After a bit of slowness, ‘Uncanny X-Men’ #20 put the series back into an upswing. I really think things need to come to ahead for some of the ongoing plot lines. Do they in this issue? Not quite. However, it is still a fun read and it made it look like at least one plot line will be concluding in the next couple of issues and another one will, at the very least, give us a huge reveal if not conclude as well.
Finally! I’m loving what Bendis is doing with the series, but with how much he is juggling, there hasn’t been much closure on any of the plots that he has created and I’m glad to see at least some of it is heading in that direction.
While in the ‘All-New X-Men‘ this group of mutants was dealing with the return of the Brotherhood from the future, in this book they are following through with dealing with S.H.I.E.L.D. and a mysterious Sentinel program that is both linked to the world peace keeping organization while separate from it. Someone is being played. Not just by one person, though, as S.H.I.E.L.D.’s mutant liaison Dazzler has been replaced by Mystique and is using the organization for her own means as well. There is a lot going on and finally it seems like we’re getting close to at least one of these being resolved.
Did I mention the last issue ended with the Uncanny X-Men showing up at Wolverine’s school and a bit of a disagreement came up? That disagreement continues as Cyclops is accusing Beast of being behind this while they lose control of their powers and an all out mutant on mutant fight kicks in.
While Scott’s team is being handled, we also have S.H.I.E.L.D. stop by and see that Magneto is back in Majipoor and stumbled upon a certain knocked out mutant after following and sparing Blob. Oh did I mention there is alot going on that needs to be addressed soon? Well, with Dazzler looking to be freed by the master of magnetism, I believe Mystique’s charade may finally be coming to an end. That just leaves s with what else she has going on as well, who is behind all of this, and the mutants once again not getting along.
A great entree into the series and the fight scenes (as well as the scenes with Blob) are beautifully illustrated by Bachalo. With how much is on my plate in any given week, I don’t usually re-read comics but I had to go back through this one just to enjoy how well he did on the art. It is another issue that doesn’t require great art to carry the interwoven plot but has it and is a complete bonus for us all!
My only concern going forward is that the mystery man behind the sentinel attacks on our mutants won’t be quite as impressive of a reveal as the build up we’ve been given. I suppose we’ll find out in another issue or two!
UNCANNY X-MEN #21
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Chris Bachalo
