Amazing X-Men #1 Review
“The Quest for Nightcrawler, Part 1”
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Jason Aaron
Pencils: Ed McGuinness
Inks: Dexter Vines
Colors: Marte Gracia
Letters: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover: McGuinness & Gracia
Review by Scott Keys
When I heard that Marvel was going to bringing Nightcrawler back, I was ecstatic! Then I found out they were giving him his own X-title, and that was even better! Then I saw that the creative team was going to be Jason Aaron and Ed McGuinness… Marvel, just take my money right now, why don’t ya! Amazing X-Men #1 is the debut issue of Nightcrawler’s return, so does it live up to the hype?
F-yeah, it does! Aaron is my favorite modern day X-Men writer, and unfortunately I came late to the game (don’t worry, I’m catching up now… thanks Marvel Unlimited!). I knew better than to fall behind on this title. I had to get in on the ground floor, and I’m glad I made that decision. Aaron is AMAZING (see what I did there?) with ensembles. He makes sure that each character has “screen time” and stays true to the established continuity. The man also knows how to write great dialogue and some pretty awesome action sequences! Nightcrawler’s banter in his opening battle sequence is spot on to the swashbuckling hero we all know and love. And Ed McGuinness? Seriously? That swashbuckling sword fight was AMAZING-ly (sorry, can’t help myself) choreographed, and the scope and scale of the scenes were fabulous! I’ve been a fan of McGuinness’ since I first laid eyes on his art, and his clean lines and kinetic style (perfect for Northstar, btw) really shine on this title.
I guess you want to know what happens, huh? Well, Nightcrawler is unhappy in Heaven and misses his days on Earth. Cue the obligatory battle sequence with… his demon father, Azazel! What? How did he get into Heaven? Nevermind, the fight is awesome! Meanwhile, at the Jean Grey School, Angelica Jones (Firestar if you didn’t know) shows up to join the staff. Cue the little BAMFs and their shenanigans! Come to find out, they’ve been building a teleporter inside the walls of the school. Our tale ends with Northstar and Wolverine being sucked into the portal and coming upon a floating demon pirate ship in Heaven…WHAT?!?! You’re gonna leave us hanging THERE?!? Ok, I’m hooked!
This book was absolutely AMAZING (last time, I promise), and this debut couldn’t have been any better. The writing is superb, art is beautiful, and the cast is brilliant. Do yourself a favor and go pick this book up ASAP!
Art: 5 / 5
Story: 5 / 5
Overall: 5 / 5
Scott Keys is a father, Butler University grad, pharmacist, and full-time comic nerd. You can follow his adventures around the spinner-rack and his Incoherent Comic Book Ramblings on:
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