Uncanny X-Men #1
As I said, Uncanny X-Men picks up on a story that we were getting pieces of over in All New X-Men, which is one huge problem I have with this comic. If you hadn’t been reading All New X-Men this serves as a satisfactory introduction to what’s going on in Scott Summers’ head, but if you’re caught up on your X-Men lore, then this is just a total re-tread with only one new addition. This might seem like a petty complaint, but when you’re buying comics that tell the same stories you’ve been reading for months, it’s really infuriating. All that aside, it is a well-written comic. The best thing about it is how its structured, setting up the future issues with a really intriguing twist. There is a bright future for this comic but, as they say, there’s no time like the present and right now the present is too repetitive.
Frustrations with the story aside, the artwork is what really sells the comic. Chris Bachalo is on a different level from other comic artists and he’s really improved over the years. I remember seeing his stuff in Wolverine and the X-Men and other titles a few years ago and enjoying it, but finding it a little rough around the edges. Now he’s fixed all the kinks in his style and now creates really smooth, detailed, and unique images.
I understand that a #1 issue should set up the premise of the entire series, and Uncanny X-Men does that, but the amount of information it does a retread on from other X-Men issues released just weeks ago is almost offensive. I have faith that Bendis won’t keep this up and turn Uncanny into its own title, but for the time being the only thing that will keep me reading is Chris Bachalo’s amazing art.
Rating: 7 / 10