Fresh and Dramatic
Age of X Alpha is a Marvel one-shot issue introducing an alternate universe where the X-Men never existed and mutants everywhere are fighting for their lives. This issue is, I think, as close to exposition as Carey is willing to give; it details via flashbacks a number of significant events that have altered the lives of some of our favorite mutants, such as Magneto, Cyclops (who is now known as Basilisk), Wolverine, and Cannonball. As with many Alpha's, this issue is a collaboration of a few different teams of artists, each contributing an "episode," if you will.
What was good?
I have to admit, the overarching premise for this miniseries is very entertaining. Mutants are fighting a losing war against the entirety of humanity. They are in a situation where why and how they got there is not important (due to the fact that this is only a 6-issue series). The only important thing is to witness the spectacle of the last stand of our favorite mutants. To me the premise is basically, "See, I told you Magneto was right!" which I think is a fun " what if?" kind of story. That being said, I think Carey deserves a 'lot of praise for some of the bold steps he took with this miniseries, such as the unexpected development with Scott Summers as Basilisk and de-powering Wolverine (what an awesome and noble act, by the way!). The greatest scene in this issue involves Magneto relocating a mass of mutants holed up in the Chrysler Building by lifting it magnetically and moving it. My words cannot give that scene justice--it is incredible. Check it out for yourselves.
What was bad?
Although in most cases the disjointed story-telling is not a huge bother, I feel that the Cannonball story interrupts the pacing of the issue, is not wholly relevant, and is slightly boring--maybe that is just me. Perhaps the events of the Cannonball story are not that interesting simply because they are sandwiched between Basilisk and Wolverine, two excellent stories. Other than that, I see no major problems.
What was ugly?
The art changes can be a little disorienting at times, but it does not bother me as much as it looks like it did some other readers (this is a one-shot, remember). I guess you will have to see for yourself.
What's the verdict?
4/5. I think Carey's universe is an exciting one and I am genuinely interested, but this issue's lack of uniformity in art and storytelling detract from its score somewhat. It is certainly still worth reading.
