The final battle between Wolverine and Cyclops is here. Schism comes to an end paving the road for a new beginning for the X-Men in Regenesis.
The Good
Last issue we finally got to see the fight between Logan and Scott that has been building for years. Actually, we only got to see the beginning of it as it occurred at the end of the issue. With so much at stake, a killer Sentinel headed towards Utopia, Hope and the other kids still on the island and Wolverine with his finger on the trigger to blow up the entire island, how could a fight between the two keep their full attention. Needless to say, and without spoiling anything, it's a great fight. With the issue being rated T+, it's not just a slap-fest. Cyclops and Wolverine fight and don't hold back...okay, maybe Wolverine is holding back a little.
We know what the argument is over. Wolverine isn't happy that Cyclops is willing to let the X-kids kill if necessary. It never felt like enough of a reason but with the other things that happen in this issue, it all makes more sense (yes, that's a tease right there).
Jason Aaron's dialogue fits perfectly. This isn't just an issue with page after page of fighting. While there is plenty of that, keep in mind, this has to serve as the end of the X-Men as we know them. This issue clearly sets up the end and new beginning. Hearing what the characters have to say brings a fitting end and fully supports the move we're about to witness.
Each issue has featured a different artist and here we get the amazing art of Adam Kubert. He's no stranger to Wolverine and the X-Men. I was a little saddened that last issue with Alan Davis only featured the beginning of the fight and not the entire battle. Seeing Adam Kubert's art is perfect. Again, remember this is a T+ book so we get to see some nicely depicted fight scenes.
The Bad
The reasons for the 'Schism' make sense but you can't help but feel this came on suddenly. The introduction of the new Hellfire Club almost feels out of place, even though they are the main catalyst for the events that unfolded. I didn't care for them when they were introduced and I still don't.
Will Wolverine and Cyclops fight to the death? You've probably already seen the covers to 'Wolverine and the X-Men' #1 and 'Uncanny X-Men' #1 so that should answer that question. We do get a good resolution but as with the cause of the fight, it ends almost as quickly as it started.
The overall series hasn't been perfect but it is one I'd most likely read again. My complaint before was the use of different artists for each issue. I'm a fan of seeing other artists give their interpretations but one of my pet peeves is different artists during one arc/story, even if they're great like some of what we've seen throughout Schism.
The Verdict
It's the end of the X-Men and the beginning as well. Wolverine and Cyclops finally let loose and give us the fight we've been waiting to see. All the pieces fall together as to why the X-Men will be forced to choose sides with the beginning of Regenesis. This issue sets up the new direction and gives us a clear ending and beginning (something that would have been nice with DC's 'The New 52'). As great as seeing Adam Kubert draw the intense fight scene, we also get some great dialogue from Jason Aaron that makes everything make sense. Utopia was a great idea but it's one that has gone on long enough. The new direction the X-Men face and the choosing of sides will give the franchise a nice little boost in keeping the stories fresh, rather than have everyone safe and sitting around Utopia. There have been some parts to the overall story that came and went too quickly. The introduction and use of the new Hellfire Club is questionable and I would be okay with not seeing them again anytime soon. It's a good end to an era. The X-Men have gotten too comfortable on Utopia. Now we have the next era about to unfold before us.