The Good
There's only been ten parts to Battle of the Atom but it's felt like we've all been through a lot. Crossing over into several different X-titles and basically involving five different group of X-Men from three different time periods, it's been a crazy ride. The previous chapter ended with a bit of a cliffhanger. Several missiles from a S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier were launched (by the Brotherhood). This is where some big seeds for the future are being planted.
As the solicit promises, there are some big things that happen here. We get a battle on top of a battle. While there are many many different X-characters involved, the art in the first part is allowed to flow smoothly without cramming too many characters onto one page or panel. This gives the story a bigger feel as we cut to different characters fighting different obstacles. There is also a superb cutaway panel within a nice two-page spread.
As the story progresses, the tension builds as there's no telling what might happen.
Once the dust settles, we are treated to four epilogues. It's a great way to give closure, to say goodbye and to mourn some.
Of course, it is the final epilogue by Brian Michael Bendis and Stuart Immonen that will have the biggest impact. It's something I didn't see coming at all.
The Bad
It's an oversized issue so it makes sense that there'd be several creators involved. The different writers works since they've all been writing the different chapters and some are more suited to writing certain voices. Unfortunately at the midway point of the issue, the art changes quite a bit. The inks are thicker and it's a bit jarring.
Parts of the ending are a little convenient. Some of the fates for certain characters are't too surprising. We were introduced to a lot of characters and while they were cool to see, they weren't entirely crucial in order to reach the big turning point at the end.
The Verdict
It's the end of Battle of the Atom. As expected, there are some big changes. If you've been enjoying the story of the original X-Men brought to the present, there is no way you'll want to miss this conclusion. Not only will their story be affected, so will those of the other X-Men in the present. The entire story could have been trimmed a bit but we are treated to a nice epic battle and, of course, that big shock of an ending. The lives of the X-Men have reached another turning point. Let's see what happens after this.
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