Young X-Men in Turmoil

[Ben Morse]

Marc Guggenheim talks about the new lineup of the Young X-Men and their tumultuous future...

http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.5089.Young_X-Men_in_Turmoil

[DeniseXfrost]

Kills Ink and add new female member.

[BulletSpeed]

I swear Im giving this book one more issue to impress or Im dropping it.

[maigen]

Someone should put them on a bus.

[psycwave]

You know what this book needs more of.
Sooraya Qadir aka DUST!!!!!!!!

[MarvelGirlBoy]

I liked the last issue! But allow deSurging it.

Still I'm excited for the next issues, esp. when Ink is revealed to not be a mutant but a sleeper Skrull Vanilla Ice.

[lockerogue]

You know what this book needs more of.
Sooraya Qadir aka DUST!!!!!!!!

What is she hiding?!?!?!

[KJ_81]

Too late for me.

[psycwave]

What is she hiding?!?!?!

I have no idea but i bet its something great that will boost her to top ranks of the X-men. If MG ruins her character there will be hell to pay!!

[The Sword Is Drawn]

Wait... So Anole and Rockslide are best buds? Enough that he'd come back to the team for him? :confused: Not sure I buy that.

Ben Oliver is a pretty good artist on his day. I'd really like to see what his work on this book looks like. Anything is, of course, a step up from Paquette. But I have a certain amount of hope. I'm just a bit worried about Guggenheim's overall vision for the book. I can't get past just how old hat it all feels. And I worry for just what Dust might be hiding...

The two new guys still don't interest me in the slightest.

[insidemyhead]

And I worry for just what Dust might be hiding...

She better not be pregnant.

[escapegoat]

What is she hiding?!?!?!

I'll bet she's Magneto in disguise....

[timbox]

What is she hiding?!?!?!

It's really X-23 under those clothes. They've pulled this trick before; I can't believe you guys got fooled again!

[Agent_Torpor]

What is she hiding?!?!?!

A 12-inch veiny drifter cock. What else?

[wchua24]

this does not impressed me much i think it sucks.

[The Sword Is Drawn]

I really miss the Dust.X-23 interaction. I really miss New X-Men. :frown:

[Swashbuckler]

I think this sounds amazing. I'm excited to see Anole and Rockslide hanging out again and I think it shows a lot of development on Anole's character. He was hurt and distraught and doesn't want to be an X-Man, but Rockslide needs him so he'll be there. Now if they do some weird romance between the two I'll be annoyed, but I enjoy his addition and motivations. I also love the way Guggs described Rockslide being unbreakable on the outside, but falling apart on the inside.

Sooraya has a secret? This is also interesting as she is a fan favorite and I'm curious as to whether this has to do with her being turned to glass or something else entirely. Perhaps something physiological happened to her in that glass form.

I love that Moonstar and Sunspot are joining, but I hope Moonstar isn't given the back burner when it comes to the action just because she doesn't have powers. Overall I loved this interview and I'm excited to learn more about the new characters and to see what secrets and twists Guggs has in store, as long as they aren't as transparent as Cyclops being a fake.

[XSE Drake]

This book is like Sarah Palin. It scares the crap out of me.

My pre-debut reaction to this book was much like that of many others: Why did they cancel New X-Men for this? Why aren't they using more New X-Men characters? Why is the art so mediocre?

And now that the book has been published for a few issues my confusion has changed to outright fear. Guggenheim may be the nicest guy in the world, but he seems to have no grasp on these characters, and seems to have a complete lack of consistent tone. In the span of six issues he has made no less than three enormously idiotic and completely unnecessary plot choices: Magma's injury via Wolf Cub, Dust's reversion from glass to sand, and Greymalkin's "fingernail carbon dating".

Huh-what? All ludicrous, and none pivotal. He could have taken more creative directions with all of these, without testing the bounds of reality.

He's given us no reason to trust him as a writer... his first arc on this book was sophomoric at best. And now our biggest wish (that he would use the characters we love!) is becoming a terrifying reality (Oh no! He's writing characters we love!) I almost wish he WOULD focus more on Ink and Greymalkin. The more time he spends on them, the less he has to meddle with our favorites.

I'm a long-time X-fan. I picked up my first X-Men comic in 1985. I've been anxiously awaiting my favorite New Mutants characters to come back into play, and as great an idea as Sunspot and Moonstar may make on paper as leaders of this team, I'd almost rather they remain in limbo than have Guggenheim write them.

I hope I'm not coming off as some bitchy, over-critical fanboy. I was in favor of Yost and Kyle coming on board New X-Men, in fact am generally very excited when a new creator comes on a book which can stand to improve. I'm not a canon nazi, or a doomsayer, and I don't fear change.

I just want writing that MAKES SENSE, and this book makes little-to-none.

Give the book to someone else, please, or just cancel it.

[nikbackm]

I really miss the Dust.X-23 interaction. I really miss New X-Men. :frown:

Well, you can blame the writers of New X-Men for that as they left and took X-23 with them. Dust was not good enough it seems.

[Red Savina]

What was X-23's and Dust's interaction?

I liked the book, but I don't remember New X-Men having any good Dust moments.

Anyway, after last issue I'm really getting excited for Young X-Men.

I've always liked Anole and even though he seems to be less fun, I think he's bringing an interesting pathos to the team. I hope he does lighten up, though.

Graymalkin seems pretty cool, but I hope he's more than just a nocturnal bruiser with a weird connection to dead has-beens.

[Agent_Torpor]

What was X-23's and Dust's interaction?

I liked the book, but I don't remember New X-Men having any good Dust moments.

Anyway, after last issue I'm really getting excited for Young X-Men.

I've always liked Anole and even though he seems to be less fun, I think he's bringing an interesting pathos to the team. I hope he does lighten up, though.

Graymalkin seems pretty cool, but I hope he's more than just a nocturnal bruiser with a weird connection to dead has-beens.

I just remember Nezhno giving Pixie some sh** about calling Dust's headgear a "burqa". God, I hated Nezhno. Uptight arsewad.

[pariah-1972]

I bet Dust is a secret lesbian.
:biggrin:

[jester1436]

Thank you for sharing this article with us, Ben Morse. <3

I bet Dust is a secret lesbian.
:biggrin:

http://i35.tinypic.com/w0knpl.gif

[mutantgene]

none of that Q&A really got me interested in the book.

i was a massive fan of new xmen and i know this isnt the same book. but its kinda filled that role in the X-line as the "young" team of xmen...

theres my first problem, with both the artists we've had on the book not of the teens look like their teenagers.
Paquette i did not care for at all. it all just looked rushed to me. not good.
Oliver was a slight improvment but hes workin from Paquette's designs and it wasnt much better for me.

as for the team we have - cyclops wants to creat an army so why has he decided not to use the new xmen he had been training for over 2 years in this squad?
stick in 2 guys he knows nothing about and to be honest i dont really care.
Anole was possible my fave new xman by the end of messiah but now im scared for him in this title. rumors have been heard i do not like :(
i fear Guggs will just play him as the gay guy...

none of this book really makes me x-cited enough to keep buying and unless next ish knocks my socks off im out. which is sad cos 3 of these characters used to be the xmen i looked forward to reading about the most each month.

[Red Savina]

none of that Q&A really got me interested in the book.

i was a massive fan of new xmen and i know this isnt the same book. but its kinda filled that role in the X-line as the "young" team of xmen...

theres my first problem, with both the artists we've had on the book not of the teens look like their teenagers.
Paquette i did not care for at all. it all just looked rushed to me. not good.
Oliver was a slight improvment but hes workin from Paquette's designs and it wasnt much better for me.

as for the team we have - cyclops wants to creat an army so why has he decided not to use the new xmen he had been training for over 2 years in this squad?
stick in 2 guys he knows nothing about and to be honest i dont really care.
Anole was possible my fave new xman by the end of messiah but now im scared for him in this title. rumors have been heard i do not like :(
i fear Guggs will just play him as the gay guy...

none of this book really makes me x-cited enough to keep buying and unless next ish knocks my socks off im out. which is sad cos 3 of these characters used to be the xmen i looked forward to reading about the most each month.

Is that not a bit premature?

Was it the tank top?

You change up the colors and it suddenly becomes the quite masculine "wife beater".

http://hotdogandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/wifebeater1.jpg

[RickyD410]

I think it makes perfect sense for Anole to come back to make Santo feel better. His friend is falling apart, so Vic is gona put him back together. Lucky for him, Santo's powers work that way.

However, I really trully hope that they dont pair Anole and Rockslide together as a couple. That would just be terrible. Good friends yes, but NOT a couple. NOT together. Ever ever ever.

[mutantgene]

Is that not a bit premature?

Was it the tank top?

no its not the tank top... i dont mind the tank top,lol

its what ive heard about Anole and what he might be getting upto in young.
I just dont want him paired up with anyone just for the sake of it.
but i spose i coulda worded it better,lol

we shall see how it goes. :smile:

[North-Star]

I think it makes perfect sense for Anole to come back to make Santo feel better. His friend is falling apart, so Vic is gona put him back together. Lucky for him, Santo's powers work that way.

However, I really trully hope that they dont pair Anole and Rockslide together as a couple. That would just be terrible. Good friends yes, but NOT a couple. NOT together. Ever ever ever.

I totally agree, although there could be something said for Santo's cockyness about women <Lady Mastermind? I'll tap that *ss>
(being a diversion, for showing his real heaumeausexual feelings) I'd rather see the friendship angle play out. It's good to see strong friendships between gay and straight men, instead of the homophobic or tolerant gay storylines. In which the gay guy is this glib funnyman with fashion jokes or where he has crackin' wit and Ice slides....

[pariah-1972]

Didn't Santo used to pick on Anole in the beginning?
I skipped most of New X-men so forgive my ignorance.

I think it would be cute if they just stay bff's

Maybe Santo could hook up with She-thing:wink:

[Chaos_Alfa]

What was X-23's and Dust's interaction?

I liked the book, but I don't remember New X-Men having any good Dust moments.

Anyway, after last issue I'm really getting excited for Young X-Men.

I've always liked Anole and even though he seems to be less fun, I think he's bringing an interesting pathos to the team. I hope he does lighten up, though.

Graymalkin seems pretty cool, but I hope he's more than just a nocturnal bruiser with a weird connection to dead has-beens.

X-23: You are Sunni.
Dust: I--yes...yes, I am. Please forgive me, I did not realize you spoke. You are familiar with my home?
X-23: Yes, I have killed in Afghanistan.
*silence*

X-23: It was a trap Sooraya.
Dust: You took... my place?
X-23: I believe allah did not want you to die.

Dust: Jean Grey told me that X-men do not kill.
X-23: And where is she now?

[Seikun21]

Dust: Jean Grey told me that X-men do not kill.
X-23: And where is she now?

Best X-23 line ever

[greenshoes713]

I just remember Nezhno giving Pixie some sh** about calling Dust's headgear a "burqa". God, I hated Nezhno. Uptight arsewad.

Well you can't blame him for calling her out on her ignorance i don't think he cared maybe he just wanted her to shut up!

[chickrockguitar]

*sighs* I'm just so torn.... :frown: :frown: :frown:

Like many others, this book has not impressed me at all. I want my NXM series back! I picked up issue one and that was enough for me. I have seen scans and previews etc of other issues, and GOD what rubbish (sorry to be blunt).

It's just Anole, ya know? He's my 2nd fave X-character. So.. I dun know... I just wish he was in X-Force (okay that'll never happen, I get that, but I can dream), Uncanny or even X-Factor (I'd pick that up if he was on the team), just not in this total *beeep* of a book. :evilangry:

[Pach!]

I can't wait. Issue 6 was really good and I'm excited for where he's going with his characters. Maybe Dust's secret will have to do with actually finding her mom.

[FroFroYo]

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh.
eh.

eh?
yah.

yay anole, though!

and yay secret Dust. xD

[SayOcean]

Dude this does not be associated withthe NM EFFING GRADUATED ALREADY!!!!

[Brett P]

Dude this does not be associated withthe NM EFFING GRADUATED ALREADY!!!!

It's somewhat ironic that Kyle & Yost got rid of Moonstar from New X-Men because they didn't like the New Mutants being "downgraded" to advisors of the current teen mutants and now we have Guggenheim bringing her BACK in to watch over the Young X-Men...only minus all the kids she actually has a bond with.

To recap: Dani stormed off after being ejected from the Institute by Emma, was then a complete non presence in Josh's life despite being his legal guardian, continued being absent from the kids lives whilst their friends were being blown up...then went to the Initiative to tutor Trauma (srsly WTF) and NOW agrees to come back...and doesn't bring Josh, David or Nori under her supervision.

Editorially and story-wise...it's really f***ing stupid.

Also, Guggs reason for Anole coming in doesn't fill me with confidence regarding the relationship Victor and Santo have. Anole and Rockslide are hardly BFF's. Far from it. If Santo needed a rock (no pun intended) then Cessily or Julian would be the ones that made sense to play that role. And where are they? Apparently editorial doesn't give a rats ass about all that came before...they're too busy greenlighting the abominations that are Greymalkavier and big bad Ink.

[RickyD410]

It's somewhat ironic that Kyle & Yost got rid of Moonstar from New X-Men because they didn't like the New Mutants being "downgraded" to advisors of the current teen mutants and now we have Guggenheim bringing her BACK in to watch over the Young X-Men...only minus all the kids she actually has a bond with.

To recap: Dani stormed off after being ejected from the Institute by Emma, was then a complete non presence in Josh's life despite being his legal guardian, continued being absent from the kids lives whilst their friends were being blown up...then went to the Initiative to tutor Trauma (srsly WTF) and NOW agrees to come back...and doesn't bring Josh, David or Nori under her supervision.

Editorially and story-wise...it's really f***ing stupid.

Also, Guggs reason for Anole coming in doesn't fill me with confidence regarding the relationship Victor and Santo have. Anole and Rockslide are hardly BFF's. Far from it. If Santo needed a rock (no pun intended) then Cessily or Julian would be the ones that made sense to play that role. And where are they? Apparently editorial doesn't give a rats ass about all that came before...they're too busy greenlighting the abominations that are Greymalkavier and big bad Ink.
I agree that the Dani sitch really makes no sense at all. I really want to see a New Mutants squad reunion soon, now that everyone is back in the game. Dani and Elixir have regular spots, and Surge and Prodigy are in the background in San Fran.

But I dont know about Vic. Santo and Vic were shown to be pretty close I thought. They kinda picked on each other, but it was all in good fun. Remember, they do have history together, way back from New Mutants Vol. 2. And post Mercury Rising, Santo was almost always shown with Vic. One of them teasing and messing with the other. They had a bit of a love/hate relationship, but deep down, I thought they really did care for each other.

I think it makes sense for Anole to come back to chill with Santo, but I agree that it makes more sense for it to be Hellion or Mercury. But hopefully they're both on their ways to bigger and better things (are you listening Marvel Editorial??). If they can't come, then Vic is a good choice.

[pariah-1972]

I liked the original cast i care not for Greymalkin and Ink when they are better characters to fill there places.

[Brett P]

But I dont know about Vic. Santo and Vic were shown to be pretty close I thought. They kinda picked on each other, but it was all in good fun. Remember, they do have history together, way back from New Mutants Vol. 2. And post Mercury Rising, Santo was almost always shown with Vic. One of them teasing and messing with the other. They had a bit of a love/hate relationship, but deep down, I thought they really did care for each other.

Sure but to the point where Vic would come back solely for him? To the point Vic would be chosen by Dani over Cess or Ju? Absolutely not.

They were mostly always bickering, even if it was friendly. If you were to name people Vic was actually proper friends with in the more recent issues of NXM then we've got Megan, Loa and Josh and maybe Cess. In the New Mutants days definately Hellion but not so much recently. For Santo it was Cess, Julian and Brian and then everyone else pretty much just tolerated him. To me, Vic and Santo were just both part of Julians friend group in the early days, but not necessarily good friends themselves...which is the groundwork for their more recent interaction. The dynamic worked well as part of a larger whole amongst the group...we'll have to wait and see how it works here.

[MuhollandDriver]

Yeah. Friendships and all relationships can change and evolve.

Anole and Rockslide got a good buddy chemistry near the later stages of New X-Men. It would make perfect sense for Victor to come and help Santo.

i do not think we should worry about Anole being the token gay yet, people.

The only thing we have so far is the passing San Fransisco comment by Dani..and that was used to just further entice Anole more...not to box him in.

i actually thought that Guggenheim did a great job of characterizing Victor.

He ackknowledged the PTSD....how Anole viewed the decisions of the adults..without making him all angst ridden.

Anole's charming parts were quite intact.

Most charming Anole lines in this issue???

Anole: "But I think they should be joining me here instead of me joining them there."

And later...

Dani: "You can make a difference."

Anole: "With great power comes great blah blah blah?"


Those lines make me feel confident that he is in good hands.

[Brett P]

It's not the handling of his personality that's in question...(which is a good thing seeing as he's visually unrecognisable), just the situation regarding team member additions...or rather, non additions aka the crap-fest that is Dani and her decisions. Or rather, the decisions she's been given by editorial/the writers. It's just hard to overlook the absence of Cess, Josh etc if you've been following this story as it's gone on. And it's not like we're talking being bogged down in decades of continuity here.

[Kid Icarus]

Anole: I dont ever wanna see the x-men again, they basically screwed up my life.
oh wait
Santo is sad?
nevermind
sign me back up



....

[Pach!]

Cessily was a shitty friend to Santo... always. LOL. Didnt she even admit to being a shitty friend when Santo exploded? We've seen much more friendship between Anole and Rockslide than Cessily/Rockslide.

[DeadXMan]

yeah cause she liked him.

and he came back to stop her from crying.


it was an Awww moment:redface:

[RickyD410]

Cessily was a shitty friend to Santo... always. LOL. Didnt she even admit to being a shitty friend when Santo exploded? We've seen much more friendship between Anole and Rockslide than Cessily/Rockslide.

I dont know about that. She looked out for him. Dust told Santo that Cessily told everyone else to be nice to him. And they had a cute scene in the hallway one day where Santo told Cess that he would always make sure that she was safe. Or something like that.

[Pach!]

yeah cause she liked him.

and he came back to stop her from crying.


it was an Awww moment:redface:

That just shows that Santo has always been a kind soul! He was crying for Brian too.

I dont know about that. She looked out for him. Dust told Santo that Cessily told everyone else to be nice to him. And they had a cute scene in the hallway one day where Santo told Cess that he would always make sure that she was safe. Or something like that.

After he blew up tho. She was a bad friend to him. Which is why she's punished to limbo now. For being a boring bad friend.

[RickyD410]

After he blew up tho. She was a bad friend to him. Which is why she's punished to limbo now. For being a boring bad friend.
How was she a bad friend? It was after he blew up that she told everyone else they had to be nice to him.

Well, there was that one time she wouldn't take him to coffee with her and Laura, but that was just girl time. Nothing personal.

[Pach!]

How was she a bad friend? It was after he blew up that she told everyone else they had to be nice to him.

Well, there was that one time she wouldn't take him to coffee with her and Laura, but that was just girl time. Nothing personal.

Yeah I meant before.. like she must have been a bad friend if she had regrets when he blew up and then was nice only after Santo killed himself for Julian. She got a lucky break and got a second chance.

[DeadXMan]

can you give some examples were She was a bad friend?

they really never gave the hellions alot face time in new mutants
even though they were the much more interesting team.

[Pach!]

can you give some examples were She was a bad friend?

they really never gave the hellions alot face time in new mutants
even though they were the much more interesting team.

When Santo blew up she felt bad for being mean to him. That's not very nice.

[Patrion]

yeah cause she liked him.

and he came back to stop her from crying.


it was an Awww moment:redface:

It was! It was!

Considering that Elixir is with the X-Force crew, and possibly having to stay there for the sake of keeping the team secret, perhaps Dani that's the reason Dani can't find and recruit him? Hm? Maybe? Surge and Prodigy and Loa need to join the team! No ifs, ands, or buts about it!

[DeadXMan]

Being mean to him how?
other then the fact she was too wrap up in trying to get into Wither's pants to notice he care for her and thus he tromented Anole to get her attention.

[Pach!]

Being mean to him how?
other then the fact she was too wrap up in trying to get into Wither's pants to notice he care for her and thus he tromented Anole to get her attention.

I dont know. When was she ever kind to him? She's the one that says "Santo...please come back. I'm sorry I was mean to you...please."

She only became nicer after he almost died.

[podmark]

If Santo needed a rock (no pun intended) then Cessily or Julian would be the ones that made sense to play that role. And where are they?

While I agree Hellion and Cess would be good choices to help Santo, I think Vic might actually be the best choice of the three.

Santo's relationship with each was very different. With Julian it had more of a leader/minion element. That's simplifying it but essentially it's true.

With Cessily Santo had a more protective relationship, and I still believe C&C were playing a Santo crushing on Cess thing before they decided not to kill him.

With Victor the relationship is far more give and take. You see Santo continuously being a jerk to Vic ("Hey nerds", "(re firing squad) especially you Vic") but also looking to him to lead during Quest for Magik, and later standing up for him when he finds out he's gay ("more chicks for me"). We've seen Vic giving as much as he gets from Santo too during Children of the X-Men.

Anyway any of the three would be good choices honestly, but I think Vic might be the most effective. It also has the added benefit of bringing Victor back into the fold (which admittably needs to apply to Hellion too).

[Hakael]

Rockslide, Victor, Hellion, and Cessily have been good friends since they started appearing in the books. Most of their first scenes were playing frisbee or eating out on the campus as a group (with Josh too, until Julian found out he used to be a Reaver).

Any of them could have been brought in.

I kind of see bringing Anole into YXM as a bit of an olive branch to NXM readers who either dropped the book or never bothered to pick it up to begin with. It'll probably work for some, and admittedly this last issue was the best one so far (not a hard hurdle to jump in my opinion, but the best one of em none the less). I'm still looking for this book to improve... and it might get there, but I'm not going to put it back on my pull list until then.

And In all honesty... I'd still much rather see Hellion in one of the other X-Books...

[Hakael]

sweet, double post.

[Kage Kisaragi]

"brand new lineup in YOUNG X-MEN #7"

can I call them or what? Anyway, before everyone starts yelling "That was obviously gonna happen." Let me retract any emphasis on predicting anything.

So, why again should I care about this title, I was only reading it so I could see whether or not Wolfcub would actually ascend to the heights we wanted him to ascend to or would become cannon fodder? ... oh look it was the later. :rolleyes:

I'm guessing Ink is the Not a mutant and not knowing it person since, everyone else has at some point been confirmed that they were mutants considering you know they all got accepted into the school when it was a school. Hey, where was Rockslide during House of M?

[Kid Icarus]

"brand new lineup in YOUNG X-MEN #7"

can I call them or what? Anyway, before everyone starts yelling "That was obviously gonna happen." Let me retract any emphasis on predicting anything.

So, why again should I care about this title, I was only reading it so I could see whether or not Wolfcub would actually ascend to the heights we wanted him to ascend to or would become cannon fodder? ... oh look it was the later. :rolleyes:

I'm guessing Ink is the Not a mutant and not knowing it person since, everyone else has at some point been confirmed that they were mutants considering you know they all got accepted into the school when it was a school. Hey, where was Rockslide during House of M?

Wasn't he wrestling again?

[Red Savina]

I think it'd be cool if someone other than Ink (or Graymalkin) was revealed to not be a mutant.

[Grazzt]

I think it'd be cool if someone other than Ink (or Graymalkin) was revealed to not be a mutant.

Yeah, Anole could secretly be a Skrull prince (didn't the skrull queen sleep with that lizard guy?).

:tongue:

[Zombie Uatu]

The problem basically every 'junior' X-Men book has had since the New Mutants became X-Force is that there are too many young mutants now. Even after M-Day, which was supposed to do away with this. NXM was great and worked really well as an ensemble book, but ultimately didn't sell enough (possibly because of that). YXM has tried to make it a team book again, but without the relationships from NXM it feels hollow to put Santo, Dust, Anole, and randomly Blindfold on to a team together (Blindfold just doesn't make sense. She's a spooky prophecy girl who should be used to foretell major events, not a second-string team player).

What YXM should be is a book with a large cast featuring 'Young' X-Men from across the three eras of X-Men Junior. The fact that writers so often just focus on the New Mutants at the expense of Generation X is almost disgusting in an age where comics are so desperate to pull in new readers - it's going to a nostalgia element which is twice as old as it needs to be. Realistically, there should be about 12-15 members of this 'team', consisting of New Mutants, former Gen X characters who aren't either dead or depowered (so Paige, then) and the larger chunk of NXM kids ('cause they're still actually kids). It doesn't have to slave itself to the school concept or the new 'army' concept; it could work just as well as a 'support group' for young mutants.

Unfortunately, though the last issue was a definite upswing, I just don't think Guggs has the chops to pull this off, which is why we have the team we do. I'm not against new characters, but it's almost disappointing to see him filling two spaces on the roughly six-man team with new characters when there are old ones simply being allowed to fade into the background only a few years after their creation.

[AN0LE]

I think it'd be cool if someone other than Ink (or Graymalkin) was revealed to not be a mutant.

Eeek! I think that may be a bad move on Guggenheim's part. A lot of readers are already disgruntled with his characterizations of the kids so far and I think that throwing another wrench in the machine will just up the ante of ill-feelings. Can you imagine the riots in the street if Dust is retconned into not being a mutant or something along those lines?:biggrin:

[Kage Kisaragi]

Eeek! I think that may be a bad move on Guggenheim's part. A lot of readers are already disgruntled with his characterizations of the kids so far and I think that throwing another wrench in the machine will just up the ante of ill-feelings. Can you imagine the riots in the street if Dust is retconned into not being a mutant or something along those lines?:biggrin:

Think of it like this, let's say it is Dust. What can they say about her then? Shes the living embodiment of the desserts native to her homeland. That she is a living breathing, gets hot and bothered by red headed winged singers? She'd be the next generation Storm with goddess worship. Is this a bad thing? No not really, since it would mean that the X-books have again opened their doors to non mutants and actually let them on the team, in their club house, sleep with them and ect ect.

[Red Savina]

The problem basically every 'junior' X-Men book has had since the New Mutants became X-Force is that there are too many young mutants now. Even after M-Day, which was supposed to do away with this. NXM was great and worked really well as an ensemble book, but ultimately didn't sell enough (possibly because of that). YXM has tried to make it a team book again, but without the relationships from NXM it feels hollow to put Santo, Dust, Anole, and randomly Blindfold on to a team together (Blindfold just doesn't make sense. She's a spooky prophecy girl who should be used to foretell major events, not a second-string team player).

I think even in New X-Men, where the large cast sometimes worked, it took to being a hardcore fan for it to not feel hollow at times what with the "oh they bonded when they shared a page that one time".

The assembly of the group makes sense to me. Everyone probably assumed Hellion was unavailable (see DWS), Mercury's circumstances will come to light in an upcoming issue of Manifest Destiny, and Surge is still rumored to be in the pipeline. I don't think any of the team members would be concerned about David, but even he has his hands full helping Beast.

What YXM should be is a book with a large cast featuring 'Young' X-Men from across the three eras of X-Men Junior. The fact that writers so often just focus on the New Mutants at the expense of Generation X is almost disgusting in an age where comics are so desperate to pull in new readers - it's going to a nostalgia element which is twice as old as it needs to be. Realistically, there should be about 12-15 members of this 'team', consisting of New Mutants, former Gen X characters who aren't either dead or depowered (so Paige, then) and the larger chunk of NXM kids ('cause they're still actually kids). It doesn't have to slave itself to the school concept or the new 'army' concept; it could work just as well as a 'support group' for young mutants.

I like this.

Unfortunately, though the last issue was a definite upswing, I just don't think Guggs has the chops to pull this off, which is why we have the team we do. I'm not against new characters, but it's almost disappointing to see him filling two spaces on the roughly six-man team with new characters when there are old ones simply being allowed to fade into the background only a few years after their creation.

He probably didn't like them and was being kind by not using them so they're available for someone who does.

[Victorious]

I know i may be alone in this, but i like where the book is going. I'm trusting Guggs. I think (myself included) we are still mad because of New X-Men cancellation, but the truth is C&C decided to go with another title and the kids were left in limbo, so Guggs takes the responsibility to make a new teen mutants book after C&C left, and that takes courage. The thing is they change the title because they wanted to do something different, a different approach to the kids, just like C&C did (but without re-naming the title). C&C also missed a lot of characterization when they join the book: Dani forgot about Josh, etc. But as time went by they make a great book with their take on the kids. So I’ll give Guggs a chance, I think Guggs is doing the same C&C did and I've decide to trusted him like I didn't trust C&C on the beginning (and then I really end up enjoying their take on the kids A LOT!).

About Anole, I’m glad he decided to put him on the team, cause he didn’t have enough time to be developed as a team member in New X-Men. It also bugs me a little that people say Guggs is going to write Anole as "the gay guy". Because that is all he was before Skottie Young write him, he was the mature x-men fan gay guy. Skottie give him some interesting characterization: from an X-Men fan to really hate the idea of becoming an X-Men (but still having lot of potencial to be one, having the knowledge, the training and the leadership skills). And Guggs is writing that Anole and being loyal to Skottie’s development of the character. And truth is he has always been seen surrounded by his friends (Julian, Loa, helping Josh, saving Pixie, etc.), that always was part of his personality. So is totally believable he now wants to help Santo after Nick's death.

I’m also interested in Dust’s secret. Again, I think Guggs is trying to write Dust as something more than the “muslin girl”.

So seven members… Dani, Berto, Vic, Sooraya, Jonas, Eric and Santo. And an eight one… I wonder if she/he (I think it’s a she because of Ruth’s dialogues) is the one who hits Dani in issue #2 and the one who is talking to Blindfold and Jonas.

[Pach!]

I know i may be alone in this, but i like where the book is going. I'm trusting Guggs. I think (myself included) we are still mad because of New X-Men cancellation, but the truth is C&C decided to go with another title and the kids were left in limbo, so Guggs takes the responsibility to make a new teen mutants book after C&C left, and that takes courage. The thing is they change the title because they wanted to do something different, a different approach to the kids, just like C&C did (but without re-naming the title). C&C also missed a lot of characterization when they join the book: Dani forgot about Josh, etc. But as time went by they make a great book with their take on the kids. So I’ll give Guggs a chance, I think Guggs is doing the same C&C did and I've decide to trusted him like I didn't trust C&C on the beginning (and they I really end up enjoying their take on the kids A LOT!).

About Anole, I’m glad he decided to put him on the team, cause he didn’t have enough time to be developed as a team member in New X-Men. It also bugs me a little that people say Guggs is going to write Anole as "the gay guy". Because that is all he was before Skottie Young write him, he was the mature x-men fan gay guy. Skottie give him some interesting characterization: from an X-Men fan to really hate the idea of becoming an X-Men (but still having lot of potencial to be one, having the knowledge, the training and the leader skills). And Guggs is writing that Anole and being loyal to Skottie’s development of the character. And truth is he was always been seen surrounded by his friends (Julian, Loa, helping Josh, saving Pixie, etc.), that always was part of his personality. So is totally believable he now wants to help Santo after Nick's death.

I’m also interested in Dust’s secret. Again, I think Guggs is trying to write Dust as something more than the “muslin girl”.

So seven members… Dani, Berto, Vic, Sooraya, Jonas, Eric and Santo. And an eight one… I wonder if she/he (I think it’s a she because of Ruth’s dialogues) is the one who hits Dani in issue #2 and the one who is talking to Blindfold and Jonas.
You aren't alone!

[AN0LE]

So seven members… Dani, Berto, Vic, Sooraya, Jonas, Eric and Santo. And an eight one… I wonder if she/he (I think it’s a she because of Ruth’s dialogues) is the one who hits Dani in issue #2 and the one who is talking to Blindfold and Jonas.

I am inclined to think it's Cypher... Graymalkin has been talking to him (or so it seems) and we even got a preview page with him on it at the end of issue #5.

[Patrion]

I say Surge or Loa! Or maybe Trance? The team could use a TP of some sort if Dani never gets her powers back!

[LawGiver]

"brand new lineup in YOUNG X-MEN #7"

can I call them or what? Anyway, before everyone starts yelling "That was obviously gonna happen." Let me retract any emphasis on predicting anything.

So, why again should I care about this title, I was only reading it so I could see whether or not Wolfcub would actually ascend to the heights we wanted him to ascend to or would become cannon fodder? ... oh look it was the later. :rolleyes:

I'm guessing Ink is the Not a mutant and not knowing it person since, everyone else has at some point been confirmed that they were mutants considering you know they all got accepted into the school when it was a school. Hey, where was Rockslide during House of M?

Let me give you an award for guessing correctly.

Good for you.

You are clearly special.

[yanapryde]

I am inclined to think it's Cypher... Graymalkin has been talking to him (or so it seems) and we even got a preview page with him on it at the end of issue #5.


Who are we talking about? Who hit Dani? A girl? A boy? I'm lost. When did this happen? Can someone go into further detail to explain? An 8th member??

[Victorious]

You aren't alone!

good to know!

[Victorious]

Who are we talking about? Who hit Dani? A girl? A boy? I'm lost. When did this happen? Can someone go into further detail to explain? An 8th member??


I try to analize thE characters that seem to be talking to this apparently 8th member. After rereading the first arc, this is what I came with:

Blindfold

When Blindfold talk to Santo in issue #1, though she is talking to him, he seems to be talking with someone else since he refer to Santo as him.

In Issue #2 she said:
“She knows it’s a one-room cabin, why don’t you?”, “We’ll be right behind you” and “We don’t understand” while talking to Ink (the two of them alone).
Then when being held by Dani she says “Now” and someone hit her.

So my guess is:
-Ruth is some kind of mutant squizofrenic, she has like to separate minds who talks with each others (maybe one is a telepath and the other sees the future?).
-Or/And she can talk to this someone (just like Jonas) who nowone can see and this someone helps her and Jonas. This someone also hits Dani (if he was Cypher why would he do that?)

Graymalkin

In Issue #3 he seems to know Cypher and to think he is still alive (“I’m not the only one who can help him, there’s Cypher”) and he seems to talk to someone too. But as opposed to Ruth, he doesn’t refer himself as plural. So my guess is Jonas is talking to an unseen character who tells him what to do.
But them in issue #4 he says: “Cypher told me everything”. So Cypher do speak to him.
Then in issue #5 he says to this entity that he is worried about him after the Blackbird fell, but somehow this entity “phased".

But how can he know Cypher if he is 200 years old? So my guess is:
-Cypher is somehow still alive (maybe as some kind of energy who can live in technologyand control it?) and he uses some kind of ancient/unknown language to talk to Jonas and he uses his technological language skills to free Amara.
Maybe he lives as technorganic waves [some language?] (¿?) and can phased (travel) trought technology and control it.

[yanapryde]

But Ruth has ALWAYS had a bizarre way of speaking. Speaking with strange pronouns and what not.
So this isn't news.
I don't think she is speaking on another characters' behalf. If anything she was simply speaking for the team as a whole, with Ink's deception etc.

[drwho]

Why isnt Cannonball on the team? In the past Sunspot has been portrayed as one of the more selfish members of the old cast so why the hell would he want to stick around and train kids?

[Alex A Sanchez]

Why is the art so mediocre?


The sad thing is... Skottie Young seemed to really really want to stay on the book. He even left an email address for us in these forums to write to marvel and request that he stay. If he was drawing, I would at buy because of his art.


Considering that Elixir is with the X-Force crew,

I haven't been reading X-Force, so this is news to me. Why is there at healer on a team where 1/2 of the members have healing factors? I guess it would contribute to the whole redundancy theme.

NXM was great and worked really well as an ensemble book, but ultimately didn't sell enough (possibly because of that).

I don't think sales were the problem- X-Factor had almost the exact numbers, and that book wasn't canceled.

[yanapryde]

Here Here! I agree with wishing Skottie were back.
His characters were superb!

Also, this may be SPOILER-ISH, but....



Josh was over on X-Force to help heal Rhane. He'll be leaving the book soon. I wanna say he leaves in the newest issue, out today.

[Agent_Torpor]

Here Here! I agree with wishing Skottie were back.
His characters were superb!

Also, this may be SPOILER-ISH, but....



Josh was over on X-Force to help heal Rhane. He'll be leaving the book soon. I wanna say he leaves in the newest issue, out today.

Skottie Young deserves a better book than Young X-Men, that's for damned sure.

[RickyD410]

Here Here! I agree with wishing Skottie were back.
His characters were superb!

Also, this may be SPOILER-ISH, but....



Josh was over on X-Force to help heal Rhane. He'll be leaving the book soon. I wanna say he leaves in the newest issue, out today.

I dont think he's leaving soon. In a recent Chris Yost X-Force interview, he said Elixir is sticking over there for the time being.

[MuhollandDriver]

Okay everyone.....

First off.....i agree that Young X-Men got off to a real rocky start.

Only time will tell how forgivable that first arc was.

The thing is....i did see the inspiration behind the first arc. It just backfired quite badly.

The last issue has me quite hopeful, people. i really enjoyed it. It was quite an enjoyable read...i see that Guggenheim does have quite a bit of talent.

i was frustrated that New X-Men got cancelled just as it found a really unique voice.

Yes.....this leaves many characters possibly in limbo. Not all of them are going to have the spotlight that the Young X-Men cast is going to get.

i can honestly say that the cast choices are likely due to the character's overall appeal....and if writers click with them.

These things can be quite unpredictable! Anole and Pixie were supporting players in the New X-Men world until the end. Granted..Anole had quite a fanbase despite being a minor character...but both Meggan and Victor were far frombeing stars of the book. Once they joined the team...things flourished. Pixie's silliness became popular with writers and readers. Anole was already well loved...but he developed further with a fun, interesting friendship with Rockslide. Pixie and Anole sort of catapulted past other characters who might have been major characters in the book longer, but were less popular with overall readers...or less interesting to writers outside the book.

Now, is this totally fair? i don't know. On one hand, characters like Hellion, Mercury, and such probably have more experience, and were lead characters in the past book. It does seem odd that they would fade into limbo or recurring characters all of a sudden.

Then again, should a writer have to write a character that doesn't interest him or her?

Many people find Pixie and Anole interesting. They are well liked by many writers and fans. I am lukewarm with Pixie, but adore Anole. While it is true that there is an amount of subjectivity to why people connect with a character, often popular characters are popular for a reason.

So there we are. The two newest New X-Men characters seem like the ones with the brightest futures. Pixie could either be the next Kitty Pryde (lasting) or the next Jubilee ("it-girl" for a decade). For some reason, i sense Anole, Dust, and Rockslide as having more staying power. i think the writers sense that too. Might be why they were picked, people.

Look at the New Mutants. People bitch that Dani is usually just a mentor for kids...and i agree that she should have been made an X-Man a long time ago. Nonetheless......it is good that she has found a well-known established role. That cannot be said for all the New Mutants...or for poor Generation X (though i have never read it.).

Another example is Magik. Yes, it took quite some time to get here back here proper.

But really people....how many other revived characters get a friggin mini-series to establish their return?

Whether you like Magik or not...she is intensely popular with writers and fans. So...she gets a mini-series.

Some characters have a certain charisma that pulls writers and readers in more.

Wolverine, Emma Frost, Anole, Pixie, Magik, Rogue, Beast, and Storm are some examples. Writers and often readers seem to gravitate to these characters more than others.

Looking at the above examples, i am not huge fans of every character up there. Yet...i can see why each are significantly more popular than other characters. They all have their own charisma, unique characteristics, stories that pull writers and readers in more.

Anyway...i am not trying to lessen anyone's feelings on why a certain character wasn't picked. But...i think i am offering some pretty solid reasons for why character picks are made

[SayOcean]

Okay everyone.....

First off.....i agree that Young X-Men got off to a real rocky start.

Only time will tell how forgivable that first arc was.

The thing is....i did see the inspiration behind the first arc. It just backfired quite badly.

The last issue has me quite hopeful, people. i really enjoyed it. It was quite an enjoyable read...i see that Guggenheim does have quite a bit of talent.

i was frustrated that New X-Men got cancelled just as it found a really unique voice.

Yes.....this leaves many characters possibly in limbo. Not all of them are going to have the spotlight that the Young X-Men cast is going to get.

i can honestly say that the cast choices are likely due to the character's overall appeal....and if writers click with them.

These things can be quite unpredictable! Anole and Pixie were supporting players in the New X-Men world until the end. Granted..Anole had quite a fanbase despite being a minor character...but both Meggan and Victor were far frombeing stars of the book. Once they joined the team...things flourished. Pixie's silliness became popular with writers and readers. Anole was already well loved...but he developed further with a fun, interesting friendship with Rockslide. Pixie and Anole sort of catapulted past other characters who might have been major characters in the book longer, but were less popular with overall readers...or less interesting to writers outside the book.

Now, is this totally fair? i don't know. On one hand, characters like Hellion, Mercury, and such probably have more experience, and were lead characters in the past book. It does seem odd that they would fade into limbo or recurring characters all of a sudden.

Then again, should a writer have to write a character that doesn't interest him or her?

Many people find Pixie and Anole interesting. They are well liked by many writers and fans. I am lukewarm with Pixie, but adore Anole. While it is true that there is an amount of subjectivity to why people connect with a character, often popular characters are popular for a reason.

So there we are. The two newest New X-Men characters seem like the ones with the brightest futures. Pixie could either be the next Kitty Pryde (lasting) or the next Jubilee ("it-girl" for a decade). For some reason, i sense Anole, Dust, and Rockslide as having more staying power. i think the writers sense that too. Might be why they were picked, people.

Look at the New Mutants. People bitch that Dani is usually just a mentor for kids...and i agree that she should have been made an X-Man a long time ago. Nonetheless......it is good that she has found a well-known established role. That cannot be said for all the New Mutants...or for poor Generation X (though i have never read it.).

Another example is Magik. Yes, it took quite some time to get here back here proper.

But really people....how many other revived characters get a friggin mini-series to establish their return?

Whether you like Magik or not...she is intensely popular with writers and fans. So...she gets a mini-series.

Some characters have a certain charisma that pulls writers and readers in more.

Wolverine, Emma Frost, Anole, Pixie, Magik, Rogue, Beast, and Storm are some examples. Writers and often readers seem to gravitate to these characters more than others.

Looking at the above examples, i am not huge fans of every character up there. Yet...i can see why each are significantly more popular than other characters. They all have their own charisma, unique characteristics, stories that pull writers and readers in more.

Anyway...i am not trying to lessen anyone's feelings on why a certain character wasn't picked. But...i think i am offering some pretty solid reasons for why character picks are made
ink still blows

[MuhollandDriver]

*laughs*

He thoroughly bugged me in the last arc....and it is rare for that to happen.

That being said....my heart went out to him a bit in the last issue.

[Patrion]

*laughs*

He thoroughly bugged me in the last arc....and it is rare for that to happen.

That being said....my heart went out to him a bit in the last issue.

As did mine! I, however, haved somewhat liked Ink since ish #1. The one thing that's bothered me is the ghetto speech! I talk like that on occastion, but seeing it on paper and reading it in your head is just silly!

[The Black Guardian]

What is she hiding?!?!?!
Her Omega-level sexiness. The reason for the abaya and niqab is to protect men's sanities.
Didn't Santo used to pick on Anole in the beginning?
Picking on each other is what friends do.

[pariah-1972]

Her Omega-level sexiness. The reason for the abaya and niqab is to protect men's sanities.

Picking on each other is what friends do.I thought he was more of a bully in the beginning tho?
:confused:

[pgonzo98]

admit that the creative team is wrong for the book and reassign it. brubakers leaving uncanny.....

[Alex A Sanchez]

Josh was over on X-Force to help heal Rhane. He'll be leaving the book soon. I wanna say he leaves in the newest issue, out today.

omg I totally forgot about their past together- how was their reunion? Was it anything worth picking up the issue(s) for?



First off.....i agree that Young X-Men got off to a real rocky start.

Only time will tell how forgivable that first arc was.

The thing is....i did see the inspiration behind the first arc. It just backfired quite badly.


...
...
...
...

Anyway...i am not trying to lessen anyone's feelings on why a certain character wasn't picked. But...i think i am offering some pretty solid reasons for why character picks are made

What does the first arc being poorly written have to do with the reason certain characters picks are made? I'm thoroughly confused. Did you forget the point that you were trying to make as you wandered through your essay? :tongue: :wink:

admit that the creative team is wrong for the book and reassign it. brubakers leaving uncanny.....

Was pretty excited about this- looooooove fraction (I <3 Casanova forever)... am going to start getting this book again.

[Kage Kisaragi]

Let me give you an award for guessing correctly.

Good for you.

You are clearly special.

Hating is so not you. :cool:

[AN0LE]

ink still blows

Agreed... it leaves me bitter that characters like this are created out of nowhere when characters with real fan bases (Loa, Trance, Mercury, Gentle, etc) are left to fade into comic limbo. :frown:

[Red Savina]

Agreed... it leaves me bitter that characters like this are created out of nowhere when characters with real fan bases (Loa, Trance, Mercury, Gentle, etc) are left to fade into comic limbo. :frown:

Loa? Trance?

Ink's got more characterization in six issues than they've had in the 3+ years they've been in existence.

Besides, Gentle was similarly created out of nowhere and he's also going to be appearing in the upcoming Storm mini.

[AN0LE]

Loa? Trance?

Ink's got more characterization in six issues than they've had in the 3+ years they've been in existence.

Besides, Gentle was similarly created out of nowhere and he's also going to be appearing in the upcoming Storm mini.

In all honesty, I have read more hate threads about Ink in one day than I have read about Loa, Trance or any of the other backround kids in NXM in the past 3+ years.

The fact is that alot of readers enjoyed these characters despite their lack of panel time. In the end it is the readers who determine whether a book succeeds or fails. Perhaps more readers would have warmed up to this book with these familiar characters rather than just throwing in a random new character who hasn't exactly been welcomed by readers with open arms.

I guess my point is that Guggenheim had a plethora of underused kids to choose from... many of which, though despite not being prominent characters, still had pretty decent fan bases... and he whipped up 2 new characters that have left alot of readers sourfaced and disgruntled.

Maybe a smoother transition would have been to start out the book with all current characters and then introduce the newbies in future issues instead of seemingly cramming them down our throats in the first few issues. It could have saved poor Guggenheim alot of negative reviews.

That's just my 2 cents... we are all entitled to our opinions... :biggrin:

[AN0LE]

Do we know yet if Anole is the only new team member or are we still thinking that one more will pop up in the next issue?

[just another user]

Do we know yet if Anole is the only new team member or are we still thinking that one more will pop up in the next issue?

Well if you've seen the Bachalo solicited cover, you'll know that there is a member whose identity is obscured

[LawGiver]

Agreed... it leaves me bitter that characters like this are created out of nowhere when characters with real fan bases (Loa, Trance, Mercury, Gentle, etc) are left to fade into comic limbo. :frown:

This is a joke right?

Where would Loa, Trance and the other 3 panel crappy characters from NXM be if not given a chance? Ink should be given the same oppotunities to shine. After all, Generation X fans felt the same way probably when the New X-Men kids were announced. It's circular.

[just another user]

This is a joke right?

Where would Loa, Trance and the other 3 panel crappy characters from NXM be if not given a chance? Ink should be given the same oppotunities to shine. After all, Generation X fans felt the same way probably when the New X-Men kids were announced. It's circular.

Yeah, it isn't the first time the "next generation" of X Men have been left off a team. It's just the first time we've had the internet so we can hear the hardcore fans complaining about it.

You're right about it being circular. In 20 years time some writer who grew up reading New X Men will bring back Trance and Match and have them mentoring a crop of freshly created mutants.

[timbox]

In a recent interview, Marc made it sound like this was the final team.

Surge tease is not appreciated!

[just another user]

In a recent interview, Marc made it sound like this was the final team.

Surge tease is not appreciated!

He also made it sound like Wolfcub was going to be the next Wolverine. The web requires some misdirection.

However - Surge? No chance. :frown:

[AN0LE]

You're right about it being circular. In 20 years time some writer who grew up reading New X Men will bring back Trance and Match and have them mentoring a crop of freshly created mutants.

As long as they steer clear of exploding school buses

[The Black Guardian]

I thought he was more of a bully in the beginning tho?
:confused:
I never got a bully vibe from Santo, especially towards Victor. He just likes to poke fun at people. It's all playful, not malicious.

[Kage Kisaragi]

I never got a bully vibe from Santo, especially towards Victor. He just likes to poke fun at people. It's all playful, not malicious.

No the bully vibe was all pre-Nimrod/Striker Hellion.

[SayOcean]

Santo just seems like a big stupid guy who got a change of heart....(yawn) and hopefully this book wont drag the NM down....maybe itll get a lot better

[Brett P]

Ink has a lazy origin too...not only was Cannonball working for Pierce in his first appearance...but Elixir also started off working for Pierce as a mutant hater with a bad attitude! We've already done the whole "finding out he worked for Pierce causing tension and divides" story with this generation of teen mutants both with David/Josh and then Julian/Josh...if Guggs wanted someone with an attitude and prone to causing arguments then why not just use Surge on the team? Surge and Dust, Surge and Rockslide...fixes up the current nasty boy/girl ratio too. Oh well.

[just another user]

Ink has a lazy origin too...not only was Cannonball working for Pierce in his first appearance...but Elixir also started off working for Pierce as a mutant hater with a bad attitude! We've already done the whole "finding out he worked for Pierce causing tension and divides" story with this generation of teen mutants both with David/Josh and then Julian/Josh...if Guggs wanted someone with an attitude and prone to causing arguments then why not just use Surge on the team? Surge and Dust, Surge and Rockslide...fixes up the current nasty boy/girl ratio too. Oh well.

But that isn't the story he wants to tell. It looks like Ink ties into the Y Men in the next arc, and who knows what Guggenheim is setting him up for by the time that story is finished? Maybe Guggenheim has always intended him to be dead before the end of the second arc. Maybe Surge can be brought in at some point when there is a story the writer wants to tell involving her, but there is no point just automatically using characters because they have been used in the past.

[Brett P]

I think I'd have liked Ink more if Guggenheim had used him and the Y-Men in an arc of Amazing Spidey instead...:p