Uprooting ‘Utopia’

The X-Men and the dwindling mutant population’s San Francisco haven are threatened by supporters of Proposition X (aimed at prohibiting mutant births), resulting in violent riots. Norman Osborn, a.k.a. Iron Patriot, sends his cronies to take control of the situation.

“Utopia,” a Dark Avengers-Uncanny X-Men crossover written by Matt Fraction, is a pivotal part of Marvel’s Dark Reign phase. Osborn’s secret Cabal makes its move; Emma Frost and Namor form a new X-Men team to police unruly mutants and humans alike.

While Fraction’s early Uncanny issues lacked an edge that’s easily apparent in Joss Whedon’s Astonishing X-Men run, and even in the revived X-Force title, his recent stories have become focused and entertaining. Utopia, despite some characterization gripes (Daken should be erudite, etc.), is Fraction finally taking control of X-mythology. And just like his consistent rendition of Cyclops, the writer confidently makes the underdog mutants’ presence felt in the shared universe. Just as tight are X-Men: Legacy writer Mike Carey’s two tie-in issues, focusing on Rogue’s return to the X-Men (and her memorable tussles with Moonstone and Ares).

One thing we don’t get to see is a promised Dark X-Men-Dark Avengers fight; that was a bit disappointing, especially since there was a panel showing the teams about to attack each other. All we get is Daken versus Bullseye.

Still, there’s a lot to savor. The Dark Avengers are as despicable and overconfident as ever, and it’s good to see them pitted against a team other than the real Avengers. It’s a crossover that works, and a fan-friendly story that introduces some important changes to the mutant books.