Full steam ahead for issue #200
I have to admit that I've finally warmed up to Chris Bachalo's art. Although I do think that he has changed it a little by not exaggerating so much, now I find it's a perfect fit for this title. His chaotic style for example was perfect for this issue. He seems to be complimenting Carey's writing very well now, and they are turning out to be one of my favorite creative teams on the X-Books.
This entire issue is one huge fight, which would be disastrous under different writers, but Carey seems to excel at this sort of thing. There is so much going on you'll feel like all this couldn't possibly happen in one issue. You actually do think that the characters are running on the verge of desperation because they don't know how to contain their new enemy. All this, and Carey has time to do some character development in the issue and it never feels forced... in fact most of what happens is caused because of the action in the issue.
X-Men is turning out to be the "innovative" X-Men book. Not only does Mike Carey put all this action and character development in this issue, but also finds new and interesting ways for the characters to use they're powers. He is managing to do something different with the X-Men while respecting what came before him. Not something that is very easy to pull off. To many writers try to "reinvent" the X-Men, Carey on the other hand seems to have found the perfect middle ground to make them more interesting and still recognizable as your favorite mutants.
Of course everyone is hyped up about the next issue, and rightfully so. Will it meet expectations? I don't know... but this issue ends leaving a few characters on the roster in a very interesting situation. Can't wait to see what Carey and Bachalo come up with next.