Interesting and yet, overly-confusing and FULL of plot holes. This graphic novel uses a nice plot device to set up a typical gang X-fight against an overwhelming opponent but creates a number of gaping leaps in logic and reality. The Shadow King is taking out the Earth’s psychics to force his way onto this planet and, needless to say, is unsucessful (or is he?). The X-Men’s leader, omega-class psychic Charles Xavier had been murdered by former student Scott Summers (Cyclops) back during the AVX story months ago but apparently his spirit has stuck around to fight the Shadow King. Well, now Charles needs some help and enlists Bishop, Mystique, Old Man Logan, Gambit, Angel, Rogue, Fantomex, and embattled psychic anchor Psylocke to help rebuff the King in his current, virally expanding form. Assaulted both in their minds and in the real world (by stupid humans, fucking shit up again), Psylocke leads her team through a variety of mental hurdles, until author Soule throws an unbelievable curve into the mix and forces Fantomex to undergo a complete shift in character to save(?) the day.
Stylistically, this book is all over the place (6 different artists over 6 issues), but they all handle the job capably, particularly Mike Del Mundo in the last issue (#6). Some important things happen and the issue ends on a BIG cliffhanger, but honestly, I’ve seen the X’s beat bigger odds.
So, it’s OK, and I’m interested to see what happens in volume 2, but, I don’t know, there’s a lot wrong here. Why do people keep letting Mystique back in the gang? Why do they keep dragging out the relationship between Rogue and Gambit? Why do they never use Fantomex’s powers (which, even now, I’m not really sure what they are) in a helpful way until it’s deemed deus ex machina ready? Why is Logan’s vaunted mental control always being borked until it’s not? Why are Apocalypse’s former henchmen always finding ways to slip back into their former master’s control? And WHY did it take this long for Xavier to poke his bald noggin out of the aether?
You know whether this thing is for you or not.