Editor's Note: X-Men: Manifest Destiny #4 arrives in stores Thursday, December 4.

"Kill or Cure, Part 4." (Featuring Iceman & Mystique)
Writer: Mike Carey
Artists: Michael Ryan (p), Victor Olazaba (i), Chris Sotomayor (colors)

Here we are folks, round 10 of the Iceman versus Mystique fight. It actually is a decent fight, and Iceman shows off some of his new control in various ways that don't feel like an obvious showcase. At one point he gets a crack in his ice, and it reminded me of the Onslaught-era when Bobby was stuck in ice form due to a hole through his chest until he figured out how to heal himself, with the assistance of Emma Frost. By the time the fight is over, Mystique manages to find out the X-Men have moved to San Francisco, which will most likely cause them massive problems in the future.

Creatively, this is the same team from earlier parts of the same story, so I stand by my previous statements that the art is quite enjoyable. I didn't notice any rushed scenes, and my favorite panels are those with Bobby in Iceman form, specifically due to the contrast of the colors between the fire and Bobby's ice.


"Mercury"
Writer: C. B. Cebulski
Artists: Andre Coelho, Rain Beredo (colors)

This story deals with a mutant named Mercury, who I am not familiar with. I'm not sure if this is her first appearance, but it still showcases all her powers. She is reminded of her parents, who must have abandoned her after learning she was a mutant when she turned to metal. She does not have long to mope, because some attackers come looking for trouble and she makes short work of them.

This story presented the weakest art out of all the stories, but it was still completely acceptable. Mercury can change shape like Reed Richards, so anatomy goes out the window as she takes on unusual forms and warps herself to the advantage in a fight. This story had the least panel detail drawn, which may have made it feel inferior to the other stories.


"Work it Out." (Featuring Nightcrawler)
Writer: James Asmus
Artists: Takeshi Miyazawa, Christina Strain (colors)

This story is quite similar to last issue's story about Colossus. Here we find Nightcrawler fighting his way through various scenarios in the Danger Room. He knows he is distracted, but continues to push himself. He finally figures out which form the Danger Room needs to make for him, and he gives her a hug.

The art here was composed very well. The enemies were all instantly recognizable, and I have to mention an awesome style I have yet to see which was a very high-tech looking honey-comb grid interlaced with the environment and opponents, giving it a digital look.


Comments: This issue kept the same formula as the last one. First is an Iceman versus Mystique story, then an emotional story about acceptance, and finally another story about someone trying to find a way to say goodbye to Kitty Pryde. It's not necessarily a bad formula, but it was something I noticed passively as I finished the issue; it wasn't something I was looking for.

I have minor complaints with the issue, but nothing to prevent anyone from purchasing it. I'm not quite clear why Mercury was attacked; it seemed to have something to do with a newspaper cover featuring Skrulls and X-Men. But if it's unclear to me, it's probably unclear to a lot of other readers as well.

Final Word: If you're trying to find stories about the X-Men ensuring the survival of all mutants, look elsewhere. If you have enjoyed the style of the stories so far, pick it up.

---

What did you think of this book?
Have your say at the Line of Fire Forum!

---