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