Age of X-Man Alpha #1 Review

Age of X-Man Alpha #1

Writers: Lonnie Nadler, Zac Thompson
Artist: Roman Rosanas
Colorist: Triona Farrell
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Review by Greg Brothers

After years of being what seemed like an afterthought, the last couple of years have seen the X-Men start to return to prominence in the Marvel Universe. We have seen resurrection, extinction, and the return of many long-deceased members of the team. Then the last 10 weeks we saw the return of the Uncanny X-Men including Nate Grey.

For those who may not remember: Nate Grey was born in the pits of Mister Sinister’s lab, where he was created to be the ultimate weapon against the High Lord Apocalypse. It was in that final battle that Nate escaped the Age of Apocalypse and found his way to the 616 universe. After years of seclusion, Nate returned with his Horsemen of Salvation in order to reshape the world into a utopia where mutants are able to live in peace. It is then while battling the X-Men that Nate lashes out at his mother Jean Grey and reshapes the world within his perfect image. Or did he?

So caught up? Good. The next question is should I read this book? The easy answer? Yes! Yes! and a million times Yes!

If you have not been keeping up with the X-series since their returns, then Age of X-Men Alpha #1 is a perfect jumping on point. Thompson and Nadler take the opportunity to establish the new status quo for the X-Men and the various teams and titles in this new universe. While the story opens with the newest team of X-Men saving the world from a new mutant still not able to control her powers, the entire issue is not filled with endless action and explosions. Instead Thompson and Nadler lay out a story that is entertaining, emotional, and enlightening. Threads are introduced for each of the upcoming series that are part of the Age of X-Man. And while each part ends with a reminder about those new series, it never feels as if the story is told just to get you to buy the new books.

Where Thompson and Nadler shine is their ability to tell a story that is peaceful and tranquil, while also laying out hints that things may not be a perfect as Nate Grey would have the world believe them to be. It is par for the course for the writing duo, who continue to blend classic philosophy and literary works within Age of X-Man Alpha #1.

The art has this airy feeling to it. While it is not pastel in any sense the colors have this filtered look to them that makes the story feel tranquil and relaxing as you read it. The linework is sharp allowing the characters to pop off the page. The character designs are unique, yet all possess characteristics that allow them to be easily recognizable. The panel layouts are easy on the eyes and flow as you follow the action.

Verdict: Buy it!

I am a longtime X-Men fan, and Age of X-Men Alpha has everything that I look for in a great X-Men book. We get a great set-up, emotional storytelling, mystery, underlying tensions, and art that makes your mouth drop in awe. Every page makes me want to learn more about this universe. By the end, I was hooked. So like I said from the beginning. Should you buy this book? Yes! Yes! Yes!