"Phoenix?, Part 1"
by Robert Kirkman and Ben Oliver
Synopsis: The issue begins with Xavier in a secret phychic conversation with Angel, who's undercover inside Emma Frost's school. They shoot the breeze and discuss some general stuff before Xavier's attention is called elsewhere. Jean and Xavier are exploring Elliot's mind. They try to help him and prepare him for what he's done. Elliot doesn't seem too upset about the death of his parents at his own hands. Elliot is then brought into the waking world and meets Cyclops. Cyclops agrees to show him around. Xavier then discusses with Jean what the Shi'ar want in exchange for money. Jean is hostile about the idea of having people test her at first. However she eventually gives in, and tells Xavier she'll give it a shot.
Wolverine gets a phone call from Nick Fury. Nick tells him to meet him in Harlem, they have business to discuss. Wolverine is hesitant, but Nick tells him he can man Wolverine regret not coming. Wolverine and Rogue then have a quick conversation about what's happened to her in the last few months. He also tells her even though he didn't like the guy he's sorry for what happened to Gambit. Elliot and Cyclops walk around the mansion. Cyclops gives Elliot some of his clothes, Elliot can't wait for a uniform.
Iceman and Rogue are training together in the Danger Room. Storm is training too, Rogue uses an unorthodox method to destroy the training Sentinel. It's not what Storm ordered, but she likes it. Jean finally meets with the Shi'ar group. It's obvious that she's not fond of the group. However, they've brought a gift - a new Blackbird!
In Chicago, Colossus attends the Frost Academy Dance with Northstar. Havok, Polaris, and Angel are also there. The Brotherhood of Mutants soon invade and attack everyone. Colossus then calls the X-Men for help. Cyclops then tells Elliot that it's his lucky day, he's going into the field for some action. As they walk away it seems that Elliot may be using his reality warping power to cause the incident.
Review: This issue was a pretty good read. Ben Oliver's art is nice, he has more of an abstract style, but it's good and it works. I'm a fan of Robert Kirkman's "The Walking Dead" comic. I usually don't like much Zombie related stuff, but he has me loving the book. As an X-Fan I want to see him inject that same enthusiasm into Ultimate X-Men. Understandably I know Kirkman's run can't last forever considering Bryan Singer and Company's run will begin at some point in 2007. However long or short Robert Kirkman's run is, though, I hope he leaves a lasting impact on the title. This book has a had a lot of nice little stories over the last few years. However, it just doesn't have the intensity it once did when Mark Millar was writing the book. Hopefully Kirkman can rectify that situation. Until next month, Make Mine Marvel!