The big news with Uncanny X-Men #416 is, obviously, the arrival of new regular artist Kia Asamiya.

Now, I know nothing about manga, so this is where I turn to the the Internet.  Apparently Asamiya is best known as the creator of Dark Angel, and his animation work includes Detonator Orgun (sic) and Hades Project Zeorymer, none of which means anything to me whatsoever.  He's also a writer/artist, by the way, and his reputation seems to derive as much from his writing.  But in any event, he's apparently very well known in these circles. 

I'm not convinced by this issue, though.  On the plus side, the characterisaton and body language is pretty solid, the backgrounds are decent, and the rather odd new costume designs do look much more at home with Asamiya's style.  The storytelling is nice and clear.  But on the other hand, the frequently warped body proportions and habit of simply not drawing in the faces of characters in plain sight just looks odd.  The style just doesn't work for me.  It's not bad, I've seen a lot worse... but I'm honestly not impressed.  It's just, you know, alright.

The story is largely about the Juggernaut wandering back to his old home and getting upset about the treatment he received from his father, which inspires him to stop blaming other people for his own failings.  It's a fair enough character point but handled in a rather trite manner.

Usual routine, basically.  It's quite pleasant reading but seems thoroughly content to remain in the safe zone, without anything particularly new or striking going on.  Inoffensive, but it feels like it's treading water.

Rating: B-

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