NATION X #1
Here we have the first real insight into the lives of the X-Men and all those whom live on the island known as Utopia–formerly Asteroid M. The story line for the most part is rather base, not delving very deep into the characters themselves–minus Colossus’ story. This issue contains stories that have Magneto bonding with the X-Students, Nightcrawler and Wolverine on a road trip, and Colossus attempting to get Kitty (still).
The story with Magneto and the X-Students somewhat grinded my gears. First off, when did Mags become Papa Magneto and when did the X-Students become mindless five year-olds? This story really irked me just because the master of Magnetism and a group of highly developed future X-Men were all downplayed to being these base, one-dimensional characters. Also, I hated the rendering of Anole in this issue–the Anole I enjoy is the Anole from the brief Young X-Men stint (RIP Young X-Men… *tear*). The only good point in this story was when Mags meets the recorded hologram of himself from the past, which leads him to smirking after he finishes the holograms speak, “The Lion Shall not lie down with the lamb. The oppressed shall never embrace the oppressor. Crush us or die at our feet, the credo remains: No comprimise!” Now that is some good ol’ fashion Magneto.
The second story line was stupid. I honestly could live without another Wolverine story, not to mention I could care less about how he is handling Utopia–I mean he’s also an Avenger, which sorta means he isn’t always on the island. Anywho, the art is this segment of the issue is actually quite interesting though, having a real retro style to it–however this is about the only good thing to this story. Nighty’s freak out when Wolverine praises Scott for his work on Utopia was enough for me to roll my eyes. But I did appreciate hearing Wolverine give praise where praise is due–Scott has worked his ass off. I still hate Wolverine though.
I enjoyed Iceman’s story–for the most part. The art was refreshing and the general portrayal of Bobby was quite accurate until the end. Iceman has always been the jokester and upbeat persona among the X-Men, and having him think that the whole mutant population is doomed grinds my gears. The writers for this story obviously are too emo to function and I hate to see Iceman be condoned to this walking facade of happiness, when he actually is this brooding unhappy mess. Uh-uh, no way, not in my books. I hope Iceman gets more spotlight in issues to come, just so we can see him be more optimistic and supportive than he is in this issue. On a sidenote: blast from the past, Stinger makes an appearance and sort of repents/causes trouble/repents again. I liked that the baddies that are on the island still know how to make a scene.
The final story is Colossus’. Here we have the behemoth in his usual persona–dark and dreary. Yes, X-Writers, we get it, he misses Kitty. So do we, but not every moment of our lives is given to this sadness. I think I’ve read about five stories having our Russian buddy as the main character where in some way he cannot get over the loss of his beloved Katya. I honestly like the portrayal of our Tinman as a lumbering sweatheart, but he also is kick-ass too. Don’t dwell so much on the past–which pretty much what Illyana “Snowflake” Rasputin told him (I love Magik, even though there is something slightly off with her). However, I did like the metal statue that Colossus has made to honor the deceased X-Members–though I hate that Kitty’s is the largest one.
I give this a 2.5/5. The only this that saved this issue from the abysmal 2 I was going to award it was it’s awesome cover art.
