Miscellaneous Comments:    2 August, 1999

    Enjoyable conclusion.

    Type of Series:

    Similar Comics:

    Strengths: One strength that this series has - at least for me - is the fact that I've grown up with these characters. I've known Kurt, Ororo, Logan and the others for over twenty years now. That's a long time. And when you see their adventures well written (such as here), it's a wonderful reading experience.

    Weaknesses:

    Plotting: One by one the team escape. Then there's a big climax, where their own leader is more of a threat than Dr. Doom.

    Logic: I really don't understand why Wolverine didn't just claw his way out the second he woke up in his cell.

    Or why Doom didn't expect him to do so…

    Originality: Hmm. Claremont deliberately retreads the situation that happened with Phoenix.

    Aside from that, the actual ending is nicely done. Fresh and enjoyable.

    Ending: Very good. It's a very civilised conclusion. And Ororo and Von Doom agree to wipe the slate clean and start from scratch next time out.

    Re-Readability: High. The opening pages alone are worth re-reading, since Nightcrawler comes across as very impressive and heroic.

    Impressive Characters: Nightcrawler. The early part of this story is mostly about him and what he did to escape, and what he is doing to get back in and rescue his team-mates. The way he escaped (teleporting blindly straight up) is highly admirable.

    Impressive Writers: Claremont makes Nightcrawler look amazing as the issue opens. Heroic, dynamic and resourceful.

    I also like the fact that Jean Grey is still so much on the scene, and memories of her help calm Storm down, and bring her to her senses.

    Finally, Claremont cultivates this wonderful mutual-respect he set up between Ororo and Doom.

    Impressive Artists: Don't get me wrong, I do like the work being done here by Dave Cockrum and Josef Rubinstein, but - much to my delight - there are panels here and there that look like Byrne and Austin are responsible. Page 7 - Panel 2. Page 16 - Panel 3. Page 17 - Panel 4. And others.

    Less-Than-Impressive Characters:

    Less-Than-Impressive Writers:

    Less-Than-Impressive Artists:

    Continuity: Conclusion of a three-part story. Last page (featuring Scott and Lee) nicely paves the way for what comes next.

    Guide:

    Reviews:

    Other Info: These issues (cover dated July) feature the "return" of the Bullpen Bulletins page. Other issues out that month include: Ka-Zar #4, Micronauts #31, Moon Knight #9, Rom #20, Dazzler #5 and Man-Thing #11 (the last issue).

GRADE: A

Review by Michael Leddy

Comments are welcome: dec@iol.ie

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