Chris Claremont turned a failing comic about mutants into one of the most successful comic book franchises of all time. Though he was criticized for being too wordy or having wooden dialogue, Claremont helped create a more literary medium and with bringing comics into the modern era. Claremont wrote X-Men comics for 16 years! Those 16 years form one of the greatest epics ever created. All modern X-men comics use Claremont’s run as a foundation. The good news is a lot of these comics hold up pretty well. In this guide I’ll try to differentiate the *required reading* from the *just for fun*. [Read more…] about The Complete X-Men Reading Order Guide: Chris Claremont Era
Uncanny X-Men
X-Men Chronology: The Kieron Gillen run
Continuing my X-Men chronology, this week I want to explore a range that I personally feel is overlooked a little; Kieron Gillen’s run on ‘Uncanny X-Men’. Gillen took the reins of ‘Uncanny X-Men’ at a time of crisis for the mutant race, and – like his ‘Generation Hope’ series – he propelled the series like an arrow to the target of ‘AvX’. [Read more…] about X-Men Chronology: The Kieron Gillen run
Gambit Reading Order Part 5: Mid-2000s to the Present Day
It all began when a reader wrote in asking for a chronology of the X-Man called Gambit. What followed took me from the Claremont era through the Rogue romance of the ‘90s, with Gambit’s secret ties to Sinister revealed in Uncanny X-Men #350. In the years that followed, he redeemed himself and even led an X-team on occasion.
And then everything changed. [Read more…] about Gambit Reading Order Part 5: Mid-2000s to the Present Day
Gambit Reading Order Part 4: Late 90’s and Early 2000’s
The late 90’s were difficult times to be writing the X-Men. In Wizard #90, Steve Seagle gave vent to his frustrations:
Previously: Gambit after the Age of Apocalypse!
[Read more…] about Gambit Reading Order Part 4: Late 90’s and Early 2000’s
X-Men #1 Review! 100th Anniversary Special – After 51 Years of X-Men
A classic Marvel tale: X-Men in the future. As someone who buys almost every single X-Men title currently on the shelves (about 9), and who loves the old Claremont and Morrison runs, I’ll jump on the chance to buy an X-Men future story. I’m also a large fan of the current era of Cyclops (Yes, I own a “Cyclops Was Right” Shirt) and the Uncanny X-Men comic by Brian Michael Bendis is one of my favorites. So when I see a future where Cyclops ends up on top I’m even more excited. [Read more…] about X-Men #1 Review! 100th Anniversary Special – After 51 Years of X-Men