Comic Review – “Uncanny X-Men 423”

I’m back, and I’ve got a few reviews for you all.

General Information

Title: Uncanny X-Men #423
Author: Chuck Austen
Pencils: Ron Garney
Inks: Morales, Nelson and Green
Original Publication Date: May 7, 2003
Cover Price: $0.25US, $0.40Can

Premise

Several mutants, including former X-Men, are found crucified in front
of the X Mansion.

High Point

Jean’s last close up.

Low Point

The obvious colouring error on page 6. I know they only had half the
normal time to get this issue out, but they should still take enough
care in these promotional issues to really impress the heck out of
people.

The Scores

This is original in the sense that every other “character
exploring past” story I’ve read in the X-books has been about
Wolverine. It’s mostly old stock stories put together to tie the
characters into the recent movie (which was well done, by the way). I
give it 3 out of 6.

The artwork, apart from the colouring error, is well done.
The tone of the panels, and the intensity of the inking, really helps
to bring the correct mood into play. A lot of the close-ups look
great, too. I give it 5 out of 6.

The story is only part one of two, so we shouldn’t expect it
to complete. Still, it reads like part one of three or four. It’s a
solid introduction, but things may be rushed when it concludes on the
21st. That’s a problem that’ll be reflected in the score on that
review, though. I give this issue 5 out of 6. This is the kind of
story that can get people to pay full price for the regular
priced-issue.



The characterization is good, particularly for Kurt, Scott,
Warren, Logan, and Alex. The other characters have decent glimpses,
but there’s just not enough space to really flesh them out. They are
shown very quickly, and with a surprising amount of depth, especially
when they only have a panel or two for that to come across. I give it
5 out of 6.

The emotional response this produced was solid throughout. I
cared about the characters before I started reading this, but even if
I hadn’t, some of the images and scenes in here would have produced a
response. Familiarity with the characters will enhance the issue, but
it’s not mandatory. I give it 5 out of 6.

The flow was good through most of the issue. The round
table scene seemed a bit stretched by exposition, though. I give it 4
out of 6.

Overall, it’s a solid issue, that should serve as an
effective promotional issue. It’s a good story, well tied to the
movie (without simply using the movie storyline) and the fact that
it’s only one part of two should help bring people into the title,
especially since the next couple of story arcs are also limited to a
small number of issues. I give it 4 out of 6.

In total, Uncanny X-Men 423 receives 31 out of 42.

Additional Notes and Comments

This is the first part in a two part story. Part two continues on May
21.