Summer's Vision
Now Utopia has been, from the start, a story that has a great concept behind it...that seemed to struggle to find it's feet. Wihle the first issue was good, as were those that followed, the entire crossover seemed to be lagging. It had it's momments, Hellion's rebellion, Venom vs Colossus, Scott's conversation with Osborn. Yet in its conclusion the story finally delivers on everything that Friction promised. The interaction between the Osborn's Avengers and X-Men, and Scott's true team of mutants delivers everything it promised.
Scott:
This issue delivers on Frictions continuis depiction of Scott a true forced to be reckoned with. As His plans come to fruition, and with Namor and Emma's "defection" back to his banner, Scott has created a situation Osborn cannot ignore, but also is trapped him into playing right into his hands in front of the media. Scott has come up with an answer for every single one of Osborn's men, and systematically and brilliantly takes his team apart, even while fighting a loosing personal battle with Osborn himself. He is shown a charismatic leader, a powerful general, and in the end does exactly as he promised. Make's Osborn wish he'd left.
X-Men v.s. Dark Avengers/O-Men:
The X-Men have a great showing against their dark counterparts and the avengers here. Archangel makes sure "Hawkeye" is no longer a threat. Namor throws down with Sentry in an epic battle, even if it is short. Wolverine and X-23 demolish Daken and Omega, even if they have a lil help in the end. Colossus rematch with Venom is everything you'd want it to be. Moonstars gambit pays off in a big way, and even the Science team gets a chance to get in on the action. Iceman throws down with Mimic, and Charles and Emma are Scott's second ace in the hole. The X-Men prove they're a forced to be reckoned w/ no matter who they're against.
Osborn:
Fraction does a good job of showing what will eventually be the downfall of the Goblin. As he continues to pound away at Summers, his plans are defeated at every turn. The crack in his armor begins to widen, as he has to be dragged off by one of his subordinates from attempting to commit genocide on the evening news. While he's somewhat able to spin what happens in the media, in his own mind he truly believes he won, and sets off to tackle other areas clearly out of his league.
A good crossover overall, especially considering I don't much care for most of what Marvel's offering at the momment. I'd highly recommend it.
