Customer Reviews

Ultimate X-Men Vol. 3: World Tour

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

By now it is clear that Wolverine is going to be on the cover of each and every trade paperback in the "Ultimate X-Men" series, and Volume 3, "World Tour," is no different. The character who should be on the cover would be Professor X, because he is the pivotal character in the major plot line of issues 13-13 of this comic book, which has to do with the X-Men coming face to face with David, his son with Moira MacTaggert, who has escaped from his confinement on Muir Island. In what is essentially the prologue to the story arc, "It Doesn't Have to Be This Way," we check up on the X-Men through the context of Xavier's article on mutants and learn that Magneto is not dead: the Professor has placed a mental block in his lower cerebrum to prevent him from remember who Erik Lensherr really is and how to use his mutant powers. Xavier's position is that he would not take the life of another living creature when a peaceful solution was possible. In the four-part "World Tour" story that follows, Xavier learns to rue his world and rethink his position.

Ultimately, "World Tour" is not simply a retelling of the Proteus story from Volume 1 of "The Uncanny X-Men" (issues 125-128), because the fact that Doctor MacTaggert's son is now also Charles Xavier's is a significant change and placed in the context of Xavier's attempt to blitz the world with a public relations effort in support of mutants forces a reconsideration of what Xavier is trying to do. Remember, in the "original" Proteus story Xavier was in a galaxy far, far away enjoying the first state ball hosted by the newly-crowned Empress Lilandra. The sub-plot, which has Colossus returning to Russia because of his disagreement with Xavier's tactics in general (and letting Magneto live in particular), provides a different take on the issue of responsibility for mutants. The epilogue, "Resignation," returns Xavier to the park when Erik Lensherr is playing where the Professor is entertaining a change of much more than heart.

This trade paperback volume also includes a two part story introducing Gambit as a street hustler who ends up using his mutant gifts to protect a young girl that he has met. The idea is apparently to explore those mutants who are not part of Xavier's School for Gifted Children, the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, or another other organized group of merry mutants. These "Ultimate X-Men" stories are not, to date, superior to the original comic's glory days under Chris Claremont and John Byrne, but they are an entertaining take on the familiar characters in a slightly different context. Like the best of the Claremont-Byrne story lines it takes several issues to tell the story and for those who remember the X-Men (both the Stan Lee-Jack Kirby originals and the Claremont-Dave Cockrum next generation) it is interesting to see Mark Millar and Adam Kubert's twists on what we remember.

Mark Millar is getting better on the Ultimate X-Menas he goes along, and "World Tour" is the best of his run so far.

The first two issues are devoted to the ultimate Gambit, living on the streets of New York. Millar's weird selection of villians continues, as Gambit has to square off against Hammerhead. That's right, Hammerhead.

The rest of this collection is the World Tour story arc, which predictably enough involves going on a World Tour. The result is a retelling of the classic Claremont/Byrne Proteus battle.

The Ultimate X-Men is getting a bit heavy on the angst. Almost every member has ditched the team at one point or another for this or that reason. This story arc Colossus decides it's his turn, and takes off to Russia. The story gets a little muddy at this part, and Colossus' reason for leaving gets lost in it.

It seems Millar is finally getting into a groove though, and his best work is probably ahead of him. Now, if they could just get some semblance of order on the pencilling duties...

My interest in comic books have been revived by Marvel's Ultimate series. I have absolutely been in awe over the incredible power of the writing in these books. World Tour is no exception, in fact, the first chapter stands in my mind as the most inspiring piece of writing I have ever encountered in comic books. Professor X explores his philosophy of pacifism by teaching his students how to use their powers for good and the importance of avoiding ways of barbarism and destruction. As I read through it, I was inspired to go out in the community and adopt the compassion exercises assigned to Iceman. If you are a parent, this is a graphic novel worth buying your kids or for yourselves. Beyond the fantastic writing and values espoused in this book, the usual level of intrigue and scandal permeate this story line. Professor X is confronted with his darkest secret as his students discover his lack of honesty on certain matters and a cruel act that is now costing the lives of many in Scotland. Meanwhile, Colossus runs away from his feelings only for Marvel Girl to open a door to his big secret. I will not give away anything else, this graphic novel can stand alone- however you will likely want to get the first two books anyway. If you enjoy the X-Men, you will not regret purchasing this book or the other Ultimate X-Men graphic novels. Don't miss out!

After countless attempts at creating a new universe, or continuum, the folks at Marvel finally hit on the right approach: recast their franchise characters as younger and more in tune with the issues of the day. Add top-notch writers and artists and voila! we have a hit. Though the story arcs are so far quite familiar to those with any sense of Marvel's history, the fresh approach to characters and the nifty art contribute to an overall great reading experience.

I would recommend this compilation to anyone who can't get enough of the Marvel universe or those who would like to start their trip into said universe. In short, recommended for any Marvel fan!

I really enjoyed this next volume in the series. Some of the artwork is a little outside the box from the majority of the comic series, but I enjoyed it none the less. It really starts to look into the character of Professor X and I like how it makes you question his motives. Great read.

I loved Bacheolo's art in this book. Really good stuff. Again Millar's poor writing of villains shows. Proteus just didn't have an "umph" behind him. Though he did get in his required body count (is it just me or do villains now aday have to kill like 300+ people an issue? Is it like a requirement to get their villain's license?). I will give Millar points for having Proteus being Xavier's son.
Still, over all, I wasn't as impressed with this book as I was Tomorrow People or even Return to Weapon-X. I think Millar is running out of steam. If you want a good telling of the Proteus Saga go pick up the original Claremont/Byrne one, it's worth it.

This is a mile stone in the ultimate line. It shows colosuss returning to russia, a battle with xaviers son proteus a reality warping mutant and a issue featuring a heartwarming and violent story of gambit.

I was glad that I borrowed this from the library instead of buying it. The first two issues are a weak solo Gambit story. Little happens in Issue 15 besides a Professor X faux-Newsweek article and a revelation about Magneto. The book improves with Issue 16's reframing of the Proteus story called "World Tour". Charles and Moira's son David has escaped from a facility in Scotland, but luckily the X-Men are in Europe for a book promotional tour! Colossus disappears so Cyclops and Jean search for him in Russia. Betsy Braddock appears in #17 and #18 and #19 continue the Proteus story. Issue 20 marks time as the only point of interest is a conversation between Professor X and Magneto. The author annoyingly overuses modern technology like cell phones and instant messaging in an effort to make the characters seem hip. The last few issues are decent, but the poor first half and the high price merit a two star rating.

Millar keeps up the high quality of storytelling he has shown us so far. I really don't know what else to say that hasn't been said already.