Comic Book Resources

Majinoaw · 10-06-2009, 09:43 AM

Greetings all. I just wanted to ask everyone how they felt about the current direction of the X-Universe - from Uncanny to X-factor? As a whole does it seem to capture your attention like it did in the past? What apsects of it are strong? What are some of the weaker elements? Let's discuss.

Filthy Mutie · 10-06-2009, 09:59 AM

The weakest aspect, for me, is the constant changing of the "status quo". I feel like someone's always trying to do something totally amazing to leave their name on the book, but it doesn't actually serve the book--whether this is a particular writer on a "flagship" or an editor, I don't know.

Since House of M, the line is constantly bumbling over hurdles with no finish line in site. When there was a lull in this (Decimation), basically no one handled it outright--or at least in a way that moved the 'verse along. X-Factor stopped pursuing it and Carey picked it up much later when he got on the book (IMO saving the whole line with Blinded By the Light/Messiah Complex).

Since Messiah Complex, we've been at it again. There were those very uneventful events, Manifest Destiny and X-Men: Disassembled, which got us to San Francisco's all-new facility with new toys, trinkets, buildings, etc., and before we're settled there, we're off to Asteroid M. Meanwhile, while Fraction is giving us a lesson in the day-to-day life in San Francisco through Greg Land's eyes, we also have to wait around for the third part of the Messiah Trilogy.

I don't care anymore. There's no impact. I don't want or need "nothing to be the same again" every four months.

I'll have strengths in a moment.

RoguefanAM · 10-06-2009, 10:02 AM

X-Factor: GREAT direction. I love it. It's a niche that this team can definitely fill, plus it means interacting with the greater MU on a regular basis. Very nice.

Uncanny: meh. I don't like the Nation X storyline, and while Namor showing up and the X-men having faux leaders around is semi-interesting, the change in scenery just makes everything so not-as-fun-as-it-could-be.

Legacy: I love Rogue. I love the kids. Naturally, I like this direction. We just haven't seen enough of it yet for me to really decide how much. I want Carey to experiment with more of the kids and give them some depth.

X-Force: a death squad sounds interesting, but my interest in the title is waning. Necrosha looks like it'll be fun, but I wonder if after all that I'll end up dropping this title. While C&C are great, they haven't really made me care about this team. I guess we'll have to see what's in store for them.

New Mutants: I'm actually not very sure of this titles direction. What's the point? Another team? I suppose...either way, I like the writing and the characters enough that I'll keep up with it indefinitely.

Astonishing: lol, I'm not even sure when this comes out let alone what's it doing half the time. Maybe if Marvel straightened it's schedule up first, I'll begin to notice what Astonishing's meant to represent (though I doubt it's anything meaningful).

I think that's about covers. The solo's I don't count and/or read so...

Overall, I dislike Uncanny's position (Filthy Muties' complaint about the constant shifting status quo is spot on) - but am pretty satisfied with the satellite's state. It could be better, though.

ceallach · 10-06-2009, 10:08 AM

I like it. I think the X-books are the best they have been in almost 2 decades.

The Cab;e/Hope/Bishop saga is incredibly interesting, one of the best ongoing storylines I have ever read and the best thing in comics right now. Better than Dark Reign or Blackest Night, any of it. It has thrown me through a rollercoaster of emotion.

The main X-books are great as well, I like the shift in Cyclops lead. Though I wish they had stayed in San Fran longer and return. Stay out of Westchester please.

Deadpool is good times as always.

Filthy Mutie · 10-06-2009, 10:15 AM

The strengths of the line rest on the shoulders of Carey, Wells, Yost, Kyle, PAD, and Aaron. What do they all have in common? They're writers who are talent, but love the property and respect continuity while also telling new stories. They're also on satellite books, telling stories in the setting, but not about the setting.

Characterization makes sense and have their own voices, powers and roles serve the story, they're fun stories with ramifications that don't try to make you "question everything you think you know". I don't know how else to explain it. And fortunately, they all (for the most part*) know this, so we get Necrosha and hopefully more satellite crossovers.

*I like that Aaron's book stays away right now, but brings in guests, and while I think PAD's book is fine right now, I do wish it dabbled more with the aforementioned satellite books.

Fatguy · 10-06-2009, 10:18 AM

I think they're fine. For my own amusement, I shall rank them from 1 to 5 stars!:

Uncanny X-Men ***
Astonishing X-Men ***
X-Men Legacy ***
X-Force *****
Cable ****
Wolverine: Weapon X *****
New Mutants ***
Dark Wolverine ****

The rest, I dont read.

darknessatnoon · 10-06-2009, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fatguy

I think they're fine. For my own amusement, I shall rank them from 1 to 5 stars!:

Uncanny X-Men ***
Astonishing X-Men ***
X-Men Legacy ***
X-Force *****
Cable ****
Wolverine: Weapon X *****
New Mutants ***
Dark Wolverine ****

The rest, I dont read.

no stars. we are using ABCD F grades.

Fatguy · 10-06-2009, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darknessatnoon

no stars. we are using ABCD F grades.

I give your anti-star bigotry an F.

peopleofpaper · 10-06-2009, 10:27 AM

It's nice that he's trying something new with Uncanny, but in my personal opinion I really don't like it. I miss the core group, the iconic team from the past. I miss that family atmosphere from the early/mid 90s. I don't like this new isolated mass group of far too many mutants. I never cared about the New X-men. Plus I'm not a fan of the writing mostly because everyone seems to talk in the same tone. Instead of characterized dialog I just feel like I'm reading everything in Fraction's own voice. I also hate big events where you have to buy like 20 other issues of every title to get the whole story about something. I don't want to spend extra money on all that. I took about 3 years off of the book and now I think I probably will take another break until things go back to more of the way it used to be.

Shaid O Gray · 10-06-2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Filthy Mutie

The weakest aspect, for me, is the constant changing of the "status quo". I feel like someone's always trying to do something totally amazing to leave their name on the book, but it doesn't actually serve the book--whether this is a particular writer on a "flagship" or an editor, I don't know.

Since House of M, the line is constantly bumbling over hurdles with no finish line in site. When there was a lull in this (Decimation), basically no one handled it outright--or at least in a way that moved the 'verse along. X-Factor stopped pursuing it and Carey picked it up much later when he got on the book (IMO saving the whole line with Blinded By the Light/Messiah Complex).

Since Messiah Complex, we've been at it again. There were those very uneventful events, Manifest Destiny and X-Men: Disassembled, which got us to San Francisco's all-new facility with new toys, trinkets, buildings, etc., and before we're settled there, we're off to Asteroid M. Meanwhile, while Fraction is giving us a lesson in the day-to-day life in San Francisco through Greg Land's eyes, we also have to wait around for the third part of the Messiah Trilogy.

I don't care anymore. There's no impact. I don't want or need "nothing to be the same again" every four months.

Overall I like it though. Scott's tougher stance without derailing him. His messy relationship with Emma. More shades of grey, Rogue back and with a new direction, Namor on board (who knew THAT would work so well?). It's good. I wish Uncanny got a little more focused but Legacy has been consistent and X-Force solid. I just hope they keep things going for a bit now.

I'll have strengths in a moment.

I concur muchly. The paint on the San Fran base was barely dry or the whole thing was abandoned again. I hope they're going to stick with this X-Nation thing for a while now. It has potential. It's basically 'Can the X-Men pull off a Genosha Done Right?" and I think it should be explored.

And yes the stories need a solid foundation again. A Status Quo/Base location-concept to go from. I'm tired of everything changing completely every 8-9 months. By now none of the 'Big New Starts(tm)' have much meaning if we get the feeling it will all be gone again in a couple of months anyway.

Personamanx · 10-06-2009, 10:35 AM

Well "X-Force" has been the only real X-book I've been reading consistently this past year, and I love it. The rest of the books rank anywhere between Decent to Awesome, but Im just not always interested in reading them all the time. The Only book I find no joy in is "New Mutants" I gave it two issues to Wow me, and it did'nt. It's a shame because I was really excited for it.

Overall Im likeing the X-Verse if not it's direction.

Azure · 10-06-2009, 10:41 AM

No, it's all boring. I liked when Pixie went on a scooter and started blinding people at random, but since then the books have offered nothing interesting, apart from the occasional Ms Sinister appearance. I am very upset by the lack of pointless acts of madness in the stories, which are too "realistic" to have any sort of appeal to anyone.

I would like more dragons and mad sorcerers.

NewMutant · 10-06-2009, 10:41 AM

I do not like the Cyclops and his Army direction...

That doesn't mean there hasn't been good stories, but I think it hurts the franchise in the long run.

Imraith Nimphais · 10-06-2009, 12:01 PM

As FilthyMutie rightly said...the strength of the franchise is in the satellite books and the writers thereof and wot they have managed to accomplish with the characters in hand...(for the very spot on reasons he gave) It's weakness is surely the constant so-called changing of the "status quo"...a term that is now quite cliche as it pertains to the x-line...because nothing ever changes. You ask if I am happy with the direction of the line, but I cannot be happy with something that does not exist. There is no moving forward, only a tedious running around in a very worn-out circle, as I see it.
As a whole, it has failed to capture my imagination...but truth to tell, that has been for quite some time now...and currently, only two titles have managed to pique and hold my interest...with a third to be added soon.

AcesX1X · 10-06-2009, 12:08 PM

uncanny: B!

legacy: B+!

x-force: A+++!

x-factor: C-!

new mutants: C!

astonishing: ERROR

10-06-2009, 09:43 AM	#1
Majinoaw Marks'r'us Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2,127	How do you feel about the direction of the X-verse Greetings all. I just wanted to ask everyone how they felt about the current direction of the X-Universe - from Uncanny to X-factor? As a whole does it seem to capture your attention like it did in the past? What apsects of it are strong? What are some of the weaker elements? Let's discuss. __________________ I will not lose.

10-06-2009, 09:59 AM	#2
Filthy Mutie I get around. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 2,817	The weakest aspect, for me, is the constant changing of the "status quo". I feel like someone's always trying to do something totally amazing to leave their name on the book, but it doesn't actually serve the book--whether this is a particular writer on a "flagship" or an editor, I don't know. Since House of M, the line is constantly bumbling over hurdles with no finish line in site. When there was a lull in this (Decimation), basically no one handled it outright--or at least in a way that moved the 'verse along. X-Factor stopped pursuing it and Carey picked it up much later when he got on the book (IMO saving the whole line with Blinded By the Light/Messiah Complex). Since Messiah Complex, we've been at it again. There were those very uneventful events, Manifest Destiny and X-Men: Disassembled, which got us to San Francisco's all-new facility with new toys, trinkets, buildings, etc., and before we're settled there, we're off to Asteroid M. Meanwhile, while Fraction is giving us a lesson in the day-to-day life in San Francisco through Greg Land's eyes, we also have to wait around for the third part of the Messiah Trilogy. I don't care anymore. There's no impact. I don't want or need "nothing to be the same again" every four months. I'll have strengths in a moment. __________________ X-Poster of the Month: December 2009 --- the best there is at what i do --- "You and I aren't even on good terms. Never post behind me again." - Majinoaw

10-06-2009, 10:02 AM	#3
RoguefanAM Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 882	X-Factor: GREAT direction. I love it. It's a niche that this team can definitely fill, plus it means interacting with the greater MU on a regular basis. Very nice. Uncanny: meh. I don't like the Nation X storyline, and while Namor showing up and the X-men having faux leaders around is semi-interesting, the change in scenery just makes everything so not-as-fun-as-it-could-be. Legacy: I love Rogue. I love the kids. Naturally, I like this direction. We just haven't seen enough of it yet for me to really decide how much. I want Carey to experiment with more of the kids and give them some depth. X-Force: a death squad sounds interesting, but my interest in the title is waning. Necrosha looks like it'll be fun, but I wonder if after all that I'll end up dropping this title. While C&C are great, they haven't really made me care about this team. I guess we'll have to see what's in store for them. New Mutants: I'm actually not very sure of this titles direction. What's the point? Another team? I suppose...either way, I like the writing and the characters enough that I'll keep up with it indefinitely. Astonishing: lol, I'm not even sure when this comes out let alone what's it doing half the time. Maybe if Marvel straightened it's schedule up first, I'll begin to notice what Astonishing's meant to represent (though I doubt it's anything meaningful). I think that's about covers. The solo's I don't count and/or read so... Overall, I dislike Uncanny's position (Filthy Muties' complaint about the constant shifting status quo is spot on) - but am pretty satisfied with the satellite's state. It could be better, though. Last edited by RoguefanAM; 10-06-2009 at 10:07 AM.

10-06-2009, 10:15 AM	#5
Filthy Mutie I get around. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 2,817	The strengths of the line rest on the shoulders of Carey, Wells, Yost, Kyle, PAD, and Aaron. What do they all have in common? They're writers who are talent, but love the property and respect continuity while also telling new stories. They're also on satellite books, telling stories in the setting, but not about the setting. Characterization makes sense and have their own voices, powers and roles serve the story, they're fun stories with ramifications that don't try to make you "question everything you think you know". I don't know how else to explain it. And fortunately, they all (for the most part) know this, so we get Necrosha and hopefully more satellite crossovers. I like that Aaron's book stays away right now, but brings in guests, and while I think PAD's book is fine right now, I do wish it dabbled more with the aforementioned satellite books. __________________ X-Poster of the Month: December 2009 --- the best there is at what i do --- "You and I aren't even on good terms. Never post behind me again." - Majinoaw

10-06-2009, 10:18 AM	#6
Fatguy Totally buff. Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Oregon Posts: 12,014	I think they're fine. For my own amusement, I shall rank them from 1 to 5 stars!: Uncanny X-Men * Astonishing X-Men * X-Men Legacy * X-Force * Cable Wolverine: Weapon X * New Mutants * Dark Wolverine **** The rest, I dont read. __________________ Oh my god, Canon! masturbates furiously - just another user

10-06-2009, 10:08 AM	#4
ceallach The Exciter Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 5	I like it. I think the X-books are the best they have been in almost 2 decades. The Cab;e/Hope/Bishop saga is incredibly interesting, one of the best ongoing storylines I have ever read and the best thing in comics right now. Better than Dark Reign or Blackest Night, any of it. It has thrown me through a rollercoaster of emotion. The main X-books are great as well, I like the shift in Cyclops lead. Though I wish they had stayed in San Fran longer and return. Stay out of Westchester please. Deadpool is good times as always.

10-06-2009, 10:27 AM	#9
peopleofpaper butterfly fly away Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 845	It's nice that he's trying something new with Uncanny, but in my personal opinion I really don't like it. I miss the core group, the iconic team from the past. I miss that family atmosphere from the early/mid 90s. I don't like this new isolated mass group of far too many mutants. I never cared about the New X-men. Plus I'm not a fan of the writing mostly because everyone seems to talk in the same tone. Instead of characterized dialog I just feel like I'm reading everything in Fraction's own voice. I also hate big events where you have to buy like 20 other issues of every title to get the whole story about something. I don't want to spend extra money on all that. I took about 3 years off of the book and now I think I probably will take another break until things go back to more of the way it used to be. __________________ ♥ MomJeans ♥ Colossus ♥ M ♥ Rogue ♥ British Betsy Yost: Tessa needs to go get Sebastian Shaw a drink.

10-06-2009, 10:35 AM	#11
Personamanx I like Fudge. Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Newfoundland, Canada. Posts: 3,418	Well "X-Force" has been the only real X-book I've been reading consistently this past year, and I love it. The rest of the books rank anywhere between Decent to Awesome, but Im just not always interested in reading them all the time. The Only book I find no joy in is "New Mutants" I gave it two issues to Wow me, and it did'nt. It's a shame because I was really excited for it. Overall Im likeing the X-Verse if not it's direction. __________________ *"Try not to Die!"* -Nico Minoru- *On The Rocks: A web comic strip.* ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ *Read this but be Fair!!!* *Proud* Kitty Litterer!!! *"Yo momma's a myth"* - *Faded*

10-06-2009, 10:41 AM	#12
Azure BANNED Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 5,011	No, it's all boring. I liked when Pixie went on a scooter and started blinding people at random, but since then the books have offered nothing interesting, apart from the occasional Ms Sinister appearance. I am very upset by the lack of pointless acts of madness in the stories, which are too "realistic" to have any sort of appeal to anyone. I would like more dragons and mad sorcerers.

10-06-2009, 10:41 AM	#13
NewMutant I know stuff... Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,527	I do not like the Cyclops and his Army direction... That doesn't mean there hasn't been good stories, but I think it hurts the franchise in the long run. __________________ Haven't you heard? We're the X-Men... Nobody's on our side.

10-06-2009, 12:01 PM	#14
Imraith Nimphais Devout Kylostan Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: The Temple of Kylost Posts: 2,623	As FilthyMutie rightly said...the strength of the franchise is in the satellite books and the writers thereof and wot they have managed to accomplish with the characters in hand...(for the very spot on reasons he gave) It's weakness is surely the constant so-called changing of the "status quo"...a term that is now quite cliche as it pertains to the x-line...because nothing ever changes. You ask if I am happy with the direction of the line, but I cannot be happy with something that does not exist. There is no moving forward, only a tedious running around in a very worn-out circle, as I see it. As a whole, it has failed to capture my imagination...but truth to tell, that has been for quite some time now...and currently, only two titles have managed to pique and hold my interest...with a third to be added soon. __________________ *My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun.* Sister Moon - Sting BUY DOCTOR VOODOO, S.W.O.R.D., BLACK PANTHER.

10-06-2009, 12:08 PM	#15
AcesX1X ♠♠♠ Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NYC Posts: 10,594	uncanny: B! legacy: B+! x-force: A+++! x-factor: C-! new mutants: C! astonishing: ERROR

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