UNCANNY X-MEN 496
“ X-Men: Divided, Part Two “
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Mike Choi
Review by Neil Kapit
In which alcohol is consumed by weary mutants, San Fransisco regresses by 39 or so years, and the Astonishing X-Men conclusion spoiler that most of us figured out by now is finally confirmed
As the X-Men continue their post-Messiah CompleX vacation (as opposed to doing something about their still-threatened species ), they are again reminded that mutants never get a long break. The soul-searching of last issue is predictably interrupted by new threats, and one can expect the X-Suits to be broken out shortly. The X-Men never get proper vacations, which is probably why they tend to die and ressurect so much; the phrase “ dirt nap “ is as close to rest as any mutant seems to get.
I am admittedly a bit conflicted about the logic behind this story direction. On the one hand, it seems like the X-Men are deliberately ignoring the fallout from last year’s epic crossover, where the entire mutant world was turned upside down and many casualties were sustained. You’d think that they’d tend to their new problems immediately, as opposed to working it out over Spring Break. On the other hand, following 13 issues of non-stop action across 4 titles, it is a relief to go back to a quieter story with more character definition.
Which has proven to be one of Brubaker’s greatest strengths on the X-Men; he really plays up the inter-relationships between the characters that have made the title so memorable. Scott and Emma, a coupling who came together under rather bizarre conditions, play off of each other very well in practice. I’m not terribly sold on why I should be interested in a hippie-ized San Fransisco, but the headmasters’ interactions are satisfying enough. Even better is the return of Logan, Peter, and Kurt to the barroom scene, addressing their problems over beers-- and predictably ( but enjoyably ) getting into a classic barroom brawl.
The art by Mike Choi is solid at portraying this quiet issue, and the characterizations amidst the dialogue scenes work nicely. The washed-out color art is something that is a bit irritating, and more embellished line art would probably make for an easier read. But it’s still very nice art to go with a very nice script, and makes the book a very enjoyable one despite a dubious premise.
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