It's The Dawn of A New Age (X-Men #1 Review)
Updated: Jan 25, 2020
X-MEN #1
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Lenil Francis Yu
Inker: Gerry Alanguilan
Colorist: Sunny Gho
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel
Rating: 10/10
Guys, it's finally here The Dawn of X has officially begun. With issue 1 of X-Men we have officially entered the new era of everyone's favorite mutants. If you haven't read HOUSE OF X or POWERS OF X, then I suggest you stop reading right now and maybe go get one of the best comic of the last 10 years, read and then come back and check out this glowing review I'm about to give.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Who here doesn't love Cyclops????
After the mind blowing ideas and expansive world building Hickman gave us in HOX & POX, X-Men #1 was a somewhat quiet issue but amazing nonetheless. Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm a huge Cyclops fan and it's clear that Jonathan Hickman is as well. Most of this issue is centered around Cyclops and his immediate family/friends. So needless to say, this X-Men fan was very happy. Now I know there are those out there that aren't fans of Scott Summers and that's ok, I forgive you for not know a great character when you see one. But I can guarantee that Hickman is about to make everyone a Cyclops fan. He writes, probably the best Cyclops I've ever read. It's clear that he loves Cyclops as much as any of us and intends to bring him back to prominence. After you read this issue you'll know exactly what I mean.
When will these humans ever learn?
The issue begins with Storm and Cyclops attacking an ORCHIS base as they attempt to build more mutant killing machines. With the world put on notice, that mutants now have their own country and will no longer stand by while their people are killed/persecuted, there are still those that fear them and want them destroyed. Cyclops is one panel proves why he's a fucking badass with one line.
"I'm always careful Storm. It's part of my charm"
-Cyclops
As the are attacking the ORCHIS base another one of my favorite mutants makes his appearance, Magneto. This is a Magento that seems younger and more energized and fully invested in this new role of his. After returning with the mutants they saved, Magento, Cyclops and Storm are welcomed back as saviors. It was a touching scene seeing all the young mutants flock to Magento, looking up to him as this heroic figure.
My summer home is better than yours
One of the more interesting aspects of the book, was learning where House Summer is located. Yeah it's located on the Moon. Everyone that is based there is considered the first line of defense. It was interesting to see who lives on this new base. You have the entire Summers clan, some Starjammers and then Wolverine. The interactions between Vulcan and Wolverine almost had me in stitches. Hickman has captured each characters "voice" perfectly. It was nice seeing them in this familial setting, cementing that at the end of the day these aren't just superheroes but a family.
It was the scenes with Cyclops though that really stole the book. He has this new sense of focus and optimism that comes through in every word he says. It's not clear whether he and Jean are together though, and it's only made more complicated in the sleeping arrangements. Hickman put a chart of the Summer's Home, including the bedrooms, where he conveniently put jeans room in between Cyclops and Wolverine's. This is sure to mean something, but only time will tell.
Is everyone ready for this new Dawn of X?
Hickman has set up a lot of interesting things in just this first issue. While it is somewhat different in tone to HOX & POX, it is sure to excite X-fans across the world.
With the art on this book having a distinct departure from the visual tone from the previous series. It also really suits this story. Lenil Francis Yu has leveled up his art, which I didn't think was possible. He not only hits those action scenes perfectly, with each scene composed to perfection, but he captures the quiet moment between characters as well. This is one exquisite looking book.
I can't say this enough, Hickman and Co. have reignited my love for X-Men comics and I couldn't be happier. I challenge anyone to tell me how these aren't the best comics being published by Marvel today. This is only the beginning, so strap in and get ready for this X-citing ride.