A Landmark Issue with Haunting Character Moments
The Good
Some readers might write off this issue of All-New X-Men as a filler or retrospective issue. Brian Michael Bendis knows each of the X-Men well and the diverse stories all come together as a cerebral character study of many of the X-Men. This issue not only seamlessly broaches where they've been, but also where they could have gone in preparation for what is coming next.
Over the past issues of All-New X-Men, we've seen the ramifications of Beast's decision to pluck the original X-Men from the past and bring them into the present. What started with the intent to change modern Scott Summers' current course and correct an uncertain future has turned into a far more complex problem for the mutants of Earth. The consequences of one mutant's actions are appropriately given weight, scope, scale, and proximity. The Bendis banter is present in this issue, but more noticeable is the heavy, consequence-filled drama that strikes deep into the conscience of a particular character.
David Marquez does a marvelous job with main art duties and the many guest pages are able to not only stand alone as masterful character studies, but also tell stories of what may have been.
The Bad
With so many branching paths explored, some of the alternate incarnations of characters don't ring true to what readers may have come to expect. And with so many changes in the artists, it can be distracting or jarring to cycle through diametrically opposed styles. In one particular double-page spread the seam of the physical book awkwardly cuts through the main character, but the consequence and scenario of what transpires is hard to lose, especially if you read the comic digitally.
The Verdict
Once again, Bendis gives us a wonderful journey through the drama, love, and heart-breaking awkwardness of what has come to be one of the most powerful teams in comicdom. Every X-Men fan will find something to love within the pages of this issue. After 50 years, the history of the X-Men characters have been uncanny, astonishing, and sometimes all new. At the end of this issue many readers will expect there are still many mighty Marvel machinations yet to be maneuvered and the X-Men have pledged to be there to save the day.