Uncanny X-Men #501
Review by Paul Steven Brown

“SFX2: All Tomorrow’s Parties”

Writers: Matt Fraction & Ed Brubaker
Penciler: Greg Land
Inker: Jay Leisten
Colorist: Justin Ponsor
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Assistant Editor: Will Panzo
Editor: Nick Lowe
Published by Marvel Comics

After a pleasant, but strangely lackluster anniversary issue, Matt Fraction and Ed Brubaker get down to the business of exploring how the lives of the X-Men are affected by their new home, San Francisco.  Also, this month’s issue introduces us to how Fraction and Brubaker plan to focus on a core group of X-Men while moving certain players in and out as the need for the narrative.  The result is a classic feel that Uncanny X-Men has been lacking for a long time, while still exploring new threats and ways to do business.

As hinted at the end of the last issue, the teenage New X-Man known as Pixie gets some spotlight during this chapter.  At the same time, a new enemy with a familiar face makes its presence known.  San Francisco may be considered a new mutant sanctuary, but it is far from safe, much to the chagrin of little Megan and her unnamed, possibly human friend.  “Hope you survive the experience,” indeed.

The business matters surrounding the X-Men’s new home and base of operations get some lip service.  This is mainly handled through a conversation between Scott and Warren has they commute to work.  I like the idea that the X-Men have a centralized base, but they appear to take up residence throughout the city.  This opens up all kinds of possibilities for the creators to explore the Bay Area and further make it a character as well.  It would appear that Worthington Industries is poised to become a major financial power in the Marvel Universe.  Not that Warren Worthington III hasn’t shown higher aspirations for his company in the past, but it would be nice to see him go head to head in the board room with the head of Stark Industries.  My only concern is that he looks to be pulling double duty in X-Force, and his situation there has gotten more… complicated.

True to his word, Matt Fraction’s love of the classic New Mutants title and its characters is quickly made evident this issue.  Two classic characters from that ‘80s gem make their presence felt by the conclusion of this chapter.  One is works for the bad guys and the other is an X-Man.  It’ll be great to see what is done with these two, since they have been out of circulation for so long.

I continue to have mixed feelings about Greg Land’s art.  I appreciate the level of detail brought to each page and his depiction of San Francisco is really great.  However, I still can’t get past his characters’ plastic magazine faces.  Sure, it may fit that the X-Men are on the west coast and things could be possibly looking up for once, but they sometimes look ridiculous. 

Fraction and Brubaker continue to deliver a solid X-Men book.  They are successfully putting new spins on old ideas, while still writing a book that doesn’t ignore the Merry Mutants’ past.  This long time X-Fan is satisfied.

Overall Rating: 7 out of 10 (Above Average)