So, I want to get into "X-Men"

[Red_Knight]

Hey everyone,

I've been wanting to get into the X-Men for a while, but I'm having serious trouble taking the plunge. All I know about the X-Men, I know from the various cartoon shows. I enjoyed all of those, so I would love to grab a 616 book or two featuring the X-Men, but I simply can't seem to get a grip on anything X-related.

As far as I can gather, Magneto and Jean Grey have both died an estimated 57 times, Mags might or might not have been "Xorn", Emma can't decide whether she's good or bad, there's a clone of Jean running around, etc., etc., etc. Maybe I'm overreacting, but this all seems pretty daunting and convulted to me. The fact that there's more X books than stars in the sky doesn't help, either.

I've heard rumblings about "Manifest Destiny" being a potential jumping-on point, but I haven't really been able to wrap my head around any of that yet. Maybe you can guys can help me. My basic questions would be:

1. What X-books are there, which is the "main book", and which one would you recommend to a newbie like me who just wants to sit down and enjoy THE X-Men?

2. How closely are the various books connected, and what is going on right now? Specifically, what is "Manifest Destiny"?

3. What's coming up in the near future?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[BulletSpeed]

My suggestion to you would be to pick up the Messiah Complex trade to get caught up with the current status of the X-Men. Then I would get the X-Force: Angles and Deamons trade, and start reading Uncanny X-Men as of issue 500. Uncanny is currently on issue 505 so it shouldnt be too hard to get those back issues.

Also consider reaading X-Men Legacy with its next released issue, because it will start a new arc. But X-Force is essential, as its currently the best and most entertianing X-book.

If you like what you read at that point I would recommend Cable and then X-Factor. X-Factor is of the top X-books, but its not as closley related to the other books.

[chickrockguitar]

It's not the main X-book right now, (that's supposed to be Uncanny), but it is the most SOLID written X-book and it's called X-Force.

I think many will agree with me on this.

However, if you intend to read X-Force, then, I'd suggest you go back to issue #1 first. (Issue #11 comes out at the end of the month). You can get back issues from online comic stores or eBay. Alternately the first arc comes out in trade paperback in Feb. And the second arc (which has just finished with issue #10) comes out in March, I think.

The whole X-universe is supposed to tie into each other to some degree. But at the moment you can pick up any X-book and read it, without reading another title as well. Its just a matter of trying them all and see which one you like best, I guess. Which characters you like, the stories you like and the art you like, and whatever else you look for in a X-book.

The books out at the moment are:
Uncanny X-Men, X-Men Legacy, X-Force, X-Factor, Young X-Men (ending with issue 12 we are told), Astonishing X-Men, Captain Britain & MI13, Cable, Deadpool. And a string of Wolverine titles, plus a handful of Mini series.

EDIT:
Also, yes, I agree with BulletSpeed, picking up the "Messiah Complex" trade first is a wise suggestion.

[HellFrost]

This may sound a tad strange, but IMO, if you want to understand what's going on in the books these days, you'd have to pick up Morrison's run first. It's what started everything that is going on right now in the books right now. It also starts the logical character progression to what Scott has become which is integral to todays storylines.

[just another user]

This may sound a tad strange, but IMO, if you want to understand what's going on in the books these days, you'd have to pick up Morrison's run first. It's what started everything that is going on right now in the books right now. It also starts the logical character progression to what Scott has become which is integral to todays storylines.

I agree. I wouldn't bother getting into the newer stuff yet. Morrison trades would be a good place to start.

[Waterlily]

When I got back into the X-Books, I started with Morrison's trades at my local library.

I really lucked out that one of the librarians was really into comics, so they had a larger section than most.

[Omega Alpha]

Well, there is a thread specifically for that sort of questions here (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?t=49690). But let the mods move this topic to the appropriate place.

Anyway, to answer the OP question, it depends on how far back you're willing to go. The ideal beginning would be, IMO, the Grant Morrison's New X-men series, which begun in 2001. But if you don't want to go that far, try the Messiah Complex storyline, and then begin following X-force from #1 and Uncanny from #500.

[Petes Pants]

I would start from the beginning.

But that's just me.

[Twisted Bliss]

So you want to get into the "X-men".

May I suggest some drinks, a nice meal, a fun evening together and you never know where you'll end up ! {Personally I'd go for Betsy she's pretty damn easy. Or if you've a death wish go for Rockslide. I very much doubt he'd pass up the chance since its all but impossible for him being made of rock and all. (imagine the lube:eek: :eek: )

The world (as they say) is your oyster. Just remember you can always DIY if you don't get any luck.

Happy Hunting ! :cool:

[x_goalkeeper]

I also suggest starting with Morrison's New X-Men.. I think it was a good starting point because it felt like that was where the X-Men transformed into the current version :smile:

[Pro]

So, I want to get into "X-Men"

Safety first.

[Talmerian]

These are all great recommendations for X-Men reading.

However, in reading the OP, I got the impression that part of the problem is that the stories are too convoluted, a common issue with the X-Men. My advice, read some non-convoluted X-Men stuff. Specifically Joss Whedon's Astonishing X-Men. It is collected in 4 volumes all of which are excellent and will give you a grasp on the main X-Men characters. After that, read whatever you like. It is a rich and deep history. There are so many awesome stories. My personal favorite is the 'Fall of the Mutants' but that can be hard to find.

The most important thing is to not try to wrap your head around the entirety of X-history. That is too much (and some of it is awful). Read certain things and see what they are connected to then search out the connections and keep up that pattern.

As far as the current books. I read X-Factor. The rest of them seem to be in a constant limbo state since Messiah Complex. When that shakes out I am hoping for some actual story telling instead of continuations of previous plots and reiterations of the new 'mission.'

[Red_Knight]

Hey everyone,

thanks for the input! I've been doing some research myself, and I think I'm slowing getting the basic gist of things. The only thing that still confuses the heck that -- as far as I can tell -- both UXM and AXM seem to feature the same cast of mutants. I guess I'm just not used to that kind of deal for a team book.

Anway, I'm thinking I'll pick the Messiah Complex trade and then try out UXM starting with #500, and maybe AXM starting with #25. If/when I have the money, I might also check out Morrison's run (I'm a GMo-fan anyways, so...). Sound good?

Any more suggestions/warnings?

[BulletSpeed]

Hey everyone,

thanks for the input! I've been doing some research myself, and I think I'm slowing getting the basic gist of things. The only thing that still confuses the heck that -- as far as I can tell -- both UXM and AXM seem to feature the same cast of mutants. I guess I'm just not used to that kind of deal for a team book.

Anway, I'm thinking I'll pick the Messiah Complex trade and then try out UXM starting with #500, and maybe AXM starting with #25. If/when I have the money, I might also check out Morrison's run (I'm a GMo-fan anyways, so...). Sound good?

Any more suggestions/warnings?

Sounds like a good start, but you absolutely must get X-Force as well. This is non-negotiable!

[chickrockguitar]

Sounds like a good start, but you absolutely must get X-Force as well. This is non-negotiable!Here, here! :biggrin:

[Red_Knight]

Sounds like a good start, but you absolutely must get X-Force as well. This is non-negotiable!

Budget is a factor here, man. When you say it is non-negotiable, do you mean I won't understand the other books without it, or do you just think it's really, really good?

I must admit I don't know the first thing about X-Factor. To me, guys like Wolvie, Cyclops and Beast are THE X-Men, and that's what I'm looking for right now.

[HellFrost]

Budget is a factor here, man. When you say it is non-negotiable, do you mean I won't understand the other books without it, or do you just think it's really, really good?

I must admit I don't know the first thing about X-Factor. To me, guys like Wolvie, Cyclops and Beast are THE X-Men, and that's what I'm looking for right now.

X-Force is really good and there are elements in there you probably would need to understand, but you have the internet and the entirety of the X-Boards here to help you with anything you don't understand. While I reccommend picking it up eventually, it's not intricate in understanding everything that's going on right now.

[fitditz]

Budget is a factor here, man. When you say it is non-negotiable, do you mean I won't understand the other books without it, or do you just think it's really, really good?

I must admit I don't know the first thing about X-Factor. To me, guys like Wolvie, Cyclops and Beast are THE X-Men, and that's what I'm looking for right now.

X-Force not X-Factor (although X-Factor is also damn good). You should pick it up because it seriously is the best title out there right now (in other words, its really, really, really good).

[Omega Alpha]

Budget is a factor here, man. When you say it is non-negotiable, do you mean I won't understand the other books without it, or do you just think it's really, really good?


Really, really good.

But It would also really help to understand some of the X-men currently, specially Cyke and Angel.

[Red_Knight]

I guess I might look into X-Force later. First, I need/want to get into the X-Men proper.

Anyway, one more question: As far as I can tell, I guess you could call UXM the "main book", based on it being the first, original title (?) and having the longest pedigree. AXM features the same team, though.

So, my question would be: How does Marvel treat these two books? Are they both on equal footing, or is one of them of lesser importance? I mean, when you look at DC's Bat books for example, 'Tec is a flagship title and highly regarded, but the big, huge, major stories usually happen over in Batman. Is the situation similar for UXM or AXM or not?

[fitditz]

I guess I might look into X-Force later. First, I need/want to get into the X-Men proper.

Anyway, one more question: As far as I can tell, I guess you could call UXM the "main book", based on it being the first, original title (?) and having the longest pedigree. AXM features the same team, though.

So, my question would be: How does Marvel treat these two books? Are they both on equal footing, or is one of them of lesser importance? I mean, when you look at DC's Bat books for example, 'Tec is a flagship title and highly regarded, but the big, huge, major stories usually happen over in Batman. Is the situation similar for UXM or AXM or not?

AXM exists in a bubble. I'm a fan of both AXM and X-Force and would definitely pick up X-Force over AXM. Besides, both UXM and X-Force tie in together, whereas AXM does not.

[Talmerian]

Hey everyone,

...maybe AXM starting with #25. If/when I have the money, I might also check out Morrison's run (I'm a GMo-fan anyways, so...). Sound good?

Any more suggestions/warnings?

Don't even bother with AXM after Whedon's run. It is coming out once every six months or so (much like Whedon's) and so far has not been very good (unlike Whedon/Cassaday). Bianchi's art is stiff and boring, like each character is posed for a shot. Ellis' writing is a sad parody of Peter David's X-Factor.

If you are budgeting I would even more stay away from AXM, the last two issues were $3.99 and 16 pages. The future definitely seems to be $3.99.

Reading the graphic novels is the best economic plan. Buying monthly is how we get raped. If you haven't read Whedon's AXM run you really should.

[Chaos_Alfa]

Hey everyone,

thanks for the input! I've been doing some research myself, and I think I'm slowing getting the basic gist of things. The only thing that still confuses the heck that -- as far as I can tell -- both UXM and AXM seem to feature the same cast of mutants. I guess I'm just not used to that kind of deal for a team book.

Anway, I'm thinking I'll pick the Messiah Complex trade and then try out UXM starting with #500, and maybe AXM starting with #25. If/when I have the money, I might also check out Morrison's run (I'm a GMo-fan anyways, so...). Sound good?

Any more suggestions/warnings?

If you are going to read AXM you should start at the beginning with Whedon's run. Whedon's run is very good and is better than Ellis run (in my opinion). One think you should know about AXM is that it doesn't come out regularly.

EDIT: Talmerian beat me to it.

[Red_Knight]

One think you should know about AXM is that it doesn't come out regularly.

EDIT: Talmerian beat me to it.

You mean it doesn't come out regularly on principle, or it is always late?

[Chaos_Alfa]

You mean it doesn't come out regularly on principle, or it is always late?
It's always late.

[Omega Alpha]

Ellis AXM so far has been mostly good (IMO), but it only had 3 issues, and not even the first arc was concluded. People bashing it are getting already of themselves, IMO, specially considering that this Ellis.

[MuhollandDriver]

Want to know the real place to start?

X-Terminators mini-series....1988.

Find it in the used section. Be sure to have a dime for payment.

Your introduction into the X-World will be complete.

*runs for cover*

[dewey412]

I would also recommend X-Force...I find it to be the best X-Book on the market today...

Some other ones would be X-Factor (since it's pretty much on it's own compared to the other X-books), and I love me some of this new Cable series as well......

[Dagger]

I agree. I wouldn't bother getting into the newer stuff yet. Morrison trades would be a good place to start.
Really? I didn't enjoy Morrison's run all that much. I actually dropped it sporadically, as it was all over the place for me. And the art wasn't all that spectacular. I'd start with the X-Factor relaunch. Best X-book until X-Force.

[Christopher O]

Really? I didn't enjoy Morrison's run all that much. I actually dropped it sporadically, as it was all over the place for me. And the art wasn't all that spectacular.

Best X-Men run ever--except for the inconsistent art.

[Dagger]

Best X-Men run ever--except for the inconsistent art.

Meh. I enjoy PAD's X-Factor more.

[just another user]

Meh. I enjoy PAD's X-Factor more.

X Factor is great. And the Madrox mini that lead into it.

[Dagger]

X Factor is great. And the Madrox mini that lead into it.
I still haven't read that. Everytime I go to buy it on Ebay, someone always outbids me before I know it:frown:

[Christopher O]

Meh. I enjoy PAD's X-Factor more.
You're also a fan of the evil 90's, right? HISS HISS HISS

[just another user]

I still haven't read that. Everytime I go to buy it on Ebay, someone always outbids me before I know it:frown:

That is me :smile: I am stockpiling all available copies so I can act smug on messageboards.

hang on, this just came to me -

You could say, I have multiple copies!

*rimshot*

[Dagger]

You're also a fan of the evil 90's, right? HISS HISS HISS
LOL. Come over to the darkside, Chris. You'll like it over here. It's got such pretty lights over here.
That is me :smile: I am stockpiling all available copies so I can act smug on messageboards.

hang on, this just came to me -

You could say, I have multiple copies!

*rimshot*
LOL! I love how you even got a rimshot in there!

[MuhollandDriver]

Morrison's New X-Men run is great. i just read most of it (still need to read Planet X). The X-Men really needed to move forward in some form...and he did just that. His school setting was completely fun also.

Morrison portrayed Sage in a way i will never forget.

[Brother Justin Crowe]

Current and semi-current stuff?

Whedon's Astonishing, as well as Ellis'.

Millar's "Old Man Logan" arc in Wolverine.

I also would give all eight TPBs of Cable & Deadpool a read.

[ToxicTeen]

For Old School X-Men:
Check out Chris Claremont's Uncanny X-Men and New Mutants. Those were really awesome comics back in the 80s. Try getting either collected trades or single issues if you can. :wink:

For the X-Men Comics in the 90s:
Joe Kelly's & Steven Seagle run with Uncanny X-Men/X-Men was good but that's just me. :redface:

Generation X is also something to look into if you like New Mutants but I would advise on getting the issues written by Scott Lobdell since after he left the book things didn't really go so well for the book...:redface: (Though the Gen13/Generation X crossovers were good reads if you also like Gen13 :wink:)

For X-Men Comics of Today:
Astonishing X-Men by Whedon is really good. If you have the cash try getting both of the hardcover collections.

Even though it is cancelled, New X-Men is a good read. Try getting the Childhood's End trades and also New Mutants vol.2 and Academy X since they both tell how the New X-Men kids came to be.

Mike Carey's run of X-Men/X-Men:Leagcy is really good to read.

X-Force is really good.

For Crossover Events:
Mutants Massacre, Fall of the Mutants, and Inferno are really good crossovers to check out.

Age of Apocalypse is a good crossover to look into and it's special 10th Anniversary mini series also good.

Zero Tolerance is also a good crossover.

Messiah Complex is another good crossover to check out.

[Liberty Belle Fan]

Uncanny X-Men IMO is the core book that you can pick up and get a feel for where the team is in the Marvel U. It's dangerous to meddle with because some people could dwarf their entire pull-list with X-titles, minis, and spin-offs, and still not collect them all.

I'd also highly recommend Joss Whedon's "Astonishing X-Men" issues 1-24, and Giant Size Astonshing - which basically tells the entire story he set out to tell. I'd also NOT recommend reading anything with the Astonishing label past that point.