Uncanny X-Men #486

May 15, 2007

Quick Rating: Almost Good
Title: Endings and Beginning (Chapter Twelve of The Rise and Fall of the Shi’Ar Empire)
Rating: T+

Lots of spoilery-type stuff happens!

Writer: Ed Brubaker
Pencils: Billy Tan
Inks: Danny Miki
Colors: Frank D’armata
Letters: Chris Eliopoulos
Editor: Nick Lowe
Cover Art: John Watson
Publisher: Marvel Comics

The year-long “Rise and Fall of the Shi’Ar Empire” finally comes to a conclusion in a story I can barely discuss, because the spoilers really begin on page one. Here’s the set-up: the X-Men and the Starjammers invade the coronation of Vulcan as the new Shi’Ar Emperor. Darwin makes a play to save Charles Xavier, and the status quo is significantly shaken up.

There’s actually quite a bit of good stuff in this issue. The changes to the two teams at the end feel quite logical, and the battle with Vulcan is fairly exciting. Brubaker does take the opportunity to hit the reset button for one character, but as it’s a button I’ve been expecting to get pushed for over a year now, I’m not tremendously surprised.

So why is it “almost” good? Because, simply put, this isn’t the end of the story. Now when dealing with a serialized comic book, you expect there to be plot threads left dangling. After all, something has to happen next issue, right? But when you invest a year in a 12-part storyline, you expect a real conclusion, not just a resting place before moving into the next stage of the same story, and that’s what this issue feels like.

If you’ve been enjoying this storyline, if you’re anxious to see more of it, this is a book you’ll enjoy. But if you’ve just been waiting for this to end, I think you’ll be sorely upset.

Rating: 7/10

Uncanny X-Men #485

April 10, 2007

Quick Rating: Fair
Title: The End of All That Is (The Rise and Fall of the Shi’Ar Empire Chapter Eleven)

It’s time for Vulcan’s wedding… but is that all?

Writer: Ed Brubaker
Pencils: Billy Tan
Inks: Danny Miki & Allen Martinez
Colors: Frank D’Armata
Letters: VC’s Chris & Joe
Editor: Nicke Lowe
Cover Art: Billy Tan
Publisher: Marvel Comics

The penultimate chapter of “The Rise and Fall of the Shi’Ar Empire” takes us right up to the wedding that will forever link Vulcan to the ruling family of the Shi’Ar empire. Xavier and Darwin are captured, and the X-Men and the Starjammers are planning a final assault to save the galaxy.

I was afraid for a while that the whole issue would be build-up, but the final battle actually begins this issue, thankfully. The fight is swift, viscous and brutal, which at this point is exactly what you want. Brubaker also manages to work in a few nice character moments – Corsair’s horror at the things his son is capable of, for example, or Nightcrawler taking a moment to cross himself before diving into battle.

I’ve rarely seen fans as divided over a storyline as I have with this arc. It seems that some fans absolutely love it, claiming it a return to greatness for the X-Men. Others seem to hate it. I’m squarely in the middle. It’s not that bad, but it will certainly appeal mostly to those readers who are fans of the cosmic, spacefaring aspect of the X-Men, which is something that has been neglected in recent years.

Billy Tan’s artwork continues to be strong. He and the inkers and colorist all put together a very impressive visual package.

With just one issue left in this storyline, the fans are either excited for the conclusion or just anxious to get it over with. A case could be made for either perspective. I’m just not finding myself terribly invested in it either way.

Rating: 6/10