Well its over, but I couldn’t have asked for a better finale. I really have to feel sorry for Scott. He had to battle the will of the Phoenix in the forms of first Jean and then Emma, which forced him to battle both of his wives, X and current respectively. What’s more, both of them are possessed by a confused Phoenix, which begs Scott to love her. Talk about some messed up, confusing stuff. Sometimes I feel bad for Logan, who got the short shrift from Jean, but no man or mutant should have to go through what Cyclops did for a third time. But enough of these vague hints and things new and old, I am here to inform you about the end of this beautiful series.

Peblee and I have both informed you multiple times about just how well Greg Pak (writer) has done this comic, but I will reiterate for newcomers and the mnemoraly challenged. Pak has created a gut wrenching, tear producing, and tissue-soiling comic that emphasizes the dramatic history of the earlier X-Men. Pak subtle way of filling the reader in on the history in such a minimal space is a skill that I wish he would teach to other writers. Most importantly, however, is the interaction between these poor heroes that have lost so much, both old and new. But a beautiful story ought to be furnished with beautiful art, and this comic is no exception. Greg Land (penciler) and Matt Ryan (inker) are at the top of their game. Their art is so amazing and has a style all its own. It is expressive and solid, and I just can’t find anything wrong with it. I mean, just look at the girl’s hair. It holds within it the brilliant swirl and motion contained within ridged lines that boggles the readers’ respective minds. Once again I will repeat that it is a crime against humanity that Justin Ponsor’s name is not on the cover. He has to be one of the best, if not the best, colorist out there. (At least he’s on there for the cover art, you rock J-Po!)

All too soon we have come to the end of this amazing mini series. Though the theme of this series is one often seen in X-Men, the true brilliance of this comic lies within the profound interaction between the most older and most beloved characters. I was very happy about the amount of attention given to Beast who, though only playing a supporting role, got more page time than he has in a long while. The purpose of these books, I believe, was to reintroduce the Phoenix, which was so important in earlier days, and the deep, sometimes painful, yet loving relationships between the early X-Men. Both of these are important pieces of X-Men history that are imperative to any would-be X-men fan.

 

-Fumanchu