Simone keeps cuddling her snowflake Outliers, but overall, this was an entertaining read. Vecchio’s art is growing on me too.

I’m not sure I like Ransom’s backstory though. The character and his powers already made him very similar to Sunspot. Now we learn that his origin is also not that different, which is just lazy. If you can’t come up with an original new character concept, why not just use the characters you already have? more

Can we get Gail an outliers book please and give someone the uncanny book who actually likes the x men.

I’m convinced people just dick ride this book to make themselves feel like they’re in on something. Aside from the art this whole series was empty.

Uninteresting story, cringey dialogue and bad artwork as usual. The fact that the Upstarts are lowering their security walls just when the X-Men are looking for them is just bad writing. Extra minus points for the inclusion of the lamest villain of all, f*cking Sugar Man.
The only redeeming quality of this issue is Jen’s character development, although we’ve had similar character arcs in the past that were handled better by more capable writers than McKay.

Some people wondered why I’m still reading this book. It’s an understandable question. The answer is, because I love the X-Men and it’s hard to let go of something that once was great. more

Pak has made this book about his own character who might be the least likable or sympathetic character ever. Holding this entire book back.

Three stories...

AIN’T NO GRAVE
Moleman has cancer. Sue Richards cures him by using her powers to remove the tumor.
This echoes FF #606 when Hickman had the FF cure Willie Lumpkin from cancer as well.
And therein lies the problem with both stories… Why isn’t Sue saving the lives of cancer patients she doesn’t know. Yes, it’s fantasy, but if you have someone who CURES CANCER then it just makes her/them horrible people to let other people and children suffer and die.
This is why writers should steer clear away from things like this – but then this is Straczynski who pushes real life into his stories way too much (remember FF #533 when he had Child Welfare remove the Richards kids?).

Also, JMS admittedly admits this story is a direct rip of the Phantom of Opera, so there’s not much originality here.

Also also, at the beginning, Reed is puzzled how Sue can use her powers externally, yet excludes Johnny from the same when he clearly can control flames outside his body.

A poor story. Thankfully Cafu does a great job artwise. Bonus points for NOT sexualizing Sue’s butt shot on the last page.

ONE NIGHT
The starts with a scene from FF Annual #5 (1967.11) with a slight retcon that removes the doctor that was called originally. Anyway the story jumps to later when everyone is still surprised by the announcement that Sue is pregnant. They have a night out at a county fair. It’s an off beat tale but the characters sound like they’re supposed to which is highly enjoyable.
But then, somehow, Sue uncovers a scheme by the Circus of Crime. Somehow. She’s never encountered them before yet recognizes Princess Python in a heavy coat by her, I don’t know, shoes? The story could have handled this bit better. Handled well though was Sue’s response to the CoC.

Not handled well, was Princess Python stating the crew should spend their time planning for Hank and Jan’s wedding (which doesn’t happen until Avengers #60 over a year away (1969.01) and they got married suddenly within only days of the engagement announcement.

Bagley’s art is nice, but can Marvel PLEASE get Ben’s height right or at least consistent? Oh, and he should have used a photo reference for what funnel cake looks like LOL.

CLOBBERIN’ TIME
This is just outright silly and easily not to be considered canon in the slightest – therefore, it’s really enjoyable and fun imo.
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Big art downgrade here

Only three heroes here - Red Tornado, GL: Simon Baz and the glorious return of POWER GIRL!

She's back people! We can put that dreadful Leah Williams series in the bin, because this Power Girl is confident and powerful - the way she was always meant to be!

Thanks Saladin Ahmed her return! And thank you Clayton Henry for a surpubly drawn issue!