At first glance, All-New X-Men #9 is a step in the right direction. The issue opens with The Originals and Kitty in Time Square, marveling at what the future is like. Kitty takes Jean to task for her reckless use of telepathy, and then BAM! Sentinel battle! Scott tries to maintain control of his team, but all in vain. Each member does what they think is best, to disastrous results. Luckily for them, the whole thing is a Danger Room scenario, leaving everyone merely bruised rather than dead.
Meanwhile, Mystique and Sabretooth take a field trip to The Raft (a super villain prison), and get reacquainted with their former teammate, Lady Mastermind. And finally, Original Angel confronts Current Beast about his intentions with the Originals. Beast told them they were on the verge of a mutant genocide, and yet no such thing seems to be happening. Beast explains that that is in fact, the point: to avert said disaster, not to watch it. And, of course, who should come to the mansion but Cyclops and his Uncanny X-Men.
Issue #9 is perhaps the most plot-driven issue since the first, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The series has been incredibly slow so far, merely teasing readers with the possibility of future events. Contrast this with Bendis’ first nine issues of New Avengers. Dozens of super villains break out of prison. The Avengers fight them. The mysterious Sentry appears. The team flies to the Savage Land. They uncover a S.H.I.E.L.D. conspiracy. The Sentry’s past is uncovered, and the world is nearly destroyed by The Void – which is only contained by the combined might of the Avengers, Fantastic Four, and the X-Men. And then the Illuminati is revealed.
There is of course some benefit to this slower pace. The characters have strong, unique voices rather than all being quip-machines that blurt endless one-liners (*cough* New Avengers *cough*). Scott has become sullen and bitter after seeing what he will become. Jean has become somewhat jaded and ruthless. Angel is fearful and aggressive. Beast is inquisitive, and Iceman is light-hearted. And finally Kitty is overwhelmed but doing the best she can to train her new wards. It was surprisingly endearing to see them referring to her as “Professor,” as if she’s the new Xavier. Beast’s conversation with Warren was very interesting, as it revealed his dilemma regarding Cyclops and fighting. And Jean’s temptation to use her telepathy in less than moral ways is fascinating and worrying.
Of course, the other great thing about this book is the art. Marquez did a fantastic job with the last several issues, but it was truly a joy to see Stuart Immonen return. The whole issue is gorgeous, but the two-page spread featuring the Sentinels was simply stunning. That whole battle was incredibly well-done, as were the scene’s on The Raft. If you’ve ever wanted to see Marvel Zombies destroying S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, this is the book for you. The only real complaint, art-wise, is the Uncanny X-Men. They look like they’re trying to be “darker and edgier” way too hard. There are thigh-high boots, and metal spikes, and lots of cleavage and muscles. It just looks kind of hokey.
But overall, this issue was good. While a holo-battle is not the same as a real battle, it was a joy to watch. And while a last page cliff-hanger is not the same as a plot development, it is a step in the right direction. And while there’s still a ton of dialogue, it doesn’t feel trite, and the voices are distinct. Mystique’s motivation is weak, but it’s nice to see her bringing together her team from Mike Carey’s run on X-Men. Ultimately, things are looking up.