Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
X-Men Legacy #240
Marvel Comics
Carey, Mann, Leisten & Reber
The penultimate chapter of the Children of the Vault arc (for lack of a better name) hits its stride quite nicely to accelerate things for the finale. The issue sparkles in a couple of key areas that help elevate the issue. It's not a perfect issue by any means but it does provide an enjoyable and solid read.
As has been the case with many of issues in the Mike Carey era for this title he calls upon old X-Men history to reuse in a modern story. In many cases this stuff is very old continuity, but many of the elements used have been more classic stories that long-time X-Men most likely have read. Some may have been turned off by this strategy but I have enjoyed it.
The usage of the Children of the Vault brought upon the first story where I have no idea who these characters are or what their history is. However, this story infuses a solid explanation that didn't leave me at all lost in the story and I actually felt compelled to look up some more history about them. There are many comic books on the stands today that could learn from this issue about how to keep a reader informed when throwing in ideas from years ago.
As Magneto and Rogue are taken prisoner by the rest of Children we have the remaining X-Men deciding what to do. The most bizarre part of the issue is when their decision comes down to them standing around watching Paras get married. Outside of this strange turn the issue is very good.
The issue works its best when Magneto is used as a means of power by the Children. Magneto is powerless but still mounts an audible defense. The dialogue he throws back at the Children is outstanding. He doesn't sound like a hero, but as a man who will do whatever it takes to survive and make sure those around him survive. It's a perfect voice for this long-time classic character.
The issue also has a couple of twists in the end that help make sure the next issue is a must read. For an odd mix of characters in this arc the ending for the story could literally go in any direction.
The artwork is as solid as in the previous issues in the arc. The inking adds a lot to the pencils as it seems to take on extra detail for the close-ups but lets the long shots stay a touch out of focus. We have a lot of bright colors but the splash pages of the Vault's base are more dreary and ominous looking. The art definitely compliments the story well here.
I'm a fan of this title and of Carey's work in general. However, this issue marks slightly higher because he has such a great command of the key character's voices. The issue also manages to loop in the uninformed reader on the old continuity it is dragging into the story which helps a lot. I liked the issue and I am eagerly awaiting the finale.
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
