X-Men: First Class #1 - Summary/Review/Awesomeness

[Brian M.]

Well it's finally happened, an Original X-Men ongoing is back on the shelves at your LCS. This book is hands down the easiest to like, read, enjoy.

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/8646/theweeklygalleryjune252qs5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Summary:

Jean is outside trying to fly. It's not really going that well for her as she ends up stuck in a tree. All of her teammates try to come to her rescue. This leads to Jean storming off. Hank tries to come and talk to her but they are summoned by Xavier. Knowing his students like he does, he figured that at some point he'd have to adress Jean being the only girl. So standing in the main room is Sue Storm.

Xavier tells Jean that Sue is here to help her out. Just then Sue's beeper goes off, she is summoned to help the other FF. She takes Jean w/ her. Scott is a little sad b/c he seems to think that they will need Jean for something, Sue assures him she's fine.

Standing outside Jean and Sue fly off in the Fantasticar. In probably the funninest exchange in the whole book Warren says that is travelling in style. Bobby replies that it beats stuffing everyone in the minivan. Xavier remarks that the van gets good mileage.

I believe it's the Mad thinker they are fighting and some big block head creature. Fight goes on, Jean helps them out. Big block head robot punches a hole in the ground and tosses Ben into it. Jean lifts Ben out and Ben captures Mad Thinker.

The Media swarms the FF asking questions if Jean is the new member and who is she? Johnny says that she's Marvel Girl and he can see why they call her that. Flash to a picture of Scott's shocked face, jealous bastard.

The X-Men begin to talk about Jean leaving. Scott begins to talk about how when the FF do it, they are rewarded, when the X-Men help out they are monsters. Xavier has this coy look on his face saying that maybe Jean could do more good for mutants on the FF then w/ them. Scott says that it probably is best that Jean does join them.

Back at the scene the FF and Jean are looking for Mad Thinker's base. Torch flys off and Jean watches him. Sue says she can't say dating her brother would be a good thing. Jean says that she was just watching him fly, that she tried to fly but landed in a tree. Sue and Jean talk some more.

Sue and Jean head to the top of a hill. In an impressive full page pic Sue makes the entire ground invisible. Jean finds the door to the base but triggers a defensive mechanism. A gaint stone hand comes out of the ground to attack them. All of a sudden it freezes and Beast comes barreling through. Angel over head and Iceman behind him. Cyclops blasts a hole in the hand and Jean says she'd recongize that blast anywhere. Torch comes down to burn the remaining bits.

The X-Men start to beg Jean to comeback to them and Reed pipes up saying they aren't recruiting Jean. Jean has a nice line about how the FF are a family and the X-Men are hers.

Ben comes back says that before Reed gets there and makes them all search that base, who wants a ride into Fantasticar? All jump in and ride away. Sue has a little report to Xavier saying that she can't read minds but she supposes that Xavier wanted her to see how Sue dealt w/ the men on her team.

Review:

This issue takes place sometime after Reed and Sue get married b/c Sue calls Reed her husband.

Overall: Awesome. Great way to start off the ongoing. You have action, comedy, some seriousness and a little drama. It was perfect. The little character moments were spot on. Jeff Parker did a great job w/ the FF. Ben was funny, his interaction w/ Johnny was great. Good stuff.

Art: Cruz is really perfect for this book. The page of Sue turning all the ground invisible was great. Expressions, fight scenes, good stuff. This art team is perfect for this book.

Downside: If you don't like the light hearted nature of this, the classic 60's ending of everyone eating Hostess Fruit Pies type stuff, don't read this book.

[Beast]

Haven't gotten it yet. But wouldn't the 'Big Blockhead creature' be Awesome Android?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d8/Ff15.jpg

[Brian M.]

Haven't gotten it yet. But wouldn't the 'Big Blockhead creature' be Awesome Android?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d8/Ff15.jpg

That's exactly what it is. Mad Thinker...ok I'll change that in my review. I thought Puppet Master, I don't know FF villians besides like Doom and Mole Man.

[Beast]

That's exactly what it is. Mad Thinker...ok I'll change that in my review. I thought Puppet Master, I don't know FF villians besides like Doom and Mole Man.
Cool. Glad I could help. Can't wait to read the issue for myself. Excelsior! :D

[Brian M.]

Cool. Glad I could help. Can't wait to read the issue for myself. Excelsior! :D


I only gave away one of the comedic moments, but there are a few.

[Beast]

I only gave away one of the comedic moments, but there are a few.
No worries. I don't mind spoilers. And I'm sure I'll love the issue. :D

[Brian M.]

Those of you who are going out to your LCS and aren't sure yet about this series, this will be a good $3 to spend. It's a self contained story so no need to buy #2 if you don't like it. Good action, good art, good character moments, good comedy. Good stuff.

[Phil Hunn]

I love this book so much it gives me paper cuts.

I haven't read something that's this much fun in years, and I really like the fact that it's the original X-Men in the starring roles - and Scott & Jean are written the best that I've seen in quite a long time.

[ProfeZZor X]

Great issue... I'm suprised Parker didn't pit Johnny against Bobby in a little test of elemental power towards the end when they first met. I love how he does those little background jokes.

[Deadpooligan]

LOL @ Scott's face when Johnny made that quip on TV.

Cruz really dazzles with the pencils, and Parker writes this book hilariously.

"That van has great milage!"

[drwho]

I read this and I didnt like it. I think it is just a bad month for Jeff parker stories cus i didnt enjoy his marvel adventures avengers one as much as i usually do. Something that also bothers me is the art on this book.

[MacLeod]

I love this book so much it gives me paper cuts.

I haven't read something that's this much fun in years, and I really like the fact that it's the original X-Men in the starring roles - and Scott & Jean are written the best that I've seen in quite a long time.

QFT. Especially because you get Jean and Scott without Phoenix baggage, marital problems/Emma Frost, Wolverine, and any other detritus of 40 years worth of backstory.

I didn't get Ultimate X-men this month, as the art was an absolute eyesore, but First Class easily made up for it. I had a big cheesy grin on my face after reading it in London Forbidden Planet.

[We R. Venom]

I saw the preview to this and instantly decided to buy this series now. I will get the trades to the other, but this book is just to good not to read!

[Brian M.]

I saw the preview to this and instantly decided to buy this series now. I will get the trades to the other, but this book is just to good not to read!

Welcome on board to this wonderful book. Glad you enjoyed it.

[Brian M.]

You know what would be a cool thing to see, date night. They all had such good relationships at around #33 of Uncanny. Scott/Jean, Bobby/Zelda, Hank/Vera and Warren/Candy. Cafe-a-Go-Go is a great place.

[We R. Venom]

Welcome on board to this wonderful book. Glad you enjoyed it.

Damn right! I like the art especially, and the humor. I hope people continue to buy it cuz I'm gonna.

[Brian M.]

Damn right! I like the art especially, and the humor. I hope people continue to buy it cuz I'm gonna.

Me too, I wonder what it's greenlit too...probably 12 issues, hopefully it'll be the next Cable and Deadpool and keep trucking for like 50 issues.

[Sabrinaset]

I just read the book and I'm like ... WOW! This book is AWESOME! Just all the little touches ... Cyke going "Maybe it's ... YOU KNOW ...", the facial expressions, especially when one of the X-Men is in the Fantasticar, like Jean going "WOOHOO!", the way Sue and Jean related to each other, Jean calling the Thing "Mr. Grimm", and ... I know it's minor, but the way Ben was sitting in the Fantasticar while he was driving it on the last panel with Bobby looking like he was riding a roller coaster next to him ... the only thing I could even remotely find wrong was Sue's reaction to Reed being knocked out. I dunno, she really shouldn't have been that laid back, considering this is the same woman who nearly took the Mole Man's head off when his staff electrocuted Reed. But really ... this is gonna be the only X-Book on my pull list!

In fact ... have I ever posted in the X-Threads before ...?

[UniqueFrequency]

crap the store didn't save a copy for me. i don't know how that mixup occured 'cause i got all 8 issues of the mini series as well as the special. ARGH. now gotta wait 2 weeks for them to re-order it...

[Brian M.]

I just read the book and I'm like ... WOW! This book is AWESOME! Just all the little touches ... Cyke going "Maybe it's ... YOU KNOW ...", the facial expressions, especially when one of the X-Men is in the Fantasticar, like Jean going "WOOHOO!", the way Sue and Jean related to each other, Jean calling the Thing "Mr. Grimm", and ... I know it's minor, but the way Ben was sitting in the Fantasticar while he was driving it on the last panel with Bobby looking like he was riding a roller coaster next to him ... the only thing I could even remotely find wrong was Sue's reaction to Reed being knocked out. I dunno, she really shouldn't have been that laid back, considering this is the same woman who nearly took the Mole Man's head off when his staff electrocuted Reed. But really ... this is gonna be the only X-Book on my pull list!

In fact ... have I ever posted in the X-Threads before ...?

I can't tell ya how happy that makes me to hear that. I hope you tell your friends who on the fence about all things X. This book is so much fun and you should check out the HC. It's got some wonderful issues in it too. This is probably my favorite X book and the more people buy it the longer it's on the shelves.

[Deadpooligan]

I can't tell ya how happy that makes me to hear that. I hope you tell your friends who on the fence about all things X. This book is so much fun and you should check out the HC. It's got some wonderful issues in it too. This is probably my favorite X book and the more people buy it the longer it's on the shelves.

Since C&DP has delved a little bit into more drama for the past... hmm... year or so... this book really brings some welcome comedy to the X-verse. I really love both!

That and the art... so sharp... so dramatic. Awesome!

[Beast]

*Beast starts bouncing in anticipation for X-Men: First Class #4*

Beast and Iceman Road Trip!! :D

[EmmaFrost]

I loved this issue! It's awesome to get away from all the darkness and crap, and then sit back and relax with the 05.

I think my favorite panel was Scott's reaction to seeing Jean "teaming" up with Johnny. LOL!!! His face was...priceless!!!

[Karl H]

Having read the fiirst issue of the Mini. This is now on my tradewait list.

That is a glowing endorsement by my standards!

[UniqueFrequency]

*Beast starts bouncing in anticipation for X-Men: First Class #4*

Beast and Iceman Road Trip!! :D

Y-E-S-SSSSS!!

[Hi-Fi]

This was really great. I love this book!

When are we going to see some Zelda and Vera, Mr. Parker??

[Omega Alpha]

Good stuff as always. The best moment was Scott's face when he saw Johnny trying to make his move on Jean, priceless. And it's a shame that Marvel kept the X-men separated from the rest of the MU so long, instead of having them teaming up with FF or Avengers, fighting Namor, Nefaria, Mad Thinker (yeah, i know they only fought the Mad Thinker here, but still), etc, like in the 60's.

[Yaw]

Good stuff as always. The best moment was Scott's face when he saw Johnny trying to make his move on Jean, priceless. And it's a shame that Marvel kept the X-men separated from the rest of the MU so long, instead of having them teaming up with FF or Avengers, fighting Namor, Nefaria, Mad Thinker (yeah, i know they only fought the Mad Thinker here, but still), etc, like in the 60's.

NOt really a shame because then books like this book wouldn't have such an impact.;)

[steve2275]

girl power :cool:
guy envy :p

[Flight]

This was my first issue of the book and I found it... really boring...
Why did Shadowcat have ginger hair??

[david r]

This was my first issue of the book and I found it... really boring...
Why did Shadowcat have ginger hair??

I think yours is the first negative response I've read of #1. This series is light-hearted and perhaps, a little too simplistic for some. That might be part of it's charm. Do you think you'll keep buying?

[rwsmith]

See, I just can't get into light-hearted and simplistic books. That's why I stay away from series like this and Cable/Deadpool. Even FF right now is walking dangerously close to getting dropped from my pull-list because of it's campy, light-hearted tone.

But, hey, I'm glad they exist for guys like Beast and Brian Moranor who love them. I'm not a hater.

[david r]

What's nice about X-Men: First Class is the simple premise. The other X-books are so massive with characters and history.

First Class is just five students, and one man with a Dream.

[david r]

Since Jeff Parker is doing such a nice job here, would you like to see him write one of the ongoing X-books?

[Beast]

Since Jeff Parker is doing such a nice job here, would you like to see him write one of the ongoing X-books?
Honestly, I'd rather he didn't. Mostly because he'd be forced to basically write the current X-Angst version of everyone. Which is why X-Men: First Class is a refreshing change. Plus, no Wolverine. :D

[rwsmith]

Yup. I agree. From what I'm hearing about his light-hearted writing, keep him on a (low-selling) Wolverine-free book, please. That way I can continue doing what most readers are doing, and ignore this title.;)

[Omega Alpha]

Since Jeff Parker is doing such a nice job here, would you like to see him write one of the ongoing X-books?

I don't know. Being leaders of a dying community and their representatives towars the world doesn't give much space to light-hearted comedy (not that we can't have it eventually). I would like to see him write a more "serious" book before deciding.

[Beast]

I don't know. Being leaders of a dying community and their representatives towars the world doesn't give much space to light-hearted comedy (not that we can't have it eventually). I would like to see him write a more "serious" book before deciding.
Agents of Atlas was pretty serious. With some light-hearted moments scattered throught.

Like I said, I know he's got the stuff for one of the core books. But the current X-Books are so dreary.

[drwho]

I think Jeff Parkers Marvel Adventures work has been much better so here is to hoping we get a new X-Men book with a different cast in MA.

[Beast]

I think Jeff Parkers Marvel Adventures work has been much better so here is to hoping we get a new X-Men book with a different cast in MA.
They should definatly do a Marvel Adventures: X-Men book.

I know it's been kicked around, but they went with X-Men: First Class instead.

[Deadpooligan]

Yup. I agree. From what I'm hearing about his light-hearted writing, keep him on a (low-selling) Wolverine-free book, please. That way I can continue doing what most readers are doing, and ignore this title.;)

I find reading either of Wolverine's solo is like popping depressants. I'm a little surprised that I haven't killed myself attempting to read Origins or comprehend what's going on in his regular ongoing.

The Wolverine I read sticks to a team book. (Two of them, in fact!)

But ignoring this title? C'mon, the X-Books have been crazily depressing and angst ridden since '05. There's got to be a little happiness out there for X-Fans.

Our longtime X-boardie Beast isn't a fan of Deadpool, and thus doesn't regularly purchase the comedy-aimed Cable & Deadpool (but he probably picked up #42 for the X-Men #200 tie... maybe). That saddens me (as a fan of C&DP), but it's OK because he's supporting the awesomeness that is First Class.

*high fives Beast*

Besides, if people were ignoring this title, it would have ended as a mini.

[Beast]

Our longtime X-boardie Beast isn't a fan of Deadpool, and thus doesn't regularly purchase the comedy-aimed Cable & Deadpool (but he probably picked up #42 for the X-Men #200 tie... maybe). That saddens me (as a fan of C&DP), but it's OK because he's supporting the awesomeness that is First Class.

*high fives Beast*
*High fives back*

I did get Cable & Deadpool #40-#42 for the X-Men #200 tie-in.

Sorry... still can't stand Deadpool. But the arc was fairly good.

And I'm glad the book is around for people who enjoy it. It's just not for me. :)

[rwsmith]

I find reading either of Wolverine's solo is like popping depressants. I'm a little surprised that I haven't killed myself attempting to read Origins or comprehend what's going on in his regular ongoing.

The Wolverine I read sticks to a team book. (Two of them, in fact!)

But ignoring this title? C'mon, the X-Books have been crazily depressing and angst ridden since '05. There's got to be a little happiness out there for X-Fans.

I was just messing around with Beast because he just had to through in a shot at Wolverine at the end of his post.

But I'm still not going to pick this book up. Like I said, glad it exists for those of you who enjoy it, but it's just not my cup of tea.

[drwho]

This is pretty hot

http://images.tfaw.com/covers_tfaw/400/ju/jun074560i.jpg

[Beast]

This is pretty hot

http://images.tfaw.com/covers_tfaw/400/ju/jun074560i.jpg
Yeah, it's cool. But the Avengers version is cooler. More 'Perez' in style. :)

http://images.tfaw.com/covers_tfaw/400/ju/jun074561i.jpg

Shame that they're like $200.00 almost. Around $160 with discount. :eek:

[drwho]

Yeah, it's cool. But the Avengers version is cooler. More 'Perez' in style. :)

http://images.tfaw.com/covers_tfaw/400/ju/jun074561i.jpg

Shame that they're like $200.00 almost. Around $160 with discount. :eek:

Is that one a Bowen?

[Beast]

Is that one a Bowen?
Yeah. They're both coming out at the same time. One Avengers style one X-Men style.

http://www.tfaw.com/Profile/Beast-Statue-Avengers-Version___276342
http://www.tfaw.com/Profile/Beast-Statue-X-Men-Version___276341

[Yaw]

This was my first issue of the book and I found it... really boring...
Why did Shadowcat have ginger hair??

Shadowcat? you reading the same book as us? Kitty Pryde was nowhere in that book.

[Beast]

Here's a link to an interview Jeff Parker did for X-Men: First Class. :D

http://www.brokenfrontier.com/lowdown/details.php?id=928

God... I love Jeff Parker. :D
BF: Then again, there’s no Wolverine on this team, so that’s a good thing! [Laughs]

JP: Even Wolverine must be tired of Wolverine by now!

[ScottySummers]

I picked this issue up along with the hard cover collection of the mini and have just finished reading it this evening. (After reading and loving Agents of Atlas I knew I had to pick it up.)

I love the creative team, the writing and art work so beautifully in tandem. It's simple (reflecting simpler times) but really great at the same time. Since I was a teen, I've been a fan of the current teen X team and it's really nice to have the 'old guard' as the teens. It's like looking at pictures of friends taken before you knew them. It's making me appreciate the O5 so much more.

Bobby is the standout star for me so far but I'm really enjoying the whole team.

In regard to the new #1, my favourite moments were:

Jean in the first panel,
"Please think your jokes more quietly",
Xavier's smug grin when introducing Sue,
Awesome Andy! (After recently reading the first four She-Hulk trades, I'm a big fan of his),
The Thing holding Awesome Andy like he's a surfboard,
Jean and Scott's faces in response to Johnny's 'flirting',
Sue getting Jean, the pause and then the hug - BRILLIANT touch.

Looking forward to more.

[Brian M.]

Glad you enjoyed it ScottySummers. If you didn't read the mini I highly recommend the HC folks, it's pretty looking and full of great comics.

[Hi-Fi]

Bobby is indeed the best thing about this book, with Jean coming in second place.

[caney]

Bobby is indeed the best thing about this book, with Jean coming in second place.

Bobby is the best thing about ANY book. Though Jean did rock this issue. I love how annoyed Xavier got at Bobby about the mini-van. DON'T DIS PROF'S RIDE!!!

[Joey]

loved this issue as well.. with all the seriousness going on with the X-Men the last few years it's nice to kick back and read a fun lighthearted story

and I really liked the art

[MakeshiftHero]

I know I'm late in doing so but I just got the issue today. It was a small week comic wise for me and since I was only getting Ireedeemable Ant-Man #10 (GO GET IT! It's the best WWH tie-in yet, and a good story on it's own) and Thor #1 (great set up issue), I thought I would pick it up. The only other issue of First Class I read was the one where Angel was dating Scarlet Witch (cause I miss the old days when Q and S.W. had their old powers and we seen as good guys more or less)

So anyways, I loved this issue. It was great to see the original team interact and see them as teenagers. Plenty of action, and humor "And no thank you, Robert, I will not put on a long wig as a solution."

I just may get the past issues but consider me sold for next month's Monster Island issue.

[ProfeZZor X]

I know I tend to talk about Bobby too much, but I really liked how often he was used in the limited series. He added a lot of creative spontinaity, as well as being the permanent funny bone of the team. He still does, but I've heard that some people complained about his over-useage.

To that, I say every writer should be able to use their favorite character in their own way, and as much as they want, and shouldn't have internet influences from fans to change their feelings about that character.

And not that I'm looking for Bobby to be in the spotlight all the time, he justs adds a lot more "fun" to the book than some of the more boring students.

[DarthCyclopsRLZ]

Bobby is the best thing about ANY book. Though Jean did rock this issue. I love how annoyed Xavier got at Bobby about the mini-van. DON'T DIS PROF'S RIDE!!!

Gotta admit, the whig and van scenes were the highlight of the issue.

"That van gets excellent mileage"

ROTFLMAO.