Ultimate X-Men #95 Review

ULTIMATE X-MEN #95
Written by Aron Coleite
Art by Mark Brooks

The second issue of Coleite's run on the Kirkman-less (thank god) Ultimate X-Men continues the Banshee / Mutant Growth Hormone plot and, while I may have been a bit generous in my review of the previous issue, what with it being such a drastic improvement from Kirkman's work, I still find myself enjoying this story and would highly recommend it to anyone that's been put off of UXM or those that have dropped it in disgust over the previous creative runs.

The issue started with another flashback to an X-Man's past, similar to how we had more insight into Colossus' origin last issue, and, while brief, this issue focuses on Cyclops' childhood and shows when his powers first manifested and how Xavier and Jean Grey first came to find him.

Generic stuff, right? You might want to rethink that as it turns out Cyclops was bullied by kids at school, didn't get along with his foster parents and, when they try to talk to him about it, he screams at them to leave him alone as his powers flare up and he vaporizes his foster father!

The issue only gets better from there as we see the rogue X-Men, all hopped up on Banshee, the drug that jacks up your mutant powers, as you can see in the cover image. Rogue is enjoying the drug more than anyone as it finally lets her control her powers to the extent she can touch anyone and she doesn't hesitate to let Cyclops know when she kisses him to show her how great the drug has been for her.

As expected, Cyclops joined the rogue team as a spy for Xavier and Jean and fakes his Banshee injection as the team prepares to go attack the Alpha Flight team and recover Jean Paul.

Upon arrival, the team quickly shows off their upgraded powers and quickly take down most of the Alpha Flight team. Angel flies Snowbird up into the stratosphere while Nightcrawler, unable to control his new powers correctly, apparently teleports Sasquatch's arm off!

Meanwhile, Rogue learns some huge secret from Vindicator after absorbing some of his power, but is taken out of the fight before she can reveal the big secret. I imagine it will be about the origin of Banshee or who's really behind Jean Paul's kidnapping.

After the initial shock of the X-Men's arrival has worn off, the Alpha Flight team quickly takes control of the battle after Colossus leaves in search of Jean Paul. On the ropes, Cyclops decides to take Banshee to help save the team and gets a power up that's probably OVER 9000! The drug somehow gives him the ability to fly and other increased powers.

Finally, the issue ends with Colossus finding Jean Paul, who was pumped full of Banshee and dies of an overdose in Colossus' arms.

Verdict - Must Read. I may still be too generous with my verdict for this title, but it's just so refreshing to open up UXM and actually enjoy the book again that I can't help but give it a good rating.

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