This kind of reminded me of the last episode of Seinfeld. It brought back many of the parts from earlier issues, and even sort of resolved some of the ongoing concerns. And while it stayed true to itself - even reveling in much if it - it doesn't feel whole. It's like some part or section is missing from the equation. I know that there are pages missing from it - or that Hall had drawn and sent a few things out to a few people. But ending it here didn't make a ton of sense to me. The cover is fantastic - and really memorable. And I also loved how the image from the second to last page is recollected onto the Acclaim Shadowman comics. But the last LAST image - opens the closure back up again. I hate the open closure. Just finish it. Don't make the hand pop up again. That's been dead since CARRIE!
I have a terrible prejudice.
I have no idea why, but I was always obsessed with the character Mimic. I know that it's probably because I owned the first appearance, and Banshee's first appearance next issue - but I love the concept of the anti-hero. And Calvin is SUCH a tool, too. The comic seems to be crossing a line into something much better here. And let's face it. It REALLY needed to get better. The comic traces Mimic's reappearance - mostly through a flashback, too. The X-Men ask a few characters - Spidey, Scarlet Witch, and Quicksilver to join. And are infiltrated by Calvin Rankin - controlled by the Puppet Master. Great concept - and launches the X-Men - FINALLY - into a much better writing era. It isn't exactly great yet, but well done.
I have a sentimental attraction to both.
But I lean toward the X-Men. Perhaps a greater sentimentality.