Uncanny X-Men #15 // Review
The X-Men clash with MLF in Uncanny X-Men #15, by writer Matthew Rosenberg, artist Salvador Larocca, colors by GURU-etc, and letterer Joe Scaramagna. Again, Rosenberg throws a lot at the wall in this issue and it all sticks.
Captain America has a word with Scott, Logan, and Alex, telling Scott not to trust anyone. Dark Beast starts to show an interest in Karma and her Transmode virus, but the X-Men are called away to tackle the MLF. Cyclops is gravely injured in the battle. Dark Beast saves him and reveals that he was able to cure the Transmode virus in Magik, Wolfsbane, Karma, and Moonstar in his own particular way.
Cap's conversation with Cyclops throws a bit of a wrench into things, as Cap reveals that Cyclops might not be able to trust Val Cooper. Rosenberg uses Cap correctly- he's stern, playing the big leader, but he still makes sure to let his former enemy know that he's here for help. From there, readers find out what Hope's motivation for joining the MLF was and it touches on what happened with Cable, both his death and how the X-Men treated him in general. It makes sense that she would work with the MLF; she's a soldier and the MLF is more willing to get out on the frontline.
Dark Beast and his actions are quite intriguing. It seems like he definitely wants to be a part of the X-Men, but has proven over the years that he can't be trusted. His pursuit of knowledge has always been at the expense of innocent lives and that stands in stark contrast to what Cyclops and the X-Men stand for. However, he's made himself very useful, getting rid of the Transmode virus in an unorthodox and a bit terrible way, while also saving Cyclops’ life. He's definitely trying to ingratiate himself to the X-Men and it remains to be seen how all of this will turn out.
The art in this book is a bit odd. Salvador Larocca's line work is still very strong, but GURU-eFX's colors are a bit too glossy in this issue. It sort of kills some of the detail that Larocca had been fitting into the book in prior issues. The art isn't ruined completely, but it doesn't look exactly right.
Uncanny X-Men #15 is chock full of good stuff. Rosenberg is churning out a lot of plots and they are all interesting enough to keep readers hooked. He's a master of fitting a lot into a book but making sure it never seems bloated or slows down. Larocca's line work is good, but GURU-eFX's colors don't do his pencils any favors. All in all, this issue is another brick in the wall Rosenberg is building and it will be wonderful to see how it all stacks up.
