Warren Ellis’s superb writing talent gives the X-Men life and snappy one-liners.  Although there was such delay between issues, I almost forgot about this title.  The “Ghost Box” story arc reaches a satisfying conclusion with this issue.  Forge is revealed to be the mad scientist behind the mutated abortions.  Insisting he cured the mutant curse from M-Day, Forge believes his creatures are the new generation of mutants.  Forge is brilliant portrayed as a tragic man, brilliant, but always the last kid picked for kickball.  Ellis writes appropriate tension between Forge and Storm, former lovers.  The team is written with a maturating and depth that if have not found in X- titles recently.  Ellis is also fun.  With the verbal bitch slap of the year, Forge says, “Emma Frost. I didn’t recognize you with your legs together.”  Yeah, Forge you got the nuts!

If issue delay was caused because artist Simone Bianchi needed time to create this masterpiece, then by all means, go nice and slow.   While I am not a fan of some of the deluxe fashion show version of the costumes, every line of this book is gorgeous.

I thought the start of this arc was weak, but it kept building up speed and had a nice resolution. Please Warren Ellis, write more X- Men stories!

4 out of 5