X-Men #6 Review

Writer: Brian Wood
Artist: David Lopez

So far Battle of the Atom has been a very entertaining crossover, and although it took a while to become really exciting, that changed with the last instalment, showing that the story has a lot more to it than it originally showed.

Plot

The future X-Men return to the Jean Grey School of Higher Learning with the three younger X-Men, but when they learn that the younger Beat and Iceman are gone their attitude changes dramatically.

Review

This was yet another brilliant issue in this crossover, and it followed from last weeks instalment perfectly. Over the two issues that Brian Wood has written he has done a fantastic job of managing to both continue on from the crossovers story, whilst also keeping the same tone and feel of this series. Wood also in this issue managed to add a lot of tension and excitement throughout, as although it didn't give too much story development, it made up for that by being action packed. I did however feel that the pacing of the issue was slightly inconsistent, with it being slow, and then suddenly speeding up, though overall it managed to be a very fun and entertaining issue, being much better than the last issue in this series.

The art was also fantastic in this issue, though David Lopez didn't do quite as good a job as he has in the last couple of issues. The detail throughout the issue was very impressive however, as although the backgrounds were a bit plain at times, the character detail was very consistent throughout. The main problem I had with Lopez' art in this issue was how he draws mouths, as although I have never liked his style, it stood out more in this issue, feeling very awkward at times. I did however like the way he showed character emotion in the issue, and especially when Wolverine gets angry at one point. I also liked how Lopez showed that Jubilee was still a vampire in this issue, something that have been wanting to see.

Whilst Wolverine's X-Men and the future X-Men return to the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning, Wolverine and Rachel Grey talk telepathically, with Wolverine saying how he doesn't trust these future X-Men. Now this is something that I was expecting a while ago, as Wolverine is usually a very mistrusting person, especially when it comes to stuff like time travel, so it surprised me when he didn't question much about these future X-Men. I also felt that the dialogue in this sequence was very well handled, adding a lot of tone, and atmosphere, as due to it overall being a slightly slow sequence it needed that.

WARNING: SPOILERS FOR THE REST OF THE REVIEW!

Now I don't like giving away spoilers, but this was a development that was too big to not talk about. I am off course talking about the future X-Men's secret being revealed to Wolverine's group. I really enjoyed how Wood's handled this revelation, as although it was already shown in the last issue, this was a much more explosive one. I also loved the sudden change in attitude from these future X-Men, which leaves so many questions about their motives, and why they're now like this. The best part of this revelation however would be the tension between Wolverine and Charles Xavier Jr. just before the revelation, and the Rachel Grey line, "Logan was right!"

This would obviously lead to a huge fight between these future X-Men and Wolverine's X-Men. I really enjoyed this, as it was very exciting, and had plenty of explosive moments throughout. I also liked the surprise that was in store for Wolverine, and how we got to see Jubilee bring the vampire fangs out. On top of that I also really enjoyed seeing the psychic battle between Rachel and Xavier, as well as Psylocke showing her multitasking skills. I did however feel that the fight came a bit suddenly, and ended in the same fashion, but overall that didn't mean much as it was still very exciting and entertaining.

Final Verdict

Yet another fantastic instalment to the story, Wood's managed to keep the tone of this series perfect, whilst also working it into the crossover story. The issue itself also had a lot of action and excitement, which was a very good thing, as overall it lacked story development. It did however also have a lot of suspenseful moments, and was very fun and entertaining. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this issue, and the story so far, but if you haven't been following the story you may want to wait for it too come out in trade now.

Rating: 9/10

X-Men #5 Review

WARNING: THIS REVIEW WILL SPOIL THE EVENTS OF BATTLE OF THE ATOM SO FAR!

Writer: Brian Wood

Artist: David Lopez

Battle of the Atom kicked of last week, and boy was it one brilliant start, and has made me even more excited about this series than I've already been. This series has also been extremely amazing itself, having four outstanding issues, with this also being the first part of Battle of the Atom not to be written by Brian Michael Bendis.

Plot

The X-Men along with the future X-Men head off in search of the younger Cyclops, and Jean Grey.

Review

This was a fantastic issue, and although not quite as good as the first two parts, a brilliant continuation of the story. Brian Wood has been doing an outstanding job on this series, as even with little time to get the series rolling prior to Battle of the Atom he still has managed to make this one of the best series out the now. I also loved how Wood has managed to step slightly away from this all female cast (it had to happen for this story), whilst still managing to show elements of the concept by having the women play a huge role in the issue. I also felt the issue as a whole had a lot of drama, and depth to it, and that the characteristics were spot on, with the developments being handled fantastically.

The art in this issue was also outstanding, and although I probably preferred Frank Cho, and Stuart Immonen's from the previous parts, David Lopez did an amazing job. I really loved the detail to Lopez' art as although the backgrounds were a bit plain at times, the characters looked amazing. I did however feel that their facial expressions were a little awkward from time to time, but that they still showed plenty of emotion. Lopez' layouts were also fantastic, adding a lot of depth, and tone to the issue, and are only slightly let down by the plain backgrounds. I did however also really enjoy the action sequences in this issue, and Lopez handled them perfectly, as although they weren't spectacular, they were exciting.

The last part of Battle of the Atom would see the younger Cyclops, and Jean run away from the X-Men, not wanting to get sent back to their own timeline. Now this was a brilliant way of making the story last it's ten part length, and although it wasn't the most exciting development that I've ever seen, it was still very interesting. This issue would see them continue their journey, trying to avoid the X-Men, and reach a safe place. I really enjoyed this as it would show how much these characters dread going back to their timeline, and do you blame them considering what they know will happen to them.

So far this series has seen Jubilee as it's centre character so I was expecting her to appear in this issue. I did however not expect her to appear from thin air. I say this as she hasn't appeared in the story so far, but suddenly is in the same room as the X-Men whilst Cyclops, and Jean escape. Don't get me wrong I'm very happy she's in this story, and she along with Shogo would add some humour to this issue, but it could have been handled slightly better.

This issue would also see Kitty Pryde left with a lot of conflict, as although she knows that sending the younger X-Men back to their own time is probably the right thing, she also doesn't want to lose them as students, or force them into doing anything. I found this to be a very interesting development, and although it wasn't unexpected due to future solicits it was still very well handled, and the interaction between her, and Rachel Grey was extremely interesting, and very dramatic as well.

Final Verdict

This was an amazing issue, and although technically the worst in the crossover so far, still very entertaining, showing just how good the story's been so far. It has some fun, and excitement, as well as interesting encounters, setting up the next part of the story perfectly. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this issue, and the story so far, and can't wait to read the next part.

Rating: 8/10

X-Men #4 Review

Writer: Brian Wood
Artist: David Lopez

Although this series has only had a few issues it has grabbed my attention, becoming one of my favourite current series. The all female team has been very interesting, as although the first story had an abrupt ending, it was exciting, and I hope the series continue to get even better.

Plot

Wolverine joins Jubilee, and Shogo on a trip to California, whilst the other female X-Men try and help a falling air plane that has engine fire.

Review

This was an amazing issue, and although not quite as exciting as the previous issues still outstanding. Brian Wood has really surprised me with this series, as having only read his Ultimate Comics X-Men run, which I wasn't a huge fan of prior to this I wasn't expecting this to be any better, but it has. I've loved how Wood has managed to make this whole female roster work, as although he's added male characters to make it feel realistic, with Wolverine featuring in this issue, it has overall had the female feel to it. Wood also added a lot of emotion to this issue, as although not very exciting, it had brilliant dialogue, and interaction, being a great stand alone story prior to Battle of the Atom.

I was really upset when I noticed that Olivier Coipel would be leaving after last issue, but David Lopez is the perfect replacement, and I loved his artwork on this issue. The emotion that Lopez added in his art was simply amazing, with the way he draws the characters being outstanding, as although I felt Jubilee, and Rachel Grey had slightly weird noses at times, he did a great job besides that, and I especially loved how he drew Shogo, who was just hilarious. Lopez' layouts were also brilliant, being very dynamic, and dramatic, adding depth to the story. I also loved the inks from Cam Smith, and Norman Lee, as well as the colours from Cris Peter, which added vibrancy to the final artwork.

My favourite thing about this issue was the interaction between Jubilee, and Wolverine, which I was happy about as it was what I was most looking forward to. I was however not sure if I liked it just jumping into it, without them discussing it prior, as I felt it allowed the issue to jump right into the story, but wasn't sure whether it would have been better with the additional sequence. I did however love how Wolverine interacted with Jubilee, and how he reacted to Shogo, and his minor actions. I also liked how it showed the things Jubilee loves about California, and overall it was an amazing story.

The other part of this issue would see the remaining female X-Men attempt to save a plane that's engine's on fire. Now this may not have appealed to me as much as the Wolverine/Jubilee sequence, but it was a lot more suspenseful, and dramatic, also having a lot of fun as well. I especially loved how they decided to save the aircraft, and the dialogue from Rogue during this sequence was brilliant, with Psylocke adding additional drama.

Whilst this was happening there would also be an argument between Storm, and Rachel grey over Storm acting like the leader of the group, as well as her about to kill Karima (who was possessed by Arkea) last issue. This was the part of the female X-Men's journey that added the most suspense, and drama, as the interaction was very tense, having brilliant tone, and atmosphere. I also loved how the two characters showed their different characteristics, with Rachel showing that she'd always try to do anything to save someone, whilst Storm showed why she's the one of the few X-Men prepared to make the tough decisions, whether they're popular or not, stating that the team needs a leader, which was very interesting.

Final Verdict

This was a terrific issue, as although not as exciting as the previous story, it was very entertaining, having plenty of emotion, suspense, and drama. It also had great character development, and was overall a brilliant stand alone issue. Due to all this I'd highly recommend it, as it's a perfect starting point for new readers, especially with Battle of the Atom about to start.

Rating: 8/10

X-Men #3 Review

Writer: Brian Wood
Artist: Olivier Coipel

In the short time this series has been out it has done nothing but amaze me, as although I thought it'd be good, it's been outstanding. It is also becoming one of my favourite series, and although I wasn't planing on getting it after Battle of the Atom if it stays this way I'll definitely be keeping it.

Plot

As Storm, Rachel Grey, Psylocke, Sublime, Jubilee, and Shogo head for Budapest in search for Arkea, Kitty Pryde, and the students of the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning have their own problems.

Review

This was a great issue, but at the same time it was a a slightly disappointing way to end the first story arc, and although I wanted to love it, I could only manage to like it a lot. Brian Wood did however do a good job with this issue, as it had action, and mystery, but at the same time it was a little rushed, with too much happening in the one issue, and this story should have been at least one issue longer. I also felt that Wood's didn't need the team to realise that they're a new team, as it would have felt more natural if they were an all girl team by just coincidence. Wood's did however also hint that this story may continue by leaving unanswered questions, and I hope they're continued on at a later date.

Olivier Coipel once again produced outstanding art, and it's a shame he couldn't stay on this series any longer than three issues. One of the best things about Coipel's artwork is how he draws people, and more so their expressions, as he adds so much depth to characters, with it being so easy to notice what their feeling, and he showed this perfectly on baby Shogo, as it's not always easy to show what a baby is feeling without having them crying, or laughing. Coipel did however also do a good job of both the action, and layouts, as both were very dynamic, and suspenseful, whilst also adding depth, and tone to the issue, with the action also adding excitement.

This issue would see the new all female X-Men team (and Sublime) split into two groups, with Storm, Rachel, Psylocke,Sublime, Jubilee, and baby Shogo heading to Budapest, where they believe Arkera is. This part of the story was a bit slow at times, but when it livened up it did so in a big way, becoming very exciting, and dramatic. There were however also some very interesting conversations during this part of the story, and I keep becoming even more interested in Shogo with each issue, even though he doesn't do anything. There was also some decent action during this part of the issue, and although it wasn't too special, it was very exciting, and Coipel made it look as phenomenal as possible.

Whilst most of this new team went to Budapest, Kitty stayed at the school to look after the students, making sure that Arkera wasn't still around. It would however appear that she was still there, as at one point they were ambushed by a bunch off Arkera's. Besides this we also got to see the students stand out a bit, with Bling! getting put into the spotlight, resulting in some fun dialogue. I also loved how there was plenty of suspense, as and excitement at the same time, which made this my favourite part of this issue, feeling very fun, and unique.

The end of this story would also leave a lot of questions, keeping the mysteriousness nature of this story alive. The most mysterious part of this issue however was once again Arkera, as although we saw a lot of her during this issue, most of it was very questionable. The main question I had was if she was still at the school, Budapest, or both? I ask this as she appeared to be everywhere, and although she could easily have been, it was questionable whether she was. This however isn't a bad thing, as it gives more depth to the story, also adding to the excitement, and suspense, and the only real thing I wish could have been changed about this story would be to give it an extra issue.

Final Verdict

This was a great issue, and although so far it's technically the worst in the series, that just shows how good the series has been. It had some interesting, and exciting sequences, as well as some amazing dialogue, all of which gave tons of drama to the issue. It also had plenty of mystery, and suspense, as well as fun, and overall there wasn't a great deal wrong with this issue. The only real problem was that it was a bit rushed, as the story should really have had at least one more issue. Besides all this I'd easily recommend this issue, and the previous two, as the series has been truly amazing.

Rating: 4/5

X-Men #2 Review

Writer: Brian Wood
Artist:  Olivier Coipel

When I first heard about this series I wasn't sure if I was going to get it or not. I did however decide to get it after hearing about the upcoming Battle of the Atom crossover, and am glad I did as the first issue was amazing.

Plot

Arkea has arrived, and the X-Men, along with Sublime have to find a way of stopping her.

Review

This was yet another fantastic issue, and although I'm not sure whether this was better than the first issue, it was at least as good as it. Brian Wood certainly seems to know what he's doing with this series, as he's handling these lovely ladies perfectly. I was however sceptical about Wood's writing this series, as what I've read of his Ultimate Comics X-Men run hasn't been great, and I was afraid that this level of mediocrity would follow with it. This however isn't the case, and we're getting a very interesting story, with a interesting villain. I was also sceptical about the fact that this series features an all female cast, worried that it wouldn't work very well. Wood has however did an amazing job, as he's managed to focus perfectly on these female character's, whilst adding a few male side character's to make it realistic, which is simply brilliant. Wood has also did a splendid job of keeping the series exciting, by adding tremendous action sequences, that have brilliant dialogue, and emotion. Besides the action sequences, Wood's also put plenty of emotion into the rest of the issue, having the character's in a situation where they have to feel something, whether it's worry, reluctance, or confusion.

The art from Olivier Coipel was once again amazing, as it usually is, and the only thing that upsets me is that after this issue he'll only be doing one more. The detail in his art is simply astonishing, as there are very few imperfections that don't take away from the overall art. Just flicking through and looking at the art without reading the issue brings joy to me, reminding me why I loved his art so much on the likes of Thor, and Siege, and reading the issue only make it better. The way Coipel lays his art out is also amazing, as it really gives more depth, and drama to the issue, making it feel more alive. The facial expressions, and emotions have also been handled perfectly, as you can tell exactly what the character's are feeling, making the issue that much more dynamic. The best part of Coipel's art in this issue however has to be his fabulous action sequences. Now there are probably artists that I can think of that do better action sequences that Coipel, but not many, as Coipel is one of the best, giving ton's of excitement, and suspense, making you feel like you're watching a film. The colours from Laura Martin, Matt Milla, and Christina Strain also really help to make Coipel's art that little bit better, making adding vibrancy, and tone to the already splendid artwork.

Although she appeared in last issue, this was the first proper appearance of the new villain, Arkea, the sister of Sublime. Now although this is a villain with little to no emotion, I find here very interesting, and the perfect villain for this series, as with an all female line-up it's only appropriate that it's a female villain. The fact she has little emotion is actually the most interesting part about her, and it has me dying to learn more, as although she gives the odd hint of emotion, you can never really tell exactly what she's thinking, or feeling, although I'm sure it won't be pleasant. The fact that she's currently possessing Karima is also another interesting point, and due to this I question how the X-Men will go about stopping her, without damaging their friends body too much.

Now Arkea didn't have it easy in this issue, as although she was in their friends body, that wouldn't stop them from attacking her, resulting in an astonishing fight, which was really entertaining, and exciting. The person who I loved seeing the most in this fight was Rogue, as although I may prefer Kitty Pryde as a character, Rogue really shone through in this fight, really taking it to Arkea. It did however also get more interesting when Kitty got involved, but I personally preferred the section where Rogue was fighting alone, as the dialogue was much better, and the fight had a smoother flow, though it was still brilliant when Kitty joined in. The way Arkea reacted to these attempts to stop her was also very interesting, and dramatic, and actually kind of amusing, as she really seemed to have no regard for any of the X-Men, seeing them as easy targets that are blocking her path.

Sublime is still around in this issue, and offers help in stopping his sister. As I said in my previous review, I don't know a great lot about Sublime, but after his actions in the last issue, as well as his connection to the villain, it's nice that he's involved in the storyline, and to be honest it would have been a bit harder to tell without him. Now most of the issue focused on Arkea, so Sublime's appearance wasn't that big, but it was still interesting, and added a bit of suspense, and mystery to the story, as he seems to be more frightened of Arkea than the X-Men are, seeing her as a bigger threat than they do. It's also questionable what side Sublime is on, as although it appears that he, and his sister hate each other, with Sublime genuinely wanting to help the X-Men, even if for his own benefit, I wouldn't be surprised if he turned on them.

There was one thing about this story that upset me, and although it doesn't affect the overall story, it was still disappointing. What I'm talking about is the lack of Jubilee. With here returning last issue, with a baby boy who's now called Shogo I was looking forward to seeing more of her, as although she's not one of my favourite character's, I've always liked her, and was glad to see her back. This absence didn't however take anything away from the issue, which was amazing, but it would have been even better if Jubilee could have been in it more (as long as it didn't affect the story), and I hope she appears more in the next issue.

Final Verdict

This was another brilliant issue, and on par with the outstanding opener. It had amazing, and exciting action, with a mysterious, and interesting new villain who's sure to have more to say before this story's through. The drama, and suspense caused by this villain was also brilliant, and although I was disappointed that Jubilee didn't have too big an appearance, it didn't take away from the story. Due to all this I'd highly recommend this issue, and the previous, and if this series continues like this it will quickly become one of my favourite's, which I would never have thought of prior to it's release.

Rating: 5/5

X-Men #1 Review

Writer: Brian Wood
Artist: Olivier Coipel

Although the previews for this series looked amazing I wasn't originally planing on getting this series, as I'm getting enough X-Men series' as it is. I did however change my mind when I heard about the upcoming Battle of the Atom crossover, which will include this series, wanting to get to know the direction of the series prior to the crossover.

Plot

As Jubilee flees with a child, she calls the X-Men for help, saying that she's being followed. There however seems to be more to this child than meets the eye, especially when the sentient virus, Sublime shows up.

Review

This was an amazing issue, and although I was expecting it to be amazing, I wasn't expecting it to be as amazing as it was. The main thing that had me sceptical over whether this would be a good series or not was the writer, Brian Wood, as I wasn't fond of what I read from his Ultimate Comics X-Men run, and with that being the only work of his that I've read, along with the X-Men connection, I was dreading that this series would follow suit, and be poor. This wasn't the case thankfully, and although the story itself wasn't quite perfect, it wasn't far of, and it's one of the best opening issues I've read so far in Marvel NOW! The way Wood's has brought all these classic female X-Men together, in a fun, mysterious way was brilliant, and the interaction between all these character's was just perfect. I also loved how he's given a unique starting point for this series, showing that everything isn't quite what it seems, without giving too much away, leaving me gripped as to finding out what will happen next. I also loved how Wood added a little bit of action, and suspense to this issue, as although he's held back slightly, he's still kept this issue exciting, and interesting, and I can't wait to see what he has in store for these lovely ladies next.

Now I said that the story itself wasn't quite perfect, but what makes up for that is the artwork, which was simply outstanding. I've always loved Olivier Coipel's art, especially on the likes of Thor, Siege, House of M, and The Mighty Thor, but his art on this issue may have even been better. Everything about Coipel's art was amazing, and although there were the very odd imperfections, you need to really look to find them, and they in no way take away from the rest of his fantastic artwork. The two things I probably love most about Coipel's art in this issue is the way he draws the female X-Men, and the way he handles the facial expressions. I've always loved the way Coipel draws female character's, but he's really outdone himself this time, as he's made all these lovely ladies look amazing, especially Jubilee, and Kitty Pryde. The facial expressions were also on the mark, really suiting the fun feel of this issue, and showing exactly what the character's are thinking. The way Coipel laid out his artwork was also brilliant, adding more drama to the story, whilst also adding a dynamic edge, which really makes the issue that much more enjoyable to read. The small bit of action was also perfectly handled, and I look forward to seeing Coipel get a chance to work on some proper action sequences, although the small one in this issue was amazing.

This issue would see Jubilee ask the X-Men for help, officially returning to the team. Now I personally haven't seen Jubilee in an X-Men series since she turned into a vampire, and although I know she stuck around for a while after that I don't know exactly what happened to her, but I'm sure she left the team. Anyway all that aside it's nice to see her in a series that I'm following, as I really liked Jubilee when I was growing up as a kid, and loved her in the 90's X-Men Animated series. Anyway, Jubilee was brilliant in this issue, and brought the fun, and innocents that comes with her character. I also liked how due to being an orphan herself that she see's it her responsibility to look after this orphaned child that she's carrying about with her.

Talking of the orphan child, he was also a very interesting addition, and appeared to be more than meets the eyes. The child appears to have some powers of it's own, and although I won't go into any further detail on what the baby can, and can't do, as to avoid spoilers, it did add even more fun to the series, as well as a similar type of innocence that Jubilee brings, which was fitting. I also loved how all the other female X-Men reacted round this child, which also added a lighter tone to the issue, prior to the small bit of chaos. Without saying much more, in fear that I'll spoil something, I'll finish talking about the baby by saying that I look forward to seeing how Wood's develops it throughout the next couple of issues, and whether it will have a prolonged feature in this series.

This issue would also see the return of the ancient sentient virus known as Sublime. To be honest I don't know a great deal about Sublime, apart from the fact that he's appeared in X-Men comics before, so this was really me getting introduced to the character, and I feel that Wood's did a brilliant job of this, whilst also making it feel very natural, and realistic. I also loved how Wood's has apparently changed Sublime's goal, with the X-Men being shocked by his actions, which yet again added more drama to the story. I won't go into too much detail over Sublime's appearance, as it would give away spoilers, but it looks like this opening story will heavily feature him, and his past, and I look forward to seeing how Wood progresses this in the next issue.

As far as I'm aware this is the first X-Men title to have only female character's as it's main cast (although I may be wrong about this). Again this was something that had me slightly sceptical, as although it's a nice touch, making the series stand out from previous X-Men series, it also limits the possibilities in which directions the series can go. From this opening issue however it looks like Wood's has handled this perfectly, managing to have male character's as either side character's or background character's, whilst making the female X-Men shine through, which made it very natural. I also liked how you could see the connection all these character's had, but in a subtle way, showing that the girls will stick together, without that fact being shoved down the readers throats, which I liked. Again like everything about this issue, Wood's has made a great start in exploring this all female cast, and yet again I look forward to seeing how this series progresses, and hope that it gets even better.

Final Verdict

A brilliant opening issue to this all female X-Men series, and Wood, and Coipel have done a phenomenal job. It was a really fun issue, whilst also having a innocent feel to it, which was nice. There was also a brilliant, and chaotic action sequence, and a mysterious nature to the overall story. I would highly recommend this to anyone, and am really looking forward to the next issue.

Rating: 5/5