Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
X-Men #1
Marvel Comics
Wood, Coipel, Morales & Martin
Brian Wood launches the adjective-less X-Men title as part of Marvel NOW! with the pitch that it is an all-female cast. Now that can be taken a lot of ways and it certainly is a risky pitch. However, with Brian Wood at the helm you know you will be getting character definitions that are solid and that are written with purpose. Wood takes those first steps here. This book introduces the cast, plot and tone very nicely in what looks to be a very promising comic series.
Basically the premise of the book is to follow Jubilee as she makes her way to the X-Men school. The catch her is that she is a) being followed and b) carrying a baby along with her. The tone is very cloak and dagger as the reader isn't really clued in to the reasons behind the appearance of the baby or the mystery behind the man in the shadows.
Wood then dovetails this track along with the main threat's track as seen through the lens of the remaining female cast back at the mansion. I liked this approach a lot. It allows Wood to give some of the other characters some dialogue while it showcases one character specifically: Jubilee. This approach is also entertaining because the reader can see the two story tracks coming together knowing that the characters aren't aware of the meeting that occurs at the end.
The comic provides a very nice cliffhanger to bring you back for another issue. The comic has a lot of positives in the character work and the plot. The villain threat isn't built up yet but there is time for that to grow. Overall, the comic offers some good moments and some nice setup that makes for a good foundation.
Coipel's art is fantastic. The artwork is detailed but gets away from the curvy female look we so commonly see in super hero books. Instead the art looks like people in ordinary life might look in terms of their anatomy. There is some action and the artwork hits some high and low notes making for a mix. I wasn't thrilled with the train ride depiction as I found too much to be missing in the panel transitions. Overall, it's a beautiful book.
X-Men may be an all-female comic book but it is clear that Wood is out to define some characters and not simply throw a bunch of women together for the sake of them being women. This issue brings together a lot of nice elements and sets things up nicely for the next issue. I know I plan to stick with this comic to see where it is heading.
3.5 out of 5 Geek Goggles
