Marvel’s recent habit of using a trio of one-shot specials or annual issues to tell brief crossover stories continues with Uncanny X-Men Special #1. This issue kicks off a story that will be continued in Iron Man Special #1 and Nova Special #1 in the coming weeks, as Cyclops’ ragtag team of mutant heroes join forces with Iron Man and Nova to… do something or other. The scope and nature of the conflict aren’t really clear after this first chapter of “No End in Sight,” but Sean Ryan’s writing is entertaining enough that this isn’t a crippling flaw.
Ryan places the emphasis firmly on the rookie teens among the Uncanny X-Men, rather than their more well-established instructors. It’s always good to see these characters given more time in the spotlight and room to develop their individual voices and personalities. Ryan’s depiction of characters like Triage, Tempus, Goldballs, and the rest feels of a piece with Brian Bendis’ work, but with a slightly more naturalistic tone that downplays the humor and snark. That’s not to say that this isn’t a funny comic. Far from it, what with the shots of gelatinous aliens serving as space toilets and Death’s Head doing his wisecracking bounty hunter routine. But Ryan allows his leads to act more like normal, curious teenagers despite their larger-than-life circumstances.
