Reviewer: Andy Logan
Story Title: What is the Life That Late I Led…?
Written by: Chris Claremont
Penciled by: Aaron Lopresti
Inked by: Greg Adams & Sean Parsons
Colored by: Transparency Digital
Lettered by: Tom Orzechowski
Editor: Stephanie Moore
Publisher: Marvel Comics
With the House of M scheduled as an uber event for later this year, the build up to the story has begun in earnest. And, to be honest, its looking at the moment that the outcome ain’t going to be good for Xavier and Magneto’s fragile friendship.
Of course, Erik deciding the path of the angels isn’t for him is nothing new – we’ve been down this road a myriad of times before, but if they do go ahead with “turning” Mags back to the dark side, then surely, this time, it has to be for keeps, if the character is to retain even a shred of his – already very tenuous – integrity.
Right from the very start of the book, where we are given a history of Magneto’s fractured past, it’s obvious an attempt is being made to show the conflict, tragedy and rage that have blighted and driven the man throughout his entire life.
It’s no shock after this extended flashback to years past that Magneto’s current demeanour is one of confusion over his right to assume the role Xavier has given him, and a simmering anger at a World that has bestowed so much hurt and suffering on him and his progeny (and I use that term both in the literal sense with Wanda, and in a wider sense with the mutant population at large).
Magneto is portrayed as a man who is a literal ticking time bomb, somebody who’s tortured nature and desire to achieve his ends – however ultimately noble they may be – do not always justify the means.
There’s nothing new in this portrayal of course; it’s just been sometime since it’s been shown to us. I must confess I prefer Magneto this way, the angst-ridden warrior for a cause that he believes in so passionately that he is willing to go to any lengths for it, blinded to the short term consequences of his actions if they advance his long term aims.
I think it makes him a far more unique and interesting character than the watered down side-kick to Xavier he’s been in this series so far. A storm is brewing, and reading between the lines, it would appear Magneto is hoping Xavier can come up with some answers and emotional comfort for him that he, himself, is unable to provide at this moment in time.
Should this comfort fail to arrive from Chuck however, there may be nothing to stop Magneto from falling from the perch he suddenly seems so precariously balanced upon…and the ramifications of that are potentially very exciting indeed. Bring it on, I say.
Also, Magneto’s choice of reading to a comatose Wanda – The Lord Of The Rings (technically, only the first book, but you get the idea) leads into a whole ‘nother sub-discussion. Interesting choice of reading, Erik, a story about an object that has the power to warp and control, corrupt and destroy…while at the same time providing ultimate power…
Plenty of other things occur in this issue, too. Dark Beast, who, despite his obvious insidious leanings, is actually more fun to read and a more likeable character than the unhappy, grimly-focused Hank McCoy in AXM, is given some time in the spotlight. He is portrayed excellently, as a scheming, highly intelligent, dangerous – but very charming and amusing fuzzy ball of energy, leading a group of magistrates deep beneath Genosha to a slaughter that rasies the question – what type of evil, dangerous beast is running loose down there?
We also see a little more of what Karima can do, which begs the question – is there anything she CAN’T do? I like the character, she’s tough, confident, capable and well written.
Adding further to the mysteries surrounding Genosha, Callisto and Xavier find a wrecked train with a group of children still alive inside, but with no indication of how they survived so long, or indeed, of what damaged the train itself (it’s established that it wasn’t a sentinel attack that created the damage to the train carriages themselves).
Speaking of Callisto and Xavier, I could be wrong, but there’s a warmth and familiarity to their banter that suggests there may be something deeper between them. Could an unlikely romance be on the cards? After all, Chuck must get awfully lonely being so far away from Lilandra all the time, and Callisto is pretty hot to look at these days…if you can ignore the arms…which you probably couldn’t…so I’ll move on…
All in all, plenty is happening at the moment in Genosha to make it an interesting place to be, with mysteries abounding and several under-lying plot threads just itching to be resolved at the right time with the right impact.
I’ve made no secret of my belief that as an Uncanny X-Men writer, Claremont’s day is done. Thanks for the memories Chris, but it’s time to step aside and let somebody else do something newer and fresher with the characters. As an Excalibur writer however, Claremont is doing a good job, making the book a fun and attractive read.
This is due, in part I’m sure, to the plethora of new mutants he’s created. Without the baggage of thirty, forty and even fifty years of backstory for many of them, Claremont has been able to create some fresh and appealling characters, some of whom would not disgrace the pages of their cousin X-books, such are the strengths of their persona’s and powers.
A final word on the art, Aaron Lopresti has at times been up and down on this book, but for me, this issue represents some of his best work yet. There is a consistency to his art that hasn’t always been there in previous issue’s, and I think we’re finally starting to see the best of him. It’s good stuff, and I just love the way he draws Dark Beast – in fact, I just love Dark Beast the character anyway!
As a jumping on point for this series, this story arc is an excellent start, and I would recommend checking it out. As a precusor to House of M, anybody with an interest in picking up that story when it comes out HAS to read this issue, as I’m certain we have seen the first seeds of the carnage and destruction to come sown…
