Written by Scott Lobdell.
Art by Pascual Ferry; Tim Townsend; Rob Hunter; Mark Morales; Chad Hunt; Team Buuce; Richard Starkings; Comicraft; & Team Bucce.
Cover Art by Lee Weeks & Tim Townsend.
SUMMARY:
With the Onslaught saga imminent, Marvel Comics released this issue for June 1996. Entitled “The Other Shoe …,” Cyclops’ clandestine midnight meeting with a worried Senator Robert Kelly is rudely interrupted by Graydon Creed’s forces on Bastion’s behalf (this sub-plot continues in X-Force # 55). Hovering above the Pentagon, the team (Storm, Cannonball, Iceman, Bishop, and a presently feral Wolverine) assist Professor X with a covert surveillance mission. None of them are aware of the nefarious Beast impersonator among them from an alternate reality.
Inside the Pentagon, an undercover Phoenix and Gambit explore the devious machinations behind the ‘Operation: Zero Tolerance’ conspiracy. They soon have a close first encounter with Bastion, who is evidently against the equally mysterious Onslaught. The duo must then fight their way back to safety. Jean is psychically contacted by a mysterious presence, which continues in X-Men # 53.
In Colorado, two recuperating X-Men: Psylocke and Angel are attacked by an unknown adversary before encountering the silhouette of a familiar foe.
REVIEW:
Writer Scott Lobdell compiles a busy assortment of storylines that makes for an intriguing read. Though including a smidgen of humor would have been appreciated, Lobdell, otherwise, keeps faithful readers tuned in. As for the artwork, the visuals are closer to sufficient than superb.
Uncanny X-Men # 333, considering how it glaringly interconnects with various other X-titles in the pre-Onslaught saga, is a solid-enough investment. Yet, quality-wise, it’s likely an average X-issue for that particular era.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There’s a two-page “X-Mail” letters-and-answers column, as well as a two-page “X-Facts” news-and-notes column.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
