Universe X #11

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 artifacts of the Marvel Universe. The quest ultimately leads Cap to his death.

Under the guise of Mr. Chruch, Mephisto begins to make his move as he seizes the followers of the Church of Immortus and uses Kyle's prophesies to help the Tong of Creel find all the pieces of Absorbing Man. Peter Parker, in an effort to preserve New York's Human Torch, offers Spiders Man a chance to join his side. Mar-Vell's has plan has also been revealed, he wants to kill Death and create heaven.

Reed Richards is confronted by those who were mutated by the Terrigen Mists to more horrific ends than most others. They pledge their support to continue his work to burn away the mists. As Isaac dies in Kyle's arms, Mar-Vell arrives to take him and Machine Man into his group.

Story Details

There's a recap of Adam Warlock that's fairly standard. We also learn of the bargain between Mephisto and the Supreme Intelligence.

Belasco learns the truth that he's actually Nightcrawler. Apparently the resolution of the threatening hold he had on Mar-Vell was ignored.

Reed extinguishes the torch in Latveria as he admits that the Earth is doomed to destruction.

In the realm of the dead, Mar-Vell begins to lose his army as Death convinces the various heroes that they are still alive.

As the torch in New York is extinguished by the newly revived Absrobing Man, the Silver Surfer is revealed to have been within the flame the whole time.

General Comments

The art seems to have improved a bit as the hordes in the land of the dead are far more visually appealing.

It's a bit disappointing that the cliffhanger from the last issue has gone ignored, and the subplot involving Belasco doesn't seem as interesting as it should be considering the time devoted to it.

There's a definite sense of dread created by the looming threats, but it's hard to imagine Mar-Vell's plan falling apart so easily. Still, it will be interesting to see just how he plans to pull it all together.

Overall Rating

An engaging issue that's only marred by the lack of resolution to the last issue's cliffhanger.