New X-Men, Vol. 1

I bought this hardcover to give it a try. It collects issues #114-126 and the annual (these issues are in volumes 1 & 2 of the softback collections without the annual). Don't let the numbers fool you, this essentially starts at issue #1 as this is the start of Grant Morrison's writing on this title.This book places emphasis on characters rather than simply having fight and explosion non-stop. Though there are many story elements carried over from elsewhere, Morrison lets the reader ease into the book, allowing one to quickly get a grasp on the past history of the X-men and follow along with the new stories he is writing. And these new stories are unquestionably defining.I wasn't too sure of the artwork, but I knew that reading these stories would help me to understand the current Marvel universe. Previously, I have read The Dark Phoenix Saga and otherwise mostly only books published after publication of this collection. Most of the changes that have happened to the x-men since the early 90s seem to have come from the New X-Men by Grant Morrison.I read this over one day and immediately ordered the next 3 volumes (starting with New X-Men: New Worlds). The story is good, real good. Many radical things happen to the X-men (Cassandra Nova, Genosha, Emma Frost's addition to the regular line-up, and the introduction of the Stepford Cuckoos - though their past still remains a mystery to me).Let's just say that I acclimated to Frank's artwork. He's good, but either you like his style or you don't. I'm not fond of it, but I'll say he's good at it. While not the sole artist, he is the best in this hardcover.If you like Morrison's New X-men run, you should read these collections afterwards: Phoenix Endsong and Joss Whedon's Astonishing X-Men (in that order), possibly Academy X.This book contains a "making of" section at the back with early scripts.

Excellent condition for a used Graphic Novel! All pages intact. Excellent description!

This was officially the first X-Book I've ever read.The only few things I know about the X-Men came form the movies and the saturday morning cartoons from the 90's. At one point I thought "You made a mistake buying this. The story most definably need for u to read a build-up so you can understand it". I was wrong!I L-O-V-E-D and understood this book begining to end!! No back-up books to get what was going on. No need of character intruductions. I just read and enjoy it.Gotta admmit, I was lost with a few characters (like with the Shi-ar), but that was minor. I picked up the pace fast. Grant Morrison really do a fine job with the X-Men and the way of presenting them, and give them different difficulties.The art is also great. I'm no fan of Frank Quietly, but I think he makes a good job here. Ethan Van Sciver (an artist I don't really like) makes an impressive work in some issues. I definably want him more on the X-Men than on Batman or Green Lantern.I just can't recommend this book more. This weekend I'll follow with the other 2 trades andlet you know the veredit. So far, this one has been a magnificent surprise, but I think I'll sell my 3 trades at the end... I want the Omnibus now!!!

Grant Morrison is one of those polarizing writers. You either kneel at the altar or kneel at the toilet bowl. Me, i dont really get all the hype but i have enjoyed some of his work. Although it is a far departure from what I had been used to New X-Men is not that bad (my favorite X- period being from Mutant Massacre through Inferno. Fall of the Mutants being the peak). Its not a masterpiece as some reviewers claim but its not as terrible as other reviewers have stated either.PRO's: I am loving the development of Emma Frost. Its funny cause i just read the original Pheonix saga and she was always such a toss away figure that it is really interesting to see how morrison creates her into one of the more interesting charachters so quickly. A diamond in the rough (literaly). I did feel her integration into the team was a bit too quick and brushed over though. I would have expected more of a Rogue type introduction where everyone would be just a little bit less accepting and skeptical, but whatever. I'm still digging it. I also love whats going on with Hank mcCoy as he struggles to maintain his identity as an intelectual while his apperence evolved (devolves?). Wolverine is handled well. true to form. Not too overbearing. I'm indifferent to Cyclops right now (being only on Vol 1). I havent read recent past stories so i'm not familiar with his being possessed but I can buy that its was so traumatic for him thats its the cause of his cold, stand offish behavior. I cant fault Morrison for giving it a try to spice up story lines.CON's. Morrisons writing is always very difficult to follow. Others have mentioned this in reviews as well. its not that its "over your head" so much as he just leaves things out, and not left out in the "form your own opinion" type of way. He loves the forest but hates talking about the trees. There were a few times in Volume I had to re read a page or two thinking I missed soemthing on to confirm "nope, didn't miss it he just didnt explain it or jumped to some other situation for whatever reason" Example. First full x-men encounter with cassandra nova. She makes Cyclops see large bugs, next pannel, Cyclops is trying to tell Jean Grey that what she is seeing are illusions and to fight it. ummmm what? Wasnt HE the one seeing illusions? This isnt the only instance where soemthing just doesnt make sense or you feel like there was a page missing. In the end you just have move on cause thats all you can do. another thing i'm not a big fan of was teh art. its wasnt terrible (ok soemtimes it was) but evern when it was good, I find Frank quitly's lip drawing to be very distracting. What does everyone take cortizone shots in the x-mansion? But, art is art. you eithe rliek it or you dont. After suffering through the late 90's with all that garbage that was out there I can live with over defined lips.I haven't been blown away by volume I but am hopefull it will become a more fulfilling expeirience as I move along into Vol 2 & 3 Til then I am reserving judgement on certain plot twist and story arches (evil twin killed in the womb, xorn, mageneto, genosha massacre)in short give it a try. if anything at least it's a good jumping on point.

Everything about Grant Morrisons run makes it the best ever. The introduction of one of the best X-Villains ever Cassandra Nova, Emma Frost becoming a team member, massacre of 16 million mutants, Professor X walking as well as coming out as a mutant, an entire issue that's sideways, another entire issue that's silent besides the very last panel.Yes the art may be inconsistent but the storytelling make up for it 100%. New X-Men can't be beat!!