Uncanny X-Men #4 The Kids Aren’t Alright

Story: The action is building considerably from last issue, with the X-Men facing the Horsemen of Salvation (not loving the names but the concept itself of Peace, Life, Wellness and Bounty being so diametrically opposed to Apocalypse’s War, Death, Pestilence and Famine is sheer genius and yet surprising it’s not been tackled before) on the international stage and in full view of the public yet again. And after the bigotry of the humans last issue they are now countered by the opposing argument from the other side. As they face the age old dilemma of hate from all factions it is reassuring to know they don’t question their own ideals and remain steadfast in the face of opposition.
And speaking of opposition the kids are beginning to prove themselves to be a bit of a problem too, which is interesting to see. As if there aren’t enough issues to face, there is dissent in the ranks. I can’t help wonder how freeing Legion is even remotely a good idea. Investigate his claims? Yes by all means. Release him after the hassle it took to capture him in the first place? Not so much. The X-Men have gone on the warnings of enemies before while still managing to keep them contained, so as to ensure they don’t add to the plight. At least twice in the case of Apocalypse. The rebellious nature of the children here is a great reminder of the New Mutants of old going out against the will of Headmaster Magneto, or the defiance of Rahne confronting Kitty about the death of Doug in the ruins of the mansion after Inferno. This is what the family dynamic has been missing for me. The needs of the many outweighing the will of the few and the younger generation trying to make their voices heard above the reasoning of maturity and experience.

I am intrigued to discover what it is that has been taken from Beast’s lab and by who, but a certain amount of face palming is inevitable here. What HAS Beast done? Will he never learn to secure that lab? And let’s face it, his track record of ethical use of science is a little sketchy. Making himself blue in the employ of the Brand Corporation (I for one have always wondered if that company was ever going to be linked to his paramour). Leaving the Legacy cure lying around for a hapless and distraught Colossus to utilise. Taking the sample of the Benetech Hope serum from Dr Rao and having to be questioned on what he did with the sample by Wolverine. Let’s of course not forget the whole time displaced O5. The countless times he has gone out of his way to mess with science in arrogance and sheer bloody mindedness has never failed to bite him in the arse. Here’s hoping he bounces back from the ramifications of this one…wait, the Hope Serum? Oh no, could it be?
Art: The art all throughout the last couple of issues has been a great improvement to the first issue and the mixed bag of styles there. Expressions are more realistic and not all concerned with making everyone look as though they are all drinking the same bitter lemon Kool Aid. From Jean’s frustration at the questioning of the kids, Hank’s shock discovery in the lab, right up to the kids arguing the merits of working with Legion it all flawlessly shows the expressive nature of the emotions. Also this issue has some perfectly set up panel layouts, particularly in all the discussion and action scenes as the X-Men go into action against the Horsemen and the splash page showing X-Man delivering his message to the world, with heroes inter spaced with everyday people. Also seeing Jean and Betsy working in tandem is truly satisfying, especially acting as one to first cast the illusion they are dead and later putting Legion to sleep.
Characters: The second confrontation with the Horsemen was interesting as they discuss the merits of what they are doing and argue over the ethics of the action, not least the questions Blob asks. This is a surprisingly cerebral path for him and I am taking it this is all down to Nate. There aren’t many who could lay claim to making all of these characters work well together let alone follow someone else’s lead, as both Apocalypse and Storm point out.
And though the jury is still out on his behaviour I am loving Nate and his fixation for beverages. First Cable in X-Force, more recently Bable in Extermination and now Nate drinking tea on the beach while agonising over the decision to kill the X-Men. The introspection and vocalised reasoning is gratifying here and we can see there is more than a passing nod to his motivation, rather than just having the usual cackling, cat stroking villain trope and I have faith that this new road he is on will become clear and true to his past characterisation.
We cannot say the same of Jean however, there is no sense of how she is taking to the role of interim leader. Given her status as one of the originals it is of course entirely natural for them all to follow her lead in the absence of Kitty, but she hasn’t once commented or asked if she should be the one to take command, or even ask her bestie what her thoughts are on how to proceed, especially in light of Storms past role as leader. One who is asking questions and defying authority though is Armor and I’m beginning to see her conflicts with Jean as something of a Wolverine/Cyclops dynamic. Which is an interesting spin given it’s now being seen from a female perspective. I wonder if this will become a new dynamic and it’s more believable than the way everyone meekly followed in X-Men Red. Although I did love that she was a natural leader there, the rising conflict here does bring a more thoughtfully organic motivation into play and allow us to feel her role is earned rather than just handed to her.
Whereas at first I found this version of Hisako to be whining and a little annoying, I am now beginning to find it vastly interesting. Naturally given her background with Logan of course she would be the outspoken one, questioning authority and I half expect him to give a smirk as he hears her. Though I’m not sure he would approve of who Armor is choosing to butt heads with. Also the omission of several X-Men and kids is a little confusing. Rachel and new recruit Pyro are missing with no explanation, but Polaris is there when she supposedly vowed to stay in Madripoor. Though I am loving her inclusion and commenting on recognising her fathers presence.
I would have also liked to see Dust there in the mix with the other kids, especially given her history with David. But maybe Sooraya will be revealed as the ace in the hole and talk David down when he will inevitably become too cray cray to deal with. And very nice touch having David rant and Bishop confirm the whole thing is his fault, being as X-Man’s presence in continuity is a result of his meddling. It’s all coming on nicely.