UNCANNY X-MEN #408
"Identity Crisis"
Highly Recommended (9/10)
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Marvel Comics
Writer: Joe Casey
Artist: Sean Phillips
Colors: Hi-Fi Design
Letters: Comicraft
Editor: Mike Marts
Price: $2.25 US/$3.75 CAN |
This is Joe Casey's second-to-last issue of Uncanny X-Men; Chuck Austen's stint as regular writer begins in #410. It would seem Casey plans to go out on a high note. This is easily his strongest issue on the title yet, boasting a strong emphasis on character above action, and it's clear that working with frequent collaborator Sean Phillips brings out the best in his mature, dark stories.
As a new street drug that uses mutant genes becomes a growing concern, so does a quiet degree of discord among the members of the X-Men. Warren Worthington tries to use his corporation to carry out Professor X's dream, while Nightcrawler's dissatisfaction with his lot in life becomes apparent once again. Stacy X, the mutant who can provide bliss with but a touch, falls back in her old professional pattern, but a new client offers not only money, but a chance at redemption.
One of my favorite Marvel titles is Black Panther, as it dresses up a political drama in super-hero spandex. The weapons of choice employed by the characters are policy and economics, and in this issue of Uncanny X-Men, I see similar qualities. Casey explores the power of mergers and acquisitions, and the socio-economic pressures in a world of mutants, making for a thought-provoking and entertaining read. Casey has tapped into some interesting new ideas in the world of all things X.
Phillips brings a dark maturity to the story that suits the quietly angry tone. He has a somewhat simple style, but it never works against the realistic quality of the characters and plots. He also reinforces the special nature of the title characters. Wolverine boasts a weathered experience, while Stacy X is exotic yet oddly innocent all at once. Hi-Fi's colors works with the dark quality of the art while still filling it up with vibrant shades.
I was intrigued by Stacy X's character when she first debuted, and I'm pleased to see her in the spotlight here. I get the feeling Casey's been chomping at the bit to get to this quiet turning point ever since he first introduced us to the mutant prostitute. Stacy is in keeping with the modern X-Man tradition of redemption -- Wolverine, Gambit, Marrow are prime examples -- but there's a more mature, genuine tone to her character. I hope that potential isn't forgotten by other writers when Casey leaves the title behind.
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