Comic Review: All New X-Men #1

FIRST IMPRESSION


ALL NEW X-MEN # 1
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Stuart Immonen, Wade Von Grawbadger & Marte Garcia
Marvel Comics



  INFO:

        A lot has changed over the last several years. Cyclops, dealing with the weight of being the leader of mutant kind, decided it was time to protect mutants and turned his back on his dream of co-existence. And while having Asteroid M become its own Mutant Nation seemed like a good idea ... at the end of the day, it wasn't. Isolating Mutants from Humans only made things worse. Schism ripped apart the team. And Scott Summers seemed fine with some of the decisions he's made.

    Then the Avengers ... led by Captain America Steve Rodgers .... in all his wisdom, decide when they found out Scott's granddaughter was the next host of the Phoenix, that they were gonna take her: whether she wanted to be taken or not.

   This lead to a war between the X-Men and the Avengers ... which flip flopped in which side was doing wrong. At the end of the day, it took the X-Men and the Avengers against the 5 X-Men who became the Hosts for the Phoenix (Cyclops, Emma Frost, Namor, Magik & Colossus) to take them down. Scott Summers was imprisoned after he and the Phoenix 5 were out of control . .. including Scott killing Professor Xavier when he became the Dark Phoenix.

   Scarlet Witch, Hope Summers and the others were finally about to free Scott of the Phoenix but it changed him even further. Scott Summers completely turned his back on Xavier's dream. After breaking out of prison, Scott leads Magneto, Emma Frost & Magik on his crusade to help mutantkind his way.



 FLIPPING THROUGH:

     This is the beginning of Brian Michael Bendis' run on the X-Men. This first issue. And it starts with a bang. Hank finds that he is mutating again ... possibly a result from the Phoenix's dispersion reactivating mutants worldwide, giving way to some serious issue for Hank.

Then we see Scott doing what he's become known for ... attacking humans if there is a mutant nearby. Actually, Scott and his team find 2 new mutants. Sure. They beat up comes and feds in order to get them. And both mutants seem like they were being perscuted by humans but ...

Back at the mansion, we get Storm, Kitty, Bobby and Hank talking about what Scott is doing. Iceman reminences that the Scott of old would slap some sense into Scott of present day. Which ends up giving Hank and idea ...

   We see the original X-Men as teens. Young Hank says he is fed up protecting humans.  Just before he leaves he runs into ... himself  ... older. bigger. Present day Beast talk to the original X-Men for his big plan ... for young Cyclops to talk to old Cyclops in order to save Scott from becoming what he is now.



ART:

   Stuart Immonen's art has evolved a lot since his days as artist on DC's Legion of Super Heroes. The style has changed drastically. And it definitely works here. The pages are kinetic. The action is vibrant. The emotions feel really and almost palpable. You can tell that Immonen is having fun with this. Even more so than he did with Fear Itself. I can honestly say that besides his work on New Avengers .... All New X-Men seems to be the most his work has come to life since Nextwave. And that is saying a lot.

     Wade Von Grawbadger's inks really help give the power to Immonen's pencils. Really strong black but not too deep in inks that the book would look dark. This is not a dark, depressing book. Still, the inks help Immon's pencils give a strong first impression. Well done Wade.

   Marte Garcia ... I thank the comic book gods for you. Your colors were exquisite in this first issue. They really gave Immonen's & Grawbadger 's pencils and inks. This world is very different and alive. You can feel the excitement off the pages. The mood and colors for the X-Men of the Past and Present day Beast are even a little different. Slightly enough to show the difference in attitude and manner. Well done to Marte Garcia.


WRITING:

    Brian Michael Bendis. People either love him or hate it  it seems. He either brings horror or joy. And I can honestly say that Bendis is off to a better start here than he was when he wrote Avengers Dissembled years ago. The pacing is   excellent. The dialogue was very natural. We see the national progression of the characters we have followed since AvX, if not before that.

   This is a new world. Mutants are no longer endangered. And Scott Summers is considered a criminal. Makes you think, doesn't it? And we get to see the world quickly as new mutants are popping up and guns are being pointed. And Scott ... in his infinite wisdom ... decides he needs to help mutants his way.

   All the motivations of the characters feel real. All the choices that the characters have made feel authentic. This is truly a great start for this book. My only real gripe ... it feels breezy. I enjoyed the issue but I expected more.

 Nothing was really disappointing. I just felt like a scene was missing from the issue. I just felt like the issue stopped more than ended.  Otherwise,  great writing by Mr. Bendis.


OVERALL IMPRESSION:

    All New X-Men #1 set a new bar. Bendis has the reigns now and I am gonna enjoy it. This along with Wolverine and the X-Men and the other X-books, it is an interesting time to be a mutant. I am very happy to see that this is the start of something new for the X-Men. Roles have changed. People have changed. They are all evolving and this book gives you a front row to that evolution.

    Despite the feeling that their could have been more, it was a great start to the Bendis X-Men era. Immonen and company paint a clear picture of it and it is gonna be a fun ride.


I give All New X-Men #1 a 4 out of 5. Not bad Marvel. Not bad.

Marvel NOW! - 8 More Titles/Creative Teams Confirmed

  Marvel has had a busy week as they have made a slew of announcements throughout it. These announcements confirm titles that they will be releasing in November during their Marvel Now Relaunch. Here are the titles with the ads as shown.

Monday, We got confirmation that Kieron Gillen and Greg Land would be taking over Iron Man:









Tuesday, We heard that The Mighty Thor will have a brand new creative team of Jason Aaron and Esad Ribic:

Wednesday, We heard that Hulk returns and is "Indestructible" as his new creative team is recent Eisner Award Winner Mark Waid and artist Leinil Yu: 

Thursday, Deadpool gets to go nuts with writers/comedians Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn with art by Tony Moore:

Then we were attacked by Marvel on Friday with 4 New Title Announcements as first, Rick Remender and John Romita Jr take over as the creative team for Captain America, as confirmed by twitter from current Captain America scribe Ed Brubaker.





  Next up is the confirmation that  Matt Fraction will be handling both Fantastic Four and the returning FF. Handling Fantatic Four with the scribe is superstar artist Mark Bagley.










Following up with Fraction on the Fantastic Four's sister title, FF, will be cult favorite artist, Mike Allred, leading the Future Foundation into the next stage of Marvel.










Finally, there is the finally promotion that states Legacy, featuring the team of  writer Simon Spurrier and artist Tan Eng Huat. While most speculation states that this is probably X-Men Legacy relaunch, there is also some rumors that this could be for another Avengers related title, possibly dealing with the Picture with Nick Fury Jr and his photo of Wiccan, Miss America and Loki. Could it be the return of the Young Avengers? We won't know till November.



These titles join the following that were already confirmed:

- Uncanny Avengers with Rick Remember and John Cassidy
-Avengers with Jonathan Hickman and Jerome Opena.
- New Avengers with Jonathan Hickman and Steve Epting.
- All New X-Men with Brian Michael Bendis and Stuart Immonen.


12 Brand new titles down, not counting Red She-Hulk will be taking over as the main star in Hulk but that is not getting relaunched. What does this mean for the last 10 titles yet to be announced or any other changes in creative teams on long standing books? Find out as we keep an eye on Marvel Now.

Countdown: YTC's Top 10 Mutants

Countdown: YTC’s Top 10 Mutants

by Darryll YTC Carter

      Happy New Comics Wednesday Clashers.  With Avengers Vs. X-Men going on, it seemed appropriate to take a look at both sides.This week's countdown is a list of my favorite mutants. We'd love to see your favorite mutants as well. Drop us your list in the comments below.

1. Rogue 

     Undoubtedly my favorite mutant by a landslide. Rogue has been the apple of my eye since my early days watching Fox Kids. She introduced me to the lure of a southern belle and the attraction of a woman who can toss a forklift like a soft ball. While I do really miss her 90’s jacket fashion, they’ve kept her in good form and her character has really evolved from a member of the team to a leadership position at the Jean Grey School.

2. The Phoenix

      The Phoenix is a force to be reckoned with. While the read head is a strong point, the Phoenix has reached the top of this list by making Jean Grey a legend. Jean came a long way from the girl who buckled every time she employed her abilities, to a flaming celestial goddess immortalized and honored with a school in her name and a tenacious daughter who honors her original moniker.

3. Cyclops

     Former Ward Cleaver incarnate, Scott was the leader of the original X-men and leader of the remaining mutants until they split during Schism.  I love stand up traditionally heroic characters that fight with honor. (Captain America is also the ish.) While I somewhat detest Scott’s current demeanor I have to applaud him for stepping up to the plate and trying to get things done. He was always a good leader and he would always do what needed to be done to help his team. Is that Cyclops really gone? Or is he just finally looking at a bigger picture?

4. Scarlet Witch

     Often viewed as the favorite child of Magneto, Scarlet Witch is a top tier mutant not to be trifled with. Scarlet Witch manipulates probability fields and reality via her hexes. While she has been deemed unstable on more than one fair occasion, Wanda once firmly warmed a seat in the Avengers alongside her love, Vision. To put into perspective just how powerful Wanda is, I only need to mention House of M. Don’t know what that is? Google it or go buy it. Man I love women with power.

5. Domino

     Domino, the female Longshot with an edge. Domino stands out from the rest as a mutant who uses her abilities to augment the tools of her trade. Not to mention the alabaster/grey skin tone with the black spot on the eye individualizes her and makes her memorable.

6. Wolverine

      He’s the best at what he does, but what he does isn’t very nice. You darn skippy it isn’t. (Who says skippy anymore?) Wolverine has proven time and time again that he can make the hard call and cut off your head if it needs to happen. While Wolverine is the X-men’s resident badass the bulk of my appreciation for his character comes from the many layers of emotion and compassion that lay under his cool fierce waves of his surface.

7. Mystique

     Manipulator supreme, Mystique is a bonafide femme fatale. Mystique uses everything at her disposal to accomplish her goals, from guns to people. Her best tool is her shape shifting ability. She can be any woman or man you want. I like blue women myself. Who do you think my love interest was in Mass Effect?

8. Shadowcat 

    Kitty Pride… She had the cutest nose on X-Men evolution. But she was sort of a tool. However, Kitty redeems herself in the regular Marvel continuity having been trained in various martial arts by Weapon X himself, Wolverine.  Her spot was cemented when she decided it was a good idea to date the amazing Spider-Man of the Ultimate Universe. Till this day, I think that was the best relationship Peter ever had.

9. Forge

      There are two powers that would totally suit my personality. One is the power that comes from being a Green Lantern (or probably a yellow or red lantern) and all the constructs I could create with my mind. The other is the Forge’s ability to literally create anything he can think of. I mean his power is ridiculous. I could think, “I need to forge world peace. But how do I do it? Frick’n Voltron!” Boom, it’s done. I know exactly how to make it and get it to perform the way it needs to. I won’t really know how until I reverse engineer it, but hey. Who the hell would take the lions apart once they had them anyway?

10. Magneto

      Last but not least is the master of magnetism, Magneto. Magnus first reared his tactically villainous head before me on the Fox Kids X-Men cartoon. Back then I saw the world in a more black and white tone. Good and evil. Right and Wrong. Magneto showed me that it wasn’t that simple. When you look at the world from Magneto’s point of view things start to make sense. You start to see why he thinks and does the things he does. You see the genius and you see at his core a man whose purpose is to ensure that his people survive. I can relate to that and I respect that.

VALENTINE'S DAY REVIEW SPECIAL # 2: X-MEN # 30 (THE WEDDING OF SCOTT SUMMERS & JEAN GREY)

VALENTINE’S DAY REVIEW # 2

 X-Men (Volume 2 aka X-Men Legacy) # 30

“The Ties That Bind”

Written by Fabian Nicieza

Art by Andy Kubert & Matt Ryan

Marvel Comics

Review by Frankie Rodriguez

TALE OF THE TAPE

   Ah. Welcome to another Valentine’s themed review. This time, we are gonna go in the way back machine to the 90s. Yes. The 90s. Where big guns and artist reigned surpreme and the X-Men was the biggest comic book franchise! Between the 90s cartoon and the comics, the X-Men were household names. And it was at this point and time that the X-Men comics were really milking as many mutant as possible . .. well, until the recent Regenesis that is. 

  Before Emma Frost became the premiere love of Scott Summers’ life, there was one other. The love that Scott Summers was meant to be with . .. at least according to many fans at that time. Jean Grey. Yes. Marvel Girl or Phoenix, Jean Grey was a character who really brought you in with her warm and made you awe in her badassery ( yes I just made that word up.)

  Scott and Jean had gone through so much to be together before they got married: particularly the revelation that Cable was Scott’s long lost son, Nathan who he gave away to Mother Askani (aka a future version of Rachel Grey Summers) back in X-Factor #68. The recent crossover with the other X-teams during X-cutioner Song and Bloodties (which featured the Avengers). Wolverine had left the team to heal from having his Adamantium ripped out of his body by Magneto. So the time was ripe for the couple. Which brings us to  “The Ties That Bind”

CLASH FACTS

   Our book opens with a lovely little letter from Logan and there are 2 things I notice right away: 1 – feminine hands holding it & 2 – while the paper of the letter looks pretty beaten up . . . Logan’s got some pretty handwriting. Seriously, that is the best cursive I had ever seen from a guy. The letter is addressed to the wedded couple to be as it was a bit awkard sounding “I’ve never been too good at what I feel inside . . .” to oddly poetic “You go together like fire and ice …like a hurricane and its eye . .. “ all leading that they should look with new eyes as they take the next step in their lives.

  Not bad Logan. Then we get some narration that we are not quite sure who it’s from at first but admits that he’s effected by the day. And honestly, so was I. When this first came out, I screamed at the pages “It’s about time.”  Give me a break. I’m a lover AND a fighter. Back to the comic.

  Jean is complaining about breathing in her dress as Storm and Jean Grey’s mother hit at Jean’s nervousness. Jean admits she wished Logan was there (and with most X-Men fans now, they wished he was there too . .. to take you away from Scott) Storm reminds her best friend (and yes X-fans, Storm and Jean are best friends. People seem to forget that.) that Logan needs time to heal his wounds and while he’s not there physically, he’s there in spirit. Or so you think Storm … or so you think.

 Jean has a heartwarming moment with Ororo as Jean’s mother says to stop hugging or they will never get done. Jean goes on about how her mom is one in a million, Elaine Grey retorts that so is Jean with the genetics to back it up. If only Jean could have seen her mother about a decade later … (That will be a review for another time)  Jean talks with Rachel, who recently fixed their very broken relationship. Jean hugs her future daughter warmly, proud that this day could very well lead to Rachel being born one day.

*grabs a tissue for my eye* I’m not crying. I swear. There was something thrown into my eye.

The narrator continues and while it does not flat out say it, the moment when the narrator says Robert instead of Bobby for Iceman, I figure it was the Professor. Bobby comments how Storm came through for Scott and Jean today with a sunny, 70 degree day . . . in January. (in Upstate New York mind you). And then Bobby points out how embarrassing it would be for the bride to be ready before the group. And we see Scott sitting on a chair with his brother Alex (Havok) across from him, huddled by the other 3 original X-Men, Beast (Hank), Archangel (Warren) and Iceman (Bobby). Beast goes on to say they have “encountered an opponent far more dangerous than Magneto, more devious than Mr. Sinister, more dastardly . . .”

 FOR THE LOVE OF FRELL HANK! IT’S A BOW TIE!

Oh wait, Warren echoes my sentiment while Alex teased his big brother that this is the first day of the rest of his life. (Rest of her life maybe …) Bobby replies that marriage is a death trap while Warren and Hank STILL can tie the bow tie. The narration from Professor X tells of how big the day is starting to sit with Scott when the Professor reveals himself to his students; immediately chiding Bobby for his cynicism. And Charles easily slides in, grabbing to bow tie from his Warren and Hank , admits that this day has him nervous as it clearly shows that they are adults, while he finishes a bow tie and ask if they need the “old Prof” anymore. Scott asks if that was a set up but Charles admits he stumbled upon everything. Scott admits his nervousness with the normal grace you come to expect from ole Cyke:

  “Truth to tell Professor, without you by my side, I’d feel safer walking into the Danger Room alone and naked right now rather than face what’s coming next.”

And Havok immediately chants what the majority of fans were thinking: “Gee. There’s an image that’s stuck in my head now fro the rest of the day . .. “ THANKS CYCLOPS! *facepalm*

 Professor Xavier gives a speech about moving forward and taking the next step and the Heart of the Cards, blah blah blah.  Oh hey. I did that right.

 The Groom, best man and groomsmen all begin to walk out the door as Professor’s narration reveals that while his speech seemed to calm and help out his students a great deal, it did little to give him solace. He goes on about how he’s afraid of losing Scott and Jean forever and wishing he had a better social life so he had some kind of frame of reference. As Charles was transferring himself from his hoverchair to his wheelchair (can’t show all the civilians the fun and wacky Shi’ar tech) he drops his own note from Logan which Rachel picks up. Charles comments that he’s yet to read it and Rachel points out “Goodbyes are always tough . . .especially if you think there’s still a lot left to be said before parting.”

 Charles says he’ll read it later when he catches a glimpse of Jean. You know, this is made creepier when we find out that Charles was in love with Jean himself. EEEEWWWWWWWWW.

  We go outside to see Scott and Alex stand on the altar with the priest with Scott being nervous with all eyes on him. Alex points out the obvious to Scott : “Of course they are. We’re Standing in front of them” and tells his brother to look at them all. Xavier narrates how much satisfaction and pride he has at seeing the X-Men and most of the groups of the X-Men extended family are there for this joyous occasion. He also reveals Scott’s pride in the X-Men and what they stand for when . ..

 Ororo comes out as the Maid of Honor, motion for the wedding march from . . . DEATHKLOK?!  . ..

 SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIKKKKKKKKKKKEEEE!!!!

  The wedding band is lead by musical artist and mutant Lila Cheney. Geez! You couldn’t bring back Alison (Dazzler) for this occasion? Ah well. Charles, being the upper class guy that he is reveals that he was never a fan of Lila’s music … until now. Storm walks by when Gambit says how good she looks and finds Scott there: telling her he’s ready to explode.

 Storm taunts that they couldn’t have that and that he’s about to sent to another world where whatever she’ll or anyone will say won’t matter. When he’s about to ask . . .

DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMNNNNNN!!!

 After Jean’s father hands over his daughter to Cyclops, the minister starts a great ceremony that the Professor was kind enough to let us hear. They used a sash as a way to symbolize wedding ties and exchanged rings till the minister proclaimed them husband and wife and tells them “Let’s see a kiss now.”

  Then the couple and the rest of the X-Men gets down to boogie with Professor Xavier still narrating the whole peace. As Xavier oohs and ahs over the happy bride and groom, Lila reveals that the song the couple have chosen was “One” by U2.  Scott and Jean got good taste.

  While the X-Men are having fun, a metal gloved and mouth covered Sabertooth just goes on about how dumb the X-Men are and thinks about making trouble . .. till he is send face furst into the snow with a small little note saying: Don’t Even Think About It!

  Back with the X-Men, Jean throws the bouquet at a stunning collection of X-Men: Storm, Polaris, Domino, Boomer,Wolfsbane, Jubliee, Psylocke and nd more when . .. Rogue flies up to catch the bouquet.  Then Scott takes out Jean’s garter belt when she asked why they agreed to it. Scott answers that Hank told him that Guido (X-Factor’s Strong Guy) would sulk for a week; Jean promises a lecture to Guido latter and Scott throws. Quicksilver, Archangel, Beast, Forge, Guido and more dive for the garter belt .. . if for nothing else but to slip it on Rogue. And with an explosion . .. Gambit ends up holding the belt.

   Gambit’s reply: Now, Mes Amis. Y’ Didn’t think I’d give anyone ELSE a chance t’slip this on the little lady, did you? I t’ink not.

Smooth Gambit. Really smooth.

   And just when you and the professor thought the festivities were over . . . Jean saves the last dance for Charles. Charles protests at first, worried about people who don’t know about their gifts …  HEY CHARLES! Why not start with protesting when Rogue flew the catch the bouquet. Or when Gambit used his powers to make sure he got the garter belt. Or when you have Beast, Nightcrawler and Warren there .. . all with blue skin.  A LITTLE LATE TO WORRY, AIN’T IT CHARLES?!

  Jean says she wants to dance with the Professor and makes it happen with her telekinesis. And after Charles’s start to protest comes one of the best lines I have ever read in an X-Men comic from Jean Grey:

  “ .. . And what if they did know about us, Charles? That I’m a mutant? Or that I’m a woman who wants to celebrate the best day of her life? If dancing with you is what makes me happy and if being a mutant gives me the opportunity to do that then there’s nothing in this world I would rather be than a mutant. And I’m proud to dance with the man who taught me that being one should in no way limit the happiness I can enjoy or the love I might share with those I’m blessed to call my family.”

 . . . I seem to have . .. something in my eye again . ..

 Charles and Scott have a quick exchange, partially on how Havok is coping with the loss of Madrox (look at X-Factor # 100) and then Charles going on about how a great guy Cyclops has grown to become. Cyclops gives the credit to being the man that he is because of Charles, telling the professor than he loves him then leaves the room. And our comic ends with Xavier looking over some papers, opening Logan’s note that simply says:

  “Dear Chuck,

    Lighten up.

   Yer Ol’ Pal,

   Logan “

And again, Charles reflects the same reaction I did to that note .. . laughter.

CLASH TACTICS

   I admit. I am a sucker for a good wedding. And, even with my knowledge of what will happen to this couple, this is a GREAT wedding. The combination of Xavier’s evolution to mentor to friend with the great character bits throughout the issue were fun, insightful and enjoyable.

   It was so good that so many things were touched up on while at the same time making sure it did not affect that pace of the book. And while sure, this was a Cyclops, Jean heavy issue, it was great to see everyone from Rachel, Cable to Wolfsbane and Quicksilver having lines in the book. Nicieza made this issue a stunning wedding cake in comic book format. Layers and layers of sweet, wonderous goodness with a topping of some great Jean/Scott on top. This wedding seemed to really signal a lot of things for the X-Men and these characters.

  Andy Kubert’s art is near breath taking during must of the book and he and Matt Ryan’s inks when Jean came in was a showstopper. There were not inconsistencies artistically as the team renders a beautiful wedding issue. The only real issue I have with X-Men # 30 is Charles’s whole . .. what if the people who don’t know we’re mutants see us. That really seemed to be very misplaced cause he should have said it a lot sooner. I doubt they all had image inducers. And while I love Jean’s speech that spawned from Charles’s line, it was out of place in my mind.

 So overall, a great solid wedding issue. And while it is not the best wedding issue I have read, it is certainly one of my favorites. Even though we know Scott is a man slut.

  X-Men Vol. 2, # 30 gets a Intercontinental Title Spot ( 4 out of 5). It was a strong issue but just that misstep opened a hole bigger than what could be ignored.

And that is all for this particular Valentine’s Day Review. Check out our other Valentine’s Day stuff here on Comic Book Clash and on J1 Studios. Till next time, Keep Clashing.