Marvel Comics
Ultimate X-Men #42 Review
By Nathan Patton
February 12, 2004 - 13:37

Marvel Comics
Writer(s): Brian Michael Bendis
Penciller(s): David Finch
Inker(s): Art Thibert
Cover Artist(s): David Finch



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The third instalment of Bendis’s second arc on the title, New Mutants, introduces, albeit briefly, the Ultimate version of light wielding mutant Dazzler. I am quite positive that, even with all of the gender and race changes, this is the most drastic reinterpretation of a character for this universe. I won’t spoil the shock value by telling you how, but it left me speechless and wondering which Bendis comic I was, in fact, reading.

This arc is unlike any arc of any comic I have seen recently. It is seemingly just an excuse to bring in some more revamped and updated characters (something Bendis does very well) in semi-self contained stories strung together by a very thin thread. Seemingly. But if you look deep enough, you can see something brewing underneath. And I have a feeling that when it’s over, everything will fit right into place and make total sense. I’m pretty sure I know where the prolific writer is going with this, but I am even more sure that there will be plenty more surprises.

On top of being great at environments and mood setting, Finch is one of the most efficient artists in comics. It’s noticeable that he frequently reuses panels by changing angles or slight backgrounds but it never takes me away from the story. Sometimes it even makes me feel better that all of his hard work gets put to as much use as possible. The only complaint I do have is that some of his facial expressions, even in moments of high drama, seem a little flat.

Best Features: The writing is almost flawless, as is the art.
Worst Flaws: The aforementioned static expressions.
The Moment: The surprise character introduction at the end!

Rating: 9/10

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