NightCrawler #1 Review
Marvel Comics
Writer: Chris Claremont
Artist: Todd Nauck
Color Artist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
Cover Artists: Chris Samnee with Matthew Wilson
Reviewer: Tom Barnett
He’s back! They’re back! Nightcrawler is back in his own monthly book. Chris Claremont is back writing the tales of Nightcrawler. And Todd Nauck is back at Marvel Comics after a stint at Image on the Invincible Universe series.
When I heard the announcement that Claremont would once again be writing one of my favorite X-Men I was excited. He did not disappoint.
Claremont brings the new and old readers up to speed quickly without slowing the tempo of the story. Artist Todd Nauck gives us a fantastic splash page to start the issue. What I like about Claremont’s writing in this issue is that I get the sense that it’s not just Nightcrawler that is getting reacquainted at the Jean Grey School. There is a short walk down memory lane for Nightcrawler and then Claremont quickly brings him into action with his present surroundings. Claremont also brings back Nightcrawler’s longtime girlfriend, Amanda Sefton. Their reunion is quickly interrupted by a villain named Trimega.
Nauck’s artwork is just about perfect for this type of book. He was born to draw Nightcrawler! The tone is somber yet lighthearted. His action sequences are clear and easy to follow as is his panel layout. This is solid and entertaining storytelling. Nauck also throws in an homage to a Paul Smith panel that adds a nice touch. This time though there’s a few smaller Nightcrawler’s in the panel though, as the Bamf’s accompany Nightcrawler everywhere.
Nauck’s lively art is well complimented by Rachelle Rosenberg’s color work. Rosenberg really pushes the great storytelling, from Claremont and Nauck, over the top.
This is a thoughtful and action packed welcome back issue for Nightcrawler and for his longtime chronicler, Chris Claremont. A fun first issue that leaves you waiting for the next issue. This is going to be a good series.
Story: 4.5
Art: 4.5
Overall: 4.5
Tom is a contributing writer for Drunk On Comics. You can follow him on Twitter at @tphoto10.