Thoughts

By 1982, the relaunched X-men comic was an unqualified success. So naturally Marvel wanted a spin-off. The idea of branding each title in the range with an “X” was not yet born, so instead the new comic stresses the fact that its effectively The Next Generation.

In doing so it feels like going back to basics for not only the original Lee/Kirby title but also the Giant Size relaunch. From the former, it takes the idea that these are kids, teenagers brought to the academy to learn how to use their powers. From the latter the title has another global feel. The new team are once again taken from around the planet.

This still feels like a global perspective as seen through the Big Book of Stereotypes. Wolfsbane doesn’t seem to come from Scotland in 1982, but the same eighteenth century timesink that Nightcrawler inhabited. But within the stereotyping, there are interesting decisions being made. Sunspot is Brazilian, so obviously loves football – but he’s also Black Brazilian, from a wealthy family. An intriguing outsider status that the comic doesn’t shy away from.

Visually the comic does a good job of illustrating all their powers. And also grounding all their powers as relatively low-level. These aren’t a team of big-hitters to rival the Avengers. (or even, lets be honest, the Defenders). They’re kids, with obvious weaknesses. Yet an interesting and diverse set of powers.

There is one thing that is striking though. I mentioned recently that Dave Cockrum’s visual creativity was a big deal in selling the all-new X-men of the relaunch. By contrast, this team have the standard X-uniform. Which just makes them look like awkward kids in a costume. Story-wise it makes perfect sense, but it does lack the visual grab of the successful relaunch that made this all possible.

Fun Panel

Welcome to the new team!