Uncanny X-Men #9 We Are Legion Plus One

The end of last issue and the melding of these two Omega level mutants was clearly a shocker and will have some clear ramifications when this is all over, but first let’s deal with the immediate drama at hand and what we saw. First and foremost Jean in full on leader mode was a sight to behold and even manages to be trusting enough to give Armor a chance to prove herself. Much as she has done in X-Men Red, she again holds her own in command and it’s enlightening to see that not only Storm and Kitty can helm the family X but so can she. Maybe the women of X are the stronger of the troupe? Like that was ever in doubt. And speaking of which the sight of Kitty saving Senator Allen… from APOCALYPSE no less… and calmly walking away with her trademark micdrop attitude reminded us all that this girl will ever be the spokesperson for the cause and remind those haters what the X-Men do and why.
The action is full on here and every player has a role to fulfil and they all do it well. Even as Beast and Anole deal with the much needed talk about what he did, they are interrupted with a call to action that shows that there is no time for angst, that will surely come later. Storm co-opted into the ranks of the Horsemen and going up against Armor, proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that smack talk is really not her thing.
Then we have Psylocke so easily batted away, reminding her that she can’t always solve the issue with rushing in, that will be Wolverine’s job when he comes back. And of course that brings us to poor Nate feeling like no one understands him. As Iceman says “an omega level mutant in the driving seat of another Omega level mutant.” hellish OP and over the top, but something we haven’t seen much of before and yet I keep wondering why no one thought of it before. Apocalypse has been trying for years with Cable and even bred Stryfe for the purpose, which makes me think Sinister may be sitting there thinking “damn”. And of course the grand finale and the mass migration by Pixie aided by Jean, of the rank and file. Can I just say how pleased I am to see the likes of Kylun, Meggan, Nemesis, Evan and Maggott? Not all assembled are a fan favorites for some I’m sure, but surely everyone had at least one sighting they are completely stoked to see. Nate’s cliffhanger of last issue has been surpassed and the showboating just gets better.
Oh the shade….no I don’t mean the new character over in Iceman (who will soon be gracing these pages) I mean the artistry of Yildiray Cinar. As I noted back in Uncanny X-Men #3, there is skill here in the use of proper shading, giving realism and perspective to the subjects he draws in an otherwise unreal form of art. From the determination on Nate’s face, right up until the dramatic walk away of Kitty as she reminds Senator Allen what the X-Men are all about, it all leant itself to his style. There is something to be said for the traditional style and Yildiray has it in spades. In a world where many artists seem to have forgotten the skill, opting for smoother lines and just outright blacking out sections in block style, it is reassuring to see that it is still utilised. And though it may seem like a small detail that is the importance of art, especially in this form. Attention to detail can make the difference between great art and merely acceptable art.
And yet again he delivers some stunning set pieces. To me it seems strange to think that the same art that wowed me in issue 3 didn’t pack the same punch in issue 6 and looking back and comparing the two (both Cinar) I can’t help wonder if this was down to the story. In his first outing the drama was hotting up and yet the latter there was so much standing around talking that he didn’t have the chance to show off his skills, which is in the drama of the action and physical confrontation. So it is gratifying to see he can again do what he does best. Especially in the mindweb as Jean reaches out to every available mutant, X-Man and …ex-X-Man that results in the wow of the finale and the arrival of the grand assembly. ‘To me my X-Men’ has rarely had such impact. Jean is the Queen of Scene. And on both occasions we all know we were counting off those present in each set up.
Of course I would be remiss if I left out the things that were wrong this issue. There is a slight bugbear for me in the out of character hating here. Anole hating himself, Nate hating mom, everyone hating Jamie. First and foremost the character assassination of Madrox. Yes to be fair the Jamie thing has been going on a while, since his last miniseries if I’m not mistaken. And Merry X-Men Holiday Special was hilarious. But it all came from nowhere and has resulted in this constant character smearing, including him scuttling off mid battle to hide in a bar??
If it was done for the humor I still didn’t get the joke. This isn’t X-Factor. Even then he was better than this. From the Legacy Virus of X-Factor #100 to his pointless death in Death of X, as far back as I can remember Jamie was the exemplary team player, often sacrificing himself and his own welfare for the betterment of others. First Bishop, who has no call to talk about the behaviour and morals of others and he knows it. Now even as one of his dupes is eradicated in front of them, Storm is badmouthing him which is totally beneath her, not least because someone just died but also when we know she is aware of how many times he has died for the cause in the past.
Then Nate beating down on Jean. He is acting weird right now, that much is clear and that is of course the crux of the dilemma here, but I felt a similar bad taste at the back of my throat when he showed such little remorse for the killing of the X-Men back when this all began. This will need to be covered and explored to the fullest when this is all over, to divulge why there has been such a departure from known character traits. And to top it off, whining about the reaction of the X-Men, you asked for this and you know it mate.
And of course last but not least Anole’s decision to release the cure to the world. I feel this is totally out of the blue and as far as I am aware he has NEVER been self hating or regretful about being a mutant, so this is completely out of left field and this glitch in character had BETTER not be brushed over and ignored.
As well as the major storyline to come with the return of Cyclops and Wolverine I’m also hoping for some resolution to what occurred with Sugar Man and Dark Beast, the disagreement between the kids and teaching faculty and of course the fallout of Anole’s decision.