This is less of an alternate universe adventure and more of an alternate universe chore. As we dip in to see what each character is up to, it feels as though we're babysitters making sure the kids are okay until we see them again next month. There's a certain energy at play here but with no momentum, not even a solid cliffhanger, I'm not sure if I care to check up on these kids next month.

Have we gotten to the point where tie-ins and aftermaths are so predestined to be more satisfying that the main event books are content with merely serving as the concept backbone, existing only for structural purposes? I think that after reading these past six issues of AXIS and being left feeling so unfulfilled, the answer is a solid yes.

This is a frustrating issue of Uncanny X-Men filled with too many character voices and too few points being made. It takes a set-up plot, only to deviate from it twice without proper reasoning. It rehashes established concepts instead of exploring new territory. Any momentum that the story had prior to this issue comes to a screeching halt. To put it gently, it feels like a collection of deleted scenes that should've been left on the cutting room floor.

As always, there's plenty of humor and joy throughout this issue of All-New X-Men but it's beginning to feel less like we're tuning into an adventure of theirs and more like we're stuck with them in their current situation, eager to return home.

Due to his long-term planning skills, Remender is often described as "the man with the plan" in the comics world. Unfortunately, this particular event may have been left to cook for too long, resulting in an overstuffed, scattered start. Although this is only the beginning, an uninspiring cliffhanger suggests that next issue will only offer more of the same.

The inspired battle between some classic Marvel villains and giant sentinels serves as a brilliant distraction to the many flaws of Remender's unambitious story. But this being only the end of chapter one and with the event just getting started, we have a long way to go before this story can be deemed a true failure.

It feels like more setup but with such an oddly paced event, who can even tell anymore? This issue at least promises readers that we're due for an exciting second half but at this point, I fear most will simply stay on board hoping for some intriguing repercussions. For now, AXIS remains an unsatisfying montage of characters behaving oddly around a frustrating concept that Remender isn't mining for its full potential.

We have a long road ahead of us with this crossover, folks. What could have been an issue filled with intriguing character choices and further development on the effects of Black Vortex falls flat and instead we are treating to childish bickering that has the same amount of tension as a group of friends deciding what bar they should go to on a Saturday night. Still, the transformations remain interesting and there are bright spots of humor meaning The Black Vortex isn't completely devoid of emotion and excitement just yet.

With the end of this crossover also closes the chapter of the supposed rivalry between the two franchises. Marvel seems to be scaling back on its supposed Inhumans push while the X-Men will be relaunched in a few months with multiple titles. Neither franchise will look back on this era fondly and fans will mostly see it as a failed experiment. The effort by Soule and Lemire is evident but whether their scope was too broad or behind the scenes distractions forced their hand, the result was tedious storytelling and with no worthwhile outcome for either side, this was a war with no victor.

Professor Xavier's final words in this issue indicate that the reading of his will is far from over. It's a good thing that's the case because as of now, the X-Men standing around to listen to the will is more compelling than the contents of the will itself. Hopefully both the lesser and superior aspects of this story can come together in the next issue to deliver the payoff that Bendis is trying so desperately to sell.

If you've hated Bendis' take on the X-Men, this issue will only cement your stance. If you've been a fan of the past eighty or so X-Men issues that Bendis has written, you'll love the various character moments but even a diehard Bendis fan will find it hard to see this as a satisfying end because whatever Bendis was building towards, it certainly doesn't payoff in any of these pages.

Wolverine had an uncanny ability as a character to fit into a multitude of roles. Secret agent, samurai, superhero, teacher, you name it and the character committed to it. If the story called for Logan to undertake a covert black ops Weapon X mission, he put on his darkest demeanor, snarled, and got his claws bloody. Unfortunately, these "Wolverines" aren't quite sure which Wolverine they're trying to emulate, if any. If Soule can't bring out the right tone for the book, Wolverine will be back sooner than we hope and Wolverines will have been something Wolverine himself never was: forgettable.

The beef between Cyclops' faction and S.H.I.E.L.D. has been a focal point of the title since issue one but there's been very little payoff and no momentum. Maria Hill is no closer to finding Cyclops then she was in the opening arc and Cyclops is still clueless as to who's building sentinels. Fans will rejoice when at the double-page spread of missiles hitting the Jean Grey School simply because it means we've reached the point of no return. There's no way either side is going to just walk away from this. The characters, like the readers, are finally going to get some answers" Just not in this issue.

Overall, if you embrace the crazy status quo of these characters, you'll enjoy the sweet moments that are throughout this issue. But if you dwell too deep into their histories, you'll realize that Bendis isn't taking any of these characters to the heights they deserve.

While All-New X-Men #1 may not outrightly hook readers, it provides a strong introduction to one of its' main characters and introduces a fresh threat. Hopeless' work on Avengers Arena proves that he's a master at crafting stories with broken, angst-ridden teen characters. While he seems to be right at home with Cyclops, the question remains as to whether he can make the rest of the All-New X-Men's individual plights meaningful. With the team already banded together at the end of this first issue, that question will at least be answered sooner rather than later.

With Secret Wars looming over everything else, it's difficult to invest in anything else going on in the Marvel Universe right now but filled with intriguing character moments, high stakes, and a genuine feel of unpredictability, The Black Vortex crossover is shaping up to be much more than many might have anticipated. As long as the pace keeps up, I'm on board.

Far from underwhelming, New Avengers #22 is an intense brawl between two characters that Hickman has developed brilliantly throughout the series. Fans of both Black Panther and Namor will be pleased. A fight between the two heroes was inevitable and a long time coming but it feels a shame that such a significant turning point for the title lacked the participation of the entire cast.

Remender is unquestionably one of today's best comic writers. He understands the super hero genre and comic book medium like few others and this is another great installment in the grand tale he's been telling for the past year. Even though the conclusion of the story would be more welcome at this point, it seems Remender has a few more twists and turns before he gets to the aftermath. Luckily, Remender has proven himself consistently so readers are definitely still along for the ride.

Uncanny Avengers #1 is one of the better Marvel launches in recent memory. While it remains to be seen what the point of this particular title is and how well this cast of characters will gel together, Remender sets up a slew of interesting plot threads and Acua manages to create a world that readers will be eager to return to next issue.

Yes, this issue is essentially one very long recruitment scene but one that reveals a lot about the lead character's motives and thus, at long last, gives readers a clearer image of what this book is all about. It's long overdue and it's a tad bit underwhelming but for the first time in a while, I trust that Bendis is ready to handle Cyclops and the rest of the X-Men with the boldness they deserve.

Bendis definitely knew what he wanted to express with this particular story but after nine issues, it's clear he didn't set out a correct course beforehand. That being said, Uncanny X-Men #31 is successful in developing the character of Eva Bell and as she becomes Bendis' most compelling contribution to X-Men lore, you'll find yourself wishing the story spent more time with her all along.

Logan learns a harsh lesson in this closing chapter to one of the relationships that's defined his role in the X-Men for the past four years. When he eventually bites the dust next month, this issue will be the one to remind readers what type of hole his death will ultimately leave in the X-Men franchise.

Amazing X-Men #13 just so happens to mark James Tynion IV's first Marvel gig. An established DC comics writer, it's wonderful that he chose to launch his Marvel writing career by showcasing a lesser-known X-Men character. Handling the character and themes with the depth they deserve, this issue will make readers want to see more of both Anole and James Tynion IV.

The final page of the issue introduces what will most likely be a recurring threat and it's an idea that's intriguing if not very original. However, it's not the cliffhanger but the surreal concepts and dreamlike art that will have readers coming back for more. This is a unique and downright trippy book, get lost in it.

This event managed to capture the best of Wolverine's character and packaged it neatly in a four-issue miniseries. While the story may lack a strong climax, it makes up for it with a graceful ending and a final page that, like melting adamantium, will stick with fans for years to come, even after Logan's death is retconned.

EXTRAORDINARY X-MEN #17 Written by Jeff Lemire Art by Eric Koda, Tom Palmer, Morry Hollowell Published by Marvel Comics Release Date: December 28, 2016

Instead of ruining the flow of this title, the Inhumans Vs. X-Men crossover has enabled Lemire to bring a brewing subplot to the forefront. A full issue focusing on Forges internal struggles and feeling of neglect isnt the most exciting read but every now and then, its important to take a step back and have these kinds of stories to remind readers of these beloved characters humanity. Like Forge himself, its not flashy but its essential nonetheless.

Spider-Man and the X-Men #1 marks a step in the right direction for the X-Men lineup as Elliott Kalan brings back the focus on the X-Men students in full comedic force. Although it's not immediately apparent in this first issue, there's definitely heart mixed in here along with the humor and if Kalan can bring both to the table each month, this book will not only steer its cast in the right direction but revitalize an entire neglected branch of X-Men storytelling as well.

While this debut issue does great with introductions, it has little time for anything else, making it feel more like a preview than an actual first issue. Strain's initial motive was clearly to get readers to care about these characters and establish them as real young adults before throwing them into action and thanks to Pinna's art, the character building moments are enough to give this issue a hook. While it still has a lot to show, this book will definitely share more in common with the treasured original series than just name.

This may very well be the most brutal Avengers issue to date and yet it's bewitching to watch a world of beloved characters crumble so gracefully. I've been on the edge of my seat since this series began and like a certain character begs Thanos for mercy this issue, I'm begging Hickman for more, literal, world-breaking revelations.

It's good to know that within the overall dire circumstances of Battleworld, the patchwork planet can still serve as an outlet to breezy, good-hearted stories such as this. Sam Humphries' splendid character work for both Star-Lord and Kitty Pryde continues here but it's Alti Firmansyah's fantastic Disney-inspired artwork that makes this series a rare treat for both StarKat fans and regular Marvel fans alike.

Pak manages to fit a lot of development in this one issue and it's refreshing to read a comic with a tale that has a beginning, middle, and end. Unfortunately, one expects a premiere issue of an ongoing to promise some sort of direction by the last page. With no cliffhanger or discernible dangling plot threads, the issue feels like a side story you would find in an X-Men Unlimited type book. Despite the lack of a hook, Pak's handle on Storm is sound enough to bring fans back to see where the wind takes this legendary character next.

Even if this ending feels premature, theres been enough subtext throughout Bunns run that allows you to interpret the reasoning behind this conclusion. Here we have that rare superhero fight with two heroes that are not only evenly matched but have equally strong and realistic convictions. Thats the benefit of Bunn writing these characters with such complexity, using their rich histories instead of ignoring them and we can only hope that the next writer taking the mantle picks up on that thread.

Sean Ryan's take on the Uncanny X-Men cast is so refreshing that one might feel disappointment when the book reminds them it's part of a crossover. Like the All-New X-Men Special released last year, this is part one of a three-parter and will continue in special issues of Iron Man and Nova. Hopefully Ryan can balance the cast throughout the story since the students of the New Xavier School is what truly makes this issue of Uncanny X-Men special.

This is the rare type of X-Men story that both new and old fans can pick up and love. With one month left, these are definitely the stories Marvel should be telling to make Wolverine's death as bittersweet as possible.

Look at this title as your chance to get up close and personal with Star-Lord before his movie comes out and have a blast while doing it. He's the type of character that knows his life is awesome and with that infectious attitude, you'll surely want to jump on board his spaceship with him by the end of the issue.

Thankfully for my anger issues, Spider-Man and the X-Men was not canceled due to sales but because the very talented Elliot Kalan could only commit to six issues. He did a lot in his short run, though. Not only did he flesh out seven minor X-Men characters but he proved that a book about X-Men students can still work and it could be the best X-Men book on the shelves. We can only hope that the X-Men come out of Secret Wars in one piece so that Kalan's wit and his love for the characters can return to franchise soon.