This is a relief. This issue is far more inventive and interesting than the stereotypical super-hero and teen-angst fare that dominated the first chapter of this story arc. Gambit's behavior makes much more sense here, and Vaughan explores a different sort of philosophy on evolutionary dominance -- an economic one. That radically different take on some obscure X-Men villains grabbed my attention and brought the promise of something new and challenging to this super-hero title. That's fortunately, because there are a couple of plot elements that didn't sit well with me.
Rogue awakens to discover she's been shackled, unable to grab at anyone to use her powers. Watching over her is her kidnapper, the Cajun thief known as Gambit. He makes a mistake, though, and misinterprets the nature of her powers. Rogue soon discovers she was taken not to become a prisoner, but to be presented with a job offer. Gambit's employers don't just offer major cash as incentive to join their organization, but Rogue's fondest desire. Meanwhile, Wolverine and Storm venture into Manhattan in search of their kidnapped teammate, but they find something far more unexpected instead.
Kubert's art tells the story quite clearly, and his angular style brings a dynamic look to the issue. Furthermore, the colors reinforce that tense mood nicely, especially in the X-Mansion scene in which the X-Men discuss who would possibly be behind this latest attack. I have to mention, though, that the look of the Ultimate version of Gambit just doesn't work for me. His Kenny G hair makes him look silly as opposed to dashing. Furthermore, the new mutants introduced in this issue don't make for the most interesting visual either, but then again, neither did their mainstream-continuity counterparts.
The notion of genetic dominance through sheer buying power is a deliciously 21st century idea that's in keeping with a greater suspicion of corporate America that's prevalent today. Corruption in business is a notion with which we are too familiar today, with names such as Enron and Haliburton routinely making headlines. Exploring the whole evolutionary aspect of mutants from a corporate perspective is intriguing, and it brings credibility to a world of full of people with extraordinary, impossible powers.
The makeout scene at the end of the book is just too soap-operatic for my taste. It casts both characters in a remarkably negative light. Furthermore, in a book in which the X-Men express just how well-informed Gambit was in order to pull off the kidnapping, the character comes off as rather dim when it comes to guarding his prisoner.
