UNCANNY X-MEN

Multiple Madrox madness!

released OUT NOW! Publisher Marvel

Writers ed Brisson, Matthew rosenberg, Kelly Thompson

Artists Mahmud asrar, rB silva, Yildiray Cinar

Keeping up with the continuity of the X-Men can sometimes be an exhausting experience, but Marvel’s latest relaunch does a better than expected job of giving the heroic mutants a relatively fresh start. Admittedly, there are still some moments that will bewilder newcomers, but this latest incarnation of Uncanny X-Men is surprisingly accessible as it kicks off with a 10-part weekly saga.

“X-Men Disassembled” begins with the students of the Xavier Institute For Mutant Education finding their training interrupted by rogue mutant Jamie Madrox, whose ability to multiply himself is running out of control. As the X-Men and their trainees try to contain Madrox, a series of world-threatening events occur; meanwhile, there’s also a new genetic “cure” that could prevent any more mutants being born…

There’s a lot going on here, and these opening four issues barely pause for breath while delivering plenty of satisfying character moments. Despite a massive cast, the writing team of Brisson, Thompson and Rosenberg does a good job of keeping things coherent and enjoyable, adding some well-played humour and staging a number of entertaining action sequences.

Overall, this is traditional Marvel adventure done right, backed up with well-executed visuals from a revolving art team. This new X-era may not win over those looking for something more character-centric, but the classic X-Men mix of wild action and soapy melodrama looks to have plenty of life left in it. Saxon Bullock

The writers keep things coherent and enjoyable

The title “X-Men Disassembled” is an homage to the epic 2004 Marvel crossover event Avengers Disassembled.