Thursday, August 18, 2011

X-Men Schism #3 (of 5)

Let's see if I have this straight: according to this issue of X-Men Schism, children are the most deadly foe imaginable, some of the most experienced and powerful X-Men are patsies, and the friendship and loyalty of Cyclops and Wolverine hangs by a slender thread.

Jason Aaron's story gives us a newer and deadlier version of the team's old foes, the Hellfire Club - but now that group is led by several children who use their wealth and power to capitalize on the worldwide mutant panic by selling Sentinels to countries around the world.

But there are other facets to their plan, and in this issue they tackle a group of the X-Men at a public event. Most opponents would be concerned, going up against the likes of Magneto, Namor, Colossus and Emma Frost - but not these kids.

If it all sounds silly - well, it is. But the battle sets up a turning point that shows the first crack in the friendship of Cyclops and Wolverine (though it's a bit much that they get mad at each other over something they have little control over).

The best thing about this series has been the all-star artist lineup, and this time around we get Daniel Acuna, with lush painted art that's brimming with energy and menace.

I was just about ready to drop this series, because the story hasn't been working for me - but I was hooked by that final page.

So it looks like I'll be there until the bitter end.

At least the art is excellent!

Grade: B-


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