New X-Men #21: Review and SPOILERS!

[Tre Styles]

Okay, here's the Tre Styles play by play (I hope no one started a thread on this, because I didn't find one....if so, Brian can merge it). So let's get it on....
Spoilers ahead



Scene takes place a year ago, near St. Michael's Hospital in Chi-Town (Chicago) there's Limo, it's raining... Window goes down. Ah, it's Rev Striker. Coming out the hospital is a man named Dr. Jack Abrams. He's calling for a taxi, Striker has looked at his watch saying "Thy will be done." He gets out the limo and stops Abrams from catching the cab telling him it's a matter of life and death.. Abrams wondering why Striker is interested in him, Striker asks him if he beleives in God, and as soon as he does BAM! a bus hits the cab that Abrams was about to get into....Abrams is puzzled and wants to know how Striker knew...Striker gives some inspirational words "Because God believes in you."

Cut 2 Now: Xavier's Institute. Nori is talking with Forge who has given her a new lighter set of harness gloves. They talk a little about what's going on, and Forge says that there are some dark times ahead and that they need to do everything they can for "our people or risk losing everything."
Cut to the lounge... Cessily, Brian and Santo are discussing the situation with Brian losing his powers and what he's going to do. Santo plays the funny man by saying Brian could fake his powers. Santo will help by running away from him. :) A long tongue snatches the remote control out Santo's hand! It's Anole who doesn't want to watch restling. Pixie agrees with this. Josh asks if the healers had any luck....with the decimated folks I guess...David responds that he and Jay are the only ones left. Jay is there too, with his wings still intact....huh? We'll get to that later.....David tells them he overheard McCoy said the X-Gene has disappeared, just in time for a special news report... As the report comes on, Nori flirts with David a little, and someone tells them to get a room. The report is about M-Day, and the students learn that it has happened all over the world, not just their school, Santo wonders what the X-Corps are.....then a related story regarding Rev. Striker comes on, where he predicted just DAYS before that God will give the world a sign. We see Abrams in the background as one of his cult...I mean church members.....they all have on nice purple robes with hoods, except Striker who is in a suit. Cut to Kitty, Colossus, and Beast who are watching in another lounge and are shocked by Striker's words. Cut to another interview that was earlier that morning with Striker who reveals that God gave him the gift of "foresight" when God "spared his life"....probably referring to his suicide attempt shown in issue 1. Striker spouts some religious rhetoric about God doing this to mutants as His sign, and that they must take the next step. The students have a mini-debate on this as Jay thinks that it might be a real miracle. Cessily, Josh, Nori and others disagree with Josh's view. David tries calming everyone down saying "we all need to stick together, not attack each other."
Cue Julian, who says "What do you mean "we" human?" Julian spots some bull about how David isn't a mutant anymore and Nori starts defending her man, then Julian drops some info about David calling Harvard. Nori is surprised....then Julian tells her it's better that David leaves because he doesn't belong anymore....which pisses off Sofia, who puts in check Julian's attitude reminding him, that she too is human. She asks him if he now thinks that he's better than them simply because they've lost their powers. She walks off angerily. Julian tries to go after her, but Nori grabs him talking about they aren't finished yet....Julian powers up and it's about to be a rumble with Nori and Julian taking center stage....
But Uncle Logan walks in the room and stops them with a look before they go any further. He introduces X-23 to the kids....and starts to leave, but not before he tells him that he'd put his money on Nori to win the fight. David tells Nori let it go, and that he has another way for them to blow off some steam. Cessily begins leaving as well telling Julian he needs to grow up. Then Julian snaps off at X-23 who has been silent this whole time, asking her "what are you looking at clone?" Not a good way to make friends.....then to my favorite part of the issue...I like to call this scene "Cyclops Grows A Pair"....basically Emma and Cyke arguing about X-23. Emma doesn't want her there for many reasons including her being a trained assassin. Cyke argues that Logan vouches for her, but that doesn't wash well with Emma who is holding her ground. Cyke tells him that he stood by her when she made Dani leave, and that he is letting her use some new training system....then she tries to interrupt him again, and he basically tells her to shut up and his word is law...lol.....well, no, he just tells her that it's enough, X-23 is staying, and that's the end of their discussion as he walks out the door.... oooooh you can cut the tension with a knife folks...Cue the kids (New Mutants) who are walking through some underground tunnel that leads almost to the Morlock Tunnels. David introduces his pet project: "The Danger Cave"! He's programmed it for them to practice the X-Men's greatest missions.....Julian and his Hellions follow....David turns on the Danger Cave, and the electricity goes out elsewhere in the monitor room where Beast is. Uh-oh kids, someone is going to be unhappy about this! Then there are a couple of fun scenes where the kids are holographically morphed into various X-Men times....the scenarios are named "X-Men Mission 227: Fall of The Mutants" and another was Mission 166, "Live Free or Die" :D X-23 is watching in silence from afar, seeming to study then kids as they banter back and forth with each other. Almost as if she's longing for acceptance.

then cut to 10 days from now in the future....in the infirmary, so we see Jay lying in bed. Josh comes in, and Emma and Beast are at the bedside. They tell Josh that someone amputated Jay's wings. Emma states that Jay's healing power is not working, and that Jay is dying. Jay wakes up and begins screaming....."No, No...don't touch me...get away!!...."

And the issue ends.

Now the Review:
This issue in my opinion was pretty good. I thought it had a lot of great moments and scenes. The art was off the chain of course! And it was interesting that the thing with Jay was actually 10 days from the present course of the issue, meaning that we can pick up more clues along the way....but I think it has something to do with Striker....JUST A GUESS! Oh and Santo's personality is getting better each issue....although right now he's being played as the "big dumb lug", I feel there will be more explored. Oh, and I really liked x-23's intro....surprise, surprise!
Overall, I give this issue an 8 out of 10 for story, and a 9/10 for art!!
Grade: A-

[Tag06]

I can't wait to read, great review Tre Styles.

[Teamballin]

I've read it and I don't understand how they kicked Dani out of school and they gave Tag and David a choice to stay or not. I like how David created a danger cave but how is he gonna monitor it if he doesn't have his powers anymore won't that drop his IQ a lot. Ohhhhh yea I got money on Nori too.

[Faded]

I liked it much better than #20. #20 was empty to me, while this had some nice character moments. I'm more interested in seeing the students interact with each other than all the action and violence predicted when William Stryker becomes a regular villain for the kids. Funny lines and I can see some possible interesting interactions later.

The art just isn't my style but I see improvement.

B+

[LoneWolf21]

I liked the image shifting for the scenarios (which I think are titles and numbers from the actual stories, very cute).

Anyone else getting an odd vibe that Josh purposely went to wherever he did to lose his wings? Although if it's religiously motivated, it does throw that idea of him wanting to chage religion to court Dust into wonkiness (although that was just a planned story, noting concrete).

Some good little lines though, via the danger cave sims. I'm never looking at Storm's Cockrum costume again though. Grell's Cosmic Boy, anyone? Yeesh!

I can only guess Kevin's gone on a paranoia trip and exiled himself to his room (which you'd think Cessily would be, trying to help him out).

All in all though, a very good issue.

[Tre Styles]

I've read it and I don't understand how they kicked Dani out of school and they gave Tag and David a choice to stay or not. I like how David created a danger cave but how is he gonna monitor it if he doesn't have his powers anymore won't that drop his IQ a lot. Ohhhhh yea I got money on Nori too.


I don't think that Tag and David (or Sofia) really are going to be able to stay, from what I read it seems like they are more in transition than anything else. This issue takes place in the past, present, and future.As far as Davld goes, he has a much higher intellect even as a normal kid. His former powers just allowed him to leech information from other minds. He had already trained himself to learn for himself rather than from others. So in his design of the Danger Cave, he's well aware of how it operates and functions. Also David tells Nori he was NOT going to Harvard, but he was telling the people on the phone that he was going to transfer to a school near the Xavier Institute...(so he could be closer to Nori.)

[Tre Styles]

I can't wait to read, great review Tre Styles.

Thanks Tag, and your boy got some....interesting looks in the holograph scenes...lol.

[Tre Styles]

I liked the image shifting for the scenarios (which I think are titles and numbers from the actual stories, very cute).

Anyone else getting an odd vibe that Josh purposely went to wherever he did to lose his wings? Although if it's religiously motivated, it does throw that idea of him wanting to chage religion to court Dust into wonkiness (although that was just a planned story, noting concrete).

Some good little lines though, via the danger cave sims. I'm never looking at Storm's Cockrum costume again though. Grell's Cosmic Boy, anyone? Yeesh!

I can only guess Kevin's gone on a paranoia trip and exiled himself to his room (which you'd think Cessily would be, trying to help him out).

All in all though, a very good issue.

Yeah, those were actual issue numbers and story titles. Very creative idea.
Your Josh theory is actual pretty good considering how he was reacting. I'm almost certain that something involving Striker is why Josh lost his wings. Nope, never will see that Storm costume the same way again! And you're right, Kevin was mysteriously no where to be found. It makes sense he was being the loner....again.

[Hi-Fi]

Is Laurie still at the mansion??

[Tre Styles]

Is Laurie still at the mansion??

She wasn't mentioned in the issue, neither the present or the future parts of the story. She may show up next issue, or they may explain where she is....I have a hunch, but I don't want to say just yet.

[Hi-Fi]

She wasn't mentioned in the issue, neither the present or the future parts of the story. She may show up next issue, or they may explain where she is....I have a hunch, but I don't want to say just yet.

C'mon, Tre...spill it! :)

[Tre Styles]

C'mon, Tre...spill it! :)

Well since you've "twisted" my arm, I speculate that Laurie is with a certain individual who was her squad leader. Maybe, if the cover to GM #5 is any indication....lol....or she could just be in another part of the infirmary.

[Hi-Fi]

Well, it's definetly a possibility.

[AceOfSpades]

I thought it was one of the better issues of the series... I mean its never beeen horrible, but I think the new writer is gonna make it better

[fishtaco]

All fun stuff. Loved the Fall of the Mutants and Brood Saga thing. Only problem is that Psylocke wasn't wearing that body armor yet. Great art, strong continuity which means it's really with the program. I'm glad the school population is down to an extreme level. The public school aspect stunk.

9/10

[Faded]

I'd love it if David, Laurie, Sofia, and Tag joined up Dani with her cause.

[Blackcat]

So Anole, Wolfcub and Pixie all have their powers still. Hopefully Quill will have them too!

[milly3cat]

This issue has an arguement on every panel on every page, I don't think there was a reason for any of them.

P.S. I think Jay broke his own wings off, I bet the writers did that.

[Tre Styles]

This issue has an arguement on every panel on every page, I don't think there was a reason for any of them.

Every page? Sure there were a lot of arguments/debates/discussions, but why do you think there wasn't a reason for any of them? Do you think that the characters weren't in character? Or not reacting the way the way you thought they should? How should they act in your opinion?

[Beast]

So Anole, Wolfcub and Pixie all have their powers still. Hopefully Quill will have them too!
Quill was confirmed a bit ago by the writer of X-Men: The 198.

[AceOfSpades]

I loved this issue... but am a little confused. Wasn't it established in Xtreme X-men that Stryker was buried underground in that town in "God Loves, Man Kills Part 2"?

[fishtaco]

I loved this issue... but am a little confused. Wasn't it established in Xtreme X-men that Stryker was buried underground in that town in "God Loves, Man Kills Part 2"?Yes, and the writers acknowleged that, so I believe it will be addressed.

Also, what the heck is with Josh? Why is he still at the school if Mirage is his legal guardian? I hadn't thought about that before hand.

[Tre Styles]

Yes, and the writers acknowleged that, so I believe it will be addressed.

Also, what the heck is with Josh? Why is he still at the school if Mirage is his legal guardian? I hadn't thought about that before hand.

hmmm. That is a good question, but my best guess is that just like other students who have parents and live at Xaviers, Josh is just following suit. So Dani still probably has to provide for him, send him money and what not.....

[Black Hole]

I have been grudgingly buying this, to see how this first arc goes. I'm not pleased with the direction but this issue was better than the last. I have a lot invested in these characters and I want to eek out every last bit of them that I can before the depowered ones fade away into oblivion.

Anyway, David impressed me yet again...I'm not sure how he managed to build another danger room (cave) by himself, but if anyone could it would be him. I assume he must have built it during that period when none of the New Mutants were speaking to one another. I think I remember reading that he would gain the intelligence of his teachers, then quickly go back and try to backtrack and relearn all of it himself. I'm sure he's developed a system to maximize the amount of knowledge he can retain for himself. I hope we see this character regain his powers one day.

I'm glad Nori got some smaller, sleeker gauntlets. It kind of been something that always struck me as contrived that they have these massive intelligences like Beast and Kitty and Xavier and noone could make a less obtrusive sort of glove for her. Forge still let me down, but I guess that those gloves are part of the visual "fingerprint" for that character, so they might not want to mess with the formula entirely.

Julian's development let me down. I was hoping that after the Hellions mini and after HOM we would see a little more maturity. I fear Julian will be one of those characters that will never progress, because writers will want to use him to say something crass or "clever" to promote conflict to drive their stories. One thing they got right though, Julian is always following the New Mutants around, popping up like the Ghost of Christmas Past whenever they are trying to do something.

Damn I'm going to miss Sofia when she goes. I wish we would have seen the fate of Laurie. I loved the original "God Loves, Man Kills" Graphic Novel, but William Stryker is a pretty boring villain to me. It's early though, maybe that will change.

The worst thing about this title is the necessary inclusion of Emma Frost. I feel that she belongs in this book, but I really wish she didn't. I despise the character and I was glad Cyclops finally got some balls and shut her down. Unfortunately this resulted in X-23 staying with the group, but oh well...you can't win 'em all.

I'll definitely buy the next issue, if only to see if we get closer to finding out what actually happened to Jay.

[Gaveedra 6]

I bet the amputation of Jay's wings has something to do with the doctor Rev. Stryker recruited in the beginning of the story.

[The Lucky One]

It was a minor thing, but I loved the little Josh/Longshot gag in the Fall of the Mutants scenario. "Hey, cool, I'm... uh, who am I? And why do I have a mullet?" As a man who rocked the hockey hair himself in college before finally wising up, I feel your pain, Josh. And the Village People joke was great as well. Still wondering how Styker got so young -- was he like that in GL,MK II? Can't remember -- but enjoying things so far.

-D, whose money would be on Nori as well...

[AceOfSpades]

-D, whose money would be on Nori as well...

Nori would definitly beat Julian :rolleyes:

[Jellobay]

Nori would definitly beat Julian :rolleyes:

I agree with a lot of the things said on here, but Julian seems more powerful than Nori. Though I never really like her character, I thought she was the least interesting out of all of them.

[The Lucky One]

Oh yeah, he's more powerful... THAT I'll agree to. She'd still whomp him, though.
:D

-D

[Faded]

I'd want Nori to win, but I have to agree with Jellobay that Julian would probably win.

[riotgear]

So Anole, Wolfcub and Pixie all have their powers still. Hopefully Quill will have them too!

Didn't Wolfcub lose his powers? I could've sworn he lost his fur. Wasn't he the one that was wandering around in a fugue state, staring at his arms and mumbling "I can't believe I'm normal...". The next scene was Wither getting excited and touching (Laurie or Sophia, I could never keep the two straight)'s arm, withering her.

[Tennoarashi]

Man, I hate the Sofia/Sophia typo gaining dominance. Argh.

[Faded]

Man, I hate the Sofia/Sophia typo gaining dominance. Argh.

LOL. Yeah sometimes I think we're talking about Sophie the Stepford Cuckoo.

[milhouse123321]

I wasn't too happy about the change of writer or direction for this title...

but....

I'm fairly happy with whats going on. Looks like some quality stuff for the future!! :D

[Tre Styles]

I'd want Nori to win, but I have to agree with Jellobay that Julian would probably win.

Ah...but Nori controls electricity. Julian has tk, which is controlled by the brain, which has electrodes...... ;) Hey Storm did it 2 Jean once........ and they were only training... ;)

[Blackcat]

Didn't Wolfcub lose his powers? I could've sworn he lost his fur. Wasn't he the one that was wandering around in a fugue state, staring at his arms and mumbling "I can't believe I'm normal...". The next scene was Wither getting excited and touching (Laurie or Sophia, I could never keep the two straight)'s arm, withering her.
Aparently not, because he's in #21 in his wolf-like appearance.

[Gaz]

I know I'm in the minority who like X-23, but I loved the introduction. "This is Laura, my sister... Introduction's done" :D

And I had a thought about David, if he's staying in the NY area and he's still got all the knowledge he back-learned from his teachers, then maybe he could join the Young Avengers? They need someone to deal with their gadgets and so on, right?:)

[jcp011c]

I wish we would have seen the fate of Laurie.
.

I could be wrong but I don't think we've seen any indication of whether Laurie has or has not lost her powers. The writers may be dragging it out for suspense but I'm thinking she's still got them, but with her Wither-inflicted injuries may opt to not be at the school any longer.

[Tre Styles]

I know I'm in the minority who like X-23, but I loved the introduction. "This is Laura, my sister... Introduction's done" :D

And I had a thought about David, if he's staying in the NY area and he's still got all the knowledge he back-learned from his teachers, then maybe he could join the Young Avengers? They need someone to deal with their gadgets and so on, right?:)


That'd be cool. David developing his own sort of Iron Man armor as a "War Machine Jr". It's a good idea, one that Marvel will probably never think about doing though. But it's got possibility.... :cool:

[Gaz]

That'd be cool. David developing his own sort of Iron Man armor as a "War Machine Jr". It's a good idea, one that Marvel will probably never think about doing though. But it's got possibility.... :cool:
I was thinking more Forge Jr. Kate needs someone to make gimmicked arrows and blades, Vision needs maintanence, and they need training facilities. But I'm sure they'd reciprocate with some combat lessons.

[Hi-Fi]

I just read this.

I must say i'm digging the new creative team a lot. Plus, i love X-23. And i'm not ashamed for that. heh.

[X23]

X-23 is awesome. I'm glad they're using her just the way they should be....i.e. easing her into the mix. It makes sense, and it keeps the voice of the bashers down =P

[Legato]

Love the rundown of the issue. I may in fact buy this one since I haven't bought any 616 X-Titles since HoM ended.

Im not ashamed to call myself an X-23 fan. I like how the team considers her an outsider since this is the writers way of her trying to earn the respect of her teamates and the teachers.

I still hate that Dani doesn't have powers anymore. Hope she doesn't end up in limbo because of this.

BTW what happened to Wolfsbane?

[fishtaco]

Love the rundown of the issue. I may in fact buy this one since I haven't bought any 616 X-Titles since HoM ended.

Im not ashamed to call myself an X-23 fan. I like how the team considers her an outsider since this is the writers way of her trying to earn the respect of her teamates and the teachers.

I still hate that Dani doesn't have powers anymore. Hope she doesn't end up in limbo because of this.

BTW what happened to Wolfsbane?Dani is set to appear in Generation M. Despite Dani being one of my favorite characters, I won't read it.

Wolfsbane quit teaching after her relationship with Elixir was exposed in New X-Men (2nd Series) 12. She went to Mutant Town and hooked up with Multiple Man and Strong Guy, and they founded XXX Investigators in Madrox 1-5. Karma tried to get Rahne back in New X-Men (2nd Series) 14-15, but failed. Wolfsbane is currently starring in X-Factor (3rd Series).

I like X-23, too :)

[Tre Styles]

Dani is set to appear in Generation M. Despite Dani being one of my favorite characters, I won't read it.

Wolfsbane quit teaching after her relationship with Elixir was exposed in New X-Men (2nd Series) 12. She went to Mutant Town and hooked up with Multiple Man and Strong Guy, and they founded XXX Investigators in Madrox 1-5. Karma tried to get Rahne back in New X-Men (2nd Series) 14-15, but failed. Wolfsbane is currently starring in X-Factor (3rd Series).

I like X-23, too :)

Someone is channelling their inner DDM... ;) And I'm still a little wary of X-23 being in the book, but so far, she's "ok". I'm slowly warming up 2 her. very slowly. ;)

[fishtaco]

Someone is channelling their inner DDM... ;) And I'm still a little wary of X-23 being in the book, but so far, she's "ok". I'm slowly warming up 2 her. very slowly. ;) I just like to cite stuff ;)

[milly3cat]

Love the rundown of the issue. I may in fact buy this one since I haven't bought any 616 X-Titles since HoM ended.



You have saved yourself money, and a good decision too, because they have been crap. This title so far has been out of character but it is still o.k. so far.

[Black Hole]

I could be wrong but I don't think we've seen any indication of whether Laurie has or has not lost her powers. The writers may be dragging it out for suspense but I'm thinking she's still got them, but with her Wither-inflicted injuries may opt to not be at the school any longer.

Oh I meant the fate of her arm actually, after Kevin withered it. It looked like Josh was having a tough time healing it when we last saw her.

[Affinity]

I'm loving the new creative a lot more than the old one. Sure, Nunzio and Christina created the characters and stuff, and I totally respect them, the new guys are realling, really, really doing an awesome job. The cliche and tacky feel of the old book is gone, and the dialogue is just pampering me. And the art? Brilliant. I'm glad I'm picking this up, and I recommend it for those doubting the new team.

The Danger Cave sequence was adorable.

I have a question, though. Sooraya, in the first 'round', was she Dazzler or Destiny? The blue on yellow, with the light pattern on her blue robes, told me Dazzler, but then Destiny had the whole blind face mask thing going on. And can someone direct me to the issues in which Fall of the Mutants took place? Thanks a bunch.

[Beast]

I have a question, though. Sooraya, in the first 'round', was she Dazzler or Destiny? The blue on yellow, with the light pattern on her blue robes, told me Dazzler, but then Destiny had the whole blind face mask thing going on. And can someone direct me to the issues in which Fall of the Mutants took place? Thanks a bunch.
She was Dazzler. If I recall correctly, Spiral in 'Fall of the Mutants' clamped Destiny's mask on Dazzler's face so that she couldn't see. Fall of the Mutants was a Crossover in Uncanny #225-227, X-Factor #24-26, and New Mutants #59-61. :)

Edit: Yep, it was Spiral. :)

During an early fight sequence, Spiral slammed Destiny's fallen mask on Dazzler's face and fastened it on with a mental (yes, mental) blade. Dazzler had to be guided around for the rest of the story. By the end, Dazzler dies with the other X-Men, is resurrected and the mask is just gone.

[Affinity]

Thank you, Beast. I've got every issue of Uncanny X-Men ever since 228, unfortunately, and just missed that arc. Again, thanks for the explanation.

[Stagier]

just read this, and thought the story is interesting, but did anyone else think the art is already fading? Brooks first iss was strong, but this one just seemed to lack something.

[Faded]

just read this, and thought the story is interesting, but did anyone else think the art is already fading? Brooks first iss was strong, but this one just seemed to lack something.

I'm the complete opposite. I felt this issue was tremendously better than last in both art and story. I was damn near loathing issue 20, but think very highly of 21. :)

[foxfire]

I'm excited for the next issue! Can anyone name all of the villains on the cover of #22? There's a couple im not quite sure of...

[Beast]

I'm excited for the next issue! Can anyone name all of the villains on the cover of #22? There's a couple im not quite sure of...
Magneto, Dark Phoenix, Onslaught, Skullbuster, Crimson Commando, Prism, Stonewall, Mystique, Spiral, Deadpool, Juggernaut, Vanisher, Adversary, Harpoon, Vertigo, Scalphunter, Blob, and Nimrod.

[foxfire]

oh hey thanks! For a second I thought one of the guys on the left was Darth Maul :D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/ssoman/NXM022cov_col.jpg