Advance Review: X-Men #1

The more things change….

It doesn’t seem two minutes since X-Men #1 started the whole Dawn of X storyline, heralding a brave new world for the X-universe. Now following the spectacular extravagance of of the Hellfire Gala, a not so all new and all different team of X-Men have been brought together to act as the mutants thumbprint in the human world. Taking up residence in Central Park, Cyclops, Marvel Girl lead the team consisting of Polaris, Wolverine (X-23), Sunfire, Synch and Rogue. When a new threat hits New York, its the X-Men who look to save the day.

Gerry Duggan delivers a book that if part setup and part deus ex machina. Taking the setups first; Duggan utilises one of Marvel’s greatest and oft under appreciated characters in Ben Urich to foister on old wounds and suspicions about the mutants. There is also the issue of slighted ego due to the resurrection of Mars, whilst someone is looking to discover the mutants most closely guarded secret , the power of resurrection. Between all this, the plot device that Duggan uses allows each X-person to have the panel of action. The dialogue works well; the duality of Cyclops is interesting though other characters such as Sunfire feel a little less hot headed than usual; has the conformity of Krakoa taken away the character differences? The action scenes are a little chaotic, however, it is good to actually see some action in an X book.

The art is provided by Pepe Larraz who many fans will, has pent more than a little time with the merry mutants as has colorist Marte Gracia. Therefore, you also know what to expect; heavy lines dark colors along with some great action panels that shine against the chaos; Rogue flying through the city for example and the whole team flying into action. You have to give Marvel and Jonathan Hickman credit for maintaining the look and feel of the various X books as regardless of how you feel about them. they have been consistently high quality. Equally consistent are the letters from VC’s Clayton Cowles who created the X font that is used in every book.

As a start of anew run, this book serves its dual purposes well enough. Intrigue, subterfuge and a battle mixed to gives the series a solid, if slightly underwhelming start.

Writing – 3.5 Stars
Art – 3.5 Stars
Colors – 3.5 Stars

Overall – 3.5 Stars

Written by; Gerry Duggan
Art by; Pepe Larraz
Colors by; Marte Gracia
Letters by; VC’s Clayton Cowles
Published by; Marvel Worldwide Inc.

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network