Uncanny X-Men #544

Title: Uncanny X-Men #544
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer(s): Kieron Gillen
Artist(s): Greg Land
Inker(s): Jay Leisten
Colorist(s): Justin Ponsor
Letterer(s): Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Greg Land

Story/Concept: (6.5/10) This issue serves as more of a transition of sorts between Schism, Regenesis, and the Uncanny X-Men relaunch coming next month. We see much reflection between Cyclops, Iceman, and Beast as they all embark on there new futures and say there final good byes for now at least. Plus we are shown an reemergence of a old foe with plans to show up in the near future!?

Writing: (8/10) After reading twelve issues now of Kieron Gillen’s take on the Uncanny X-Men I must say I have really enjoyed it and that didn’t stop with this issue. His fleshing out of the core cast of X-Men has been wonderful and his work on Scott Summers as a character has been epic. No longer the cardboard cut out that everyone loved to hate for so long, he has been transformed into a person I still hate but at least now I understand why I do. The subtle but well handled scenes between the members of the original X-Men where classic and made this issue worth the read alone. Gillen is well on his way with Uncanny X-Men and I will continue to enjoy the book as long as he is on it putting up this quality. I must say this one thing in closing that is really telling about the talent of this writer he has collaborated with multiple artists on his run so far and he hasn’t missed a beat from issue to issue that people is quite impressive.

Art: (7/10) Greg Land is back on art duties for this issue of Uncanny and he does a solid job as always on this book. After many years of being heckled as an light box tracer other than an artist has finally seemed to have calmed down at this point. In most of his recent work especially here on Uncanny X-Men has gotten better and it takes me back to 1995 and his work at DC on the Nightwing mini series and see that talent that I saw there emerging once again and I couldn’t be happier because regardless of his past light work pardon the pun he is a good artist.

Cover: (6.5/10) This is a classic style throwback cover, simple but elegant.

Overall: (7/10) I will best honest if you haven’t been reading either the previous issues of Uncanny X-Men leading up to this one or Schism this isn’t a must read because you might miss the emotional weight that has built up leading to this final issue. But my recommendation is more so directed towards the previous issues including this plus next month’s upcoming new Uncanny X-Men #1 this is a good series and if you only had one X-Men book to read this would be the one to read.

Bottom Line: Solid Book give Uncanny X-Men a try I think you will enjoy.

Comic Book Savant