Review: Excalibur #120 - "Parting Glances/Current Events"

Writer: Ben Raab    Pencils: Mel Rubi    Inks: Scott Koblish

Review by Gomurr, Headmaster of the Black Upstart Academy

  YEEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I like these characters again. Just when the axe is coming down on the heads of my favorite X-Team they show a spark of their old selves again. The writing is almost consistent with what I'm used to out of the characters and even though no real action took place, story threads are being wrapped up. I know this is because the cancellation issue is only 5 months away, but actual story content is so refreshing when compared to the "help me I'm kidnapped crap" of the last couple of months.

  The break-up of Kitty and Wisdom was actually less soap opera style than I expected and she actually showed some of the intelligence and heart that have made so many people love her character. Meggan finally came clean with her feelings about Collossus, and admitted it was probably her projecting on Piotr, rather than the other way around. Way to go Meggan, I knew you weren't that stupid or immature. One big disappointment was the return of Nightcrawler's old uniform. Geez, How long can a character keep basically the same costume? IT'S THE SAME ONE HE'S HAD SINCE THE BEGINNING NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES THEY SAY IT'S CHANGED. Why can't they put him in something like what he wore in issue #107? Of course Salvador Larroca's style of showing his characters in street clothes is much better suited for this book than Rubi's in my opinion anyway. Larroca's uniform made Nightcrawler look much more dashing and swashbuckling than his "circus togs". It actually enhanced his human appearance rather than made him stand out even more. C'mon guys Kitty changes costumes every three days, can't Kurt at least get a decent one? Douglock, on the other hand, has improved as Rubi's issues have gone along on this title. He actually looked halfway appealing in this issue, giving credence to why Rahne likes him.

  Speaking of Douglock, another plot thread that has been dangling was brought up this issue. The information he possesses about the Legacy Virus was brought up once again, but Rahne and Moira seemed to just brush it aside. Hopefully this will be followed up on later, or it was just a pointless exercise. Another good plot device was the possible return of Legion. I know he was supposed to have ceased to exist after the AOA was destroyed, but he's a great character and any excuse for Sabra to be brought in is good enough for me.

Good Points:

  Mel Rubi's art is improving. Douglock actually looks appealing and Meggan's cleavage isn't so overdone that she would need anti-grav to keep it in place. Story threads are being tied up and characters are returning to the way that they have acted previously. I think both Rubi and Raab may be settling into the routine of doing this book. It's a shame that they won't have much of a chance to continue.

BAD POINTS:

  The return of Kurt's old uniform was such a cop-out and too clear a signal that they are headed back to their X-men roots. I mean the change to the other one wasn't really that much of a change, but it was something. C'mon people take a look at 107 and see what a cool uniform that is.

  Wisdom's possible entrance into character limbo is disappointing. He is a great character and should be used and filled out more. His introduction was done to give Kitty a love interest, and I for one think they made a great couple, but if Piotr's drawing in this picture is any indication of future events. I think the Shadowcat is going back to the tin Russian...YAWWWWWNNN.

OVERALL RATING:

I'd have to give issue 120 an 8 out of 10. Other than a few minor complaints, the book was a return to the Excalibur I know and love.

                   Gomurr, Headmaster of the Black Upstart Academy

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