Era #10, Part 09: Hope (Uncanny X-Men)

Grade: A-

Chuck Austin starts his run in stellar fashion. There is a lot to unpack in this six-issue collection. We are introduced to Squid Boy, a young mutant who feels alone and outcast as a visible mutant in a small community. The sudden (and timely) appearance of the X-Men saves him from a suicide attempt. Juggernaut calls the X-Men for help in dealing with the uncontrolled power of his long-time friend, Black Tom Cassidy. We find a long-lost Havok in the care of Nurse Annie Ghazikhanian. She has fallen in love with him despite (or perhaps because of) his comatose. We also see Northstar join the team, and Nightcrawler questions his faith. 

There isn't much I didn't like this run. Both Juggernaut and Northstar join the X-Men with their own baggage. Juggernaut begins to deal with his own personal demons as an emotionally abused son, and Northstar's sexual orientation is integrated into the mythos without pandering. I also love how Squid Boy becomes attached to gruff Juggernaut. Nurse Annie's infatuation with an unresponsive patient is both disturbing and relatable. In every case, Chuck Austin infuses normal human realities into our superhuman heroes. 

[7-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #410

[7-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #411

[7-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #412

[7-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #413

[8-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #414

[5-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #415

Collected in Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1): Hope

Era #10, Part 08: New Worlds (New X-Men)

Grade: B

The X-Men continue to deal with a new world in which being a mutant is more widely recognized but no less dangerous. This collection includes a few single-issue stories that deal with some specific topics. Xorn feels the sadness and fear of a new mutant's life-ending before he has the chance to fully blossom. The X-Men return to Genosha to help put to rest the souls of all those who died during Cassandra Nova's massacre. Wolverine helps a young woman (Dust) whose powers manifest during a traumatic experience in war-torn Afghanistan. 

It was a three-part story arc that really caught my attention during this run. We are introduced to Fantomex, Europe's most wanted mutant, gentleman thief. He feels like a better version what Gambit was supposed to be -- a mysterious criminal that keeps you guessing as to his motives and agenda (seriously, I still don't know). Fantomex is unapologetically realistic about how the world works (dare-i-say, "oh so French"), but he reveals a new twist to the X-Men mythos. Wolverine's Weapon X actually means that he is the tenth superweapon developed (Roman number X= 10). Fantomex is the thirteenth.

It is an interesting, non-stop joy ride. Not all of the stories resonate with me but enough to make this a good read.

[6-Stars] New X-Men (2001) #127
[7-Stars] New X-Men (2001) #128

[7-Stars] New X-Men (2001) #129

[7-Stars] New X-Men (2001) #130

[6-Stars] New X-Men (2001) #131

[5-Stars] New X-Men (2001) #132

[6-Stars] New X-Men (2001) #133

Collected in New X-Men (Vol. 3): New Worlds

Era #10, Part 07: Invasion (X-Treme X-Men)

Grade: D+

Another alien invasion! A conquering army from another dimension uses Gambit to create a military beachhead in Mandripoor, and only the X-Treme X-Men are within the impenetrable force field that protects the landing zone. 

This is perhaps the tritest X-Men storyline I've read in a long time. The undefeated general arrives to take over the world only to be side-tracked by the beauty and nobility of an Earthling (in this case Storm). Read just a few sci-fi books, and this will sound eerily familiar. 

Chris Claremont has always been drawn to (and often exploits) sci-fi themes, but his strength has always been his fantastic ability to create and develop engaging characters. That is not the case with this run. His new characters are all over the place. He is inconsistent in their portrayal and awkwardly shifts their backstories. Is Red Lotus a member or now? How can Lifeguard all of sudden be a member of the Shi-Ar royalty? I have no idea what to make of Slipstream. It really is no wonder that these three never take root within the X-Men mythos.

I love Salvador Larroca's art, but it is not enough to save an overly familiar (yet unnecessarily convoluted) plot or the sudden disregard for the new members of an ensemble cast.  

[4-Stars] X-Treme X-Men (2001) #10

[4-Stars] X-Treme X-Men (2001) #11

[4-Stars] X-Treme X-Men (2001) #12

[4-Stars] X-Treme X-Men (2001) #13

[4-Stars] X-Treme X-Men (2001) #14

[4-Stars] X-Treme X-Men (2001) #15

[4-Stars] X-Treme X-Men (2001) #16

[4-Stars] X-Treme X-Men (2001) #17

[5-Stars] X-Treme X-Men (2001) #18

Collected in  X-Treme X-Men (Vol 2): Invasion

Era #10, Part 06: X-Corps (Uncanny X-Men)

Grade: B

Joe Casey ends his run with two solid stories. He concludes the Church of Humanity arc in which we learn more about a religious order that reasons the best way to protect humans by purging mutants. While I think that it leans a bit too heavy on Catholic imagery (their leader is the "Supreme Pontiff", for example), I completely appreciate the use of zealotry to create a singular purpose in which those that aren't the same as us are hunted in the name of God. 

Along those same lines comes an even better storyline from the opposite angle. Banshee's pain at Moria's death leads him to take Xavier's Dream in a new direction. Recruiting mutants such as his students from Generation X, he forms a well-funded, international police force to find and protect mutants in ways that he was unable to do in any of his other roles. He adds known criminals into the ranks (such as the Blob) and that draws the attention of the X-Men. Things begin to unravel as the team learns that Banshee's focused mission hides a dangerously exploitable blindspot.

There is a lot to unpack during Joe Casey's run. He pushes a few boundaries that force us to relook at the X-Men struggles as a minority group through a new lens. 

[5-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #400

[5-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #401 (Nuff Said)

[4-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #402

[7-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #403

[7-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #404

[7-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #405

[7-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #406

[5-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #407

[6-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #408

[6-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #409

Collected in X-Men: X-Corps

Era #10, Part 05: Imperial (New X-Men)

Grade: B

This collection really has two stories bundled together in which Grant Morrison continues to push the boundaries. 

With mutants becoming more mainstream (but not really assimilated), the first arc spotlights the ugly reality of cultural appropriation. The comics medium allows Grant Morrison to paint a more graphic picture of a phenomenon that can often be more subtle and insidious. John Sublime and his U-Men hunt mutants in order to harvest their organs for a growing market of normal humans eager to have their own superpowers. 

Cassandra Nova returns to Earth in the second arc, and she has the full force of the Shi-Ar Empire behind her as she barrels down on Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. The virus she planted before her departure has weakened the X-Men just as she arrives with Lilandra and the Imperial Guard under her thrall. The public outing of the X-Men has dramatically increased the size of the student body -- and the protesters outside the gates setting the stage for an epic level showdown.

The stories are excellent reads with only two small gripes. I am not a fan of the art. That might be because I am more accustomed to the clean, crisp pages of the 80s and 90s, and I appreciate that the art reflects the chaotic nature of Morrison's new direction. I still found it distracting. My initial reading was less favorable because of the art. 

I also noticed that the characters were a little off. They still had their personalities, but they didn't feel like they were the main focus of the stories. The ever-cheerful Hank McCoy is morose and short-fused, Cyclops is more distant, and Jean Gray is a bit paranoid and vengeful. Each case can be easily explained within the context of the story, but I am not sure that they advanced the characters. Emma Frost, on the other hand, was excellently handled adding to the great dialog throughout the entire collection.

[7-Stars] New X-Men (2001) #118
[7-Stars] New X-Men (2001) #119
[7-Stars] New X-Men (2001) #120
[6-Stars] New X-Men (2001) #121
[6-Stars] New X-Men (2001) #122
[6-Stars] New X-Men (2001) #123
[6-Stars] New X-Men (2001) #124
[6-Stars] New X-Men (2001) #125
[6-Stars] New X-Men (2001) #126

Collected in New X-Men (Vol. 2): Imperial

Era #10, Part 04: Destiny, Part 2 (X-Treme X-Men)

Grade: B-

This second part of the Destiny collection gets into more familiar territory while still introducing new characters. The X-Treme X-Men team's quest to find the other volumes of Destiny's prophetic diaries are put on hold when the top Australian crimelord is killed. The lead suspect is none other than Gambit.

There are some elements that don't make much sense. For example, the team rushing off to save the crimelords children who know nothing about their father or his business, yet they are in danger because they could take over his business? There are several characters that just seem unoriginal and so uninteresting that it is obvious we will never see them outside this title (Lifeguard and Red Lotus).

One issue was part of the "Nuff Said" event. It was a month in which every issue sold contained zero dialogue, thought bubbles, or narration blocks. For me, these stories were very difficult to follow. I had to interpret pictures, and I was wrong more often than not. 

All in all, however, it was still a good read that included a decent mystery with a classic X-Men villain.  I enjoyed seeing Bishop assume the role of detective, and I am glad Chris Claremont answered the open question about the impact of Sage's sudden departure from Sebastian Shaw and the Hellfire Club. I also liked Lady Mastermind's first appearance. She is more ruthless and less of a sniveling sycophant than her father (but just as much a follower). 

It isn't Chris Claremont's best work, but in my eyes, it redeems his X-Men: Revolution. Salvador Larroca's beautiful art always helps.

[5-Stars] X-Treme X-Men (2001) #5

[6-Stars] X-Treme X-Men (2001) #6

[6-Stars] X-Treme X-Men (2001) #7

[5-Stars] X-Treme X-Men (2001) #8 (Nuff Said)

[6-Stars] X-Treme X-Men (2001) #9

Collected in X-Treme X-Men (Vol 1): Destiny

Era #10, Part 03: E is for Extinction (New X-Men)

Grade: A+

And so starts the Morrison Manifesto -- not with a hint but with a bang! As the popular story goes, legendary scribe Grant Morrison outlined for Marvel leadership a new direction for the X-Men that capitalized on the popularity of the movie and drives home the key elements that made the franchise so popular. He opens his run in dramatic fashion with a new villain, Casandra Nova, unleashing wild Sentinels to destroy Genosha. The complete devastation of Magneto's mutant utopia brings the mutant conflict back into the headlines with more students enrolling at Xavier's. 

The writing is sharp as the X-Men deal with more mature themes and situations. For example, Emma Frost is buried alive with her dead students during the attack, and both Jean and Scott find it difficult to communicate in their marriage. I found the scene shifts and pacing jarring at times (I had to reread passages to ensure that I hadn't missed something), but the dialog was both witty and character-building (particularly Emma Frost). Grant also adds new story elements such as secondary mutants and wild Sentinels in order to upend up the status quo, and his multi-arc approach allows him to set a much more insidious tone for the title that quickly unfolds with diabolic treachery. 

"E is for Extinction" changes the game with a plot and storytelling technique reminiscent of the classics which makes this collection, in effect, a classic in its own right. This is how the X-Men are done -- this is how comics are done.

[8-Stars] New X-Men (2001) #114

[9-Stars] New X-Men (2001) #115

[9-Stars] New X-Men (2001) #116

[9-Stars] New X-Men (2001) #117

Collected in New X-Men (Vol. 1): E Is for Extinction

Era #10, Part 02: Poptopia (Uncanny X-Men)

Grade: B

Joe Casey joins the franchise with the unenviable position of keeping up with Grant Morrison. While the New X-Men focuses on the school, Joe Casey takes the Uncanny X-Men on assignments around the world. He starts with a young mutant punk ready to make his mark by following Magneto's footsteps and comes out as a mutant threat by attacking Cape Citadel. This run ends with the X-Men learning about young mutant women who use their powers to please at a brothel in Nevada. Between those two bookend stories is a hard lesson about the fickleness of fame -- especially for those groups of people who stand apart from the norm. The team's lineup includes Archangel, Iceman, Nightcrawler, and Wolverine as they attempt to bring Chamber back into the fold while still helping the less fortunate mutants. 

How does Joe Casey do? Not bad at all. They are memorable stories that deal more directly with some of the core issues long associated with the X-Men -- discrimination and how it impacts those who don't wear the "X" uniform. Yes, there are some noticeable similarities to past plots (particularly the sewer-dwelling mutant outcasts), but he does a good job of introducing some unexpected twists such as prostitute turned new member, Stacy X. It's a fun, new direction that keeps you guessing.

[5-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #394

[6-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #395

[6-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #396

[6-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #397

[6-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #398

[7-Stars] Uncanny X-Men (1963) #399

Collected in X-Men: X-Corps

Era #10, Part 01: Destiny, Part 1 (X-Treme X-Men)

Grade: C

The era opens with a brand new title, the X-Treme X-Men. Marvel wanted to move the X-Men in a new direction without losing the legendary Chris Claremont. They give him his own book opening up the core titles for Grant Morrison and Joe Casey. 

A small team of X-Men leaves their friends and families in search of Destiny's prophetic diaries. Afraid that even Xavier would succumb to the temptation of changing the future, Beast, Bishop, Rogue, Psylocke, Sage, Storm, and Thunderbird set out in complete secrecy severing all ties with their former teammates. They quickly learn, however, that they are not the only ones on the hunt. The deadly Vargas confronts the team in Valencia with deadly consequences.

The premise works here. The separation from the flagship titles allows Chris Claremont to tell more traditional comic book stories without disrupting the events unfolding in Uncanny X-Men and New X-Men. Salvador Larroca's artwork is beautiful, and he gets the opportunity to draw from his Spanish homeland. Chris Claremont continues to plot his own new direction introducing new characters. The run also includes some significant changes for Psylocke and Beast as well as a little character development of Sage (originally the Hellfire's Tessa) and Bishop. 

It isn't the original X-Men stories, and it isn't part of the new movement. It is a comfort read with familiar characters in uninteresting situations. 

[5-Stars] X-Treme X-Men (2001) #1

[5-Stars] X-Treme X-Men (2001) #2

[5-Stars] X-Treme X-Men (2001) #3

[4-Stars] X-Treme X-Men (2001) #4

Collected in X-Treme X-Men (Vol 1): Destiny

Starting Era #10: New X-Men

We finally get to the next big directional shift for the X-Men franchise. The New X-Men runs from July 2001 and June 2004 and brings a completely new perspective on the Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. The new charge is lead by comics legend Grant Morrison who is given creative control of the X-Men (Second Series) which he relabels New X-Men. It is often called "The Morrison Manifesto," and it introduces a whole new generation of mutants and new plot twists that reinvigorate the entire line. I remember that this era builds on the promise of the X-Men, and I would argue that this run forever changes how future writers look at X-Men stories. 

I just separated from the Army and started working for a small engineering company called Integrated Engineering Concepts (IEC). I really enjoyed the work (and the pay), and the company was really good to me. I've never forgotten how much I appreciate the chance they gave me.  

I was a geo-bachelor for the first year. I rented a room in Columbia, Maryland while the family still lived in Virginia Beach, VA. In 2002, we found a place in Stafford, VA. It became home.

Part 01: X-Treme X-Men - Destiny (Part 1)
Part 02: Uncanny X-Men - Poptopia
Part 03: New X-Men - E is for Extinction 
Part 04: X-Treme X-Men - Destiny (Part 2)
Part 05: New X-Men - Imperial
Part 06: Uncanny X-Men - X-Corps
Part 07: X-Treme X-Men - Invasion
Part 08: New X-Men - New Worlds
Part 09: Uncanny X-Men - Hope
Part 10: Uncanny X-Men - Dominate Species
Part 11: X-Treme X-Men - Schism
Part 12: Uncanny X-Men - Holy War
Part 13: New X-Men - Riot at Xavier's
Part 14: Uncanny X-Men - The Draco
Part 15: X-Treme X-Men - God Loves, Man Kills (Part 2)
Part 16: X-Treme X-Men - Intifada
Part 17: X-Treme X-Men - Storm - The Arena
Part 18: Uncanny X-Men - She Lies With Angels
Part 19: New Mutants - Back to School (Part 1)
Part 20: Mystique - Drop Dead Gorgeous
Part 21: Mystique - Tinker, Tailor, Mutant, Spy
Part 22: New Mutants - Back to School (Part 2)
Part 23: New X-Men - Assault on Weapon Plus
Part 24: New X-Men - Planet X
Part 25: X-Treme X-Men - Prisoner of Fire
Part 26: New X-Men - Here Comes Tomorrow
Part 27: Uncanny X-Men - Bright New Mourning

Ending Alt 9997: Earth X

Alt 9997: C

There was so much to read. The pages were so densely worded that I felt like I was reading a picture book rather than a comic. It was a chore as I slowly worked my way through each issue, Critics generally loved it, but I found the series a little too pretentious. It was written solely for fanboys with a deep love of the Marvel Age, and the rest of us had to try to follow along. 

The series goes on for a third limited series called Paradise X (and more recently, a prequel called Marvels X). I decided not to spend more money on something that I wasn't really enjoying. The stories were well thought out, and I was genuinely interested in the human elements of loss and regret. The cover art was exceptional, and some of the ideas were novel. It just wasn't enough for me to agree with the critics --- or to keep buying the books. 

Alt 9997, Part 3: Universe X (Part 2)

Grade: D+

The Universe X story is so expansive that it needs to be told in two collections. The second volume digs deeper into Marvel lore with a new look at Balesco, Mephisto, Wakanda, and the Magneto/Toad relationship. Things continue on a downward spiral for our heroes as the Absorbing Man gets closer to being reassembled, the international Human Torches are doused one by one, and the global conditions continue to deteriorate. 

The series marches on with its template of deeply personal journeys of heroes who must overcome tragedy in order to face a new world that they helped shape. Each issue again opens with a long narrative provided by Kyle Ricard (Nighthawk) and X-51 (Aaron/Machine Man).

The one-shots introduced between the series issues are a nice touch. I don't normally like (or buy) the extras of a series, but I found that they really worked here (for both volumes of Universe X). They didn't really incorporate the heavy narrative norms of Earth X or Universe X which allowed the creators to tell some good character development tales. 

[4-Stars] Universe X (2000) #8

[5-Stars] Universe X: Beasts (2001) #1

[4-Stars] Universe X (2000) #9

[4-Stars] Universe X (2000) #10

[4-Stars] Universe X (2000) #11

[5-Stars] Universe X: Iron Men (2001) #1

[4-Stars] Universe X (2000) #12

[Missing] Universe X (2000) #X

Collected in Universe X, Vol. 2

Alt 9997, Part 2: Universe X (Part 1)

Grade: D+

Things get worse as the planet's ecological conditions continue to decline after the events of Earth X. Meanwhile, Mr. Fantastic sets up gigantic "human torches" around the globe to burn the Terrigen Mist that turned every human into a mutant, but the growing Church of Immortus wants to douse the flames in order to keep their powers. The mysterious Tong of Creel surfaces to reassemble the Absorbing Man, the villain responsible for destroying the Avengers. The heroes rally around a young Mar-Vell (returned from the dead) in an attempt to  prevent the approaching armageddon 

Universe X doubles down on the dystopian future by showing the devastating consequences of the heroic actions to save the planet from both the Skull and the Celestials. Despite the sacrifices and victories, things continue the downward spiral. Humans will be humans as the series reveals both our inherent greed and our base instinct to survive. It is against that dark backdrop that we can better see the nobility of those who selflessly protect and defend the people around them.

If Earth X feels like a tribute to the Silver Age, then Universe X looks back through the Bronze Age. The series doesn't attempt to reframe past stories, but it still relies on a deep understanding of the heroes and histories -- especially Mar-Vell (Captain Marvel) and Adam Warlock. As with the last series, I was often left scrambling to find cliff notes online to fill in the gaps of my limited knowledge.

Universe X feels like a pale comparison to Earth X (which was already not my favorite read). The themes were less inspiring and the writing agonizing longer. The lengthy prose-like introduction conversations remained a fixture of the series -- this time between Kyle Ricard (Nighthawk) and fellow Defender Gargoyle. 

[4-Stars] Universe X (2000) #0

[4-Stars] Universe X (2000) #1

[4-Stars] Universe X: 4 (2000) #1

[4-Stars] Universe X (2000) #2

[4-Stars] Universe X (2000) #3

[4-Stars] Universe X (2000) #4

[5-Stars] Universe X: Spidey (2001) #1

[4-Stars] Universe X (2000) #5

[4-Stars] Universe X: Cap (2001) #1

[4-Stars] Universe X (2000) #6

[4-Stars] Universe X (2000) #7

Collected in Universe X, Vol. 1

Alt 9997, Part 1: Earth X

Grade: C+

Earth has changed, and the heroes of old must come to grips with the new reality as they deal with two new threats. The Inhumans spread the Terrigen Mist across the planet changing everybody into a mutant. The world no longer needs heroes, but a young, powerful, and malicious leader emerges. The Skrull amasses a mind-controlled Army and marches towards President Osborn, and only the disillusioned Captain American stands in his way. To make matters worse -- the Celestials are coming to cast their judgment on the plant.  

Earth X explores some deep topics. Set in a dystopian future, the real theme seems to be regret. The heroes are weighed down by the choices they've made. Their noble intents altered humanity in ways that they had not foreseen, and they have shut down, hid, or isolated themselves from the repercussions. It enabled the world to get worse to a point, and the heroes of old must make even bigger sacrifices which only add to their burden.  

The entire series is a revision of the Marvel Age. They are the classic stories we grew up with but told with a more sinister tone --  a dark "rest of the story" feel. Events, actions, and choices are now seen as unavoidable predestination. It isn't a bad approach and rewards super fans who know the Marvel Age well. I am not that well-versed, so I was struggling trying to keep up.

What I really didn't like were the lengthy conversations that started each issue between Uatu, the Watcher, and X-51 (Aaron/Machine Man). While they set the stage for the stories, these preludes rambled -- a lot. The adage is "show, don't tell", and I would argue that holds especially true for comics. There was a lot of telling which is unfortunate. The premise was solid with relatable, everyday themes of guilt and remorse.

[6-Stars] Earth X (1999) #0

Earth X (1999) #0.5 (Wizard Magazine Special)

[6-Stars] Earth X (1999) #1

[5-Stars] Earth X (1999) #2

[5-Stars] Earth X (1999) #3

[5-Stars] Earth X (1999) #4

[5-Stars] Earth X (1999) #5

[6-Stars] Earth X (1999) #6

[5-Stars] Earth X (1999) #7

[5-Stars] Earth X (1999) #8

[6-Stars] Earth X (1999) #9

[5-Stars] Earth X (1999) #10

[6-Stars] Earth X (1999) #11

[6-Stars] Earth X (1999) #12

[6-Stars] Earth X (1999) #X

Collected in Earth X

Starting Alt 9997: Earth X

Hearing the name of comic artist Alex Ross conjures images of photo-realistic books that explore the rich mythologies of Marvel and DC through classic stories like Marvels and Kingdom Come. With Earth X, he transforms his love of Silver and Bronze Age stories into a dystopian future recasting the legendary events in a new light that explores the iconic characters that he obviously loves.

There is a lot to read. Jim Krueger joins Alex Ross in telling an epic tale across three series: Earth X, Universe X, and Paradise X, and they are some dense reading. I wonder if they may have been better served as prose (still using the beautiful Alex Ross covers of course). I did not stick with the trilogy in part because they felt like a chore to read and in part because they just became such huge multiple issue events that my poor little budget couldn't sustain. As a result, we only have three posts:

• Earth X
• Universe X (Part 1)
• Universe X (Part 2)

Ending Era #9: Revolution

Era #9: C

I nearly gave up on this project as I forced myself through this era I started in August 2018, and I am only now (March 2021) closing it up. You would think that with the COVID lockdowns between March and August 2020 that I would have had plenty of time to read everything. Well, I did have the time, but I didn't have the will. Why? It was boring. There is nothing really "bad" with this era, but there was nothing really good about it either. The is about as average as it gets with no stand-out moments. The best I can say is that it is over.

In hindsight, I could have divided this era into 2 parts. The first part is a continuation of the standard superhero fare that we saw in Era 08. The direction abruptly changes with the Revolution in which Marvel attempts to take our mutant adventurers in a whole new direction. It doesn't take root, and the whole Revolution is scrapped about a year later. Marvel makes another more successful course correction for the entire franchise, but we will talk more about that when we get into Era #10.

Astonishing X-Men (C+): Howard Mackie and Brandon Peterson bring together a new X-Men team in this limited series that ends in perhaps the only big "shocking" moment.

Generation X #46-75 (C): The quirky direction that ended Era 08 shifts to some darker tales with Revolution. Unfortunately, it still fails to capture the spirit of the original run. The title ends with issues #75.

 - Jay Faerber & Terry Dodson (C+): Fifteen routine issues (all but four with Terry).

 - Warren Ellis & Steve Pugh (C): Warren starts the Revolution with a four-issue arc that moves the team in a new direction and an unexplained loss. 

 - Brian Wood & Steve Pugh (B-): Brian Wood continues Warren's direction in both tone and feel. 

Magneto Rex (C+): Joe Pruett and Brandon Peterson contribute a limited series at the start of the era that delves into Magneto's challenges as the new leader of Genosha. 

Uncanny X-Men #366-393 (C): I have never been a fan of Alan Davis's plots, but Chris Claremont's unexpected plots were only slightly better.   

 - Alan Davis (C): Alan's fifteen-issue run is done with Adam Kubert and Tom Raney. Alan shies away from the mutant struggle and focuses on the more bizarre, mind-bending science fiction. 

 - Chris Claremont (C): Chris Claremont is back, but in nine issues, he proves why it is difficult to return to a title (even with great art from both Adam Kubert and Salvador Larroca). 

 - Scott Lobdell & Salvador Larroca (C-): Scott Lobdell ends with the Eve of Destruction crossover event that allows him to tie up loose ends. 

X-Force #87-115 (C): The team transition again. This time it is from young adults navigating life to super spies.
 - John Francis Moore (C): These fourteen issues (about half of it with Jimmy Cheung) are more of the same with a single story, "Armaggedon Man", managing to stay in my memory. 

 - Warren Ellis & Whilce Portacio (B-): X-Force gets a new mentor in mutant, super-spy Pete Wisdom. We already know that Whilce is one my favorites!

 - Ian Edgington & Jorge Lucas (C): Staying with Warren Ellis's blueprint.

X-Men #85-113 (C): The X-Men and Uncanny X-Men stories run like it was a single title, so it is hard to make a distinction between the two during this era with the exception of the assigned artist to each book.

 - Alan Davis (C): Alan doubles up here as the writer and the artist. 

 - Chris Claremont  & Leinel Francis Yu (C+): Leinel is on tap for nine of the eleven issues. I love Leinel's artwork.

 - Scott Lobdell & Leinel Francis Yu (C): Leinel stays on for Scott Lobdell's final arc.

X-Men Unlimited #23-31 (C): I can't take it anymore. By this point, it felt like I was just giving Marvel money for mediocre storytelling with no real connection or relevance. I stopped collecting the title before its eventual end with issues X-Men Unlimited #50.