Each time you get to open an issue of WOLVERINE AND THE X-MEN, you know it's going to be crazy-good.
The Good
Let me say that I like Wolverine. I don't love him. I probably like him as much as the next person. That being said, this is my favorite X-title. We get a different feel pretty much from each of the other titles. They're good but they don't have the charm that this title does. This comic is in a league of its own.
It's hard to believe we're only on the seventh issue. Jason Aaron has been packing in so much action and adventure (and humor!) in this title that you need to pause to catch your breath afterwards. Not only do we get to see the idea of a school for young mutants, we have the adventures of the X-Men inside Kitty Pryde as well as Kitty's fight. It's a fight on two fronts. There's also the growing in popularity new character, Broo. Will fans be pleased with what happens here? Of course we have Wolverine doing some inappropriate behavior dealing with gambling on another planet with Quentin Quire. The fact that Wolverine used him to cheat makes it even worse. And wait until you see what Quentin starts doing in this issue.
Nick Bradshaw's art with Justin Ponsor's colors adds to the light-hearted nature (even when things start getting violent and ugly). It's amazing how many characters and plotlines are crammed into this issue but it never feels cramped and the art never feels rushed.
The Bad
Is this the typical X-Men book? It doesn't need to be. The only problem I have is the way Wolverine's face is drawn. He looks too...clean or young. He's always a little scruffy and even though he has the big sideburns, it's not quite enough.
This may not be exactly a problem with the issue but Wolverine's actions and involving a student, even if he's desperate, seems too much. Surely there'd be another mutant he could have taken. Hopefully we'll see some repercussions from all of this.
The Verdict
There's no questioning the fact that this is my favorite X-Men title. It's not like the others. It has a completely light-hearted feel even when the dangers arise and the chaotic action errupts. I've seen some question the direction Jason Aaron is taking this title but I don't get the complaints. Simply put, this comic is pure fun. This is exactly what I want in a comic book. There's plenty of action, suspense, humor and plot developments. We've seen a lot of new characters and they're winning me over a little more month after month. I can only hope that the upcoming AVENGERS VS. X-MEN won't have a huge impact on the feel and tone of this title.
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