Comics : Comic Reviews : Marvel Comics

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2009 - 7:25:21 AM

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X-Men Forever #1 By Hervé St-Louis Jun 14, 2009 - 13:55:29 PM Publisher(s): Marvel Comics Writer(s): Chris Claremont Penciller(s): Tom Grummet Inker(s): Cory Hamscher Colourist(s): Wilfredo Quintana Letterer(s): Tom Orzechowski Cover Artist(s): Tom Grummet $3.99 US

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Another X-Men series for those of us who can’t get enough of the mutants. This series continues the storyline established way back in X-Men in 1991 just prior the departure of Chris Claremont, the seminal writer of the series for over 16 years. At the time, Claremont left the series due to a dispute with editor Bob Harras. Imagine what the world of the X-Men would be if Claremont had never left. Well this is it.

This series felt like I was reading more a junior Marvel Comics title than a continuation of an old plot line. It’s telling that Claremont’s style has not aged and his voice feel both dated and simplified by today’s standards. There were still thought bubbles, which I thoroughly enjoyed. But at the same time, the love paradox between Jean Grey and Wolverine felt a bit melodramatic. This series is pure 1990s delight if that’s what one is looking for. Having recently viewed both the first volumes of the X-Men cartoons series from the same period; I have to admit that Claremont’s take is the same. There is less subtlety than a regular comic book published in 2009. I’m not sure what to do with this series, and if I should continue reading it. I’m even more curious about how much Claremont will change established continuity in this world where he is the only master. For one thing, if he ever gets bored, I hope Marvel Comics will simply stop the series and not contribute to another splinter universe mayhem the way the seem to enjoy doing these days.

Grummet is the perfect artist for this series. His work, has for years been at the crossroad of similar retro artists, such as George Perez and John Byrne. He has neither the elegance of Perez nor the storytelling genius of Byrne, but he has all the energy and emotion one would expect for a comic book set in the 1990s. In this series, his work won’t be bashed for being retro. It’s exactly where it fits and people purchasing this comic book know exactly what they are buying into. This should be a fun ride!

Rating: 8.5/10


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