Wolverine, X-Club, Uncanny X-Men

Returning to my X-Men collection for a while.  Since I read Teen Titans, I’ve been hankering for the far superior team book…

Wolverine 20-31

Mark Millar’s run on the title w/ John Romita Jr.  It’s a great example of mindless comic book action at its best.  Brainwashed Wolverine wreaks havoc upon the Marvel heroes, followed by recovered Wolverine raining retribution upon the Hand.  Totally worth the seventeen bucks I paid for the hardcover at the used book store.

It may be a Wolverine comic, but this shot of Cap is my favorite image from it.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: No

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Pretty good

X-Club 1-5

Steve Spurrier and Paul Davidson tell an adventure of the scientist members of the X-Men.  This was a lot funnier the first time around; Spurrier’s sarcastic Ellis-like brand of quippy humor just doesn’t land as well on the re-read.  Still, it’s a interesting change of pace from the usual mutant fare.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: No

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Fine

Giant-Size X-Men 1

Uncanny X-Men 94-119

Here we go, the flagship title for the X-Men and my first great comic love.  I don’t know how to explain the emotional connection I have with the Chris Claremont era of this title, but it runs deep and long.  I have these issues in the Essential X-Men trade, so in black and white.  It definitely doesn’t read as well as it would in color, even though the brilliance of the John Byrne art still shines through.  But with the Dave Cockrum issues, I found myself reading the words a lot more than looking at the art, as good as it is.     

So many classic covers from this era, starting with this one.

Heh, classic good guy v good guy cover.

This panel reads amazing, even in black and white.  Amazing Cockrum work.

This double page splash is bursting with energy.

This era has so many signature covers.

Heh, drooping Wolverine ears.

One of the best X-Men team covers ever.  (Art Adams)

John Byrne's art, with Terry Austin inks, are so frickin' clean.  It's gorgeous.

Byrne's Storm may be my favorite Ororo.

Classic look.

Lascivious, but quite effective on middle school me.

Colossus is totally suffering from the Worf effect.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Nice for Cockrum issues, Pretty good for Byrne’s

Uncanny X-Men 129-137

The Dark Phoenix Saga.  Even now, just hearing that sends shivers down my spine.  This is so very very good, Claremont and Byrne at their absolute best.  With both this and the previous issues, it’s stunning just how much of it is still regarded as essential to the X-Men canon.  This is where the accepted personalities of Wolverine, Storm, Colossus, Nightcrawler, and countless others are established for all time.  And of course, the Phoenix Force continues to drive X-stories even forty years later.  

Kitty's first appearance, and her first meeting with Emma Frost...

...which will lead to decades of snark and verbal repartee.

One of the classic Claremontisms.  I counted four instances over the span of five issues.

Mastermind totally deserves this punishment, body and soul.

Arguably the most iconic Wolverine image ever.

On the reread, I'm particularly impressed by the fight sequences.

Everyone gets their own showcase and chance to shine.

The sequences are a master class in clear, exciting storytelling

Excellent use of rain to accentuate the mood.

Nowadays, I'd yawn at this kind of heel turn

But back then, it really felt like a huge deal.  Things were less cynical.

I've always loved Claremont's narration over Scott and Jean's last stand.  He manages to convey the operatic tragedy of the moment, the loss of what might have been, the magical moments lost, and the heroism on display.  Reading it always fills me with melancholy:

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Really good