Customer Reviews

Uncanny X-Men Volume 2: Dominant Species TPB

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

 

 

As if poor characterization and dull plotting aren't bad enough, with this installment Marvel saddled the X-Men with some truly bad artwork. Kia Asamiya, I understand, is a superstar in Japan, but his style simply does not fit the X-Men. Characters are blocky, noses are pointy and costumes are simply ugly. Archangel goes through a transformation and gains a new "power" that makes absolutely no sense in the context of the character and his sudden, inexplicable attraction to Husk is just weird. That's another of Austen's weaknesses on this title -- every female character seems to serve no other purpose than to pine over one of the male characters.

And the mutant "werewolves"? Seen it before. Call me back when a new writer starts bringing this series back up again.

Popular opinion says that Draco is Chuck Austens worst Uncanny XMen arc, which is saying alot since his whole run has been terrible. But the truth of the matter, according to me at least, is Dominant Species is his worst. Vaguely defined villains (are they werewolves, are they mutants, both?) take over some office building that Warren Worthington owns. Its really as exciting as the premise makes it out to be. Its terrible. Bad characterization, nonexistant motivation, and poor artwork to further obscure any sense of whats going on (for some reason fog takes the place of backgrounds through most of the arc, which makes even less sense because as i said it takes place in an office building).

If you want to read good X-Men stories go read some of Grant Morrison's New X-men books, or go read Essential X-Men 1 and 2. This crap by Chuck Austen gives the X-Men brand a bad name.

I like seeing bad guys go good once in awhile. And here it actually makes sense. The story keeps me entertained and although people seem to be going crazy over it I'm enjoying these stories alot. Anyone on to volume 3!

Ok, Chuck Austen had his moments. He added some interesting ideas to the X-men cannon. The secondary mutation thing was quite well done, except for iceman whose secondary mutation was something he could do for ages only he couldn't do it anymore. Ne clearly didn't do his homework. The highlight of Austens run was his turning juggernaught into a good guy, it really worked.

The basic plot is that a bunch of similar mutants club together and set to become the dominant mutants species. In this case it is wolf mutants led my Maximus Lobo. The idea is that mutants will divide into wolves and angels etc. seperate species based on thier powers. interesting enough but it is underdeveloped here. Insteaed we get wolverine taken out like a novice to show how dangerous these mutants are and then Angel proving he is as hard as wolverine, by hitting silly wolf mutants over the head with a stick. He should have thrown it and said "fetch". Its just badlyu written, fortunately Austen does know how to pace his stories so the reader is swept along without too much thought, until after.

The art is pretty ugly, rough edged manga inspired drivel. actually thats a bit harsh it is clear and the story is easy to follow.

These issues contain some very poor characterization, plotting, dialogue and art. The story involves extremely uninteresting mutant werewolves, who, defying logic, are involved in Warren Worthington's corporation. The characters do not act like themselves. They are completely changed to fit the plot and to add unneeded melodrama to the story. The dialogue is embarassing to read and the art does not flow with the story.

Chuck Ausitn continues his great storytelling in the dominant species story arc. Also Kia Asamiya matches the great story with amazing artwork. The X-men Have never before loked so good. This book is a must have for x-men fans.

This is the story where Austen really shows us what he can do. It seems as if he made it this bad on purpose.

Essentially, his point is that groups that mutate similarly have to stick together for some reason. And he illustrates this point with a group that has no personality whatsoever. Aside from Maximus Lobo, not one of them says anything that they aren't just repeating.

And as if it isn't bad enough, there's Kia Asamiya redesigning the costumes. It's like being stabbed immediately after someone shoots you in the lung.

These costumes are bizarre. Lorna's has two sets of black wings (one on her head). Archangel's has a red loincloth.

If a copy falls from the sky, I still say that you should set it on fire immediately, and be glad.

Or, simply put: DO NOT READ.

You can extreme X-men, new X-men, ultimate X-men, and yuppie all you want but the real X-men are, were, and always will be the original guys like Angel and Iceman. Of course having Juggernaut in the story with potential to finally be an X-man makes it a 5 star. Remember the Juggernaut is in the Hulk and Thor's league. He's traded punches with both and done more than hold his own. With Colossus gone they need a heavyweight. Great multiple storylines going. Sqiud boy is cool too. He saves Juggernauts hide. So does Angel. O.K. so juggie isn't at full power anymore but he still packs a major punch. it's great to see a human side to him after all these years. Maybe he and Xavier will eventually make up. All in all it's great seeing the old guys with new potentials like Husk. Of course Wolverine is in it as well. Not one of his finer moments. his overconfidence gets him knocked for a loop. All the more reason for juggy to join. It's great to see the Angel looking like the original Angel. The metal wings are long gone. The blue face as well. He has a new Wolverine like power. You'll have to read to find out. Can't give it all away. Highly recommended. Glad marvel is giving the X-men title back to the X-men. It's about time.

First of all, the artwork is pretty weak. That being said, I liked the story. We've got werewolves here that give the X-Men a good run. There are some great little twists and turns in here. And it is interesting to watch the Juggernaught fight on the side of the X-Men. Other than the art, it's pretty great.

Chuck austin continues his great storytelling during the dominant species stroy arc. Also Kia Asamiya provides amazing artwork. The x-men have hever looked so good. Great characterization only adds to this book. A must have for x-men fans.