crd55611@ihuxk.UUCP (Chuck Dobrovolny) (07/26/84)
<--> Some response to the recent flurry of X-Men and Newties postings..... Charley was and always will be the best choice for leader of the X-Men! His telepathy and hence his ability to coordinate battle maneuvers and monitor progress is probably the greatest asset to the 'team strategy'. I don't think he's too bossy or domineering, and when Storm's thought balloons used to turn to musings of resentment at how casually Xavier would just *assume* command, I couldn't help but parallel her situation with that of Rhodey (the "new" Iron Man for those of you who don't read IM). It seems natural that once people get a taste of authority, some won't want to give it up. Of course Storm and Rhodey are VERY different and Storm's intentions were sincere and for the good of the team and she *is* a capable leader, but Charley's the best. And I'm sure Cyclops would agree. I agree with Hutch regarding his comments about the New Mutants. Sal Buscema's art *was* getting rather tiresome. With a few exceptions, all his characters were starting to look like Betty Ross or Rick Jones! Hair color varied along with a few incidentals, but the faces always seemed to look the same. I really like Sienkiewicz's art!!! I know, I know, he's come under some justifiable fire lately--his inking *does* have a muddied look at times. Still, the style is very enjoyable. The gloom and doom of a particular situation comes across well and at certain times his facial expressions are worth a thousand words. I really feel Bill has provided just the right touch for this book. On a more general note, as I was reading X-Men 186 I couldn't help but be awed by the holographic sequences at Forge's pad. Between this and occasional danger room sequences, an artist's abilities are really given free rein to be interesting and inventive. The concept of having wild, colorful landscapes--alien or earthly--without leaving your locale, adds immeasurably to at least *this* reader's enjoyment. The characters don't have to be continually galaxy or dimension hopping to provide a visual treat. Forge's place (and the concept of holography in general) and the danger room are a couple of great vehicles for visual storytelling. I hope to see more of them. "How come *they're* called Earth One if we had heroes first?" Charles