The Amazing Spider-Man #10 Review

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Alex Ross, comics, Dan Slott, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Marte Gracia, Marvel Comics, Peter Parker, Scorpio Rising, Scorpio Rising Part 2, SHIELD, Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man #10, The Amazing Spider-Man #10 review, Zodiac

The Amazing Spider-Man #10

Review by Paul Bowler

Scorpio Rising continues in The Amazing Spider-Man #10 as our friendly-globe-trotting Spider-Man tackles the menace of Scorpio and Zodiac once more. In a startling turn of events, the 13^th sign of the Zodiac has been revealed as The Spider! Now, after surviving re-entry from space, crash-landing in Paris and being attacked by Scorpio, Spider-Man’s fight for the future will span both sides of the English Channel, and when Parker Industries is also suddenly compromised Peter Parker’s life could be changed forever…

Following a mission into space with Nick Fury to regain control of the S.H.I.E.L.D satellites hacked by the terrorist organization Zodiac, Spider-Man used his emergency web-foam to make a daring free-fall from orbit to reach Paris and prevent Scorpio from gaining control of a mystical artefact – the Orrery. Following a ruthless attack by Scorpio, it looks like Spider-Man has lost his window of opportunity as Dan Slott propels the wall crawler’s cross-channel adventures to a whole new level, in Scorpio Rising Part 2: Power Play, as the stars align and Spider-Man’s battle with Scorpio spills over into the channel tunnel itself!

This issues kicks off with Scorpio on the cusp of victory after ambushing Spider-Man in Paris following Spidey’s fiery return to Earth. But writer Dan Slott skilfully proves, perhaps here more than ever, that even without all the fancy new Parker Industries gadgets and gizmos Spidey’s great power and responsibility wins out every time! Spider-Man even manages to find a major design flaw in Scorpio’s defences, but despite his efforts, the tide of the battle shifts when Scorpio exploit’s the wall-crawlers greatest weakness.

These opening scenes move along at a cracking pace as Spider-Man fights for his life, a fortuitous prediction however forces Scorpio’s hand, there’s also a scene where brave Parisians step in at a crucial moment that resonates powerfully, and we also have interludes featuring an ominous jail break back in New York…

Amazing Spider-Man #10 features some truly stunning artwork from Giuseppe Camuncoli. From the exciting opening scenes, Camuncoli keeps the action flowing seamlessly across numerous locales, with a fluid page layouts packed with breathtaking levels of detail across every panel. The moment where Anna and Brain the robot arrive to give Spider-Man a lift is another highlight, as Spidey thanks the civilians who helped him, before departing with a nod to David Tennant’s 10^th Doctor’s catchphrase as they set off to take the fight back to Scorpio! Of course, as you may have guessed from this issue glorious Alex Ross cover, the main battle of this issue takes place in the channel tunnel – Mission Impossible style – atop the speeding Eurostar train. This electrifying face-off between Spider-Man and Scorpio showcases Giuseppe Camuncoli’s art like never before, and Camuncoli pulls out all the stops for this fabulous, nerve jangling confrontation!

Likewise, the inks by Cam Smith highlights the finer details of Camuncoli’s art, brining a real sense of speed and moment in the channel tunnel sequences, whilst inky shadows saturate the interludes during the New York jail break. The colors by Marte Gracia also shine in those aforementioned moments in Paris and the channel tunnel scenes, with vivid emerald hues crackling furiously from Scorpio’s energy attacks, to a sinister image lurking in the hazy glow of Brains robot eyes, and the opaque tones in a holographic conference call all collectively add up to make The Amazing Spider-Man #10 one hell of an impressive looking issue!

Even though Spider-Man won’t be able to prevent Scorpio reaching his next stop, Spider-Man, Anna, and Brain manage to uncover a vast hidden lair, one whose secrets could see Peter Parker lose everything that he’s worked so hard to accomplish… The Amazing Spider-Man #10 is another great issue in the new Scorpio Rising arc, with Dan Slott weaving in some stellar plot twists into the mix to keep us all on our toes, and brilliant artwork by Giuseppe Camuncoli, this Spider-Man series remains one of Marvel Comics finest!

Publisher: Marvel / Writer: Dan Slott /Art: Giuseppe Camuncoli

Inks: Cam Smith / Colorist: Marte Gracia

Lettering: VC’s Joe Caramagna / Cover Artist: Alex Ross

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The Amazing Spider-Man #9 Review

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Alex Ross, Arachno-Rocket, Cam Smith, comics, Dan Slott, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Marte Gracia, Marvel Comics, Nick Fury, Parker Industries, Peter Parker, S.H.I.E.L.D, Scorpio Rising, Scorpio Rising Part 1, Spider-Man, Spidey, The Amazing Spider-Man #9, VC’s Cory Petit

The Amazing Spider-Man #9

Review by Paul Bowler

Scorpio Rising begins in The Amazing Spider-Man #9, as the wall crawlers new mission send him on a journey across Europe for a finale showdown with the international terrorist organization: The Zodiac! Their leader, Scorpio, is ready to instigate his master plan. Spider-Man and his allies must race against time to hunt Scorpio down, because if he succeeds, even Spider-Man and S.H.I.E.L.D won’t be able to stop him…

The Amazing Spider-Man #9 gets the first chapter of Scorpio Rising of to an exciting start. If you thought Spidey’s battle with Mr Negative, Cloak & Dagger, and his own Spider-Mobile in The Dark Kingdom was tough, then you better hang onto your webs because that was just a taster for what’s to come next! Writer Dan Slott and artist Giuseppe Camuncoli continue to work their magic with Marvel’s all-new, all-different The Amazing Spider-Man, as this action-packed new story-arc begins, and this time they are really going to put Peter Parker through his paces as he confronts the remnants of Zodiac!

Dan Slott rockets our global friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man’s adventures into the stratosphere, and beyond, in Scorpio Rising Part 1: One Way Trip, as Nick Fury turns to Peter Parker and Spider-Man to track down Scorpio before he can utilize the power of the Orrery – a mysterious mystical artefact Scorpio managed to escape with during the Zodiac’s attack on the British Museum in London. Now after Scorpio hacked S.H.I.E.L.D’s satellites, Nick Fury seeks assistance from Peter Parker at his New York HQ in the Baxter Building, but the “boss” of Parker Industries is unavailable, fortunately Spider-Man has devised a plan to reset the satellites manually – once Fury’s cleared them some airspace that is!

Yes, there’s a Spiiddeerr-Maaan waiting in the sky (Sorry I couldn’t resists that!) as Spidey and Nick Fury blast off into orbit to take back control of the S.H.I.E.L.D satellites. It’s a move that not even Scorpio or the looped timey-wimey abilities of Gemini could’ve predicted, as they monitor events from Scorpio’s base in Paris. Dan Slott strikes a perfect balance between all the drama and humour in this issue, with digital logos, emojis, a hilariously staged Gravity scenario for Nick Fury, and quite possibly the best built-in play list ever which all collectively make for a sublime blend of action and fun!

Following Matteo Buffangi’s excellent stint as guest artist for ASM #6-8, Giuseppe Camuncoli’s is back to provide the art for The Amazing Spider-Man #9, together with inks by Cam Smith, and this issue is a veritable feast of striking visuals, as Camuncoli brings us some of this new Marvel series’ most exciting scenes to date. The sheer level of detail lavished on each page by Camuncoli and Smith is staggering, from the initial scenes in the lobby of the Baxter Building, to excitement of the Arachno-Rockets launch, Scorpio’s menacing lair in Paris, and the beautifully realized action in space are all sublimely accentuated by colorist Marte Gracia’s exquisite tones and hues.

Everything in this issue builds towards the spectacular reveal of thirteenth a sing of the Zodiac, together with a nail-biting freefall from orbit, a brief interlude at Parker Industries London HQ with romantic and menacing ramifications, and a thrilling cliff-hanger ending. This issue certainly puts our wall crawling hero through the wringer! Featuring a gorgeous cover by Alex Ross, The Amazing Spider-Man #9, with its exciting story by Dan Slott and great art by Giuseppe Camuncoli, remains one of Marvel’s best new titles, and this Scorpio Rising story-arc looks set to be an action-packed thrill-ride of epic proportions for the Spiderverse!

Publisher: Marvel / Writer: Dan Slott / Art: Giuseppe Camuncoli

Inks: Cam Smith / Colorist: Marte Gracia

Lettering: VC’s Joe Caramagna / Cover Artist: Alex Ross

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The Amazing Spider-Man #5 Review

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Alex Ross, Cam Smith, Christos Gage, Dan Slott, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Marte Gracia, Marvel, Peter Parker, S.H.I.E.L.D, Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man #5, Zodiac

Amazing Spider-Man #5

Review by Paul Bowler

Its another day in the office of webspinning and high-flying business for Peter Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man #5, as our internationally friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man faces-off against the terrorist group ZODIAC who stole his new webware device. With his cutting edge technology Peter Parker’s work has provided S.H.I.E.L.D with equipment while his Uncle Ben Foundation delivers humanitarian aid all over the world. Parker Industries and Spider-Man have gone global, but so have the wall crawler’s enemies! Having dealt with a private army called the War Goblins in Africa instead of helping Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D track down ZODIAC, The Amazing Spider-Man #5 sees Spidey and Mockingbird regroup with their S.H.I.E.L.D allies at the London branch of Parker Industries, but will they be able to stop ZODIAC in time?

Yes, it’s another amazing issue from Dan Slott (& Christos Gage), as he brings the numerous plot threads that kicked off this new volume of Amazing Spider-Man together in “Set In Stone”, which finds Peter having to face up to his decision to go to Africa and stop the War Goblin’s and save Aunt May and her husband instead of helping S.H.I.E.L.D attack the ZODIAC bases – most of which incidentally turned out to be fake. But the repercussions of Peter’s choice must wait as they must stop ZODIAC first, and that means a trip to London for Spider-Man!

There’s all out action from this point on, even the Human Torch is amazed to see Peter taking charge like this, but when ZODIAC attacks the British Museum, its time for Spider-Man, Torch, Mockingbird, Prowler, and S.H.I.E.L.D to swing into action. Giuseppe Camuncoli’s artwork is as striking detailed as ever, each page is packed with action and energy, and the story flows along at a break-neck pace that doesn’t let up for a moment – especially during the fight at the British Museum – where lots of fun dialogue is peppered throughout the dynamic page layouts. The inks by Cam Smith are also superb, brining added clarity and texture to every scene, and coloist Marte Gracia dazzles with a mix of bold tones and vivid hues to accentuate the action.

I’ve really enjoyed this new direction for The Amazing Spider-Man. Even though Peter is now in charge of a huge global company, his principles have remained the same; with great power and responsibility permeating every aspect of his company just as it does his everyday life and his adventuring as Spider-Man. His work with S.H.I.E.L.D has also been handled really well, it’s a move that has brought in a lot of extra characters too, and its made the title feel even more diverse than ever. Yes, I’m a big fan of Spider-Man, and you know what, I’m really enjoying reading Spider-Man again on a regular basis, after something of a lull story-wise at times with the last volume, the wall crawlers adventures seem fun and exciting again.

This issue brings the first arc of this new volume to a close in fine style as the fight with Scorpio reaches a surprise conclusion. Peter also faces a press conference over the unauthorized use of the Parker Nanotech to interface with the London CCTV systems, which leads to some interesting changes at Parker Industries London HQ, there’s also the menace of a major villain’s consciousness lurking like a ghost in the machine, and a final reveal in the ominous coda that will give us plenty to mull over… In short, The Amazing Spider-Man is another terrific issue, I mean, just look at that gorgeous Alex Ross cover! It’s quickly becoming one of my favourite Marvel titles again, and even though I love all the new high-tech gadgets and vehicles I was overjoyed to see Spider-Man using the greatest Spidey vehicle of all to travel across the London skyline!

Publisher: Marvel

Writers: Dan Slott & Christos Gage – Art: Giuseppe Camuncoli – Inks: Cam Smith – Colors: Marte Gracia

Cover Artist: Alex Ross

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The Amazing Spider-Man #1 Reivew

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Alex Ross, Cam Smith, comics, Dan Slott, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Marte Gracia, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Peter Parker, Silk, Spider-Man, Spider-Woman, Spiderman 2099, Spidermobile, Spidey, The Amazing Spider-Man #1, The Amazing Spider-Man #1 review, Web Warriors, Zodiac

The Amazing Spider-Man #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Parker Industries and Spider-Man have gone global, with the All-New, All-Different relaunch in Marvel’s The Amazing Spider-Man #1, as Peter juggles the web-spinning adventures between his business headquarters in New-York, Shanghai, London, and San Francisco – with his personal “bodyguard” Spider-Man tagging along for the ride naturally! But Peter Parker’s newfound success has as caught the attention of the revamped Zodiac, who have also set their sights on global expansion, and its up to Spider-Man to stop them!

Amazing Spider-Man #1 continues with the assured creative team of writer Dan Slott and artist Giuseppe Camuncoli, as this all-new direction for our favourite wall crawling hero sets out a whole new status-quo for the series, and an exciting new era for Peter Parker as his life finally seems to be getting on track.

Dan Slott quickly brings us up to speed with the dramatic turn of events in Peter’s life. Peter Parker and his company are now house-hold names, famous around the world, he now develops new technology for S.H.I.E.L.D and the public market. The action begins with a high-speed Spider-Mobile chase in Shanghai as Spider-Man and Mockingbird pursue the Zodiac operatives who have stolen some webware servers from Parker Industries. These opening sequences with the Spider-Mobile are really exciting, action-packed, and full of Spidey’s trademark humour – the joke he makes about Kraven’s nipples is hilarious!

Its during Peter’s press conference where Slott really sets out everything this new direction for the series will entail for Parker Industries. It even pokes fun at Parker being a “poor man’s Tony Stark”, perhaps knowingly addressing concerns this series might be like that, but of course we needn’t have worried, Peter has a clear goal in mind and is determined to uses the great power of his company responsibly. Peter seems a lot more mature and confident now, he’s also intent on making amends for some of his past mistakes, particularly certain events that happened when Doc Ock took over his body and became the Superior Spider-Man, and he travels to a wedding in San Francisco to make sure he does just that.

The fantastic artwork by Giuseppe Camuncoli effortlessly draws you into the action. From the frenetic chase sequences with the Spider-Mobile in Shanghai, to the press conference, and finally the round-the-world trip to the wedding in San Francisco, the sheer level of detail on every page is stunning. Spidey has never looked better in my opinion, the gadgets – especially those multi-function web-shooters – are inspired. The new Spider-Mobile is without doubt one of the big highlights of Amazing Spider-Man #1, it is one seriously cool looking vehicle, and I’d hazard a guess it could give the Batmobile a run for its money! The inks by Cam Smith enhance the intricate detail of Camuncoli’s art perfectly, while colorist Marte Gracia’s vivid hues and tones gives every page an almost cinematic sheen, and the cover by Alex Ross is beautiful.

With its vast cast of character, the new threat posed by Zodiac to the world, and the perils of inviting Peter Parker to a wedding, all add up to make this issue a thrilling, and exciting read. There’s also one last surprise waiting at Parker Industries in London too, and I can’t wait to see how that develops! Yes, there’s a hefty price tag on this issue, but I guarantee its well worth it. This huge issue devotes even more pages than usual for the main storyline, there’s also several backup stories that offer previews of the other Spider-Titles and storylines: including Silk, Spidey, Spiderman 2099, Spider-Woman, Web Warriors, and lots more besides!

I’ve always been a big Spider-Man fan, while the previous volume didn’t quite live up to my expectations, I really enjoyed The Amazing Spider-Man #1, and I think we are in for something really special here with this new direction. With its great story by Dan Slott and art Giuseppe Camuncoli, The Amazing Spider-Man #1 is one Marvel All-New, All-Different, title that will be webbed into my pull-list from now on, a brilliant issue!

Publisher: Marvel

Writer: Dan Slott

Art: Giuseppe Camuncoli

Inks: Cam Smith

Colors: Marte Gracia

Letters: VC’s Joe Caramagna

Cover: Alex Ross

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Superior Spiderman #27 Review

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Dan Slott, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Goblin Nation, Green Goblin, Marvel Comics, Otto Octavius, Peter Parker, Spiderman, Superior Spiderman, Superior Spiderman #27

Superior Spiderman #27

Review by Paul Bowler

The Superior Spiderman’s plans to rid New York of organised crime have failed, and the Green Goblin has taken control of the criminal underworld. Having hacked into Otto’s network of Spider-Bots, the Goblin and his minions have evaded detection, preparing for this moment to strike back at the city. Otto Octavius resolves to take responsibility for the crisis and reclaim the city. Superior Spiderman tracks the Green Goblin to his underground lair, where he must face his greatest battle of all; unaware the Goblin’s cohorts have now set their sights on Spider Island itself…

Goblin Nation gets off to a terrific start in Superior Spiderman #27 as Spidey-Otto is left reeling after the Green Goblin launches his attack on New York. After seeing the Goblin’s message on the Brooklyn Bridge, it becomes clear to Otto that he has been chasing the wrong Goblin. After the fantastic smack down between the Green Goblin and Hobgoblin last issue, Superior Spiderman #27 jumps forward 30 days, as the Goblin and his forces go on a massive crime-spree. Dan Slott’s handling of the story is superb, as Otto’s fixation with uncovering the flaw in his systems means he begins to neglect his responsibilities at Parker Industries, and even his new girlfriend Anne Marie. Then we also have the subplot involving Mayor J. Jonah Jamerson, as he sets about getting his Spider-Slayer patrol up and running as soon as possible.

The scenes were Peter Parker’s consciousness explores the strange Mindscape within his shared psyche with Otto Octavius become increasingly surreal, especially when Peter watches as Otto searched through his memories about the Green Goblin. Fearing he might be detected, Peter’s attempt to find somewhere to hide inside Otto’s mind puts him in a horrifying predicament

With the help of Uatu Jackson, the Superior Spiderman is able to track the Green Goblin to a disused subway tunnel, where the two mortal enemies finally confront each other. The nail biting showdown is brilliantly handled by Slott as the Green Goblin and Superior Spiderman engage in a dangerous game of bluff and double bluff, where the line between masks and secret identities becomes increasingly blurred, and a grave error of judgement leads to disaster.

Superior Spiderman #27 is a fantastic looking issue, Giuseppe Camuncoli’s art, with inks by John Dell, and great color by Antonio Fabela, moves the story along at a brisk pace. I really liked the early scenes in the area around Brooklyn Bridge, where the Green Goblin has left a message for Superior Spiderman. The scenes in the Mindscape with Peter Parker are also really good, it’s quite unsettling too, as Peter wanders the ethereal landscape of his innermost memories that Otto regards as little more than corrupted scraps of information. The confrontation between Superior Spiderman and the Green Goblin is a real show stopper, we’ve been building up to this for a while now, and the explosive finale scenes are magnificent.

Superior Spiderman #27 is a really good issue, Goblin Nation Part 1 looks set to be a really exciting storyline, and together with the superb artwork, this series continues to impress and is always great fun to read.

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X-Men Battle of the Atom #2 Review

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Battle of the Atom, Battle of the Atom #2, Brian Michael Bendis, Brian Wood, Cyclops, Esad Ribic, Future X-Men, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Jason Aaron, Kitty Pryde, Marvel Comics, Original X-Men, Stuart Immonen, Uncanny X-Men, Wolverine, X-Men

Battle of the Atom #2

Review by Paul Bowler

The Brotherhood from the future arrived in the present-day and convinced everyone they were the X-Men of the future. They conspired to get the modern-day X-Men to force the original X-Men to return to the past. Although the young X-Men disagreed, Wolverine and most of the X-Men at the Jean Grey School agreed. However, the scheme was foiled when the real future X-Men appeared, and the Brotherhood’s attempt to use the Time Cube to send the original X-Men home hit a snag, when they found it was impossible to send them back. Now the X-Men of the past, present, and future stand united against the Brotherhood, but when a fleet of S.H.I.E.L.D Helicarriers suddenly arrive Xorn and Xavier take control of their weapon systems and launches their missiles at the X-Men…

Faced with an onslaught of missiles launched by the S.H.I.E.L.D helleicarriers, all of the X-Men teams’ work together to fend off the attack, using every ounce of their combined powers to fight back as the Brotherhood version of the Beast urges them to all to join forces with them. But when he is suddenly cut down by blaster fire from some new arrivals – a group of Sentinels that have secretly been constructed by S.H.I.E.L.D – all hell breaks loose and the present day X-Men and future X-Men find themselves fighting a battle on two fronts. The battle is furious, casualties are high, and as the Brotherhood face defeat Jean “Xorn” Grey confronts Cyclops and Wolverine, blaming the Schism they caused that divided the X-Men for subverting the natural order of time, before fighting the original X-Men until her powers finally overload and she explodes!

By the time Mira Hill arrives at the battlefield the Brotherhood has escaped and the X-Men have teleported back to the Jean Grey School. As they mourn their dead the X-Men must also form a response to S.H.I.E.L.D deploying Sentinels against them. Despite everything that has happened, Wolverine and Cyclops are still unable to settle their differences, and their teams remain divided as the future X-Men prepare to return to their own time – though not everyone is going back to the future as Kymera opts to stay and hunt down the Brotherhood.

Heartfelt goodbyes are said before the future X-Men uses the Time Cube to leave, with the future Iceman imparting some words of wisdom to his present day self as they depart. Afterwards the X-Men gather outside the School where Kitty Pryde announces that she is leaving. Kitty explains she can no longer trust them after the way they acted during Battle of the Atom, saying they let her and the original X-Men down when they needed them most. The original X-Men have also decided to leave with Kitty, not wishing to stay where they are not really wanted. Wolverine and  the X-Men are shocked when Cyclops and Magik teleport in to collect Professor Kitty and her students as they set off to join the Uncanny X-Men at the new Xavier School…

Battle of the Atom #2 brings this 50^th anniversary crossover event for the X-Men to a close, with Jason Aaron tasked with wrapping everything up, with Brian Michael Bendis writing one of the issues four epilogues. After last issues terrific cliff-hanger Battle of the Atom #2 picks up the pace with a huge battle as the various teams of X-Men square off against the Brotherhood. The arrival of S.H.I.E.L.D’s secret supply of Sentinels is not an altogether unexpected twist; however, this is sure to have a significant impact on human-mutant relations in the future.

The climatic battle includes some brilliant action sequences, there are casualties, and I especially liked the part where the original X-Men took on Xorn. There was also a great showdown between Xorn and Phoenix Quentin Quire, where Jean taunts him about how the Phoenix force still whispers her name. While the battle does reach an explosive end, it all seems a little abrupt; giving way to a series of epilogues that shifts the emphasis towards setting up a plethora of future storylines – especially with the Brotherhood still at large.

This somewhat uneven approach to Battle of the Atom #2 is also reflected in the artwork as well, as the main storyline has art by Esad Ribic and Giuseppe Camuncoli, with Andrew Currie and Tom Palmer on finishes. The four epilogues bring more by Camuncoli and Currie, along with Kris Anka, Chris Bachalo, and Stuart Immonen. Sadly the end result is not all that good; it all feels a little cobbled together, and not a patch on previous instalments.

While Kitty’s decision to leave, followed by the original X-Men, in the final Epilogue by Brian Michael Bendis and Stuart Immonen was a big surprise, I was a little uncomfortable about how smug Cyclops seemed when he arrived with Magik to collect them – it seemed a little out of character. Epilogue two by Brian Wood, on the other hand, contains one of my favourite scenes of this entire crossover, as the adult Shogo prepares to say goodbye to Jubilee. It’s a brilliant moment for the characters, and I thought it was the real highlight of the issue.

On the whole I have thoroughly enjoyed Battle of the Atom. I like how the story developed through each of the X-Titles involved in the crossover, there were some issues with constant recaps, but for the most part the story held together quiet well. Its just a shame that more time and care wasn’t put into making Battle of the Atom #2 more of an epic finale, rather than the last minute dash to the finish line that it turned out to be.

Wolverine & The XMen #37 Review

Tags

Battle of the Atom Part #9, Cyclops, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Jason Arron, Jean Grey, Original X-Men, SHIELD, The Brotherhood, Uncanny X-Men, Wolverine, Wolverine and the X-Men #37, X-Men, X-Men from the future, Xorn

Wolverine and the X-Men #37

Review by Paul Bowler

A team of X-Men from the future arrive in the present day, demanding the original X-Men be sent back to he past. Wolverine and most of the X-Men agreed, but the young Jean and Scott went on the run, but eventually gave themselves up. The present day X-Men discover their visitors are really the future Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. With the school in lockdown the Brotherhood must face the combined might of the Uncanny X-Men and the real future X-Men. However, as the battle rages  they prepare to forcibly send the young X-Men home, only to find that strange universal forces now prevent the teen mutants from going back.

Jean “Xorn” Grey and Cyclops get up close and personal on the psychic plane, giving the Brotherhood the chance to escape in the Blackbird with the original X-Men. Wolverine is healed by Wiccan after being gutted by Raze, the son he will apparently have with Mystique, and meets up with the Uncanny X-Men and future X-Men in the lab.

Meanwhile, the Brotherhood decide to switch to plan B after the Time Cube was unable to send the original X-Men back. Now that Deadpool is dead, and Xavier crippled and confined to a floating wheelchair, it seems that desperate measures are called for to complete their mission. Power dampeners prevent the captive teen X-Men from using their powers. Scott asks Jean what she learned during her battle with Xorn, she reveals they must return home to save the future, and she is able to pick up enough of the Brotherhood’s thoughts to know they are being taken to Cape Citadel – the place where the original X-Men first fought against Magneto.

After news of a homeland security alert at Cape Citadel reaches the Jean Grey school, Wolverine and Cyclops set aside their differences and agree to work together to rescue the original X-Men. Colossus and Magik teleport everyone to Cape Citadel, where the present day X-Men and future X-Men attack the Brotherhood. Phoenix Quentin Quire frees the young X-Men from their power dampeners, and they team up with Cyclops to attack Xorn. With the Brotherhood almost defeated a fleet of SHIELD helicarriers commanded by Mira Hill arrives, demanding that everyone surrender, but Xorn is not prepared to give up just yet…

Jason Arron makes this penultimate chapter of Battle of the Atom the most action packed yet, as Wolverine and the X-Men #37 brings all of the X-Teams, past, present, and future, together for a titanic showdown with the Brotherhood. I really like how the characters interact this issue, Jason Aaron includes some great character moments: with Cyclops and Wolverine begrudgingly setting aside their differences, we learn more about the Brotherhood’s plans, discover the truth about the Ice-Hulk, and Phoenix Quentin Quire meets his younger self. This issue is a lot of fun too, with Wolverine getting all the best lines, and we learn a lot more about the future X-Men as well.

Although we are no closer to really understanding the bizarre paradox that seems to prevent the original X-Men from returning to the past, right now it is what young Jean’s battle with Xorn revealed that is perhaps more intriguing, especially when she reveals that if they stay one of them could be responsible for something terrible. However, this issues cliff-hanger could offer some clue, as Xorn resolves to show everyone what the future holds for the X-Men.

Wolverine and the X-Men #37 features some great artwork by Giuseppe Camuncoli and finisher Andrew Currie, and vivid colors by Matt Milla. I really like the early scenes, where the X-Men are planning their next course of action, the detail given to the characters and their conversations is exceptional, which is also reflected in the later scenes in the Blackbird as the Brotherhood discuss Plan B and the original X-Men try to figure a way out of their predicament. In fact, by the time the X-Men and Brotherhood face each other at Cape Citadel,  nearly every character in this issue has had a share of the limelight. There’s also a spectacular double page spread near the end of the issue, where all the X-Men are fighting the Brotherhood, its absolutely brilliant, and that nail-biting final page will leave everyone diving for cover!

Battle of the Atom is now hurtling towards a thrilling finale. Wolverine and the X-Men #37 continues the high standard set by previous instalments, Jason Arron delivers some excellent characterization, and  Giuseppe and Camuncoli’s work really draws you into the action as the story races towards the final moments.

Wolverine & The XMen #36 Review

Tags

Battle of the Atom, Battle of the Atom Part #5, Cyclops, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Jason Aaron, Jean Grey, Marvel Comics, Oringial X-Men, Wolverine, Wolverine and the X-Men, Wolverine and the X-Men #36, Xorn

Wolverine and the X-Men #36

Review by Paul Bowler

Dr Henry McCoy brought the original X-Men to the present to try and reunite mutantkind. When young Scott Summers was almost killed, temporarily erasing his older self from reality, the X-Men argued whether or not they should send the young mutants home. Matters were complicated further by the arrival of a team of X-Men form the future, who insist the original X-Men must return to their own time. Jean Grey refuses and goes on the run with Scott; they evade the pursuing X-Men and seek help from the adult Cyclops and his Uncanny X-Men. Cyclops agrees to help but Emma Frost has contacted the X-Men who quickly arrive on Utopia. Confronted by the future version of Jean Grey, who wears a Xorn mask to control her abilities, the X-Men of the present and the future stand ready to fight to protect the past and save the future.

With Xorn, the young Jean Grey, Emma Frost and the Cuckoos standing motionless as they battle psychically, the adult Scott Summers and his younger self begin to realise that Xorn is actually an older version of the young Jean Grey – the one who never returned to her own time and consequently grew up in the future.

Faced with the X-Men from the future, Wolverine, and the present day-day X-Men, the Uncanny X-Men watch on as Logan offers the “slim and slimmer” incarnations of Cyclops a chance to be reasonable and stand down. Wolverine is quick to criticise the adult Cyclops for brining his young team into the field of battle, however Cyclops is having none of it, stating that he believes the responsibility for their conflict rests entirely with Logan and Hank McCoy.

The teenage Cyclops brings their argument to a head by attacking Wolverine. After ordering Magneto to gets their students to safety, Cyclops remains to help young Scott fight the present-day X-Men and their future counterparts. Meanwhile, Emma’s psychic battle with Xorn begins to falter as first the Cuckoos, and then Emma herself, succumbs to Xorn’s telepathic assault, leaving Jean alone against her future self. As Jean gets an unexpected glimpse into Xorn’s mind, back at the school the young Beast and Iceman travel into the future with Magik to try and discover what the X-Men from the future have been hiding from them…

Wolverine and the X-Men #36 sees tensions between X-Men strained to breaking point as Battle of the Atom explodes into all-out-action. Jason Aaron keeps the action moving at a break-neck pace as standoff between Cyclops and Wolverine inevitably leads to conflict, with the future X-Men also becoming more aggressive, Storm tries to calm the situation and Beast admits he regrets bringing the original X-Men to the present. We also get a great scene where Kitty and Rachel discuss the situation with Kitty’s future self, with Rachel noting that she is no longer the leader she once knew.

With some great art by Giuseppe Camuncoli and finisher Andrew Currie, along with colorists Matt Milla and Edgar Delgado, Wolverine and the X-Men #36 has some excellent fight scenes, with everyone getting a good slice of the action. However, it is the psychic combat with Xorn that is the real highlight this issue, and I really like the way Camuncoli portrays the raw power of this psychic battleground. We also get to see the toll this fight takes on the combatant’s physical bodies, as blood pours from their noses, and in Xorn’s case, from the corner of one eye of her mask as she fights Jean on the psychic plane. This issue features another eye-catching cover by Arthur Adams, with the X-Men attacking en masse as Cyclops and his younger self, together with Rachel and Kitty, stand their ground to protect Jean.

Jason Aaron maintains the tone and style already established for this crossover event by Brian Michael Bendis, while adding just the right amount of humour to Wolverine and the X-Men #36 as each twist and turn of the plot unfolds. It’s good to see some of the other X-Men from the future taking a more active role in proceedings, with Deadpool giving a heartfelt – if not entirely honest – speech and the hulking Iceman going on the rampage.

Wolverine and the X-Men #36 introduces some significant plot developments, decisions are made that will no doubt have a big impact as Battle of the Atom progresses, and the startling ending will leave you  eager to find out what happens next.