The List #11

Runaways #14
Writer: Kathryn Immomen
Artist: Sara Pichelli

In this final issue for at least the year, if not more, (Runaways, like X-Factor, is getting a reboot) we're once again shown why it's going off the shelves for a little. Awkward, boring dialogue from a writer who is essentially out-of-touch with teenagers and trying to sound hip. It fails so horribly. Basically, a big part of this issue is Chase being emotional and dark, which is a side of the character that has never been popular. That and some fake Gert is running around. Or at least I think that's how it works. But for all of Immomen's failings, she does manage to write "Gert", my favorite Runaways, a line worthy of her.

X-Force #19
Writers: Chris Yost and Craig Kyle
Artists: Mike Choi and Sonia Oback

Unfortunately, this issue failed to follow up last issue's amazingness. Instead, the story is mainly a bland look at X-23 running with some woman through The Facility. And my boyfriend Warpath doesn't even get a panel. What's weird about this issue is:

Child abuse is on the rise at Xavier's. Seriously Domino, the girls are still 16 years old for Christ's sake, go take your anger out on God for not making you the man you clearly are. Especially with this unjustified act of WTFaggression. Rockslide and Colossus'/Cyclops' weird man fights are strange enough, this is ridiculous. But Domino is right in calling the Cuckoos 'Emma lite'. Even though Emma right now is Emma lite.

In other news, Wolfsbane can go die now. Never have liked the character. EVER. And I've read her in lots of different periods. That and Selene is bucking for Emma's most naked female character title.

That and apparently Destiny is going to be part of Necrosha which is a fun twist. Especially since the X-Men's pool of the dead is so small what with pointless resurrections taking place every week. And that's it for X-Force for this month.

Gotham City Sirens #4
Writer: Paul Dini
Artist: Guillem March

One summarizing word: BLAND! But at least Ivy has a recurring role of saving the day.

New Mutants #5
Writer: Zeb Wells
Artist: Zachary Baldus

Another subpar story this week. (I know that my bitching about how disappointing these issues are is only so interesting, but Astonishing X-Men #31 is coming out tomorrow, so expect a good review!) The main factor for fail in this issue was the artist. Severely cringeworthy, people. Good things: Dani got some spotlight and it looks like she'll be a positive role model for what a woman is capable of like Mohawk Storm was. Bad: "Evil" Illyana is wearing punk clothes now as a sign of her "Badness". You fucking kidding me? Why must we stereotype among all of us outcast-based groups? That and Dr. Nemesis:

What a sketch he looks like in this panel. That and this man's pointless insults and overblown narcissism is tired. He's a House ripoff and should've been the member of the Science Team to die. He's not "badass", he's someone pathetically trying to act "badass".

X-Factor #49
Writer: Peter David
Artist: Valentine De Landro

K, so screw talking about this issue in entirety since I'm honestly bored by X-Factor at the moment. BUT we do have Ricstar love this issue, so I'm going to go over that starting with:

Confirmation that they were a couple before!

This issue finally gets out in the open Rictor's sexuality. But it also takes away panel time for additional Ricstar smoochies since Strong Guy and Rictor have an awkward conversation about the sexuality deal for like 8 pages. Or so it felt at least. Besides, I'd appreciate relationship-building to be seen rather than implied like it is in Young Avengers. Also, negative point is Shatterstar, though obviously in love with Rictor, refers to their coupling as a "friendship," and he also kisses Val when he meets her, taking a big amount of charge out of the Ricstar kiss and sort of insulting it. Hopefully issue 50 is MUCH better. And that concludes the review, I leave you with cuteness: