New X-Men # 39 - The Quest for Magik (part two of four)

One of the biggest reasons why I picked up the Quest for Magik arc was the same reason why I liked New X-Men Vol.2 in the first place: The focus on the other mutants living at Xaviers instead of the tried and true cast that we've had for quite some time now. So you can probably imagine my delight when I found out that Loa, Anole, Pixie and Gentle were finally getting a slice of the limelight too.

While the arc itself isn't the best so far since it seems to be hampered by the rampaging cloud of death that seems to befall all mutants under the age of 18 nowadays, I can forgive that. I may also be one of the very few people that enjoy Skottie Young's art style and I believe it worked as an interesting contrast to what we were made to expect from a world much akin to the judeo-christian view of hell. I dig the fluidity of the bodies and the exaggerated proportions and I think it's a very welcome change. What can I say? I think I really dig a more cartoony approach to comics now.

My biggest beef would probably be how some of the situations seem forced. Cessily being practically in a coma after the events of Mercury Falling to suddenly (trying) to kick ass and take demon names just doesn't feel right. Not to mention that the constant attempt to kill them off, in a dimension ruled almost completely by magic is forcing me to think that no one will REALLY die if they get out of here, which I hope is true. The deaths aren't special anymore if it happens every time the kids go up against a big bad.

While it isn't the most compelling piece of work I've read so far, I still think it's a fun romp through the circles of hell with a new cast we've never had the chance to be with.

the new x-men are in hell and no im not refering to waiteing in line at disney world on a hot 90 degree day im talking about limbo and belasco himslef. but non the less id have to say the actual thrill of dager and life hanging in the balace that this issue is giveing is asome and its finally great to see that the other students that are always in the back ground are finally getting in the spotlight. however im not to happy with the apparent death of pixy but you know what they say nobody stays dead in comics. i have no doudt that its gonna wind up that the other kids are gonna be the ones to save the new x-men

I'm glad that i'm not the only one thinking like Tengu (if I may call you that). There's one reason, and ONLY one reason that I bought this book...Magik.

Actually, that's not entirely true. When I first saw the solicitation for New X-Men #37 (37?), the combination of a possible return for Illyana ('ol school New Mutants fans here) along with the GORGEOUS art by Niko Henrichon made this a no-brainer for me. Man, was I disappointed when I found out that Henrichon only did "selected" pages and the rest of the book was done one of the Ramos clones (actually, Ramos' current output is severly lacking too..but I digress...). Still, since I had already ordered three months in advance (thanks Previews!), I was suckered into it. Still, the Henrichon disappointment aside, they're bringing back Illyana! But, man, did Tengu nail it. It seems like the "story" features every one of the "New" X-Men getting killed....then being brought back to life....then another one killed...then being brought back to life. If the story wasn't bad enough, Young's art is there to nail the final nail in the coffin. Truly disappointing.

There is not one redeeming quality to this book. The cover sux. The are is boring and unoriginal. The story is very boring and childish. If someone wants to right a little kid book then put that on the cover that that is the age demographic. The writer and artist of the book need to go and let someone else try to redeem this book. X-23 needs to leave the team because she is too good for this. Magik in the miniseries going on Magik Arcana is good enough for a read. This is issue isn't worth wiping my ass. Seriously pissed that I wasted time reading this...much less buying it.