UNCANNY X-MEN #21 (LGY 643)
Recap
As the X-Men answer Emma’s distress signal they find the Hellfire Club in disarray and Emma guarded by the O.N.E who they swiftly dispatch. Once recriminations are done and she fills them in on the details of her plan, the decision is made that one half goes to collect Cortez while the other provide rescue for Elixir from the O.N.E. They instead find the O.N.E. have bitten off more than they can chew with a revived Wolverine and despite his warnings the X-Men fall in quick succession. First Banshee is taken out by a “Sentilock”, then Callahan unwittingly unleashes Magik’s inner demon, who causally removes the Cyttorak gem from Juggernaut and sends him on a fiery trip. When only Cyclops and Madrox return with a wounded Wolverine and Hope they find Dani, Havok and Warlock holding the fort with Mystique against the O.N.E. until suddenly the enemy stops in their tracks, calmly help them to their feet and walk away. Emma saves the day.
Review
Art: Emma receiving surgery has long been a running joke among X-fans and now it is confirmed. Though Larroca has given her a much more delicate scar than he did for Justice in Newuniversal, possibly she is more selective about using private surgeons. One can only assume Sinister and Nemesis will now go into partnership together. Pinpoint accuracy as only the most skilled practitioners can deliver. No I don’t mean our scientists, I mean Salvador. Once again the textured art is crisp and sharp with exquisitely detailed lines. From the definition in the outfits and Jamie’s jacket, Darkchylde’s horns and even the slow and painful looking takeover of Old Man Velocidad.
Story: And of course yet more well loved and established characters once again fall along the way, no surprise there. And poor Banshee had hardly been back five minutes. But this surely won’t mean the end for him? Is it possible that his being left behind, along with Elixir and Darkchylde is setting up a magical solution to his current zombie state? And what about the way Emma has done the impossible and masked mutants from the wider world, shielding everyone by using Cortez to amplify her power to such a drastic level, which usually has detrimental effect to those he amplifies. Could this be paving the way for a new era of acceptance for mutants? If only there was a way to tell what may be happening soon to change their fate!!! Hmmm. And tell me I’m not the only one who was reminded of AOA Emma here?
Characters: From the first moment we see Triage and his handlers, it’s no surprise that subjugation is the order of the day. Trying to make him deny his superhero name is a classic demoralising and dehumanising tactic and the way of the oppressor. While the bigoted doctor diminishes his importance and declares him as nothing more than a tool to be used, Christopher insists he is a person worthy of respect. And at the heart of it that is what the X-Men are. People demanding mutual respect and equality. So to see him stand up against the oppression is something we can’t help but admire. And yet he is dealt with so casually, his powers removed with barely a thought. And this is damning to see, as right away it reminds us that it’s all so cheap when it comes to mutant lives and rights. And of course this is everything we know the X-Men stand against.
The X-Men are never better than when put through the wringer, and to me this is one of those times.
Final Thoughts
The end is in sight and I for one am enjoying the car crash. Whatever he has planned I am in it until the bitter end. Buckle up kids, we are in for a bumpy ride.
Uncanny X-Men #21: The Devil’s in The Detail
- Writing - 8.5/108.5/10
- Storyline - 8/108/10
- Art - 8.5/108.5/10
- Color - 8/108/10
- Cover Art - 8/108/10