fine and perfectly in line with his general characterization. You're just stamping your feet because he wasn't deified.

[KiplingKat]

Two more things:

~ The pacing of the fight was really bad. Did we need an entire paneled page of Colossus being thrown through a building?

~ And Nightcrawler, longstanding member of the X-Men, is present but only speaks all of five words.

[KiplingKat]

Magneto's characterization was fine and perfectly in line with his general characterization. You're just stamping your feet because he wasn't deified.

Is he really? Then I suggest you re-read Excalibur Vol. 3, House of M, Son of M, New Avengers #20, DWS #1, and the first issues of X-Men: Legacy.

That is not the same character.

And if by "deified", you mean "written as a three dimensional character with reason behind his acts and not ignoring 8 years of character devlopment", then yes, I am greatly disappointed.

[darknessatnoon]

Two more things:

~ The pacing of the fight was really bad. Did we need an entire paneled page of Colossus being thrown through a building?

~ And Nightcrawler, longstanding member of the X-Men, is present but only speaks all of five words.

You don't have to use spoiler tags about the issue. It's a spoiler thread for the issue.

Nightcrawler IS short-shrifted, but then again, it's part of his powers to be sneaky. Blabbing away is not the best way to remain hidden in the shadows.

[frog]

Nightcrawler will have his day in SI: X-Men.

I'm going to have to agree that Magneto's actions in 500 are at odds with recent development.

[KiplingKat]

You don't have to use spoiler tags about the issue. It's a spoiler thread for the issue.

Nightcrawler IS short-shrifted, but then again, it's part of his powers to be sneaky. Blabbing away is not the best way to remain hidden in the shadows.

Yeah, but when a large part of the issue is taken up with Warren flirting with the Mayor and Beast giving a tour of new X-Digs, he could have had more input. He isn't verbose, but he definitely has a sociable personality that should be shining through.

Hopefully, given what Faction wrote for him in DWS, he should be portrayed better (as in "with a real personalty rather than as wallpaper") from here on out.

[steve2275]

~ Did we need an entire paneled page of Colossus being thrown through a building?
yeah we did :tongue:

[Christopher O]

Is he really? Then I suggest you re-read Excalibur Vol. 3, House of M, New Avengers #20, DWS #1, and the first issues of X-Men Legacy.

That is not the same character.
And those make up a fraction of his appearances, and I don't see how this contradicts any of them.

-He now has a goal and an arrangement with the High Evolutionary which is very likely to be restarting the X-Gene . This would have also been what he needed to renew his resolve and ambition. Very Magneto.

-He was appalled at the Sentinel exhibit but willing to take control of them--albeit with some distaste--so the X-Men would destroy them--as well as be distracted. Two birds. One Stone. Very Magneto.

What's the problem? That he let his guard down and Cannonball took advantage? Poor him.

[KiplingKat]

Nightcrawler will have his day in SI: X-Men.

I heard a very interesting rumor about that...

I'm going to have to agree that Magneto's actions in 500 are at odds with recent development.

:smile:

[Hi-Fi]

It was fun, in a OMG it's UXM #500!!! kind of way. But it could have been soooo much better. Land's art was HORRID. The story was weak.

Good stuff: The Mayor, Angel, Pixie's epilogue, Dodson's art and Sammy saving the day.

Storm has become a special guest-star. It's ridiculous how random and robotic her presence is.

I AM interested in the High Evolutionary's plan, though.

[Christopher O]

Storm has become a special guest-star. It's ridiculous how random and robotic her presence is.
Yeah, I was disappointed by that. I just decided NOT to write an essay on it. Enough of that has been going on since a certain someone got his issue early.

[Pach!]

I think Emma's role should have been given to Storm.

But overall I liked the issue, and I agree with Chris re: magneto.

[KiplingKat]

And those make up a fraction of his appearances, and I don't see how this contradicts any of them.

They are his most recent appearances, his most recent character devlopment. 8 years of it. You can't just ignore 8 years of character devlopment without giving a reason.

And remember, the Reformation Period is not a "blip on the radar", it was ten years of his 45 year history on panel which had a lasting effect. He came out of that a different bad guy than he was going into it. His goals changed, he was kinder to his subordinates...

Even in Fatal Attractions he is not so rabidly factionalistic as he as in this issue. He invited the X-Men to join him.

-He now has a goal and an arrangement with the High Evolutionary which is very likely to be restarting the X-Gene which would have likely renewed his resolve and ambition. Very Magneto.

Agreed. But why would they have to hide such a goal from the X-Men?

-He was appalled at the Sentinel exhibit but willing to take control of them--albeit with some distaste--so the X-Men would destroy them--as well as be distracted. Two birds. One Stone. Very Magneto.

If you read the scene with Logan a the end of the issue: Magneto set up the entire exhibit. Or at least the X-Men believe so.

Why bother? And why bother using Sentinels?

(Unless it is to try really, really hard to write an homage to the X-Men early days)

What's the problem? That he let his guard down and Cannonball took advantage? Poor him.

Because his guard is not down. He is in the middle of a fight. Magneto has stopped ceramic warheads fired at his back, and he can't stop Cannonball?

[DarthCyclopsRLZ]

Yeah, I was disappointed by that. I just decided NOT to write an essay on it. Enough of that has been going on since a certain someone got his issue early.

That I have to read. Who, when, where?

[KiplingKat]

That I have to read. Who, when, where?

In the original #500 discussion thread, I had a subscription and we got ours early. I got mine on Saturday.

[darknessatnoon]

I, for one, am glad Cannonball got to shine. If Magneto is a recurring character, I hope Pixie gets the chance to knock him around as well.

[Pach!]

Agreed. But why would they have to hide such a goal from the X-Men?
because the more people involved the higher the chances of screwing up?



If you read the scene with Logan a the end of the issue: Magneto set up the entire exhibit. Or at least the X-Men believe so.

Why bother? And why bother using Sentinels?

(Unless it is to try really, really hard to write an homage to the X-Men early days)

Wasn't Simon (Trask?) the guy that brought the Sentinels with Guy?

I dont think Magneto was involved.

[KiplingKat]

I, for one, am glad Cannonball got to shine. If Magneto is a recurring character, I hope Pixie gets the chance to knock him around as well.

Cannonball didn't really shine. He showed up, blasted into Magneto and left again. That was it. He was a Kentucky duex ex machina.

There are ways for Cannonball to affect Magneto, to make a blow against him. Just blasting into him wasn't it.

And if Pixie uses magic, she could affect Magneto. He has no defense against that. So it would have made far more sense to bring her into the big fight rather than Sam.

[Christopher O]

They are his most recent appearances, his most recent character devlopment. 8 years of it.

And remember, the Reformation Period is not a "blip on the radar", it was ten years of his 45 year history on panel which had a lasting effect. He came out of that a different bad guy than he was going into it. His goals changed, he was kinder to his subordinates...

Even in Fatal Attractions he is not so rabidly factionalistic as he as in this issue. He invited the X-Men to join him.
Really? I'm quite sure Magneto has had more rabid moments since his laundry-doing transformation. He wasn't rabid or fanatical here. He was aggressive and driven.


Agreed. But why would they have to hide such a goal from the X-Men?
I don't know. Did it ever occur to you that this particular point may in fact be part of the plot?


If you read the scene with Logan a the end of the issue: Magneto set up the entire exhibit. Or at least the X-Men believe so.
Which doesn't make it true, especially when Magneto himself said when asked that he was destroying a tribute to genocide.

Why bother? And why bother using Sentinels?
Because he was destroying a tribute to genocide.

Because his guard is not down. He is in the middle of a fight. Magneto has stopped ceramic warheads fired at his back, and he can't stop Cannonball?
He was busy fighting off Storm, Cyclops, Beast, and Nightcrawler. He wasn't expecting anyone else, and he left himself open. He's not infallible nor has he ever been.

[darknessatnoon]

Cannonball didn't really shine. He showed up, blasted into Magneto and left again. That was it. He was a Kentucky duex ex machina.

There are ways for Cannonball to affect Magneto, to make a blow against him. Just blasting into him wasn't it.

And if Pixie uses magic, she could affect Magneto. He has no defense against that. So it would have made far more sense to bring her into the big fight rather than Sam.

Do I not understand the spoilers correctly? Didn't he beat Magneto?

[Christopher O]

That I have to read. Who, when, where?
I was referring to KiplingKat and his several dissertations on how Magneto was mangled in this issue.

Don't be so zealous in your desire to mock Storm fans. It's unattractive.

[KiplingKat]

because the more people involved the higher the chances of screwing up?

Would it have been a lot less problematic to at least tell the X-men what they were doing rather than stage all this?

Wasn't Simon (Trask?) the guy that brought the Sentinels with Guy?

I dont think Magneto was involved.

The X-Men think he is. So if it was not intended for Magneto to be involved in the entire thing, then that makes the X-Men look pretty stupid.

See what I mean? Any way you look at it, it's pretty nonsensical.

[DarthCyclopsRLZ]

In the original #500 discussion thread, I had a subscription and we got ours early. I got mine on Saturday.

The preview thread? And I was referring to the Storm whining, just so we're clear.

I, for one, am glad Cannonball got to shine. If Magneto is a recurring character, I hope Pixie gets the chance to knock him around as well.

Haven't read the thing yet, but from what I've read... Good God, you totally called it about Mags about acting like a bitter old queen who wouldn't let go, lol.

Not quite sure I *get* how it has anything to do with the Mags we saw during the last couple of years or agree with it 100%... BUT... Insane!Mags is the literary equivalent of mocking a certain writer's legacy and redefining of the character. Eh.

[KiplingKat]

Do I not understand the spoilers correctly? Didn't he beat Magneto?

No, he just ran/blasted into him, ending the fight.

It was very anti-climactic.

[nikbackm]

Agreed. But why would they have to hide such a goal from the X-Men?



Maybe, just maybe the X-Men would not have thought messing around with a 2000 feet tall Celestial capable of wiping out the entire solar system such a stellar idea? :smile:

Magneto might be desperate enough to give it shot while the HE might be above such mortal concerns.

[Pach!]

Would it have been a lot less problematic to at least tell the X-men what they were doing rather than stage all this?



The X-Men think he is. So if it was not intended for Magneto to be involved in the entire thing, then that makes the X-Men look pretty stupid.

See what I mean? Any way you look at it, it's pretty nonsensical.

LOL. I think you're being ridiculous. He wasn't involved and the X-men think he is... but they aren't just assuming. The first epilogue had Logan looking for the Guy person which is considered following a lead. Clearly they are investigating. How does that make them look stupid?

[DarthCyclopsRLZ]

Cannonball didn't really shine. He showed up, blasted into Magneto and left again. That was it. He was a Kentucky duex ex machina.

There are ways for Cannonball to affect Magneto, to make a blow against him. Just blasting into him wasn't it.

I've got a sneaking suspicious this has something to do with Sinister pwning Cannonball. :eek:

And if Pixie uses magic, she could affect Magneto. He has no defense against that. So it would have made far more sense to bring her into the big fight rather than Sam.

Wise words. Pixie *already* has been turned into a Deus Ex Machina. No need to spread it around, eh.

[Josef F.]

Cannonball didn't really shine. He showed up, blasted into Magneto and left again. That was it. He was a Kentucky duex ex machina.

There are ways for Cannonball to affect Magneto, to make a blow against him. Just blasting into him wasn't it.

And if Pixie uses magic, she could affect Magneto. He has no defense against that. So it would have made far more sense to bring her into the big fight rather than Sam.

Magneto was a pinball.
Sam was a flipper.

http://img.qj.net/uploads/articles_module2/74758/gottlieb_pinball_01_qjpreviewth.jpg

[KiplingKat]

The preview thread? And I was referring to the Storm whining, just so we're clear.

Clear. :wink:

Haven't read the thing yet, but from what I've read... Good God, you totally called it about Mags about acting like a bitter old queen who wouldn't let go, lol.

Not quite sure I *get* how it has anything to do with the Mags we saw during the last couple of years or agree with it 100%... BUT... Insane!Mags is the literary equivalent of mocking a certain writer's legacy and redefining of the character.

If that was the point, they could have played it much more cleverly. Honestly, this was just Mags showing up as Monster of the Week. If they were actually trying to mock Claremont's Magneto, it would have come across.

I mean, Morrison was mocking Claremont's "redefinition" of the character (though I would call it character development given how long that "redefintion" took). That was made very clear in Planet X. Here's it just eeeeVIL Magneto.

[KiplingKat]

Magneto was a pinball.
Sam was a flipper.

It should have been the other way round.

[Christopher O]

If that was the point, they could have played it much more cleverly. Honestly, this was just Mags showing up as Monster of the Week.
No, it was Magneto showing up to finally be given something new to do and being set up for future stories.

Also, I'm quite disappointed that you didn't respond to my last post to you. I thought for sure you'd want to argue a little more.

[darknessatnoon]

No, he just ran/blasted into him, ending the fight.

It was very anti-climactic.

Have you ever been struck by a bowling ball? It hurts like hell!

I'm sure that being hit by Sam is a lot worse. Don't underestimate.

[KiplingKat]

LOL. I think you're being ridiculous. He wasn't involved and the X-men think he is... but they aren't just assuming. The first epilogue had Logan looking for the Guy person which is considered following a lead. Clearly they are investigating. How does that make them look stupid?

Because they are making the assumption (read Logan's dialog at the end of that page) that Magneto was involved because he knew how to turn on the Sentinels.

Which is stupid to assume that he has something to do with setting up the event just because the guy who controls electromagnetism can turn the giant robots on.

See what I mean? Either he is involved and it doesn't make sense in terms of characer, or he isn't and the X-Men look really dumb.

[KiplingKat]

Have you ever been struck by a bowling ball? It hurts like hell!

I'm sure that being hit by Sam is a lot worse. Don't underestimate.

Magneto's shields have taken hits from Thor and the She-Hulk at once.

Lot worse than a bowling ball.

Lot worse than Sam.

[Josef F.]

It should have been the other way round.

Cannonball doesn't encase himself an a bubble.
Magneto isn't an invulnerable sucker punch.

No it shouldn't.

http://www.ujuju.com/images/Hang-Ten%20adj.jpg

[Pach!]

Because they are making the assumption (read Logan's dialog at the end of that page) that Magneto was involved because he knew how to turn on the Sentinels.

Which is stupid to assume that he have something to setting up the event just because the guy who controls electromagnetism can turn the giant robots on.

He also distracted them while the High Evolutionary messed around with the celestial. They are investigating how involved he was, and of course they are working off assumptions. That's how you start an investigation. What I meant to say is that they aren't just sitting on their asses. They are following through with their leads which to me makes hem the opposite of stupid.

[DarthCyclopsRLZ]

If that was the point, they could have played it much more cleverly. Honestly, this was just Mags showing up as Monster of the Week. If they were actually trying to mock Claremont's Magneto, it would have come across.

I mean, Morrison was mocking Claremont's "redefinition" of the character (though I would call it character development given how long that "redefintion" took). That was made very clear in Planet X. Here's it just eeeeVIL Magneto.

Oh, I don't think they were trying to mock good ol' CC. Still, you know he's in his dungeon shaking his fist at the sky and screaming how Mags is grey and awesome and misundertood rather than being insane, damnit!

Works for me.

[Hi-Fi]

Magneto doesn't even have powers anymore. He's just an old man with a special vest. For someone who beat Gladiator like Sam, how hard can it be pushing a powerless Magneto down?

[Josef F.]

Magneto's shields have taken hits from Thor and the She-Hulk at once.

Lot worse than a bowling ball.

Lot worse than Sam.

Sam took a hit from Gladiator at full power.
And that thar Fury thing.

Magneto has a fancy suit.
He is now easily defeatable by the neophyte.
He is Magneto's new nemesis.

http://www.timmonsamusements.com/db1/00082/timmonsamusements.com/_uimages/pinball_ball_ricochet_hg_clr.gif

[DarthCyclopsRLZ]

Magneto doesn't even have powers anymore. He's just an old man with a special vest. For someone who beat Gladiator like Sam, how hard can it be pushing a powerless Magneto down?

Ask Storm and about everyone else.

[KiplingKat]

No, it was Magneto showing up to finally be given something new to do and being set up for future stories.

In a way that was out of line with the last 8 years of his character development.

They just used him as a homage, a way to stage a "classic X-Men battle" with "traditional villains", in a way that turned out to be pretty lame.

Also, I'm quite disappointed that you didn't respond to my last post to you. I thought for sure you'd want to argue a little more.

Which last post?

[KiplingKat]

Ask Storm and about everyone else.

Frenzy. :wink:

[darknessatnoon]

He also distracted them while the High Evolutionary messed around with the celestial. They are investigating how involved he was, and of course they are working off assumptions. That's how you start an investigation. What I meant to say is that they aren't just sitting on their asses. They are following through with their leads which to me makes hem the opposite of stupid.

If Sage were there, the investigation would be a lot easier.

[KiplingKat]

Magneto doesn't even have powers anymore. He's just an old man with a special vest. For someone who beat Gladiator like Sam, how hard can it be pushing a powerless Magneto down?

Because at the end of the book, Magneto says that the suit made him feel more powerful than he ever had been.

If it did, then there is no way that Cannonball should have been able to get through (espcially when Cyclops' blasts couldn't). If it did not, then why did Magneto say that it did?

See what I mean, you're left with these moments of "Wait...what?" If Magneto had never said in the scene with the H.E., then I wouldn't have a problem with what happened. The suit took a beating and then broke down. (It was a very low powered fight for him anyway.)

But he did, and now it makes no sense.

[Pach!]

If Sage were there, the investigation would be a lot easier.

Perhaps Sage will join UXM and lead the investigation. I think her best arc ever featured her detective skills.

[KiplingKat]

If Sage were there, the investigation would be a lot easier.

Yeah, agreed. Brains were definitely lacking in this issue.

[DarthCyclopsRLZ]

Frenzy. :wink:

I meant the people who took part in #500's Seagal-esque battle. :tongue:

[Hi-Fi]

Ask Storm and about everyone else.
Has every one else beaten Gladiator? No? Thanks for playing!

[streator]

so magneto was not re-powered, then? he's still not a mutant?

[Christopher O]

In a way that was out of line with the last 8 years of his character development.
So you want him broken and regretful? I much prefer him with a bit of spirit. He's been given an opportunity to make things right, and that has renewed his drive. One would think Magneto fans would be clamoring for that.

They just used him as a homage, a way to stage a "classic X-Men battle" with "traditional villains", in a way that turned out to be pretty lame.
They used him in a way that clearly puts him at the forefront in determining the fate of the mutant race. Sure, there was a bit of an homage there, but it was used as a lead-in to something new.



Which last post?
This one. (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showpost.php?p=7237289&postcount=58)

[KiplingKat]

Oh, I don't think they were trying to mock good ol' CC. Still, you know he's in his dungeon shaking his fist at the sky and screaming how Mags is grey and awesome and misundertood rather than being insane, damnit!

Works for me.

Actually, CC is the one who came up with the power-induced bi-polar disorder.

However, as Magneto is depowered, that excuse doesn't work here.

[DarthCyclopsRLZ]

Has every one else beaten Gladiator? No? Thanks for playing!

Wait, are you trying to turn this into Storm is stronger than Cannonball debate?

Where the hell is the Storm army when you need'em, lol. They'll coime up with something and real fast at that. :tongue:

Seriously, though, I don't have a problem with Sam pwning an artificially-powered Mags. But making it sound like Mags wasn't much of a threat/powerhouse just seems wrong, really.

[Hi-Fi]

Wait, are you trying to turn this into Storm is stronger than Cannonball debate?

Where the hell is the Storm army when you need'em, lol. They'll coime up with something and real fast at that. :tongue:

Seriously, though, I don't have a problem with Sam pwning an artificially-powered Mags. But making it sound like Mags wasn't much of a threat/powerhouse just seems wrong, really.
You're just mad because it wasn't Cyclops who defeated him. No one can upstage him!

[Josef F.]

Because at the end of the book, Magneto says that the suit made him feel more powerful than he ever had been.

If it did, then there is no way that Cannonball should have been able to get through (espcially when Cyclops' blasts couldn't). If it did not, then why did Magneto say that it did?

See what I mean, you're left with these moments of "Wait...what?" If Magneto had never said in the scene with the H.E., then I wouldn't have a problem with what happened. The suit took a beating and then broke down. (It was a very low powered fight for him anyway.)

But he did, and now it makes no sense.

Do you think people are telling the truth when they come out of hospitals?

How are you feeling Reg?
Oh, better than ever

This is usually lies to make the other person feel less awkward about the other person's weak and sickly state.

Not everything people say is fact
Magneto is taking into consideration his boss' feelings.
How's that for kind and caring magneto..

Magneto is a pinball.
Sam is designed to deal with these types of threats.
It was a glorious wolfcub-esque sucker punch.

http://www.ujuju.com/images/ABC.jpg

[DarthCyclopsRLZ]

Actually, CC is the one who came up with the power-induced bi-polar disorder.

Huh. Should've clarified that I didn't mean clinically insane, lol.

Just meant he used to be a psycho, lol. Wasn't referring to the bi-polar disorder reveal/retcon.

[Christopher O]

Magneto was facing a threat in front of him. Sam got him from behind. The battle didn't last long. Nobody involved was using there abilities to their fullest--except perhaps Beast. Seriously, no big deal.

[darknessatnoon]

His boss, the High Evolutionary, certainly built limits into the suit. It's not that complicated. Can't have Magneto getting uppity at the wrong time.

[DarthCyclopsRLZ]

You're just mad because it wasn't Cyclops who defeated him. No one can upstage him!

I take it you've completely missed out on me worrying about Ems being written as way overpowered...?

And even then, whenever the hell did I ever say anything about me wanting Cyke to punch through fully-powered Magneto shields? :tongue:

[Pach!]

Magneto was facing a threat in front of him. Sam got him from behind. The battle didn't last long. Nobody involved was using there abilities to their fullest--except perhaps Beast. Seriously, no big deal.

LOL so true.

[just another user]

Do you think people are telling the truth when they come out of hospitals?

How are you feeling Reg?
Oh, better than ever

This is usually lies to make the other person feel less awkward about the other person's weak and sickly state.

Not everything people say is fact
Magneto is taking into consideration his boss' feelings.
How's that for kind and caring magneto..


His boss, the High Evolutionary, certainly built limits into the suit. It's not that complicated. Can't have Magneto getting uppity at the wrong time.


Won't get my issue until Thursday, but that would be my take on it too from what I've read.

[Pach!]

I take it you've completely missed out on me worrying about Ems being written as way overpowered...?

And even then, whenever the hell did I ever say anything about me wanting Cyke to punch through fully-powered Magneto shields? :tongue:

Well since you post in half completed questions it's hard to decipher what you're whining about this time.

[streator]

so magneto was not re-powered, then? he's still not a mutant?

i found the answer to my question (he was wearing some suit that gave him powers).

was there any mention of the book skids gave him at the end of the extremists arc?

[DarthCyclopsRLZ]

Well since you post in half completed questions it's hard to decipher what you're whining about this time.

You'd think the 'Ems being written as overpowered' would just about cover it, wouldn't it?

[KiplingKat]

So you want him broken and regretful? I much prefer him with a bit of spirit. He's been given an opportunity to make things right, and that has renewed his drive. One would think Magneto fans would be clamoring for that.

What Magneto fans are clamoring for is for the character to move forward. This doesn't do that. This moves the character backwards, to where he was emotionally during Eve of Destruction. I'm not kidding, you can read that storyline (which most Magneto fans can't stand because it was Lobdell trying to write a Silver Age Magneto) and then read this issue and it is like nothing has happened to the character in the intervening period.

I have no issue with Magneto being the X-Men's foil, I like him that way in fact. I have no issue with him being violent about it (I actually liked Fatal Attractions), but what I do take issue with is putting the character in the middle of the massive universe-altering events, deeply character-altering events, and then have emotional effects of those events utterly ignored.

Since New Avengers #20, he has been wandering aimlessly around the M.U. Just showing up as a cipher, a mechanism in a story, we kept hoping at some point they would take an issue to deal with his emotional fall out of House of M/M-Day. Magneto went into those events suicidal from the Genoshan Massacre and feeling like he was a failure as a father. He can't suddenly "get better" after his own daughter took away everything he worked most of his adult life for, as well as the keystone of his adult identity.

And he certainly should not be shoved backwards in time.

They used him in a way that clearly puts him at the forefront in determining the fate of the mutant race. Sure, there was a bit of an homage there, but it was used as a lead-in to something new.

They could have done so in a way that made sense given everything that happened to the character in the last 8 years. This made no sense.

[KiplingKat]

i found the answer to my question (he was wearing some suit that gave him powers).

was there any mention of the book skids gave him at the end of the extremists arc?

Not mentioned at all.

Which Brubaker just threw his own "still a mutant" thing out the window, I guess.

[darknessatnoon]

What Magneto fans are clamoring for is for the character to move forward. This doesn't do that. This moves the character backwards, to where he was emotionally during Eve of Destruction. I'm not kidding, you can read that storyline (which most Magneto fans can't stand because it was Lobdell trying to write a Silver Age Magneto) and then read this issue and it is like nothing has happened to the character in the intervening period.

I have no issue with Magneto being the X-Men's foil, I like him that way in fact. I have no issue with him being violent about it (I actually liked Fatal Attractions), but what I do take issue with is putting the character in the middle of the massive universe-altering events, deeply character-altering events, and then have emotional effects of those events utterly ignored.

Since New Avengers #20, he has been wandering aimlessly around the M.U. Just showing up as a cipher, a mechanism in a story, we kept hoping at some point they would take an issue to deal with his emotional fall out of House of M/M-Day. Magneto went into those events suicidal from the Genoshan Massacre and feeling like he was a failure as a father. He can't suddenly "get better" after his own daughter took away everything he worked most of his adult life for, as well as the keystone of his adult identity.

And he certainly should not be shoved backwards in time.



They could have done so in a way that made sense given everything that happened to the character in the last 8 years. This made no sense.

Since New Avengers 20? Isn't that when he cried out for daddy? XORN! That was not character development. He was a shell that housed XORN's character.

[Josef F.]

You are truly the Jesse Jackson of Magneto Fans.

[Hi-Fi]

I did expect Karima to be at his side! She would have spiced things up.

[Novaya Havoc]

All of this MAGNETO talk is irrelevant! #500 is the END of the Uncanny X-Men. With #501, it shall be re-born as Dazzler Vol. 2 #1!

Anyway -- I dug the issue and liked the Land/Dodson contrast. I was expecting horrors (ala Choi/WHOEVER last issue) but it came off without a hitch.

LOVED the scene of Cylops and Emma calling all mutants to San Francisco.

And the DAZZLER EPILOGUE with Pixie and her gay Dazzler gay fan gay gay? Pop-and-freak! Hott. I hope Dazz's in 501 and is FABULOUS!

I still maintain this is a really great set-up and will hopefully shake the X-Men out of their Westchester-inspired rut. It reads fantastic, but I really hope they kick it into overdrive because, honestly, the gap between the end of Messiah Complex and this was a taaaad too long.

I blame Astonishing for the delay! Astonishing is so easy to blame!

At any rate, I did have a divasparkle DE-activate moment here.

1. I couldn't get my lovely, luscious Dodson Dazzler cover. FAIL! I will NOT spend $30 for it, and the other comic shop had them all pulled. LAME.

2. THE DAZZLER EPILOGUE: "An' of course the freaks eat it right up!" That line comes off as so... queer. Boo. Disappointment!

Otherwise, a very solid issue. Excited as all get out about this whole San Fran thing.

[Josef F.]

I did expect Karima to be at his side! She would have spiced things up.

Machine to machine.
Subversive anti-Magneto commentary by Hi-Fi.

[Christopher O]

I just don't agree, KiplingKat. This isn't the first time Magneto has come back from a more introspective period with renewed vigor and purpose. Sure, I'd be interested in a Magneto who is struggling with the fact that he's become irrelevant, but I'm also interested in what Bru and Fraction have set up here.

[KiplingKat]

Since New Avengers 20? Isn't that when he cried out for daddy? XORN! That was not character development. He was a shell that housed XORN's character.

New Avengers #20, in which he started as very depressed and pensive over M-Day and had him ask the Avengers to kill him rather than be taken over by Xorn, was indeed character development.

As was Excalibur Vol. 3, House of M/M-Day, Son of M, and to a lesser extent DWS and X-Men: Legacy (he was mostly a cipher in those issues, but he certainly wasn't the guy who showed up in #500)

[KiplingKat]

I just don't agree, KiplingKat. This isn't the first time Magneto has come back from a more introspective period with renewed vigor and purpose. Sure, I'd be more interested in a Magneto who is struggling with the fact that he's become irrelevant, but I'm OK with what Bru and Fraction have set up here.

I'm happy they put him with the H.E. to correct M-Day, that part has been overdue since Endangered Species.

But I am not o.k. with his behavior in this issue, which was not only unnecessary for what BruFact has set up, but out of character.

[Josef F.]

New Topic.

The hellfire cult's goons designs felt very reaver-esque.
Is this plotline about Lady deathstrike's return to prominence?
Not Donald pierce.
He is already in two books.
I am saturated with Donald Pierce.

[KiplingKat]

I did expect Karima to be at his side! She would have spiced things up.

I'm kind of glad she wasn't. She's need to be developed more rather than just turning into an acolyte.

[KiplingKat]

New Topic.

The hellfire cult's goons designs felt very reaver-esque.
Is this plotline about Lady deathstrike's return to prominence?
Not Donald pierce.
He is already in two books.
I am saturated with Donald Pierce.

I just wonder how Emma is going to react to the name.

[Christopher O]

But I am not o.k. with his behavior in this issue, which was not only unnecessary for what BruFact has set up, but out of character.
What was out of character? Destroying Sentinels? Being outraged by the way humans are using them? Being willing to take unsavory steps to further his goals? The lack of love for the X-Men? Having purpose and resolve?

Sounds like Magneto to me.

[Josef F.]

I just wonder how Emma is going to react to the name.

Are they even connected to the hellfire club of Legacy/Origins/YXM?
Why is hellfire getting so much exposure?
Are the Reavers and Hellfire joining forces?
Are they simply poaching names?
Questions.


What was out of character? Destroying Sentinels? Being outraged by the way humans are using them? Being willing to take unsavory steps to further his goals? The lack of love for the X-Men? Having purpose and resolve?

Sounds like Magneto to me.

We have moved on O-face.
It's all about Yuriko now.

[KiplingKat]

What was out of character? Destroying Sentinels? Being outraged by the way humans are using them? Being willing to take unsavory steps to further his goals? The lack of love for the X-Men? Having purpose and resolve?

Sounds like Magneto to me.

Using the sentinels, the robots that massacred Genosha, to attack a group of the of the few remaining mutants left on the planet (rather than destroying the sentinel on the spot and taking care of the X-Men on his own) while spouting rabidly factionlistic drivel?

That doesn't sound like Magneto to me at all. Certainly not the Magneto of the last 8 years.

[Novaya Havoc]

EXCUSE ME!

THE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT ALI BLAIRE IS BACK AND SO GOOD AND PIXIE HAS GAY DAZZLER FAN FRIENDS THAT ARE NOT ANOLE!

[Josef F.]

EXCUSE ME!

THE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT ALI BLAIRE IS BACK AND SO GOOD AND PIXIE HAS GAY DAZZLER FAN FRIENDS THAT ARE NOT ANOLE!

Incorrect.
The importance lies with the subtle Lady deathstrike hint.

[KiplingKat]

Are they even connected to the hellfire club of Legacy/Origins/YXM?
Why is hellfire getting so much exposure?
Are the Reavers and Hellfire joining forces?
Are they simply poaching names?
Questions.

With Roberto as the Black King, they are probably just poaching a name. Roberto may have "gone bad", but I can't see him condoning a bunch of anti-mutant street thugs.

[jarrod]

I bet Anole's a HUGE Lila fan. Like all tops.

[Christopher O]

I bet Anole's a HUGE Lila fan. Like all tops.
...

Anole is clearly a bottom.

[jarrod]

...

Anole is clearly a bottom.
He's just young, he'll transition magnificently.

[Christopher O]

He's just young, he'll transition magnificently.
Yeah, into a power bottom.

[jarrod]

Yeah, into a power bottom.
He's too hung for that... though he's got the flexibility for it.

[Christopher O]

He's too hung for that... though he's got the flexibility for it.
He's not hung at all. He's average.



Also, when did Storm become the Spock to Scott's Captain Kirk? How screwed up is THAT??? Seriously, she was referred to with respect and dignity (LOL @ magnificent flying woman), but she was like the ONLY X-Man with speaking lines who was just emotionless. Clearly, they didn't read the Astonishing script before hand, where she's portrayed as a beneficent, jovial drag queen.

[darknessatnoon]

He's just young, he'll transition magnificently.

If he doesn't start out as a top, he'll never become one.

[jester1436]

EXCUSE ME!

THE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT ALI BLAIRE IS BACK AND SO GOOD AND PIXIE HAS GAY DAZZLER FAN FRIENDS THAT ARE NOT ANOLE!

She has gay Dazzler fan friends who are Anole too. :smile:

[worstblogever]

Magneto's shields have taken hits from Thor and the She-Hulk at once.

Lot worse than a bowling ball.

Lot worse than Sam.

Uhm...

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa262/surrealmonkey_wedding/worstblogever/CannonballvsGladiator1.jpg
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa262/surrealmonkey_wedding/worstblogever/CannonballvsGladiator2.jpg
Magneto doesn't even have powers anymore. He's just an old man with a special vest. For someone who beat Gladiator like Sam, how hard can it be pushing a powerless Magneto down?

Has every one else beaten Gladiator? No? Thanks for playing!

Hi-Fi, ladies and gentlemen. This is why he's the shiznit.

New Avengers #20, in which he started as very depressed and pensive over M-Day and had him ask the Avengers to kill him rather than be taken over by Xorn, was indeed character development.

As was Excalibur Vol. 3, House of M/M-Day, Son of M, and to a lesser extent DWS and X-Men: Legacy (he was mostly a cipher in those issues, but he certainly wasn't the guy who showed up in #500)

Wait... levelheaded and introspective through that... he tried to kill his son during House of M. Hardly what I'd call mental stability. And the fact that he's a cypher? Dude has Qwerty's diaries. He knows how he's gonna get repowered thanks to them. It's a not a matter of IF, but WHEN.

Now kindly quit beating your point, or lack thereof, to death, so the rest of us can talk about the other dozens of goings on in the issue.

[KiplingKat]

Also, when did Storm become the Spock to Scott's Captain Kirk? How screwed up is THAT??? Seriously, she was referred to with respect and dignity (LOL @ magnificent flying woman), but she was like the ONLY X-Man with speaking lines who was just emotionless. Clearly, they didn't read the Astonishing script before hand, where she's portrayed as a beneficent, jovial drag queen.

Yeah Storm got short shifted pretty badly as well. Not only in the...abysmal dialog, but that fact is she is a much bigger threat to Magneto than was written. She knows better than to attack him with lightning, and she has other attacks which could have been far more effective.

[worstblogever]

Since the X-Men are on the west coast now in SF, does anyone think that Karma will have a chance to hook up with Julie Power from L.A., and the Loners.

They should meet at a Dazzler concert.

Power couple waiting to happen, I tell you.

[jarrod]

He's not hung at all. He's average.
He accidentally cut it shaving... it's like a child's arm now.


If he doesn't start out as a top, he'll never become one.
Don't know many tops I take it?

[Agent_Torpor]

If he doesn't start out as a top, he'll never become one.

What if he works really hard at it?

[KiplingKat]

Uhm...

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa262/surrealmonkey_wedding/worstblogever/CannonballvsGladiator1.jpg
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa262/surrealmonkey_wedding/worstblogever/CannonballvsGladiator2.jpg

Yeah, but he didn't do that.

If he did that, I would be o.k. with it.

But Sam just ran into Magneto.

And that ended the fight.

Wait... levelheaded and introspective through that... he tried to kill his son during House of M. Hardly what I'd call mental stability.

Yes, tried to kill his son after his son set him up as the fall guy in his children's attempt to remake reality.

No, it's not a moment of emotional stability, nor was it the right thing to do, but I think the circumstances were more than a little extenuating.

It also was a single moment that does not lead into his actions here.

And the fact that he's a cypher? Dude has Qwerty's diaries. He knows how he's gonna get repowered thanks to them. It's a not a matter of IF, but WHEN.

Actually according to Qwerty's diaries at the time Skids handed them over, Magneto was STILL a mutant.

[darknessatnoon]

Don't know many tops I take it?

Why would I need to? I'm packing, son.

What if he works really hard at it?

You're either born with the Knack or not!

[jarrod]

Why would I need to? I'm packing, son.
Magneto? Is that you?

[Muggs]

I wish I didn't have to wait till friday to get this.

I'm intrested to see were Bru and Fraction take this. They said that they've got up to 530 plotted.

[worstblogever]

Right, I'll let you guys go back to discussing homosexual sex. I know how important that topic is to you. :wink:

Ah. So now anyone who doesn't want to talk about Magneto is gay?

Real mature.

[The Lucky One]

I guess I read the issue slightly different from most. Until the very end at least, I thought we were clearly supposed to believe this was an imposter Magneto -- Xorn 2.0 or whatever -- who just wasn't very familiar with the subject he was imitating. If we're supposed to think that was actually Magneto... oh.

-D

[jarrod]

Let's shift the discourse to gay sex with Magneto then.

[KiplingKat]

Ah. So now anyone who doesn't want to talk about Magneto is gay?

Real mature.

Wow, what a strawman!

I was just looking at the other major topic of conversation on this thread.

[worstblogever]

Let's shift the discourse to gay sex with Magneto then.

Heh.

Tempting. But perhaps in another thread where it's relevant.

Great idea, though.

[KiplingKat]

Let's shift the discourse to gay sex with Magneto then.

Now you know there is no one for Mags but Charles. :wink:

Though Scott's differing reactions to Magneto and Emma joining the X-Men make me think Magneto should have slept with Scott.

[Waterlily]

He's not hung at all. He's average.



Also, when did Storm become the Spock to Scott's Captain Kirk? How screwed up is THAT??? Seriously, she was referred to with respect and dignity (LOL @ magnificent flying woman), but she was like the ONLY X-Man with speaking lines who was just emotionless. Clearly, they didn't read the Astonishing script before hand, where she's portrayed as a beneficent, jovial drag queen.

Which do you prefer?

If he doesn't start out as a top, he'll never become one.

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/QUOMAG/MDX05~Try-Try-Again-American-Proverb-Posters.jpg

What if he works really hard at it?

http://www.leaseone.com/leasing_brokers/sucess.jpg

[KiplingKat]

I guess I read the issue slightly different from most. Until the very end at least, I thought we were clearly supposed to believe this was an imposter Magneto -- Xorn 2.0 or whatever -- who just wasn't very familiar with the subject he was imitating. If we're supposed to think that was actually Magneto... oh.

-D

I'm actually hoping that the Magneto we saw in this issue turns out to be a Skrull.

It actually makes a lot of sense as the Skrulls want to keep the remaining mutants from uniting against them (hence Magneto's factionalism), and having someone next to the H.E. to sabotage any attempt to repower the remaining mutant population would be a very handy place to be.

[Christopher O]

Which do you prefer?
Jovial drag queen.

Mostly for the alliteration.

[Waterlily]

Jovial drag queen.

Mostly for the alliteration.

It was really weird for me to see her written as such. Not so bad, just very different from how I'm use to her. I think I'm more use to the aloof Spockish weather goddess.

[Christopher O]

It was really weird for me to see her written as such. Not so bad, just very different from how I'm use to her. I think I'm more use to the aloof Spockish weather goddess.
It was definitely different, but I thought it was refreshing. Here she was the epitome of dull, dull, dull.

[Waterlily]

It was definitely different, but I thought it was refreshing. Here she was the epitome of dull, dull, dull.

Well, that's disappointing, she deserves better.

[jarrod]

It was really weird for me to see her written as such. Not so bad, just very different from how I'm use to her. I think I'm more use to the aloof Spockish weather goddess.
Read The Arena. Ellis must be a HUGE Claremont fan.

[Mr.EZ]

This issue was crap. Porn star faces all over the place, and Cyclops telling Magneto to suck it.

What the fuck happened to the X-Men I've been reading for 20 years? Where did they go?

[Christopher O]

Well, that's disappointing, she deserves better.
She does. Aloof is one thing--and I love that about her--but here she was mostly wallpaper. It wasn't nearly as bad as Nightcrawler, but it was still a bit disappointing. However, Cyclops, Emma, Angel, and Beast were all quite enjoyable.

[quillero]

I liked the issue. It was not a "masterpiece" but it set up a lot of plot points for the BruFra run that semm quite interesting.

I don't get the Magneto discussion, it's pretty obvious he was acting when he says to the HE "Still... I dispise myself right now"

[Excelsior]

You are truly the Jesse Jackson of Magneto Fans.

Careful, He will cut your nuts off. Then you will have nothing to eat with your beer at the pub.


Ever since the mutant allegory of racism was lessened in lue of a more homophobic metaphor--examples--Legacy virus= Aids, and beautiful mutants that can easily slip in and out of so-called normal society =gays-- (I mean no offense, Im all for diversity), I was wondering how the creative teams would move forward with the mythos. It has been interesting.

[KiplingKat]

I liked the issue. It was not a "masterpiece" but it set up a lot of plot points for the BruFra run that semm quite interesting.

I don't get the Magneto discussion, it's pretty obvious he was acting when he says to the HE "Still... I dispise myself right now"

He was talking about having to wear the suit.

And even if he was talking about what he did with it, the entire situation make no sense.

[quillero]

He was talking about having to wear the suit.

And even if he was talking about what he did with it, the entire situation make no sense.

Well, we can't say that as we don't know yet what their intentions are.

And I guess I took it that way because that gives the HE's comment on history more sense.

[Waterlily]

This issue was crap. Porn star faces all over the place, and Cyclops telling Magneto to suck it.

What the fuck happened to the X-Men I've been reading for 20 years? Where did
they go?

They've changed. For better or worse, I don't know, I haven't read this issue yet.

She does. Aloof is one thing--and I love that about her--but here she was mostly wallpaper. It wasn't nearly as bad as Nightcrawler, but it was still a bit disappointing. However, Cyclops, Emma, Angel, and Beast were all quite enjoyable.

Hopefully Storm and Nightcrawler get thier chance to shine, soon.

[darknessatnoon]

This issue was crap. Porn star faces all over the place, and Cyclops telling Magneto to suck it.

What the fuck happened to the X-Men I've been reading for 20 years? Where did they go?

That's constructive criticism!

[KiplingKat]

Well, we can't say that as we don't know yet what their intentions are.

And I guess I took it that way because that gives the HE's comment on history more sense.

You do make a valid point that Magneto maybe talking about regretting his actions planet side. But it just...they didn't need to make him that way. If he was just there to distract them, he did not need to be so rabidly insulting and factionalistic. They could have at least tried to make it fit in with 8 years of major life altering events the character has been through.

Though if they are not working on repowering mutants why are those two (of all people) together, and why was Magneto talking about saving mutantdom?

The entire set up makes no sense. (But then there was little in that entire encounter that made sense.)

I wanted to see Magneto get back in the game. I did not want to see him revert to the late 1990's/1960's.

[Optic Rage!]

Can we PLEASE stop talking about Magneto? I just had to read/skip a bunch of pages because i dont really give a crap about him.

Anyways, what did i think of the issue? while it was far from what i would of hoped from the 500th issue of Uncanny, i also feel like it holds a lot of promise.

It felt very different, very fresh and ''NEW'' even, it felt like progress.

Of course the issue had a number of problems, Storm feeling actually forced and robotic[if you had said this 5 years ago people would of laughed] i also felt a number of lines were OOC. Cyclops saying ''Suck It''? Cyclops does NOT say ''Suck It''!

Overall, like i said it was FAR from what i would of hoped from the 500th issue and a ''weak'' issue overall, however im going to chose to to look on the more positive side of things instead of writing it off when its only the first issue[seriously, wtf how can you drop it already? it's like walking out of the movies after the first 10 mins]

I think the book holds a lot of promise and i'm looking foward to the next issue.

[Nyssane]

Cyclops actually said "suck it!"?

Oh my god.

[KiplingKat]

Why do people keep saying 'It's the first issue" when it's the 500th, and one of the writers has been on it for two years?

[jester1436]

Of course the issue had a number of problems, Storm feeling actually forced and robotic[if you had said this 5 years ago people would of laughed] i also felt a number of lines were OOC. Cyclops saying ''Suck It''? Cyclops does NOT say ''Suck It''!


Scott's simply been watching too much Kathy Griffin on Bravo.

Similarly, the Magneto fans are like the crazed Christians who couldn't handle it when Kathy said "Suck it, Jesus" at the Emmys. They're all, "OH NO NOT OUR MESSIAH."

[Optic Rage!]

Why do people keep saying 'It's the first issue" when it's the 500th, and one of the writers has been on it for two years?

Because its the first issue of the new writing team and the new direction.

Thats why.

[KiplingKat]

Claremont once moved the entire team to Australia while making the X-Men more of a strike team.

No one talked about it being "the first issue".

[protogarrett]

"Let's have a costume party where people dress up as our dead friends!"

[KiplingKat]

Scott's simply been watching too much Kathy Griffin on Bravo.

Similarly, the Magneto fans are like the crazed Christians who couldn't handle it when Kathy said "Suck it, Jesus" at the Emmys. They're all, "OH NO NOT OUR MESSIAH."

Will you people stop it! You can make all the ad homiem attacks you want, but that does not discount what I am saying. All it does is make you look like a troll.

Just because I have legitimate complaint about how a character is being written that does not mean I "worship" the character.

I do not accuse the Storm fans on this thread who have problems with how she was written in this issue of being worshipful sycophants. Accord me the same respect.

Either refute what I say rationally, or STFU.

[Optic Rage!]

Claremont once moved the entire team to Australia while making the X-Men more of a strike team.

No one talked about it being "the first issue".

Dont be so facetious.

And yeah Clint, he did.

I was like '' LOL that did not just happen''

[Shade101]

ROFL I want MOAR!

[quillero]

You do make a valid point that Magneto maybe talking about regretting his actions planet side. But it just...they didn't need to make him that way. If he was just there to distract them, he did not need to be so rabidly insulting and factionalistic. They could have at least tried to make it fit in with 8 years of major life altering events the character has been through.

Though if they are not working on repowering mutants why are those two (of all people) together, and why was Magneto talking about saving mutantdom?

The entire set up makes no sense. (But then there was little in that entire encounter that made sense.)

I wanted to see Magneto get back in the game. I did not want to see him revert to the late 1990's/1960's.

Well, it's wait and see. I chose to take the Erik on the ship as the real one (conflicted and kinda angsty) ans the one in San Francisco as a performance to distract the X Men for a plan WE STILL KNOW NOTHING ABOUT.

[Flâneur]

This issue was LOL - I picked out so many porn faces! I love how based on the looks on Emma and Warren's faces you can reconstruct the porn Land used. I can't take it seriously, it's just so hilarious.

Emma dialogue wasn't as snappy as I'd hoped.

Some of the dialogue was clunky - it's a little bit 70ish like that with all the thought bubbles. Too much 'dude' and 'son' also.

Not keen on Magneto/High Evolutionary teaming up. It's so full of fail.

Magneto was corny. Don't like super techno-suits.

LOL at 'You there! Magnificent woman!'

Loved the Dodson art.

The idea of sentinels as kitsch art is awesome. Loved the costume party, also.

Nice intro for Pixie and Dazzler.

[drwho]

This issue blew total chunks. I read the thing in the store and I felt like I was sent to some weird warped X-Men universe. Blehh. Uncanny is dead to me. Bad writing. My how Ed has fallen so much. I'd rather see Magneto with his powers back than this H.E>. team up. And what do you know next issue is the typical racist human giving mutants a beat down.

[Optic Rage!]

Will you people stop it! You can make all the ad homiem attacks you want, but that does not discount what I am saying. All it does is make you look like a troll.

Just because I have legitimate complaint about how a character is being written that does not mean I "worship" the character.

I do not accuse the Storm fans on this thread who have problems with how she was written in this issue of being worshipful sycophants. Accord me the same respect.

Either refute what I say rationally, or STFU.

No one has a problem with you talking about Magneto.

The problem is you ONLY talk about Magneto,

A LOT.

In every thread.

We get it, but people dont like having to read the same THING over and OVER.

So just chill, we get it.

[Nyssane]

Dont be so facetious.

And yeah Clint, he did.

I was like '' LOL that did not just happen''

I haven't read it yet, so I don't really know the context, but what could possibly make the writers think "hmm, let's make Cyclops say 'suck it!'"? It's one thing for Sabretooth to say it in Ultimates, but this is the leader of the X-Men.

Men should just not say suck it at all. When people say that to me, I'm always like "TAKE YOUR PANTS OFF THEN." And then they never say it again.

[jester1436]

Will you people stop it! You can make all the ad homiem attacks you want, but that does not discount what I am saying. All it does is make you look like a troll.

Just because I have legitimate complaint about how a character is being written that does not mean I "worship" the character.

I do not accuse the Storm fans on this thread who have problems with how she was written in this issue of being worshipful sycophants. Accord me the same respect.

Either refute what I say rationally, or STFU.

Your inability to have a sense of humor about yourself and your incontinent comic book idol is pitiful and illustrates why you are due no respect on my part or anybody elses.

None of the Storm fans moaned about dropping the title because of this issue and you're entirely unreceptive to what other people are telling you, so why should anyone care about what you have to say or about the imagined "mistreatment" of a character being presented with unestablished motivations and fake powers.

[jarrod]

Directional changes tend to be pushed as jumping on points. It was actually the same for Aussie era Uncanny iirc, as it timed in with the launch of Excalibur and (even as a kid) I remember promotion about it being the darker side of the mutant struggle from Claremont (while Excalibur would be "the light").

That said, I hope Bru doesn't revert to form and follow what's a promising and encoraging setup with slow and disappointing follow through (and little to no payoff). Which is what he's done on about every Uncanny arc so far (RAFOTSE, Extremists, DWS), I've got my fingers crossed that Fraction brings the right energy or whatever to break the cycle... I'm starting to think Uncanny's cursed or something.

[jester1436]

This issue blew total chunks. I read the thing in the store and I felt like I was sent to some weird warped X-Men universe. Blehh. Uncanny is dead to me. Bad writing. My how Ed has fallen so much. I'd rather see Magneto with his powers back than this H.E>. team up. And what do you know next issue is the typical racist human giving mutants a beat down.

I hope you never post in an Uncanny thread again, then. :)

Don't let the door hit you and so forth.

[darknessatnoon]

This issue blew total chunks. I read the thing in the store and I felt like I was sent to some weird warped X-Men universe. Blehh. Uncanny is dead to me. Bad writing. My how Ed has fallen so much. I'd rather see Magneto with his powers back than this H.E>. team up. And what do you know next issue is the typical racist human giving mutants a beat down.

That was a homophobic human, not a racist one.

[protogarrett]

I liked the issue. Seemed a bit off, but when you take something familiar and start doing something new with it people get upset and put off. I bet money that in a few issues everyone will be in love with this.

It's like new team lineups, everyone bitches when they're announced and moans at their loss 12 months later.

[KiplingKat]

Well, it's wait and see. I chose to take the Erik on the ship as the real one (conflicted and kinda angsty) ans the one in San Francisco as a performance to distract the X Men for a plan WE STILL KNOW NOTHING ABOUT.

What I do know is that Brubaker can't write the X-Men and this is the second time he has used Magneto as a marketing tool rather than actually writing the character. I've been "hanging in there" with Uncanny all through the 2000's (been reading since 1984) ...and this was the straw that broke the camel's back.

I canceled my subscription yesterday.

[darknessatnoon]

I canceled my subscription yesterday.

Good. So you won't be discussing it anymore?

[worstblogever]

I haven't read it yet, so I don't really know the context, but what could possibly make the writers think "hmm, let's make Cyclops say 'suck it!'"? It's one thing for Sabretooth to say it in Ultimates, but this is the leader of the X-Men.

Men should just not say suck it at all. When people say that to me, I'm always like "TAKE YOUR PANTS OFF THEN." And then they never say it again.

I'd take them off for you, Clint. It's a wonderful view to behold.

[Christopher O]

Cyclops actually said "suck it!"?

Oh my god.
LOL

It was a bit weird but still better than "Tyrant, your villainy will be held here."

Seriously, it's like they asked Claremont to come back a write that one line for Storm.

Best line of the issue was easily "You there--Magnificent Flying Woman! What does this mean?"

LOVED IT! Kingo Sunen rocks a little bit.

[Shade101]

What I do know is that Brubaker can't write the X-Men and this is the second time he has used Magneto as a marketing tool rather than actually writing the character. I've been "hanging in there" with Uncanny all through the 2000's...and this was the straw that broke the camel's back.

I canceled my subscription yesterday.

Why cancel your subscription?! That's a waste of money!

[Nyssane]

I'd take them off for you, Clint. It's a wonderful view to behold.

Well it's just an insane insult... like "SUCK MAH GENITALS!" Wtf? You're basically saying "Gimme pleasure! Make me happy!"

People say "suck it!" to me and I just want to jump on them and put it in my mouth. That'll teach them. HAW HAW.

[Waterlily]

http://www.talis.com/source/blog/http:/www.talis.com/source/blog/images/Stop.jpeg

Take a breath. We are adults here, right?

If I don't want to read about a character, posts about a character - i skip them, I don't reply to them. They want to talk about it, let them, just don't participate.

If someone doesn't like all the random crap I post, please return the favor.

My two cents.

[Jake V]

What I do know is that Brubaker can't write the X-Men and this is the second time he has used Magneto as a marketing tool rather than actually writing the character. I've been "hanging in there" with Uncanny all through the 2000's...and this was the straw that broke the camel's back.

I canceled my subscription yesterday.

So this means you won't be going "BAWWWWWWWWWW" in future threads?

[Shade101]

LOL

It was a bit weird but still better than "Tyrant, your villainy will be held here."

Seriously, it's like they asked Claremont to come back a write that one line for Storm.

Best line of the issue was easily "You there--Magnificent Flying Woman! What does this mean?"

LOVED IT! Kingo Sunen rocks a little bit.

Oh I have got to go to the store TODAY just for that line!

[Flâneur]

...and this was the straw that broke the camel's back.
I can recommend a good chiropractor for you.

[Shade101]

Well it's just an insane insult... like "SUCK MAH GENITALS!" Wtf? You're basically saying "Gimme pleasure! Make me happy!"

People say "suck it!" to me and I just want to jump on them and put it in my mouth. That'll teach them. HAW HAW.

:eek: ROFL

Nyssane no! How could you?!

[Waterlily]

LOL

It was a bit weird but still better than "Tyrant, your villainy will be held here."

Seriously, it's like they asked Claremont to come back a write that one line for Storm.

Best line of the issue was easily "You there--Magnificent Flying Woman! What does this mean?"

LOVED IT! Kingo Sunen rocks a little bit.

That's a little over the top. I kind'a like it it's so cheesy.

The flying woman thing made me laugh, too.

[quillero]

LOVED IT! Kingo Sunen rocks a little bit.

Was it me or did the H.E. implied Kingo is an Eternal?

I feel like the Celestial and the Eternals are everywhere lately. Not that I'm complaining, but it kinda smells of Big Event.

[drwho]

Also kind of odd that Makkari who is an eternal that has contact with the dreaming celestial at all times would not be informed about what H.E. was doing.

[KiplingKat]

Why cancel your subscription?! That's a waste of money!

No, I got the remainder of it back. Marvel does not get to keep my $14.65! :wink:

[Shade101]

No, I got the remainder of it back. Marvel does not get to keep my $14.65! :wink:

I was about to say! Whew! That was a close one!

[frog]

The more dialogue I hear, the more it sounds off kilter. Is this Fraction's part? Brubaker doesn't usually make the characters sound unlike themselves that much.

[KiplingKat]

Good. So you won't be discussing it anymore?

So this means you won't be going "BAWWWWWWWWWW" in future threads?

I still have this issue, and there are still loads of Marvel titles out there to discuss.

[jester1436]

I still have this issue, and there are still loads of Marvel titles out there to discuss.

I don't know if discuss is the right word for you. Rant might be it.

[Shade101]

Aw...leave her alone...

[Flâneur]

The more dialogue I hear, the more it sounds off kilter. Is this Fraction's part? Brubaker doesn't usually make the characters sound unlike themselves that much.

I think they've taken it in turns with each of the 'chapters' in the book, much like Land and Dodson have, because the rhythm of the dialogue shifts slightly.

Also, Fraction has awesome dialogue in Immortal Iron Fist and Young Avengers Presents. So I don't know what's happening here. Maybe they're trying to be metatextual by linking the farcity of the costume party to the farcity of super hero comics? *is reaching*

[KiplingKat]

The more dialogue I hear, the more it sounds off kilter. Is this Fraction's part? Brubaker doesn't usually make the characters sound unlike themselves that much.

And Faction did a great job writing that one Nightcrawler story in DWS.

So I don't know where this dialog came from. About the only people in character were Warren and Emma, and maybe Beast.

[Cytokinesis]

The Magneto thing is somewhat annoying, but we still don't know whats going on with him, so I'll stay cautiously pessimistic for the moment...

Still... all the dialogue in this seemed kinda contrived, hopefully it will get better, but the characters didn't seem to be themselves, and their lines sounded like something out of a bad action movie...

[Christopher O]

I loved the characterization of the X-Men in this issue, except for Roboto Storm. Fraction and Bru seem to have injected them with the same kind of verve that Ellis gave Storm--which makes their leaving her out all the more bizarre.

[DDM]

I'm not wild about yet another X-Men vs Magneto fight. This seems like a bad retread of the early 1990's (specifically 1993's Fatal Attractions-2000's the Magneto War). If this is what Ed Brubaker & Matt Fraction can come up with, then they need to be off Uncanny X-Men.

Uncanny X-Men needs to remain to true to the book's voice, but go in a different direction completely. Thus far, all I see is writers wanting to imitate Chris Claremont's better stories.

[quillero]

So..... what's up with Warren?

I'm guessin he's now able to go from Angel to Archangel at will. Anyone?

[KiplingKat]

So..... what's up with Warren?

I'm guessin he's now able to go from Angel to Archangel at will. Anyone?

That is a mystery they alluded to (at least they are keeping X-Force in continuity) . Not sure how it is going to work out tho'.

[Novaya Havoc]

Less Magneto.

Moar Dazzler.

[B. Kuwanger]

Despite the pretty good writing, the actual page count, the two artists, and the chapter titles, this issue felt extremely short. Bru and Fraction work well together but I'm sure everyone involved realizes how weird and terrible an idea it is to put to completely different art teams on one book, because the solicits for the following issues don't show that.

I think I enjoyed this book less because the guy that reviewed it for CBR gave it a good score and basically trashed last week's Moon Knight, which was a much better book if only because it had one (good) artist for the main story and wasn't partly setting up a status quo that another book is doing.

[jmc247]

I will await the writers explaining Magneto's goals and plans before I pass final judgement on his actions. Though, he did come off as bipolar, manic and somewhat crazed. I also didn't think he showed anywhere near his pre M-Day rage of power using the machine even though he said it supposedly made him more powerful then ever. I guess I will have to put up with machine powered Magneto and Polaris for the foreseeable future.

The art was somewhat better then I expected.

[Scavenger]

(well, since Brian reprinted from CSBG, I'll reprint too:D )


Thanks Brian. After the review on the front page, I was about to swear off CBR forever.

If I had any faith in Marvel Editorial a number of my problems wouldn’t be there. But as history has shown that it’s more likely that Brubaker’s star power lets him ignore what’s happening elsewhere, rather than setting up things for future exploration.

Such as:

The Blob. A month or so prior to this story, he was a mass of suicidal flesh who was part of a terrorist group in X-Factor.

Magneto. Boy he swallowed a whole bunch of crazy between his pretty rational style in X-Men Legacy just a bit ago.

Cannonball…isn’t he busy doing something un-X-men like over in Young X-Men?

Speaking of which….We have Hellfire plots going in YXM *and* XML…yet we’re supposed to be..surprised? of one showing up here now?

Didn’t the X-Men just do the whole “Every mutant in the world can come to us for sanctuary” thing? Shouldn’t someone..Wolverine maybe? mention that that didn’t turn out so well?

(I have a problem with the story logic of someone getting “decommissioned Sentinels” as it breaks Disbelief…they’re either weapons of a supervillain, in which case the Government would confiscate them, or they’re Government tech, in which case anything functional wouldn’t be handed out. When the Government “decomissions” battleships, they scuttle them, take out all the tech, and drop them into the ocean to form artificial reefs. But in the world of SHRA, they just hand out giant robots with weapon systems? You’d think Tony Stark, at least, would be concerned about such things. This is a continuity problem like the others but a “The world doesn’t work this way” problem)

Why is Angel going on about how he can walk around with his wings out? How long ago was it that he hid his wings? Angel is a very public figure…a rich pretty playboy super hero. Shouldn’t that whole scene have gone to, I dunno, Nightcrawler? (Who himself long ago decided not to hide who he is?).

On the story structure itself…X-Men just randomly appear in the story when they’re needed. “Hey, we need someone teleported at this point.” So Nightcrawler suddenly shows up in the story. It might have been intended to give a feel of the X-Men “gathering” but it felt more like just sloppy storytelling.

One final story issue…the new “Headquarters”. Brubaker said that he thought it made no sense to keep rebuilding the school when everyone knows where the X-men are….so their “new secret base” is a large complex on the northside of the bay, that according to mapquest you get to by going across the Golden Gate Bridge…It supposedly overlooks the bay, so it really can’t be that hidden. I mean, sure, all the workmen floating around can be trusted not to reveal the location (They’re likely holo-workmen, which would explain why they were photoshoped in to the picture). But then they send a telepathic message to every mutant out there to come join them. So…Those, y’know Evil Mutants..who are the ones constantly blowing up the school they left cuz people knew where it was. Even ignoring X-Villains, I’m sure someone like Whirlwind might find some use for that knowledge, what with him being a member of the Masters of Evil.

But let’s move away from the story and look at the “art”
I won’t even talk about Land’s cut and paste of porn models rather than drawing..that’s passe. But the standard to aspire to is to have your backgrounds be photos you steal and run thru the Photoshop hi-pass filter a bit? And shouldn’t in a scene where the writing says how they’ve shown all the parts of the new headquaters, they should…you know, show the new headquarters rather than an empty room with generic workmen? A third of a page is taken up with some guy in a baseball hat!!!

And if there’s a story point, where a character talks about how great the view is….shouldn’t, I don’t know…YOU SHOW THE VIEW RATHER THAN THE WINDOW THEY’RE LOOKING OUT OF?!?

[worstblogever]

Scavenger, kudos. You just hit all the legitimate criticisms I have with the art, hands down, as well as some of the leaps of logic about their new status quo. It was portrayed rather hapharzardly, and unless we shift into "true believer" mode, there are a lot of issues.

Especially the Sentinel Tech. I mean, did nobody see what the nano-sentinels did with decomissioned Sentinel parts in "E is for Extinction"? Melt those giant pink and purple robots down!

This is where I encourage you to post more often. Well done.

[Omega Alpha]

This was a forgettable issue, mostly. Not bad, mind you, but clearly setup and not very interesting for itself, only for the direction it points out for the future.

As for the Magneto writing, it wasn't bad. Yes, he was acting like a 2D maniac, but like I said, he was acting like one while fighting, it was a plot point he was pretending to revert to his old self.

[Agent_Torpor]

OK, the good:

1. Magneto! YES BABY!
2. Land's art = pleasantly surprised at the quality. **** the tracing, if it looks good, I don't care. After Choi's run, this is a nice, nice change. Dodson's art wowed me none. Blah.
3. Scenery = they actually got the MOMA down. Good work.
4. Pixie = YAY!

The Bad:
1. Boring Sentinel fight. And I love the umbrage shown by the X-men over the art exhibit. Typical closed-minded San Franciscanness, under the guise of benevolent omnithink. Everything's permitted, as long as it doesn't offend you, right?
2. Marin Headlands? Good god, why would the X-folk want to be in the land of BMWs and snotnosed trustfunders? And yeah, real estate in Marin makes SF look like a flyover burg, so not quite sure what the rationale was there. A warehouse in Oakland would be much more superb, ecologically friendlier (how many indigenous species of flora and fauna had to die for their complex), and hipster kitschy (and centrally located).
3. Speaking of "green", could Scott and Hank bore me more about going green? I'm as enviro-conscious as the next lib, but goddamn if I don't want it hammered into me in the pages of my x-book. And what's with Emma's outrage over Piotr throwing a "hybrid"? Since when would she care? Ugh, more spaying at the hands of Soggy Scott.
4. Cannonball's "triumphant" return? Zzzzzz. Shoulda kept him hidden if this is how he makes his grand re-entrance.


All in all, not bad. Not mind-blowing. But a helluva lot better than Bru's past work on the title alone. Fraction deserves kudos for that. But worth $3.99? Hell no.

[Tazirai]

This was a forgettable issue, mostly. Not bad, mind you, but clearly setup and not very interesting for itself, only for the direction it points out for the future.

As for the Magneto writing, it wasn't bad. Yes, he was acting like a 2D maniac, but like I said, he was acting like one while fighting, it was a plot point he was pretending to revert to his old self.

I agree. just seemd like a doublesized setup... nothing grand or expansive.. Just a lead in to a new arc.

[wonderland]

Not a great issue,not sure if it was even a good issue.The hints at something better in the future just about saved it. Brubaker continues to be a big let-down. Considering Uncanny has been treading water since messiah complex i was expecting more.. Uncanny is far from been the X flagship book now (just my opinion...imo) Legacy, X-force and Astonishing are of much better quality, at least for the moment.

[Scavenger]

Sam took a hit from Gladiator at full power.
And that thar Fury thing.

Magneto has a fancy suit.
He is now easily defeatable by the neophyte.
He is Magneto's new nemesis.



To be fair (and don't get me wrong, I found a lot dumb), the suit was made by the High Evolutionary. So it's a really good suit.

Has every one else beaten Gladiator? No? Thanks for playing!

Also, he beat Gladiator because Gladiator lost confidence. I mean, you taunt Gladiators hair, and you can beat him (granted, it has to be a really good taunt!)

[Agent_Torpor]

Not a great issue,not sure if it was even a good issue.The hints at something better in the future just about saved it. Brubaker continues to be a big let-down. Considering Uncanny has been treading water since messiah complex i was expecting more.. Uncanny is far from been the X flagship book now (just my opinion...imo) Legacy, X-force and Astonishing are of much better quality, at least for the moment.

You know what i'd like? Warren Ellis on writing chores, with Greg Land on art.

Land >>>> Bianchi

Hell, anyone but Bianchi. Please????

[jarrod]

I'm still pulling for Copiel eventually...

[ClanAskani]

I liked the issue, but it wasn't anything that really wowed me. I mean, as a kid when I invisioned Uncanny X-Men #500, I didn't think it would be about an art exhibit and the X-Men becoming San Fran yuppies.

There's a lot of potential for where this story is going, but as the iconic Uncanny X-Men #500, I was a little disappointed. It's nice set-up, but I wanted something... more... especially for the price.

It doesn't feel like it fits into everything else going on in the other X-books. I get that it's nice to have everyone happy for a change and moving on with their lives in a new location, but it seemed like it was happening in a completely different continuity rather than being the center of the rest of the X-books.

[Agent_Torpor]

I liked the issue, but it wasn't anything that really wowed me. I mean, as a kid when I invisioned Uncanny X-Men #500, I didn't think it would be about an art exhibit and the X-Men becoming San Fran yuppies.

.

You hit the nail right on the head with this statement. For a landmark #500 issue, this wasn't it. Maybe I was just happy to have something meaty after the past 8 or so issues of filler crap, my perspective was a bit dulled. The more I think and analyze, the more i'm pissed off about this issue.

There really wasn't anything remotely interesting, save for Magneto's return (which was bound to happen at any rate). I wish it was a bit more cataclysmic.

And could Peter's "Freak Flag" comment sound any more forced? That was really bad writing.

[darknessatnoon]

My favorite centennial issue remains #400 with the Fabulous Origin of Stacy X.

[Agent_Torpor]

I'm still pulling for Copiel eventually...

I'd take that in a heartbeat.

[Christopher O]

I'm still pulling for Copiel eventually...
Right? His Storm really is a Magnificent Flying Woman.

[Scavenger]

OK, the good:


3. Speaking of "green", could Scott and Hank bore me more about going green? I'm as enviro-conscious as the next lib, but goddamn if I don't want it hammered into me in the pages of my x-book. And what's with Emma's outrage over Piotr throwing a "hybrid"? Since when would she care? Ugh, more spaying at the hands of Soggy Scott.


With everything else, I'd forgotten about this. It was like when NBC did Green Week last season and every show had a "Green" story. Law And Order: "I killed him because he wouldn't separate his recycling!"

And maybe we could pull back a bit on the mutants=gay--San Francisco = liberal paradise bit. Anyone ever head the word "allegory"? You're making Claremont look subtle!

[Shade101]

Yes bring on Coipel! I love that guys work. I was looking on the internet, and was surprised to see he's a black guy! Now I have inspiration and hope to be a Marvel artist!

Praise him...

[B. Kuwanger]

Yeah, but he's a French guy or something.

The thing about Land here was that he had to do a scene where dozens of people dressed like X-Men and we were supposed to be able to tell which were the real deal because of their faces.



And maybe we could pull back a bit on the mutants=gay--San Francisco = liberal paradise bit. Anyone ever head the word "allegory"? You're making Claremont look subtle!
Yeah, I've been feeling that since Divided We Stand.

[frog]

You know what i'd like? Warren Ellis on writing chores, with Greg Land on art.

Land >>>> Bianchi

Hell, anyone but Bianchi. Please????

Screw that. I suspect Ellis would immediately quit if he was told he had to accept Land's pretense at original work.

[darknessatnoon]

Screw that. I suspect Ellis would immediately quit if he was told he had to accept Land's pretense at original work.

Oh, please. Don't act like Fifi has any standards at all. I've seen his old Thor run.

[Agent_Torpor]

Screw that. I suspect Ellis would immediately quit if he was told he had to accept Land's pretense at original work.

I doubt that. Isn't Ellis a big fan of bondage sites? I'm sure Land can work some of his favorite images into the work.

Better than overdetailed, turdstained, murky Bianchi-work.

[Agent_Torpor]

And maybe we could pull back a bit on the mutants=gay--San Francisco = liberal paradise bit. Anyone ever head the word "allegory"? You're making Claremont look subtle!
Amen, amen, amen. Nail, head.

[frog]

Ellis strikes me as someone who has little time for laziness. That rules Land completely out so dream on.

[Agent_Torpor]

Ellis strikes me as someone who has little time for laziness.

Aside from his own?

[darknessatnoon]

Ellis strikes me as someone who has little time for laziness. That rules Land completely out so dream on.

Then why does he work with Mike Deodato? Again, go read their old Thor run. Deodato couldn't be bothered to put the right characters on the page half the time.

[Agent_Torpor]

Then why does he work with Mike Deodato? Again, go read their old Thor run. Deodato couldn't be bothered to put the right characters on the page half the time.

frog just doesn't like Mr. Land.

Frankly, the whole handwringing about Land's tracing is a bit tiresome and almost fanboyish to a fault. So he traces. So it's obvious. As long as the pictures tell the story, and everything looks kosher, i'm cool with it. There are bigger windmills to joust against, personally.

[La Fea]

My favorite centennial issue remains #400 with the Fabulous Origin of Stacy X.

LOL me too.

The other stories in it were crap, but I LOOOVED Stacy's bits.

Also, I too prefer Land to Bianchi.

His art wasn't as fun as his flashbacks in Legacy (I think my favorite Land work to date), but its a whole lot better than Endsong or whatever song that story was.

The story was...alright. It didn't feel spectacular or re-energizing as a milestone or a status quo change.

[Nyssane]

Wasn't 400 the silent issue?

Fefe, did you get She-Hulk?!

[frog]

frog just doesn't like Mr. Land.

Frankly, the whole handwringing about Land's tracing is a bit tiresome and almost fanboyish to a fault. So he traces. So it's obvious. As long as the pictures tell the story, and everything looks kosher, i'm cool with it. There are bigger windmills to joust against, personally.

Damn right I don't like Land. All the women look the same - that is to say they look like they are starring in Deep Throat. The positioning of characters is usually awkward and unlikely at best. Land simply sucks.

[worstblogever]

Damn right I don't like Land. All the women look the same - that is to say they look like they are starring in Deep Throat. The positioning of characters is usually awkward and unlikely at best. Land simply sucks.

There's one panel where I looked at the mayor, and was convinced she was traced from some "____ on glasses" website's moneyshot.

Not that I frequent that site, or anything.

[frog]

There's one panel where I looked at the mayor, and was convinced she was traced from some "____ on glasses" website's moneyshot.

Not that I frequent that site, or anything.

If you visited that site I'm sure it was only for research purposes. :biggrin:

[darknessatnoon]

Wasn't 400 the silent issue?

Fefe, did you get She-Hulk?!

400 was sort of an artist's jam issue with Ashley Wood and Sean Phillips and other people. It had Stacy X defeating the Church of Humanity. But there was dialogue. Stacy narrated her origin to the Church's Pope leader. I think the silent issue was maybe right after?

[La Fea]

Wasn't 400 the silent issue?

Fefe, did you get She-Hulk?!

Nah, I'm pretty sure there was talking in it. Stacy narrated her origin story which was mostly false lol. She's such a crackwhore I LOVE HER.

YES I DID.

But I'm resting. I'm sick again! BAH!

[Agent_Torpor]

400 was sort of an artist's jam issue with Ashley Wood and Sean Phillips and other people. It had Stacy X defeating the Church of Humanity. But there was dialogue. Stacy narrated her origin to the Church's Pope leader. I think the silent issue was maybe right after?

Ashley Wood? Of IDW fame right now? Holy crap, me likey.

[darknessatnoon]

Ashley Wood? Of IDW fame right now? Holy crap, me likey.

Joe Casey was giving indie artists "a chance." You should get it. La Fea is right. Stacy blatantly lying through her teeth/fantasizing makes for one of the most hilarious X-Stories ever.

[lockerogue]

Dammit I had to settle for the Land cover. I want my Terry Dodson cover!!!!!:mad:

[Agent_Torpor]

Joe Casey was giving indie artists "a chance." You should get it. La Fea is right. Stacy blatantly lying through her teeth/fantasizing makes for one of the most hilarious X-Stories ever.

Now this sounds like an issue right up my alley. And no green proselytizing, i'm sure.

[CmX]

This was kinda boring especially for a huge anniversary issue like #500. :(

The ending did get me interested in the next issue though.

Also was it just me or was Scott's dialogue and Warren's as well kinda off or a little too upbeat? "suck it!" ?

[fitditz]

land's art is such a turn off...it totally changes the mood of the book. i feel like everyone's going to break out in song and start dancing. first paquette on young, then strohman on X-Factor, now Land on Uncanny...WTF is going on????????

[Hi-Fi]

#400 was great. Stacy was indeed hilarious in it. If only Jean Grey knew!

[Scavenger]

frog just doesn't like Mr. Land.

Frankly, the whole handwringing about Land's tracing is a bit tiresome and almost fanboyish to a fault. So he traces. So it's obvious. As long as the pictures tell the story, and everything looks kosher, i'm cool with it. There are bigger windmills to joust against, personally.

My problem is that they don't look kosher and they don't tell the story.

As I said above...there's a section of the book that's supposed to be them touring the new HQ. That wouldn't be there for the "mayor's" benefit, but the readers'. Yet, We get a 2 page spread of an empty room with scaffolding and workmen.
We're told "what a great view!" and we're shown the window the characters are looking out of...not the view...

WTF, i believe, is the expression teh kewl kidz are using.

The upcoming cover with the white queen playing card...has Land ever seen a playing card? He pastes too incompatable pictures opposite each other and calls it good. That's not what a card looks like. Do a bit of work!