The Amazing X-Men #2 of 4

Fabian Nicieza // Andy Kubert
April 1995
***

Nicieza uses the What If…? scenario to debut a visually snazzy baddie. Abyss coils an inky 2D body to create a 3D dimensional fold! His “wicked” personality is more old-hat, quipping cruelly & kidnapping kids. The mini implies X-soap & sketches a dour atmo well, tho’ its fights are muddled.

last issue: The Amazing X-Men #1 of 4
next issue: The Amazing X-Men #3 of 4

also indexed for Apr. ’95
The Astonishing X-Men #2 of 4
Factor X #2 of 4
Gambit and the X-Ternals #2 of 4
Generation Next #2 of 4
Weapon X #2 of 4
X-Calibre #2 of 4
X-Man #2

New X-Men #142

Grant Morrison // Chris Bachalo
early August 2003
****
Gloomy Scott Summers gets drunk w/ Wolverine at the Hellfire Club (now a mutants-only gentleman’s club). Tho’ Bachalo’s nose-heavy toons, strong outlines, & sense of pace are great, fine acting is his short suit. GM doesn’t give Wolvie the Zen wisdom that he’s had previously, but his Cyke is strong.
[last issue: New X-Men #141]
[next issue: New X-Men #143]

The Pulse #10

Brian Michael Bendis // Michael Lark
September 2005
***

Lark’s etched style is perfect for a journalist’s perspective on the alt-verse of House of M, in which Magneto has instituted apartheid against humanity. Or it would be, except that the late Hawkeye detours thru this ish on his way from #5 of the HoM mini to #7, angsting about his resurrection.

last issue: The Pulse #9
next issue: The Pulse #11

also indexed for Sept. ’05
Young Avengers #6