The first story is "Murder at the Mansion" [art by Jimenez], and its fun for mystery fans. It picks up where NEW X-MEN: RIOT AT XAVIERS left off. Jean gives Emma Frost a Very Hard Time indeed (although not as hard as she could have, given the situation). In the process, we learn about Emmas origin.Bishop and Sage come to investigate the murder. The faculty and students are all suspect. Bishop makes reference to what happened to him (and Sage) when they were at the Institute the previous winter [see X-TREME X-MEN: SCHISM]. As in NEW X-MEN: NEW WORLDS, Mr. Morrison shows more respect to his guest stars than Mr. Claremont did in SCHISM. Prof. Xs method of assuring Bishop that he is not an impostor or possessed made me smile. I laughed aloud at Basilisks declaration for the game of "Clue" he and the Beak were playing when Bishop enters Mr. Xorns classroom. The prisoner Bishop visits in a jail does not support SCHISMs suggestion that the main X-Men believe that mutants are above the law.
We get a confession! Is it real? Whats in the shack out back? What secret is the Beak so frantic to hide? Can you spot the killer?
The "Assault on Weapon Plus" section [art by Bachalo], gets a rousing start that makes me chortle with delight whenever I reread it. Scott is at the Hellfire Club. I found his reply to a gorgeous dancer quite funny. Even funnier is Scotts conversation with Sabretooth. Suave Sebastian Shaws appearance is not dull. His opinion of Scotts drink is more elegantly worded than Sabretooths, but no more flattering. Im not a big fan of Mr. Bachalos art in general, but he was perfect for the Hellfire Club scenes. The guys expressions are great. I loved Wolverines invitation to Scott, his mens room conversation with Sabretooth, and his advice concerning Scotts problem. Wolverines expression at the end of this section cracks me up.
Unfortunately, "Assault on Weapon Plus" went downhill after part one. If you like explosions and slugfests, youll probably have more fun with Cyclops, Wolverines, and Fantomexs adventures in parts two through four than I did. I did enjoy Cyclops nice speech about Wolverine, as well as his order to Fantomex and Fantomexs response in part three. From part four I also liked Cyclops reason why he and Wolverine should remove their x-jackets, the man who may or may not be Fantomexs boss telling him why theyre disappointed in him, and Wolverines first response when hes asked the purpose of life.
"Murder at the Mansion" and part one of "Assault on Weapon Plus" get a big "thumbs up" from me. Parts two and three have good spots. More importantly, youll want this book (and E IS FOR EXTINCTION, IMPERIAL, NEW WORLDS, and RIOT AT XAVIERs -- or NEW X-MEN HARDCOVERS one and two) when the PLANET X volume comes out. I, for one, am extremely impressed with Mr. Morrisons long-range planning, careful planting of clues, and going back to what appeared to be mere throw-away lines in the earlier volumes.
I hate it when Amazon.com does this
Great book, great hardcover edition