Comic Book Herald

A Comic Book Reading Order Guide For Beginners & Fans

X-Men

Jonathan Hickman’s Full X-Men Run: Dawns & Endings | Krakin’ Krakoa #195

by Leave a Comment

In July 2019, writer Jonathan Hickman returned to the Marvel Universe after a nearly 4 year sabbatical to deliver House of X #1, a game-changing paradigm shift for Marvel’s X-Men comics. With collaborators Pepe Larraz, RB Silva, and Marte Gracia, Hickman completely reinvigorated X-Men and the fandom that surrounds it. After the massive success of House of X and Powers of X, Hickman turned to an ongoing X-Men series, set during the new status quo of the X-Men’s Krakoa era, a run that lasted from Fall 2019 through summer 2021.

Looking back at the full run now, what did we learn, what mysteries still remain, and how effective was Jonathan Hickman’s X-Men as a whole?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS

[Read more…] about Jonathan Hickman’s Full X-Men Run: Dawns & Endings | Krakin’ Krakoa #195

Where to Start With X-Men Comics – Essential X-Men Fast Track

by 2 Comments

One of my favorite aspects of House of X  / Powers of X and Jonathan Hickman’s takeover of Marvel’s X-Men comics line is how many new or lapsed readers want to dive into the vast and often complicated world of the X-Men. While I have a wide array of guides on Comic Book Herald – including massive full reading orders for all of X-Men – I thought it’d be easier for some new readers to start with a fast-track guide to the essential starting places. [Read more…] about Where to Start With X-Men Comics – Essential X-Men Fast Track

(Re)Read Hickman’s X-Men Era: An X-Force to Be Reckoned With

by Leave a Comment

A Companion to 2019’s X-Force #1-6!

Benjamin Percy’s X-Force dives right in from the first page, opening the dark vein this violent sub-franchise has tapped into since its 1991 inception—growing darker and bloodier with every iteration. Or seemingly so. Certainly, each volume after the initial and longest-running one has been grim, dark, and brooding—except Ed Brisson’s relatively light 10-issue run* immediately preceding House of X. While we’re looking here at the sixth X-Force series, we shouldn’t forget the grimmest iterations—the two volumes of Uncanny X-Force written by Rick Remender. And there was the underwhelming Cable and X-Force, as well.

Related:

Hickman X-Men Reading Order

Krakin’ Krakoa!

More in this series!

*Brisson’s series is very timey-wimey and focused on teen Cable—following on from 2018’s Extermination, the mini where Brisson introduced him. For the conclusion of teen Cable’s arc, read Duggan’s Cable title, which just wrapped up at issue #12.

But what exactly is X-Force?

[Read more…] about (Re)Read Hickman’s X-Men Era: An X-Force to Be Reckoned With

(Re)Read Hickman’s X-Men: The Sword Is Drawn – 2019’s Excalibur #1

by Leave a Comment

Somewhat like Marauders, Tini Howard and Marcus To’s Excalibur reinvents a familiar X-franchise name, though in this case the new Excalibur retains strong ties to the beloved classic team of the 1980s. Their base will still be the Lighthouse, and their leader remains Captain Britain—and a Braddock—but their roster is otherwise entirely different. Missing, too, is Claremont and Alan Davis’ signature gonzo satire on the title, but Omniversal Majestrix Opal Luna Saturnyne will see her grandest showing yet, while the Braddocks, Pete Wisdom, and Merlyn and Roma play increasingly prominent supporting roles as the series continues. In fact, as a hub or nexus of the multiverse, Otherworld will be far more prominent in the new series—and so will its province of Avalon.

Related:

Hickman X-Men Reading Order

Krakin’ Krakoa!

More in this series!

[Read more…] about (Re)Read Hickman’s X-Men: The Sword Is Drawn – 2019’s Excalibur #1

Hellions, Volume 2 in Review

by Leave a Comment

Collecting Hellions #7-12, the second trade volume of this instant cult classic is out now, released August 4. Hellions has been one of the most consistent among the current X line, in terms of its narrative focus, art, and overall quality from issue to issue. The brilliantly dark humor of Zeb Wells is as ever shot through with moments of tragic poignancy, but his writing continues to evolve with every issue—and the brooding artistry of Stephen Segovia has proven the most perfect vehicle yet for Zeb’s signature combination of comedy and horror. Segovia’s style is somewhat reminiscent of Leinil Francis Yu’s, but the young Filipino artist excels with his ability to convey such a broad range of facial expressions, emotive body language, kinetic action, and slapstick. This seamless melding of seriousness and levity takes a particular genius to achieve, which, again, makes the pairing of these two unique talents a perfect storm.

[Read more…] about Hellions, Volume 2 in Review