The Uncanny X-Men # 516 - Nation-X, part 1

Uncanny X-men #516

Magneto is back and there’s bound to be trouble.   Question is, is he friend or foe?

Throughout the history of Uncanny X-men magneto has flipped sides at least 4-5 different times. First, he was the X-men's deadliest villain from issue #1 then he became the school headmaster (roughly around) Uncanny X-men #200. Of course, inevitably flipped back to being a villain sometime during X-men #1. Finally during the pages of Excalibur volume 2, he flipped to being a protagonist side. Flipped back to a villain during New X-men under the guise of Xorn. Flipped back to protagonist during Son of M limited series. He recently appeared as a villain in Uncanny X-men #500. And now, here he is again…

From the beginning, Fraction emphasized this bold departure from the old ways. Magneto and Xavier represent the old status quo, as they squabble like a bunch of old men. At this point, they are t-shirts of their views. The real centerpiece is Cyclops whom Fraction has taken a lot of care to build up. He’s got to keep all these wheels turning at the same time, he himself has a vision of mutant utopia that he will go to any lengths to maintain. The question is no longer, can Cyclops unite the mutants, the question now is can he keep them together?

 There is an unforeseen danger coming towards them that has a giant bag of bad news. The end of the issue is fierce and sets up what should be a vicious, pulse pounding issue. For the longest time I was against Fraction’s Uncanny X-men, right now I am loving every minute like a pig in shit.

Rating: Buy it