The List #38 Part 2

X-Factor #208
Writer: Peter David
Artist: Emanuela lupacchino
This issue opens with Monet filling in for the voice of the reader, and questioning Layla on what her deal is considering her hanging out with Dr. Doom. Layla sort-of answers and Monet ends up fainting before anything else can be found out. I'd not mention this, but this also features the return of creepy, cryptic Layla so that's a big plus in helping restore my love for her. Meanwhile....

Rahne is a total bitch. Look at what she interrupted when her and the monstrosity in her stomach came bursting through the door--->

Pants were unzipped! People's comic book homo-quotas could have been filled for three years if they'd have been allowed to go further! But no, Rahne yet again gives me more fuel as to why she's the one of the X-Characters I hate the most.

Then she goes on a 'high and mighty' rant with her finger vertical and waggling in the air and proceeds to accuse Shatterstar of brainwashing Rictor into this. Then she has a big fight scene with him. If you don't hate her yet, you will by the end of this issue.

Meanwhile, Longshot picks up some hoes and Darwin comments that he's tired of fighting when they come upon the Rahne/Star fight. Possibly a hint that he's that X-Factor team member leaving soon? Here's hoping, he contributes next to nothing to this series. And with Siryn and Madrox, it turns out they were duped into handing over the guy who used to be Hela's jester back to her, and that sets up the Vegas Trip for next issue.

The fight scene between Rahne/Star finally ends with Rictor explaining that he's genuinely with Shatterstar. She's hurt by this and says the most horrible thing:

At this point, I've had enough of Rahne Sinclair. Seriously, go die in a fire, bitch.

At first I thought she was lying on purpose to get Rictor back with her, but then I dug up my Necrosha issues of X-Force and turns out she really does have no idea that it's Hrimharri's. Whatever, she's still a bitch. What's worse is a rumor I've heard is that Miss Homo-Cockblocks is not just guest-starring, she's back on the team for good now. I'm not kidding about wanting her dead; I want her dead more than I wanted Cable dead. Seriously, she's like the Angelina of this series (Jersey Shore reference). No one wants you here, bitch! Oh and one last thing: Hela, who's getting an X-Factor visit soon, was involved in righting Rahne's pregnancy problems, so that may be something touched upon next issue. One good thing came of this devastating reveal:

Layla's onto you, Rahne!
And that's another push towards me loving Layla again. I'm so glad she's back to playing the weird girl who knows what's up. However, one thing I'm not glad to see is her ta-ta's hanging out. Girl, put those away, you were 13 two year ago, and we're just not ready for this.

Conclusion: Not as good an issue as the previous one, but still a great issue that makes X-Factor feel like it's getting revitalized after that dreadful, dragging FF crossover/Second Coming tie-in arc.


X-Men Legacy
Writer: Mike Carey
Artist: Clay Mann
Continuing from last issue, the X-Men take on the sentinels sent after the blonde girl with ease with Loa showing off her wonderful powers (here). I adore her powers, if I were an X-Man I would totally have her use her powers at every chance she had.

Turns out the blonde girl's name is Luisa and she's got a neat power:

Yes, she sounds like a modified Dazzler, but still, I think in a more awesome way here. Maybe because it has no connection to disco or other music scenes that have extremely soon expiration dates.

Paras' father has issue with taking her in, and Paras tries to calm him down while also revealing to the X-Misc. that he's getting married to his brother's fiance. Speaking of things that are weird, wasn't he determined to be the youngest New X-Man (14 then) right before it ended? What age is he now if he's able to enter a marriage in India?

Looks to be 16 by way of Taylor Lautner.

Obv. the transition from Scottie Young to another artist makes a difference (Pixie having suffered this the worst), but something about him strikes me as odd. I dunno, muscle-y 16 year olds just strike me as odd in general.

Everyone reacts to the news of engagement differently, Luisa having the most interesting reaction as she paints a picture on this:

No doubts about how she feels about Paras there. Later on we find out that for her this is subtlety. Exactly what's her idea of obnoxious? Rape?

Later on Magneto and Rogue have a talk about Luisa and how they can get her to tell them where she comes from as thus far she's been lying. Here's what Rogue's wearing during this little brainstorming sesh--->

...I haven't seen tops like those since the late '90's, and I haven't missed them. Ugh, just poor sartorial choices done by Rogue during this arc, seriously poor. During the discussion, Magneto also questions Rogue's choice in clothing. Her reaction?

Actually, he suggests to her that she should just siphon off the information from Luisa against her will with her powers, and she takes offense when he mentions that she's done it before.

In another room, Luisa tries to convince Paras to ditch his fiance, who we find out is boring and obedient, by using her lips. He shakes her off, and then comes the bright light of detail reveal as it turns out Luisa is Luz....and that she's one of the Childen of the Vault as they return (Serafina included) to collect her. Conclusion: Good issue, just not a whole lot else to say about that.

The List #35 Part 1 + News

Gotham City Sirens #14
Writer: Tony Bedard
Artist: Andres Guinaldo
Turning away from the bland Maggie Kyle story, we return to my favorite Bat-villain, Poison Ivy. This issue it's revealed that one of her reasons for working at S.T.A.R. labs was because she'd heard about a "re-foliant" that could restore the rain forest in a way that's beyond her powers. It's revealed that this technology has problems, and comes from a guy who's "dead" but kept in the labs. From there Ivy learns he's actually a plant from a planet where plants ruled. How she learns this is through communing with a leaf on his body, and what follows this is:

Yet another possession.
That's 2 within 3 issues of your run, Bedard.

Ivy ends up being possessed into helping restore the alien guy, and they end up going on a rampage. She also turns purple and gets total man-hands. That's the issue.

Despite this being an issue centered around Ivy, it carried none of her voice or style, and just turned into a "meh" story. Also, if you remember the original solicits had GCS 12 being about Ivy and her new 'boyfriend' before Bedard took over as writer and changed it to the Kyle sister's story. Well, it seems this is the recycled idea of what was supposed to happen with Dini, and I have to say I think Dini would've done it a lot better. Also, did Ivy really need to be possessed to think that plants taking over the world is a good idea? All the alien guy needed to say was, "I'll help you out," and she would've gone for his plan. Yet again, one of the flaws of this series is that the writers seem to forget that these women were villains, and should still be.

Conclusion: This series was already having it's issues before Bedard came along, and now it seems this series is getting turned into bland city under his hand. Leave it on the shelves until Hurricane Bedard's passed.

X-Factor #207
Writer: Peter David
Artist: Sebastian Fiumara
It's been awhile since I've discussed X-Factor here due to it having been pretty mundane during that time. However, X-Factor is bouncing back...or at least giving me what I want to read.

This issue opens with Hela in disguise asking for Madrox's help in finding a pendant, and she has a picture of the guy who did it. Madrox finds him and it turns out this guy was using the pendant to glamour himself into looking human as he is a....leprechaun? Something along those lines. The best part of this search being the return of:

"Banshee's" Siren Song!
It's definitely one of the cooler aspects of her powers.

And of course I'm just thrilled to see Siryn back in action (fuck the name change, according to this blog she's Siryn). Another thing that happens this issue is Monet resolves her plot line that's been going on in a very clever way. I'd explain it, but I'd also have to explain what went on during the past few issues and I don't know what happened because I haven't read in awhile. Moving on to the reason why I'm back with X-Factor: Rictor and Shatterstar!!

Finally they get some real page time as a couple; I've been waiting for this since they kissed. While at a shooting range, Ric is trying to teach Shatterstar how to shoot a gun with Star finding it a waste of time (especially since when he does he has perfect accuracy). Rictor asks if he's a waste of time too, and finally, the issue of Star's kissing everyone is addressed. Basically, Star is finally discovering the magical wonder of different sorts of emotional relationships as well as sexual, and he wants Rictor to be there with him through it. Despite Star wanting to sleep everyone, he wants Rictor with him to experience this (so there might be threesomes in the future??) Anyway, this panel helps elaborate plus there's Ric/Star kisses:

You better believe I squeed at this.

The next time we see them they're getting to bed, resolving to work through this together, and possibly about to get it on when guess who walks in the door: Rahne. What a cockblock, and as if I needed another reason as to why she's #1 on my who-I-want-dead list.

In the end, this explanation of Star's behavior is the best executed I could've hoped for besides erasing the idea it ever happened. Plus, the fact that they finally got some meaningful time as a couple thrills me to no end. I'm still about as much of a fan of Star's issue as Rictor, but whatever, I can deal if they're still trying to be a serious couple. Anyway, it seems Ricstar are going to be the focus of part of this arc, so definitely go out, buy this issue, and get back on board with X-Factor. Plus I heard one of them leaves at the end of this arc, and I'm so crossing my fingers for it to be Longshot or Darwin. And now for the news:

(Some of this is a little old due to the hectic week I had last post time)

• This beautiful poster done by Marco Djurdjevic and revealed during Comic-Con. Seems to me it'll be split up and used as variants for the X-Books. For a better look, go [Here]
  

• As last weekend was Comic-Con, it's generally agreed that one of the best parts of it was when the full cast of the upcoming Avengers movie getting up on stage. [Source]

• Also among the Comic-Con news was this: "Next, a woman said, "Matt Fraction, thanks for giving Cyclops his balls back." Seriously, lady? WTF. [Source]

• For those of you who've enjoyed my Comparison posts, reader X-23 has made a post comparing Dr. Nemesis and Emma Frost and I recommend you go check it out. [Here]

• Also, if you really like comparisons, I found an entire site devoted to just that. [Here]

• Nick Spencer, who wrote the amazing Forgetless, is coming out with a new ongoing series soon called "Morning Glories". Expect to see rave reviews about it on here, I can't wait for it! [Source]
  

Best and Worst: Post-Messiah Complex

With Second Coming reaching the last act of its long journey, and with it being the final chapter in the Messiah trilogy, it's a good time to look back on the best and worst of what's gone on since Messiah Complex.

Best

5. The Return of the New Mutants
Following the demise of Young X-Men, I imagine there was a serious conference among the X-Men Creators looking to see what can be done to fix the damage done by the failed New X-Men spinoff. Obviously, fans were not impressed with having their beloved wallpaper characters fucked with, so repackaging the New X-Men again would just spell for trouble for sales. What came of it was out with the new, and in with the new. New Mutants, that is.
Yes, with half of the cast floating about in limbo, others dead, and only a few being used already, it was the perfect team to be reunited. And while Generation X was also in a similar state, the ones in Limbo are also severely fucked over by poor writing changing them for the worst. There's one more dead in their lot, and Emma and M are being used in a way that's shockingly beyond serving as wallpaper.
So anyway, with abuse of the resurrection tool, we got our Mutants back. And in the capable hands of writer Zeb Wells we've seen this series blossom into a more readable series than than most the all-star cast books (at least when not involved in shit crossovers).

4. Archangel's Useful Again

If there's one character who was hurting before MC struck, it was Archangel. Seriously, with Cyclops finally owning his role as overall X-Men leader, Beast taking part in the popular Astonishing X-Men, Iceman being recruited into Rogue's much-loved team of X-Men, and Jean Grey going off to play God as she sometimes does, Angel was having a bad day. Post-Decimation if Warren did anything of note neither I nor the rest of the world knew about it.
Then MC struck and Archangel finally returned to the team by taking part in Storm's attack team. Following that he appeared in the Divided We Stand arc for Uncanny, and afterward he joined X-Force where he gained the ability to go between Angel and Archangel.

And while development of him as of late has been limited to a Jekyll/Hyde complex, the thing is he actually has a chance to get the spotlight now that he's actually useful in a fight. I mean this is the X-Men, being useful in emergency situations (a.k.a. fight scenes) is sort of a requirement.

3. The Kiss Heard Round the World

Oh lordy, the kiss between Shatterstar and Rictor in X-Factor #45. I think the Internet exploded the day this issue came out. And in case you did not hear, former X-Force creator Rob Liefeld shat himself over it. Despite this shit.
And you know what the best thing that came out of this was? Peter David basically going, seriously, that big of a deal? He's interviewed several times saying he had no idea the kiss would get as much coverage as it did. I love that because I love the idea that this man, at least seems to say, he wasn't playing this card for shock points. I mean, yeah, I think some of his decisions are fueled by the fans and this one likely was as well, but I still don't think his aim was to get a whole bunch of press for it. And I just love someone in comic books saying, 'Two guys kissing is not that big of a deal.'
In the end, the kiss was wonderful, but we've yet to see much more than tidbits of the couple since. At this point in time much of our love for RicStar is currently made up of fanfic stories we have of them in our heads.

2. The Return of X-Force
A change that MC was directly responsible for was the reforming of X-Force. Now, a lot of people, like me, upon first hearing of this book were mighty skeptical. Personally, I just thought it was going to be another attempt to make the X-Men look badass and dark and gritty and dirty. And it turned out: It was. And I fucking LOVED it.
The first arc of this book was easily one of the best X-Men stories I've ever read. I have memories of sitting up one night in a hotel room bathroom, because everyone else had gone to bed, excitedly devouring the first four issues that I had bought earlier that day. I mean, do you remember how fast the early issues kept selling out?
The writing team of Yost+Kyle with Clayton Crain on art was phenomenal. And by the way, Crain's art is still top-notch and perfect for this book, screw the naysayers. Especially since they're likely the ones saying Mike Choi of the pretty pencils, who's appropriate for every other X-Book because he's talented as all hell, works well on a blood and gore book. Seriously? Anyway, X-Force's opening arc was an adrenaline-pumping good time that's necessary reading for any and every X-fan.

1. The Return of Psylocke
This is easily one of the most popular Post-MC moves made by the X-Dept., and it's largely due to, in case you did not already know, people fucking LOVING Psylocke. Especially in the past year, Psylocke fans have proven to be just as devoted as Rogue fans. And you know those Rogue fans, do NOT screw with them when it comes to Rogue, or they will fuck ya day up.
Anyway, Psylocke's story has pulled a 180 in the past year and a half. She's gone from lead character on Claremont's sinking ship, New Exiles, to returning to the X-Men but playing a generally minute role, to finally get her own mini-series and a respectable role within the X-Men universe.
And I think the continued success of Psylocke's return is still largely due to her fans, who were RELENTLESS in Q+A's like X-Position, flooding those creators about her eventual return to the 616 universe. And they haven't stopped from there, they've gotten behind their girl like no other fans in awhile, and continue to keep their support for her known (now if only the creators would listen to the 3 million requests for a costume change).

Worst

5. Young X-Men
For some reason, after MC the creators decided the much-loved New X-Men was due for a change by taking out everyone but two of the main team, one from the background, one who's proven to be a one-trick pony, and invented two despite the Decimation. And they weren't even worth overruling that rule! And then another even more useless one (Cipher) came about!
Seriously, this was a sinking ship from the beginning. With a team consisting of members who were never the stars of the previous series, just the likable supporting cast, no one could stand them. Plus there was the deus ex machina known as Ink who was a sad attempt at a team rebel and the ever-strange Greymalkin.
In the end what happened was: Pierce attacked as he does with ever New ___ opening arc, Ink saved the day every arc, and the only lovable character, Dust, had her future development fucked thanks to her "dying" arc. Oh and Wolf Cub was killed, which means one Wolverine wannabe down, countless to go. If you're looking for this series, it can be found in the quarter bins of your local comic book shop, it's where I got my issues. (No diss to the bins, I've gotten some fucking TREASURES out of them, but I mean let's be honest concerning this series: You don't price trash for a pretty penny.)

4. Cable
Unless you're an athlete, you probably hate to exercise. Sure, you do it, but to look good, not because you enjoy it. And I'd wager that comic book readers probably hate exercise more than your average person. And Cable the series? It was exercise. Both metaphorically and literally.
Cable was an entire series dedicated to Cable and Hope running away from the horribly retconned, now-evil Bishop. They ran a lot. And now in Second Coming, they've spent a great deal of it doing, you guessed it, running. The only other time I've been so annoyed with people running is that Lifetime movie with the anorexic girls who psychotically exercise and are all, "Mmm, isn't water the best?" "Yeah and calorie-free!"
To be fair, I've only fully read three issues of the series. But with the joys of Scans_Daily, I got to see glimpses of this trainwreck from afar, and it simply served to reinforce my decision to not read the series. The best part about the end of Second Coming working to a conclusion is that creators are likely going to sense the Cable and Hope fatigue and lay off those two for half a year. Then again, they clearly can't seem to grasp that people are getting fatigued of vampires, hence why they're pushing forward with it as the focus of the first arc of the new "X-Men" book.

3. Messiah War
Did anyone read this thing? From what I understand, this is what happened: X-Force readers bought the one-shot, saw the desperate attempt at getting Cable to have readers, threw their hands up, and said, "I'll see you in a few months."
Despite being the second chapter to the amazing Messiah Complex, this thing was a such a flop (again, I watched from afar with Scans_Daily, previews, and summaries). If Messiah Complex was like getting drunk, then Messiah War was the blackout stage. Second Coming's the drunken, rough sex with a stranger. In the end, like any good drunk happening, we'll treasure the memories from the beginning of the night forever, but be glad it's over because of what came after.
What's worse is this crossover pulled in two villains who were meant to stay in the early 90's: Strye and Apocalypse. Is anyone ever excited to see them? Like yes, it's possible to be excited over villains, Batman's popularity, in my opinion, comes largely from the villains. But in terms of these two jokes, I think the height of the reaction to their return was some groans and a bunch of eye-rolling. In short, Messiah War, you're pleasantly forgotten.

2. Roster Changes for X-Factor
Post-MC, there was a lot of bringing back of the good, but also ruining what was already working. X-Factor's roster was an example of this. After MC we found ourselves with a void in the team with both Rahne (egh) and Layla Miller gone. Miller likely being the series then favorite character, and also a vital contributor to the series' fun factor and energy.
From there the series went downhill in a massive way. David tried to work his already established magic with C-List characters again by bringing in Longshot and Darwin. Which was then met with lackluster response, not that it mattered as his working with them was pretty minimal. Finally, he made a couple shocking and much-needed moves to spice things up, and in effort to maintain momentum it seems, he brought back Shatterstar as boyfriend to Rictor and Layla Miller now as an adult. And right then he killed Miller's appeal as her "knowing stuff" was explained (some things are better left unsaid), and he removed the charm of a fearless, precocious teenage girl by having her as an adult. Ever since the team's felt overstuffed as no one's been booted off the island yet, and no one's had much development in awhile except series star, Multiple Man, who eats up way too much spotlight. In order to regain interest with fans, David would need to trim the fat of this team, meaning the redundant (Longshot) and the uninteresting (Darwin).

1. Utopia
The worst Post-MC move was made with Utopia, as Matt Fraction got control of an entire crossover and people's eyes were finally opened to what a crap job he was doing with Uncanny.
Utopia made things horrible because art-wise, which can make or break a book, putting all the X-Men on an island does not work. Because here's your panels: Characters with a background of light blue for either sky or water and gray-brown for the island. It's the ugliest thing that no artist can make look right.
What's worse is it wasn't even a believable move. You're an endangered species, so you're gonna put them all in one place surrounded by water? Seriously, if Bastion was serious about his prejudice he would've just dropped one nuke on Utopia, and the majority of his problem would have been taken care of. And what's worse is out of all this, Cyclops has upped his man-child, douchebag levels to heights so high I find it hard to believe someone hasn't shot him in the head yet. And somehow people are still in support of him as leader, choosing to view him as a level-headed leader who's thinking of his people before himself. Whatever delusions keep ya happy, fanboys. To conclude, Utopia was truly the worst Post-Messiah Complex move made.

X-Factor: Nation X #1 Review

Writer: Peter David
Artist: Valentine De Landro
This issue is basically about X-Factor visiting Utopia, critiquing it, and leaving. Which feels a lot like David telling Fraction that his writing is total shit. Not complaining for a second though, I am ALL OVER IT. But seriously, sometimes it seemed to cross over from X-Factor's feelings to just saying, "This Utopia is a shit plan!" Makes me like David more anyway.

What can be seen in the preview is basically this women, the Crone Scribe of The Others I think it was, looking over the Holocaust, she uses people's blood as ink for her book which she uses to take notes on noteworthy events in history. She comes into play later. Then X-Factor shows up, fabulous group shot included (below) and it begs a few question. A. Where is Layla during 200, why is she there now? B. Why is Siryn with the group again all of a sudden? Is this supposed to be after the current arc? If someone could answer those question, that'd be more than great.

A lot of the issue is X-Factor meeting up with X-Men, old friends and new, and working out their problems. And it was all pretty gay. Yes, that does mean that Rictor and Shatterstar finally got to talk. Zero resolution, but we'll go over that in a bit. Pixie and Northstar show up and introduce themselves to Shatterstar. As you can see in the panel, you can guess where that was going. Again.

It doesn't matter because apparently he's not Jean Paul's type anyway. Too bad, would've been better than who he actually did manage to kiss. Also, remember my gay comment about Iceman? Ok, most of my gay calling in this blog is just to spice up my boredom with the macho males of X-Men. Iceman, however, has been seriously discussed as possibly gay on other blogs, boards, and the almighty Scans_Daily. And I happen to think this was a wonderful example of David poking fun at that for all us speculators:

Too bad this isn't the person he ended up kissing either.
David, consider your gay and female fans, which I'm sure you have quite a few of, unserviced. (Play on fan service)

This leads to a serious discussion between Rictor and Shatterstar that I think was complete shit. As can be seen in the panel on the right, Shatterstar offers up an example, one that I think is totally unrelated, but Rictor argues it as if it is the legitimate reason.
What the hell?
The reason why Rictor is bristling is Shatterstar is basically being a manwhore and Rictor loves him. I'm not sure that they're in a relationship currently, but even so, if my ex was around I wouldn't be so rude as to be a hoe around him, given that we're on good terms like they are.
Honestly, this kissing thing really ruins the almighty kiss Shatterstar had with Rictor. As I had mentioned earlier, it basically devalued it as something not to be taken as serious and I think that's a huge insult to the gay community who started this book again because of that kiss (I put it on my blog once that happened). Honestly, something like this should be saved for the hetero characters who already have healthy representations in the media as opposed to gay characters who have very little and it's not often remembered when it does happen. Besides, Longshot later on does a lame version of what Shatterstar's doing in this issue with Dazzler. Let him have that whole charming thing, let's have Shatterstar and Rictor be a legitimate couple with relatistic problems.

Back to the story, Shatterstar ends up kissing Boom Boom. She's thrilled to see her X-Teammate and so they go to catch up:

Loving the Mommie Dearest reference, but not using gay as a negative word. Tabitha of all people too, who I remember as that X-Force member with the butch haircut. Also, it seems Shatterstar targets pseudo-lesbians and gay, or possibly gay, doesn't it? Val Cooper, Boom Boom, Iceman, Rictor, and Northstar? Missing anyone?

Anyway, for anyone with me on the outrage of the misuse of Ricstar, it doesn't improve. There's no resolution to the deal, just Shatterstar talking to Boom Boom, which includes a spread eagle panel of him, with Rictor saying nothing. Yeah, that panel freaks me out too.

Back with Madrox, it turns out Layla's only aged five years since we last saw her. Unexpected considering she looks to me like mid- to late- 20's and I figured we were supposed to take it like that if we were going to take the Layla/Madrox idea seriously. I figured her originally to be 13/14, so I guess that would mean now she's 18/19? Anyone have any real numbers on her age? Madrox explains why he doesn't want to be lumped in with everyone else since it makes them all look like villains, Cyclops defends it, then Emma Frost, Magneto, and Namor, all ex-villains, walk in with Magneto saying, "Welcome to our brotherhood."

They continue to discuss things, Jamie brings up better points than Cyclops, hence the writer criticism feel that I support. Meanwhile Strong Guy is playing football with the students as he has the mentality of a child and therefore no real story. Darwin meets up with Professor Xavier and Siryn, Monet, and Longshot meet up with old friends Dani and Dazzler.
I happen to love the last panel, and I just have to say that David's humor is prime this issue. Also, do Monet and Dani have an irritation with each other? This is one of the rare times where I wish there'd be an editor box with, "It happened in ___ #324!" included.

Dani and Siryn go off to talk about Utopia, Siryn actually opens up about what happened with the baby to Dani. Siryn brings up a good Titanic comparison about the fate of the mutant species and she also says Utopia is basically moving the chairs, saving nothing really. Basically, David defeating all Fraction's point on why Utopia makes sense. Also, funny that Siryn should use the Titanic comparison consider the island is apparently constantly almost sinking.

In terms of Diva and Longshot, they reunite and Longshot is a cocky bastard and is like, "Sex now?" and Ali gives in. Which makes me miss the days (which I'm reading now in Essential X-Men Volume 9) where Dazzler wore the pants and Longshot was perpetually clueless. Probably could happen again, just get out some clippers for Diva and she'll back to having a personality and whatnot. Seriously, I think her extensions just are meant to repress any chance of her having a personality.

The rest of the issue is Layla finally forcing in Scott's face that Utopia will fail and he just ends up in denial. Btw, during this time there's a pretty attractive panel of Scott, minus the weird wavvy hair he has this issue. Seriously, who does your hair, gurrrll?

Anyway, issue ends with Darwin pissing off The Crone by stealing her book, she grows and there's a wonderful two-page X-Men fight panel. I think that David should really just write all the fight scenes for Fraction because his are considerably better. In the end, book is returned, X-Factor leaves, and nothing really changes except we get to see X-Factor see their friends again. Still, I say this book was worth it, especially since Rictor and Shatterstar are finally getting sort of addressed, and it's definitely worth the buy.

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:

The List #7

X-Men Legacy #227
Writer: Mike Carey
Artist: Dustin Weaver

X-Men Legacy this month was sort of meh. It's Carey, I expect f#@%ing magic with him, so it's especially disappointing when he puts out a half-baked story like this one. There is something Carey has done perfect though. You probably saw it coming but:

Ariel is the gayest thing to happen to the X-Men, even Daz and Northstar together can't match her. Seriously, Carey, I plan this to be the last issue of Legacy I include on my blog unless you get another Emma-centric issue in, BUT if you continue to include Ariel I promise I will fucking sing your praise like no other.

More on Ariel, I had a dream last night that I Wikipedia-ed her and the entry said she was transgendered. Weird, yes, but it's a goddamned delicious idea. Seriously, Ariel as a male-to-female transgendered person would just be HEAVEN. If I ever get a Marvel comic team book, Ariel is so going to be revealed to be trans and she will be a fan favorite.

Going back to the issue. Danger was plain and unimportant. The story concerning Hope Abbott was so cheesy it could've been one of those blurbs at the end of Sailor Moon where one of the Sailor scouts is like, "If you and a friend don't get along, try to calmly work things out, it's not worth losing a friend over! See you soon!"

What deserves noting is that Moonstone is more like herself under Carey than she is in Reed's f#@%ing Ms. Marvel. Just zapped a bitch in the face without a thought!

Summary, this 2-issue Utopia tie-in was sort of lame. Except for Ariel, she's divine. I know I sound hard on Carey, but the thing is I've seen him do better. A LOT BETTER. And this is shit next to his other work. So Mike Carey, please get back to being Mike Carey for us, your fans.

X-Factor #47
Writer: Peter David
Artist: Valentine De Landro

To start, Peter David, thank you for not making Fitzroy a resurrection, but him before he traveled back in time and all that. Resurrections are ridiculous lately and we SO don't need another. Something that needs addressing about this issue though is the villains dominate too much spotlight time. I'm honestly so bored I just skim the villain's part. It's confusing. By the time I do get what's going on, I realize I don't care. And don't forget for a second: the cast is fucking huge. Do we really need to have more and more people getting involved? Which also can be aimed at the addition of Fitzroy. To an already overpacked cast. Despite his talent, David just is not managing this plus sized cast well anymore.

As for the Ricstar update, it was brief and unfulfilling like a quick handjob in the back of someone's car. Seriously, Rictor had more serious conversations with one-nighter Rahne. Let's talk it up, boys!

Dr. Doom this issue was love. My love for him is like my love for Joan Crawford. I don't love them when they're in their prime and in full power. I love them when they're losing their power because their aging and it also causes their mind to go fruit loops. Seriously, Doom's farewell parade in his mind was David gold.

Of other note, the cast seems to have gotten so big that all the other characters that don't get love in the issue are becoming cameo queens. Darwin this issue? Pure cameo queen. Longshot might've taught him the basics considering he was married to our Mistress of Momentary Manifestations (and I thought calling her Diva was fun). Even worse was Siryn because this was her all issue.

Also, it seems David is picking up another dangling thread by mentioning that Shatterstar and Longshot have similar DNA or something to the point of....we never found out. Check out next issue though, we're probably going to hear that Shatterstar is the gay son of Dazzler and Longshot. Which I would lose my f#@%ing mind over in celebration. Dazzler? Mom of a gay? I'm for that!

OH and Monet recovers from the mind control and fights the villain naked. Mmm, yummy. I'd be all over that if I were straight. The issue ended with a mandatory 'revelation' that this series is pulling too often with less and less shock factor. Seriously David dear, end off an issue with a simple 'Oh shit' sometimes, it doesn't always have to get sub-soap opera-y.

Mighty Avengers
Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Khoi Pham

To begin, I picked this out to keep tabs on Young Avengers activity. And now I regret it. But I am glad that Cassie and Vision might no longer on the team because honestly that would be like the trimming off the fat of the team. I swear I feel so annoyed with Cassie it's like she's practically become a devout Christian that goes around with their nose in the air.

The issue was dry. The art was unappealing. The characters in the fight scene were men doing the same old philosophy of nations dance that is nothing new. at least we had this woman:

In closing, don't expect to see MA on this blog again, so not worth my time to even read, let alone review. BUT I do have to say, this panel of Scarlet Witch is one the most beautiful I've ever seen.