First up is the new ongoing series Wolverine and the X-Men. This title was a lot of fun. I don't think anybody would've predicted Logan would be the one to take the stance of teaching over fighting after the events of Schism. But if you look back at Logan's history, it actualy makes sense. The way he took Kitty Pryde, Jubilee, and more recently, Armor, under his wing shows Wolverine has always had a nuturing side. So far, the book has that old school feeling of what the X-Men felt like way back when the original five were all we knew. From the introduction to the teachers, to the interaction with the students, we get to see what it's like to be a young mutant all over again.
The drawback to that is the fact that Wolverine's name is in the title, and with Wolverine, you expect a certain amount of action. While this is only the first issue, and there is plenty of time to get into that area, the threat at the end of the issue is not exactly what I would've hoped for in a book written by Jason Aaron. But there's plenty of time to turn that around. The mannerisms and dialogue of the characters is everything I could've hoped for, though.
Chris Bachalo's art is a little hard to follow at times. I've always been a big fan of his, but his style goes through so many changes, that it's never consistent. I like his stuff more when the characters are exaggerated, yet recognizable. With this series, he's more exaggerated, and less recognizable. Yes, we can tell who Wolverine, and Kitty Pryde, and all the major characters are, but it's the students that sometimes get confusing. Not the best way to introduce new readers to new characters in a new series.
All in all, a good starting point to the X-Men's new direction. Room for improvement, but like the students, we're all here to learn.
Uncanny X-Men gets a #1 for the very first time. If you remember, back in 1963, the grandfather of all X-books was entitled just "X-Men." So this issue has a lot to live up to. And it didn't disappoint. Kieron Gillen perfectly introduced all the players on Utopia. From Cyclops' main team, to the Gen Hopers, to San Francisco itself, all got equal time. Gillen's been on the series long enough that he has a good grasp on the nuances of the members, and that really shined through here. The fact that he could jump right into a first issue with introductions AND action was a great plus. The return of one of the X-Men's biggest adversaries was especially welcome.
Carlos Pacheco back on a monthly book is a real treat. His art might not be as detailed as it used to be, but it's still very dynamic. And if the lack of detail allows him to get a book out monthly, it's a fair trade-off, especially since the art is still fantastic.
I'm not a big fan of Cyclops' turn into more of a general than an ambassador for mutants, but this series still makes it an interesting ride. I can't help but feel there is still more to Cyke's change the past few years than what we've seen so far. I don't know if it's my ever-present hate/suspicion of Emma Frost, or the impending threat of next summer's return of the Phoenix, but I think something even more major is about to happen with Scott Summers. And it'll be sooner rather than later.
So whether you're on Wolverine's side or Cyclops' side, readers are in for a new Golden Age for the X-Books. And that's something that's been needed for far too long.
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