Comics for Noobs: X-Men
July 6th, 2010 by Samodean

The X-Men family of books goes through a cycle. Due to their large cast, the stories grow increasingly complex over the course of several years. When things reach a breaking point, Marvel usually starts a big family-wide event, such as the current “Second Coming” storyline, then relaunches the entire line of books with fresh stories. This month is one of those relaunches.

To briefly summarize:

  • The X-Men are a group of mutants, people born differently, often manifesting as astounding powers.
  • The purpose of the X-Men is to offer other mutants a place to turn in a society that hates and fears them. They strive to be the best their species can be.
  • Several years ago, when one of their own lost control of her reality-altering powers, 99% of Earth’s mutant population was depowered. On-site when it happened, many of the X-Men were protected.
  • Seeing this as nature’s way of putting an end to the mutants, many anti-mutant groups try to finish the job. The world is an even more dangerous place for those born different.
  • The X-Men take refuge on an island off the coast of San Francisco, creating their own “nation,” and just want to be left alone.
  • Hope, the first (and thusfar only) mutant born since “M-Day” returns from the future, where she was sent for protection in her fragile youth.
  • At the same time Hope returns, one of the X-Men’s old foes strikes, intending to wipe mutants out once and for all.

And… that’s where “Second Coming” is at currently. Due to some publishing delays, the “relaunch” of the X-Men family of books is actually starting BEFORE the end of the previous era.

Yep, this Thursday, July 8th, marks the launch of a brand-new title, X-Men #1.

The story actually begins in last week’s Death of Dracula single-issue special. The title is about as much description as you need. Dracula, Lord of the Vampires is killed, leaving a power struggle behind.

Wait, wait, WAIT. Dracula? VAMPIRES? Yep, for whatever reason, X-Men‘s first story arc will be the team battling vampires. It’s an interesting concept, as vampires and mutants are both seen as abominations, hated and feared by normal humans. Factions on both sides want to dominate their “lessers” while others just want to fit in. If it’s pulled off well, it could be a fresh idea for a franchise that’s been around for almost fifty years. Additionally, it opens up the X-Men to interactions with characters they’ve never dreamed of meeting before, like Blade.

I’ll warn you now, with their large cast, the X-Books are not Comic Noob friendly. The books do a good job introducing the characters in each issue, so you can at least follow along, but keep Wikipedia handy if things get confusing. Which they likely will, since Nate Grey will be making an appearance. I can’t even begin to explain his story, as he’s an alternate-dimension CLONE of an already complicated character. He’s cool as hell, just don’t try to figure that puzzle out.

But X-Men isn’t the ONLY X-Book hitting the shelves this month. Here’s a look at what else the franchise has to offer.

Uncanny X-Men – The flagship title of the series since the 60s. Uncanny will likely still be the central book in the family, and will be dealing with the events directly following “Second Coming.”

X-Men: Legacy – Originally titled X-Men when it was launched in the 90s, it was retitled to New X-Men for a few years before returning to its original title and later adding the “Legacy” tag. Legacy explores some of the side-stories to what we see in the other books, giving some of the less-visible characters much-needed development. Rogue is currently the main character of this series.

X-Force – The X-Men’s Black Ops team. They take on the tasks that NEED to be done, but nobody necessarily wants to admit to. There are only a small handful of issues left in this run, tying up some plot threads. However, it will receive a full relaunch with a new team in October.

New Mutants – Originally conceived in the 80s as a new team of young mutants, they’re now just the “slightly less old” X-Men. Still, it’s a very fun book featuring some beloved characters. The current crop of “Young X-Men” don’t have their own book at the moment, but get some time in Uncanny and Legacy, as well s a constant stream of miniseries.

X-Factor – The X-book that’s the most detached from the rest of the bunch. X-Factor follows Jamie Madrox, the Multiple Man, and his group of outcasts as they run a detective agency in New York. While the other X-books are largely isolated form the rest of the Marvel Universe, X-Factor is right in the middle of it. Their recent Issue 200 started off with the great line “The Invisible Woman has disappeared!” They work as the Private Investigators for the Marvel U at large, and outside of their “Second Coming” tie-in, has been consistently one of the best books on the shelves.

Astonishing X-Men – When Joss Whedon was writing the book, it was the best of the bunch. The current work isn’t bad, but due to publishing delays, Astonishing is becoming increasingly disjointed from the rest of the X-Books. I’m not entirely sure what direction this title is moving in, as Marvel is trying to launch an entire line of “Astonishing” books, telling side-stories outside the current plotlines.

X-Men Forever – NOT A BOOK FOR COMIC NOOBS. Back in the 90s, Chris Claremont and Jim lee were co-writing the major X-Men titles. Due to disagreements, Claremont left after over a decade running the franchise. Now back in the good graces of Marvel, Forever picks the story up where he left off, telling the tales he wanted. Claremont was always known for his hints and foreshadowing of things to come, so he’s picking up on plot threads long left abandoned. Also, free to write a story outside continuity, Claremont has been unleashing hell on the entire Marvel Universe.

I think I got them all. Did I get them all? The X-Men franchise’s complexity is both its best point and its downfall. The books are literally packed with great characters, but it can be a daunting task for new readers to jump in. I’d recommend starting off with Uncanny X-Men #526 on July 28th for the full X-Men experience. This week’s X-Men #1 would also be a good book to start with, but not as connected to the core X-Men story. (At least I don’t think, judging by the promos I’ve seen) Aside from that, there’s plenty of other great issues out there that are well worth looking into.

If that weren’t enough, Marvel is re-releasing many of the X-Men’s best stories as collected editions this month. From “The Dark Phoenix Saga” to “Mutant Genesis,” they’re a great way for a Comic Noob to learn more about Marvel’s Mighty Mutants!

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