Written by Scott Lobdell.
Art by Joe Madureira; Tim Townsend; Steve Buccellato; Team Bucce!; Richard Starkings; & Comicraft.
Cover Art by Joe Madureira.
SUMMARY:
As part of Onslaught’s prelude, Marvel Comics released this issue for July 1996. Entitled “Dark Horizon,” Juggernaut easily subdues Bishop and Gambit upon accessing the X-Men’s estate. After seeking emotional support from her husband, Cyclops, a worried Phoenix is confronted by Juggernaut. Having previously encountered Juggernaut in Colorado, Angel & Psylocke opt to return to the X-Mansion upon ominously realizing that communications with Professor X are down.
Elsewhere, in the X-Mansion, Iceman, Storm, and a still-feral Wolverine are unaware of the nefarious Beast impersonator. A confused Cannonball seeks out Storm after his harshly dismissive encounter with Professor X. Simultaneously, Cyclops has his own bewildering encounter with the Professor. Trusting a worried Juggernaut, Jean secretly brings him into the underground tunnels existing below the X-Mansion to seek answers re: who is Onslaught?
REVIEW:
It’s a dual point-of-view. As a single read, Uncanny X-Men # 334 is a solid read with some welcome twists. This issue also boasts the art squad’s likable visuals, i.e. the cover image.
Yet, as with Issue # 333, one is never left to forget that Onslaught, per the industry norm, is a constructed Marvel money pit. In terms of being expected to seek other X-titles to continue certain sub-plots, this issue obviously bait readers further towards the Onslaught saga. Should one ignore such temptations, Uncanny X-Men # 334 is still a welcome addition to any X-comics collection.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The “Bullpen” column is a two-page spread. A two-page “X-Mail” letters-and-answers column is also included. There’s a five-page Onslaught ad hyping related issues: Uncanny X-Men # 322; X-Force # 46; X-Men # 46; X-Force # 52; X-Men # 49; and X-Men # 50.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
