Thoughts

Both the front cover and letters page of this trumpet the fact that the comic has won an Eagle Award. It’s odd to see such an image, famous from UK comics in this period, on the cover of a US comic.

Not that it isn’t richly deserved, and this issue is a good indicator why. It’s the story of the team breaking into the mountain fortress base of an evil genius. A man who threatens a cataclysm unless his demands are met. There’s even an X-men making a heroic play that effectively takes him permanently out the team. In other words, its a very similar plot to issue 95 when the X-men had to try and thwart the nefarious Count Nefaria.

Similar, but better. Better across the board. The art is more dynamic and the script rips along at a fantastic pace. The villain’s plan is more credible and he, and his Mandroid minions present a far more credible threat. The finale where Banshee shreds his vocal chords to save the day is a legitimately heroic act, made even moreso when future issues goes on to show us the consequences.

It’s growing success, highlighted by the shift to a monthly release schedule, also means that the storytelling can be more confident when it comes to planning for the future. It end the action sequence early, leaving Claremont with several pages free to explore the team on downtime. Banshee comes out of his coma to find the others waiting to celebrate his recovery. It’s a two page sequence written so sharply that we get an insight into where all the characters are at this moment. Before using another two pages to set up future plots for further down the line.

Yes, the comic deserves to celebrate its Eagle aware. Reading it, you can see why.

Fun Panel

Always love an unorthodox team shot. And this is one of the best.

None More Claremont

Nothing like a good death to set up a future Claremont plot. Poor Angus, you grumpy old Scot.