Arguably
one of the most highly anticipated Marvel titles in years, X-Men brings together six of the most iconic female mutants onto
one team for the very first time. This Storm-led team consists of
fan-favourites Rogue and Jubilee as well as Shadowcat, Psylocke and Rachel
Grey. Together they've been assembled to battle the menaces of John and Arkea
Sublime.
Brian
Wood seems enthusiastic about the material he is writing. The pacing is quick
and there is an obvious focus placed on the characterization. Unfortunately,
there does seem to be a little something off with the way he writes the
characters. Rachel is rather dull and seems to be an unnecessary inclusion.
After all, why include Rachel when the team already has a psychic in the form
of the fierce telepathic ninja Psylocke? For the casual observer, Rogue’s
inclusion is partially confusing. If she’s an Avenger now, what is she still
doing with the X-Men? Surely, a more deserving female could have taken
her spot. Her powerset is fairly confusing as well. What exactly are the skunk-haired mutant's capabilities these days anyway? She's mostly written like Wood forgot that the whole Rogue-having-Ms. Marvel's-powers thing was removed from her skillset ages ago. There’s also a false girlfriend-like playfulness between Jubilee,
Kitty and Rogue. Though the banter between Rogue and Kitty seems authentic given their past friendship, Jubilee
never bonded with either character in previous issues aside from a few moments
here and there. In fact, Jubilee was always much closer around her male
teammates than female ones. As such, Wood’s attempt to write these six as
girlfriends feels slightly forced. Sam Humphries is currently doing a better
job with writing Storm and Psylocke in Uncanny
X-Force where their chemistry is both palpable and captivating. There they
read like real friends. Though it may
seem irrelevant, Dazzler’s exclusion is equally as disappointing. Her close friendship
with both Psylocke and Storm would have added to the dynamic of the title as
would her rocky truce with Rogue. Still, she was likely excluded due to her
previous involvement in X-Treme X-Men and
now because of her position as an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
So
what is great about X-Men #1? Well,
the team is all-female for starters. Aside from nitpicks about the roster, it
is a solid gathering of characters and it illustrates that some of the greatest
members of the X-Men are in fact not men at all. Though it may read like a
gimmick to some, this all-female team is exactly what most diehard fans have
been clamouring for. The narrative itself shows incredible promise. Still, it’s not as
accessible as Marvel’s other all-female team book (Fearless Defenders) but most X-Men fans should be able to follow
it. Additionally, the art is gorgeous. Oliver Coipel is incredibly talented and each
character is unique and dynamic. Jubilee, in particular, is drawn rather well
and Storm is rather striking. If anything, Coipel’s art is the reason to buy
this title.
Though
it is only one issue in, it is clear that X-Men
needs a little work. Wood will have to ensure that each character on his
team stands out and that they have distinct personalities. The interactions
shouldn’t be forced and he need look no further than Uncanny X-Force to see how to do that properly. This title is
exciting and monumental. It’s shocking that it’s taken this long for it to
happen but many are glad it’s finally arrived. The art is spectacular and the
story has potential. Hopefully it sells well enough so Wood will be given
enough time to work out the kinks in the title (and maybe toss Dazzler on as well).
Grade: B
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