Written by: Brian Michael Bendis
Art by: Chris Bachalo
Publisher: Marvel
Bendis really can drag things out can’t he? I mean that in the best way possible.
Uncanny X-Men #25 is a return to form, of sorts. After the Kris Anka drawn Dazzler centric issue #24, we see our beloved X-Men in emotional turmoil during the reveal of Professor Xavier’s last will and testament. While this particular arc has revealed quite a bit of interesting information (Xavier’s marriage to Mystique ?!), the overall process has begun to feel a bit drawn out, especially because this issue has brought up even more questions than it has sought to answer. Bendis sure has a knack for creating tense, uncomfortable, character situations. The confrontation between Cyclops and Iceman, where all the stuff that has been boiling between the two X-Men factions since AvX has come to a head, is worth the price of admission alone. Seeing Cyclops tortured, confused, and ultimate starting to feel justified in his murder of Xavier is an awesome character development that almost makes you feel guilty for standing behind Scott.
Bachalo’s pencil’s, as always, are a revelation. His depictions of Matthew Malloy’s power set gives a vague, but understood definition of the power that he wields and conveys why Xavier would be so hesitant in letting this child into the school (one of the key things revealed in his will). While the book does have a steeper cover price of $5, it is packed with enough moments that allow the book to be an easy sell. Being able to see Xavier decree “To me, my X-Men” as they go off in pursuit of Matthew Malloy is a book seller in itself. One common complaint of Bendis’ writing is his deconstructed style of storytelling, where he’ll draw things out in order to let the character moments and tension build. This is both a blessing and a curse for this issue. Because of the prolonged nature of the plight before the X-Men, we’re allowed to see every emotion, character beat, and dilemma slowly reach it’s boiling point, naturally. However, it does tend to get a little tedious waiting for the full, complete, version of Xavier’s will that we were essentially promised, as new problems are introduced without directly answering old ones.
All in all, this issue serves as another stepping stone towards a greater reveal/finale and while this may feel prolonged, the ride itself is worth the wait. It’s almost as if Bendis is echoing Xavier in saying, “To me, my loyal readers”.
