by Brian Michael Bendis, David Marquez and Marte Gracia

allnewxmen8cvrWhat might be the funniest comic of the week, All-New X-Men is relentless in its exploration of the X-Men characters but it isn’t all one-liners and making fun of others behind their back. Bendis throws yet another pile of kindling onto the fire with this issue as a previously hinted conflict is resolved in a troubling way. Here’s a hint: it involves Jean Grey. I shall say no more.

David Marquez has been stellar on this series since coming on to relieve Stuart Immonen and he has provided the much-needed artistic stability that this oft-released comic sorely needed in order to survive. If an artist of lesser caliber had taken over, this series might have floundered into a quagmire for several valuable issues, but instead Marquez spreads his wings as he sets his sights on Angel. This high-flying X-Man provides the fodder for one of the most pleasing visual installments of this series.

Bendis has spent a decent amount of time examining every member of the original X-Men except for Angel – until now and the wait was worth it. In Warren he has crafted a doubly interesting character as both the young and older versions of the character become a compelling piece of the overall narrative.

The humour in this series has been consistent from the start, but this issue is on another level. The comment Thor makes when the Avengers show up made me smirk with amusement. But when Kitty Pryde and the modern version of Iceman carry out a mock conversation imitating Cap and Beast, I couldn’t help but chuckle. It was damn funny. And perhaps the best part about it is that the mock conversation turns out to hit the nail on the head and cover basically the same material as the actual one.

All-New X-Men is a title that has many plot threads and a ton of potential and Bendis is proving up to the task. His excitement about these characters is palpable when you read the book, and despite the burden it is on my wallet, I must say that I don’t find myself complaining about the accelerated released schedule of this series. Every time a new issue is released I devour it and want more, and All-New X-Men #8 is no exception. Another fantastic entry into one of Marvel’s best series.

Writing: 9/10
Art: 9/10
Overall: 9/10

Save 10-50% on Iron Man Comics, Apparel, and More!
Cody Mudge

Cody Mudge

Reviewer at ReadComicBooks
Cody lives just outside Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. His first love is writing, and his second is reading. Comics have been an interest of Cody’s for the last four years however he didn’t start collecting and heavily following his favourite characters until the start of 2012. When not reading comics or writing, he can be found playing guitar or Xbox 360 or hanging out with the Arwen to his Aragorn. In 2011 he wrote his first novel, Darker than Shadow, which will be published by iUniverse. His favourite DC character is Batman, and his favourite Marvel character is Wolverine. If he were a superhero he would be Spider-Man because of his dashing wit and charm, the dripping sarcasm he applies at times and his ability to learn lessons the hard way.
Cody Mudge

@codymudge

Cody Mudge

Latest posts by Cody Mudge (see all)