ALL-NEW X-MEN VOL. 1: YESTERDAY'S X-MEN
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Stuart Immonen
$24.99, Marvel Comics, 136 pgs.
ISBN 978-0785168201
The Marvel Universe isn't exactly new-reader-friendly, with the corner inhabited by the X-Men being home to perhaps the most convoluted continuity in mainstream comics. That said, All-New X-Men actually uses the complexity of X-continuity to great advantage. The concept is simple: the world is a mess, some of which might be the X-Men's fault, so founding member Hank "Beast" McCoy travels through time to bring the original X-Men--including a younger version of himself--into the present, hoping to show the kids the error of their ways and thus change the future. Instead, the younger X-Men elect to remain in their future, our present, and see if they can undo the misdeeds of their older selves.
I promise, it makes a lot more sense than it does in this summary.
Brian Michael Bendis writes a lot of books. Too many, in fact; he's often spread so thin that no single title gets his best work. All-New X-Men, however, is Bendis at his strongest. The dialogue pops, the action is grandiose, and the cross-time hijinks are great fun. And I would be remiss in my duties if I failed to mention Stuart Immonen's stunning artwork, which manages to imbue the book's character moments and action scenes with the same elegance.
TIPS FOR LIBRARIANS: At the time of this review, there are three volumes available. This series circulates well among both teen and adult audiences.
READERS ADVISORY NOTES: Of all the X-books, All-New X-Men is without a doubt the most accessible. You can feel confident recommending it to virtually any superhero fan.
CONTENT ADVISORY: Superhero action/violence, mild language
Review©2014, C. Michael Hall.
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