Advanced Review: X-Men #1
*WARNING – SPOILER-FREE REVIEW*
Writer: Brian Wood
Penciler: Olivier Coipel
Inkers: Mark Morales and Olivier Coipel
Colorist: Laura Martin
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics
“There are too many X-books out in the market. Why launch ANOTHER one?!” Those are some of the gripes you will find on the interwebs when it comes to the X-franchise. Since I grew up reading the X-Men books, I can never get enough. When word came out months ago that X-Men would be relaunched by Brian Wood as writer and Olivier Coipel on art, I was all in. Especially with fan-favorite Coipel doing the pencils. Plus X-Men stands out as being the only X-book featuring an all-female mutant cast.
What I Liked
I’ll read any book that is drawn by Olivier Coipel. I’m that big of a fan. I’ve only recently started reading some of Brian Wood’s work (Dark Horse’s Star Wars title) but I am loving that so I’m sure I will continue enjoying this new X-Men run.
What we learn from this introductory issue is everything Wood has revealed in interviews leading up to the launch: Jubilee comes to the X-Men for help, and she also has a young baby with her. Why does Jubilee have this child? And what threat(s) loom on the horizon? These are things we will have to wait to find out.
The main cast of X-Men are the women you see on the cover. It will be good to see Jubilee back in the fold. After she became a vampire she pretty much disappeared. Plus this will allow under-utilized characters like Rachel Grey and hopefully others (Pixie perhaps?) to display their value.
What I Didn’t Like
The only downside for me is I’m not familiar with a character that showed up. This person looks like they will play a vital role for at least this opening arc, so I am doing my best to research as much as I can.
Another negative is Coipel will be trading art duties with David Lopez and Terry Dodson in upcoming issues. The only reason I list this as a negative is I want Coipel to illustrate every issue! Luckily I also enjoy Dodson’s art so it shouldn’t be too bad. Hopefully X-Men goes the route of Superior Spider-Man and uses three rotating artists to keep the book on schedule.
Finally, who will be the leader of this team going forward? Storm and Rogue both have field leadership experience. Kitty Pryde is taking on a larger role as mentor/headmistress for the original time-displaced X-Men. And it has been stated that Jubilee will be a focal point for the series.
Summary
X-Men #1 will take it’s rightful place among my monthly comic book readings going forward. Seeing the female X-Men flex their muscles and powers will be a thrill. With a cast this large, there is ample opportunity to rotate characters in and out as the story dictates.
This review is written in partnership with Pop Culture Network. They can be found at their website http://www.popculturenetwork.com/
Timdogg
#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE
