Universe X #6

Background

Isaac Christians has been chronicling the prophesies of Kyle Richmond. Viewing the past, present, and future, the two work to record the events transpiring three years after the lighting of the first Human Torch which so far include the resurrection of the Invisible Woman and the journey of Captain America and the newly reborn Captain Mar-Vell to collect various artefacts of the Marvel Universe.

A group of individuals known as the Tong of Creel has assembled to collect the pieces of Absorbing Man (Crusher Creel) in order to rebuild the villain who had been shattered by Vision several years ago. Belasco has also been inadvertently awakened by Captain America and sent back in time from his prison in limbo. Immortus's church falls and Loki begins to make a move against the Asgardians.

While trying to retrieve a dimensional doorway, another one of the items that humanity might use against itself, Captain America is killed leaving Mar-Vell to continue his with a group of other heroes championing Cap's last cause. The Tong of Creel grows closer and closer to rebuilding Absorbing Man and Machine Man has unearthed the Supreme Intelligence on the moon.

Story Details

A recap of Moon Knight's origin is given and how a Vibranium meteor is what created the god Khonshu. Moon Knight has been cursed as a man unable pass to the world of the dead, living up to the name Spector.

Isaac's ability to feel has been restored and as he celebrates Kyle tells him that he's aware that he has betrayed him to Mr. Church. He tells Isaac of how the Tong of Creel, pretending to be Immortus' army, is attacking Latveria for the last piece of Creel, using Dr. Doom's time machine to find it.

In Canada, Sasquatch and what's left of Guardian are all that remain of Alpha Flight. As they run from a pack of Wendigo, they are confronted by beasts that look a lot like Wolverine.

In Egypt Mar-Vell and the heroes arrive to find Moon Knight fighting an endless battles against the Sons of Set, neither being able to pass on to the other side. Mar-Vell claims the Re-Animator stone allowing them all to leave their long dead bodies. Upon Mar-Vell's return to Japan, he is presented with the Mandarin's rings.

In the land of the dead, Thanos uses Death's army to scare the heroes who are aware of their deaths into fearing for their lives, tricking them into thinking they still live. Moon Knight arrives to aid Mar-Vell's group as Nova returns to tell him that they are unable to find the Kree people. Mar-Vell decides to ask the Supreme Intelligence why none of his people are in the land of the dead.

As he begins to mutate, Immortus claws at the peeling skin on his face and his mind slowly begins to fade. He requests that Mr. Church take over his duties of leading his followers.

General Comments

It seems every series I write a review for has some sort of link to Alpha Flight. Although with a series like this, any team or character was bound to show up eventually.

Isaac's betrayal is finally discussed openly and the story continues to evolve at a steady pace. While the Tong of Creel surely could have done more than simply assault Latveria, it leaves something to look forward to in the next issue.

The perspective of Moon Knight and his powers seems quite fitting. His appearance also isn't squandered as his place in the land of the dead is much more fitting. The two concurrent brawls in that place seem to create a sense of irony as you're usually expected to rest in peace. It makes one wonder as to what the nature of that place really is, and if it truly is be where the dead go, why are there only super heroes there? And if the Kree people should be there for some reason, why not human beings? I look forward to learning the answers in the coming issues.

Overall Rating

It's getting harder and harder to review this title as I often find myself a little unsure of what's going on or where it's going. That doesn't mean I'm not enjoying the ride though.