Review: ALL-NEW X-MEN #41
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Mahmud Asrar
Colorist: Marte Gracia
Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics
With the media circus surrounding All-New X-Men #40 dying down, we can get back to focusing on the final stages of Brian Michael Bendis‘ time on the book. With everything ending for Secret Wars and Bendis moving on from the X-line, we still have to resolve the Utopians angle. The last we saw of them, they had an encounter with a S.H.I.E.L.D. squad on Utopia.
What I Liked
As someone who isn’t afraid of continuity, I appreciate Bendis doing a callback to the time when the X-Men called Utopia home. It makes sense for a group of mutant outcasts to set up shop there.
The dialogue throughout the book seemed extra fun as well. The original X-Men were bouncing witty repartee off one another from the very first page. Maria Hill showing up at the secret base of the X-Men is explained away perfectly. Her stance on the X-Men and mutants has evolved along with the series.
One thing All-New X-Men can boast is they’ve had A-list art throughout its run. Mahmud Asrar was the perfect choice to replace Stuart Immonen. The color hues that Marte Gracia adds brings extra emphasis to the panels. I love the panel layout choices, which change the reader’s eye from group shots to close-ups.
Magik giving the “To me, my X-Men” line was golden!
What I Didn’t Like
As interesting as the Utopians appear to be on paper, I wish we (the reader) had more time with them. I want to know what brought this group of mutants together. Who was the ring leader? They really were a diverse group spanning all parts of X-Men lore.
Instead of spending multiple issues in the Ultimate universe, I wish those were dedicated to a true arc with the Utopians.
This review is written in partnership with Pop Culture Network. They can be found at their website http://www.popculturenetwork.com/
Timdogg
#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE
