Uncanny X-Men #2 Review
We finally get some of that famous Bendis “standing around dialoguing” in this issue. It isn’t that terrible though, as I feel it pushes the story forward. Bendis gives us a clear definition as to where Cyclops and Emma Frost currently stand with each other (though I honestly had to go and look to see where the betrayal was that they were referring to). I am quite enjoying the maturity we are seeing in Emma Frost. She is a character I’ve always liked and thought was more than just a spoiled brat like many choose to portray her as. Bendis is definitely making her a more rounded character that is growing and learning from her experiences and time with Cyclops.
Bendis is really giving us our first look at many new mutants since Grant Morrison created all those cool mutants (many currently found in Wolverine & the X-Men) in his classic New X-Men run. The reason I said the Bendis dialoguing was different here was because it was more exploratory. It had to do with the young mutants coming to an understanding of where they are at in their lives and where they might proceed from that point. It wasn’t the usual dialogue where everybody in the room repeats the same comment three or four times before they move on to the next repetitive comment. These new mutants have different reactions to their current circumstances and they are all reflective of how we would all probably react. I love that Bendis is able to bring that kind of characterization to these mutants.
As interesting as I find Bendis’ Emma Frost, I’m finding his Magneto even more so. Magneto has become a very complex character. He has a chip on his shoulder after the events of Avengers vs. X-Men and I don’t blame him. He didn’t control any of the Phoenix force yet he was somehow broken like others that did (I’m waiting on some explanation for how that happened). The choices he is making are going to lead to some heavy consequences.
It is no secret that I love Chris Bachalo’s artwork. His art was fantastic here. He creates unique panels (like the page of Emma’s profile) that enhance the storytelling. He does a great job of giving us a blueprint of the new school (though how it was built and the timeframe in which it was built are a mystery I doubt will ever be addressed). My hope is that Bendis stays away from the sitting around talking because it would be a total waste of Bachalo’s ability. My one little gripe with the art was that Bachalo doesn’t do his best work when drawing tiny pictures of characters in the distance. It wouldn’t be a big deal if it didn’t contrast so much with the rest of his detailed art.
This was a solid second issue that has a great ending that makes you want to pick up the next issue. I recommend people jump on now before it gets a few issues in and they suddenly have a hard time finding the early issues. It’s well worth the read. Bendis (and Bachalo) have done a great job making the X-Men exciting again.
