‘Battle of the Atom’ marches on its blistering weekly pace. Though it’s starting to feel a little decompressed four chapters in, it’s hard to knock this winning combination of characterization and art.
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Illustrated by Chris BachaloBATTLE OF THE ATOM PART 4!
• The Uncanny X-Men enter the crossover. Whose side will they be on?
The ‘Battle of the Atom’ crossover, and “Uncanny X-Men” #12 itself, is indicative of just how rich the X-Men universe has become post-“Schism.” Writers like Jason Aaron, Rick Remender, Kieron Gillen, and more recently Brians Bendis and Wood, have created a fantastically fertile ground for fresh and innovative stories.
The X-Men feel like an integral part of the Marvel universe, rather than the Avenger’s quirky step-brother. This issue showcases this with a hilarious opening sequence starring S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents Hill and Coulson.
The real treat, however, is the incredible use of the X-Men mythos. Mutants from past, present, and future come together in a drama for the ages. Bendis and company have done a fantastic job handling the absurdly large cast, forging unexpected alliances and pushing characters to places readers might not expect.
“Uncanny X-Men” #12 is primarily split between two groups, Wolverine’s team and the future X-Men, and Cyclop’s group and the original X-men. While one might expect a clash between the two groups, thereby fulfilling the titular “Battle of the Atom,” but the issue’s conflicts actually comes from the in-fighting among each group. This is a dialogue heavy issue, with nary a punch thrown. Furthermore, Bendis makes no attempt at divulging any information regarding the future X-Men’s purpose or motives. Still, the issue manages to keep from feeling stale, thanks to some fantastic characterization.
There are several fantastic “performances” if you will in this issue. The highlights include an indignant Kitty Pryde, standing up to more seasoned X-ers like Storm and Wolverine, and a, forgive me, cold as ice Emma Frost. Pryde is a fan favorite character that has soared to new heights in the post-“Schism/Avx” landscape, and Bendis pushes the character even further. If there was any debate to the former, the character now stands on equal group with the X-Men she once studied under in the Claremont days.
As great as Kitty is, it’s definitely Emma that steals the show this issue. While the elder Scott Summers ends up taking a similar line of thought to Kitty, it doesn’t hold up against Frost. Another result of the rich status quo, Bendis uses the Old Scott/Emma/Young Scott/Jean love triangle/square dynamic, a veritable minefield, to its absolute fullest. The emotional tension and conflict within old Scott is palpable, and Emma’s bitingly realistic assessment of his state of mind makes it all the more powerful. The X-Men have always been a fantastic avenue for soap operatics, but this is takes it to another level entirely.
However, don’t think it’s all drama, all the time, as Bendis’ trademark wit is on display. Future Deadpool, though almost completely in the background this issue, gets a fantastic line that acts as almost an “anti-fourth wall.” Bendis wisely uses Cyclops’ “new mutants” for comedic relief, as they have little to do at this point otherwise. The sure smile-inducer, however, is the hilariously self-aware cliffhanger. Yes, the message boards will love this.
It should be noted, that the X-Men books aren’t just seeing a resurgence in story quality, but in art as well. Chris Bachalo, who, admittedly, has been affiliated with the X-Men for some time now, stands among the front of the pack of artists responsible. With “Uncanny X-Men” #12, Bachalo puts some of his best work on display. The artist deftly switch from simple, six-panel grids, to lush half page panels, to cinematic, page spanning widescreen shots. Regardless of layout, no amount of page ever feels wasted. Bendis wisely lays off the dialogue in all the right places, allow for Bachalo’s expressive art to convey emotions and atmosphere in a way words would often fail. Colorist Marte Gracia, who usually colors “All-New X-Men,” provides a fantastic level of visual continuity for the crossover.
There are a only a few negative points worth mentioning, artistically. The first, and by far the least offensive, is an odd scene in which Magneto’s helmet alternates between on and off from panel to panel. It’s a relatively small “goof,” and one that will likely go unnoticed by many readers. The second, and a bit more disappointing, is the disparate styles of the various inkers involved. No particular inker turns in poor work, but there is a distinct visual difference between some of the artists. This is most noticeable towards the end of the issue, on the page prominently featuring Angel. However, this is still a relatively minor complaint compared to the absolutely stellar job the team does as a whole.
We’re nearing the halfway point of ‘Battle of the Atom,’ and it’s safe to say the crossover, thus far, is a creative success, with “Uncanny X-Men” #12 standing out as one of the strongest chapters yet. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t somewhat disappointed with the lack of information regarding the future X-Men, this far into the crossover, but it’s hard to complain when the story is still so incredibly good.
Final Verdict: 9.1 – Buy.
