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Posted November 28, 2013 by Nicolo Parungo in Comics
 
 

COMIC BOOK REVIEW: X-Men – Gold #1

X-Men – Gold #1

Company: Marvel
Writer(s): Chris Claremont, Stan Lee, Louise Simonson, Roy Thomas, Len Wein and Fabien Nicieza
Artist (s): Bob Mcleod, Walt Simonson, Pat Oliffe, Jorge Molina and Salvador Larocca

XGOLD

I think we can all agree in unison when I say that the X-Men revolutionized comic books; created by Stan lee and Jack Kirby 50 years ago, but only really gaining momentum under the pens of Len Wein, Dave Cockrum in Giant Size X-Men #1 and later Chris Claremont who wrote the team for 17 years with various artists like John Byrne, John Romita Jr, Whilce Portacio, Marc Silvestri and Jim Lee and handled more serious issues regarding racism and equality. X-Men: Gold is a one shot that looks to celebrate all of that with 5 short stories from some of its more well-known creators.

The first story by New Mutants co-creators Claremont and Mcleod features the team of the 80’s as they fight Sentinels. This is the longest story in the book and it’s pretty solid, for better or worse Chris Claremont still writes like Chris Claremont; overwrought and melodramatic, but also incredibly accessible and fun. Mcleod’s art is mixed; while relatively solid there are cases where the heads appear to be bigger than the bodies.

The next story by Stan Lee and the Simonsons features the original team from the 60’s (who you can read about in All New X-Men) is disappointing. The story is cute; whoever reaches the danger room gets a date with Jean Grey, but it ends before anything exciting really happens and the setting feels like a waste of Walt Simonson’s talents.

By far the most disappointing story here is by Roy Thomas and Pat Oliffe. Sunfire and Banshee almost fight, but get along thanks to their their tastes in music; it’s about as exciting as it sounds.

X GOLD 2

Len Wein and Jorge Molina’s short focusing on Wolverine is surprisingly good; great even. During the mission briefing where the all new Uncanny X-men have to save the original team, Logan considers how to kill all of his team mates. It’s a nice bit of character development for everyone’s favourite Canadian hero.

The last story by Fabien Nicieza and Salvador Larocca features a possible future with Xavier and Magneto with a twist ending. I don’t want to spoil it, but it requires the audience to be familiar with the X-men during the 90’s. It’s pretty good, but may lose some newer readers who may not get the reference.

X-men: Gold is a solid one shot, but I’m not sure if it does the X-men’s golden anniversary justice. It’s not offensive, but it’s not outstanding either and the need to be familiar with the X-men’s rather confusing continuity is a bit of a turnoff.

7/10

Big shout out to our friends at DK Comics for the issue :)

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This review was sponsored by Druid’s Keep (third floor, Fort Strip Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig). Join the group on Facebook (here) and pay the shop a visit – it’s an awesome place to hang out and play games.


Nicolo Parungo