ResurreXion is officially upon us. Marvel’s “rebirth” for their flagship mutant characters has begun and so far, so good. X-Men Prime set a precedent, calming the nerves of fans and setting the tone for all X-books going forward. The first ongoing series was released this week, X-Men: Gold is off to a good start.
***Spoilers Lie Ahead***
This book is aimed mostly at longtime fans, we who worship continuity. It’s led by Kitty Pryde and composed of other all-time favorite mutants. Gold will be the “classic” X-Men comic book reading experience of the bunch.
Writer Marc Guggenheim wastes no time throwing this group into some old school X-action. The team faces off against Terrax, pokes fun at comic book deaths, and addresses their “adoring” public. Guggenheim does a nice job establishing the tone of this book. It’s very much about these mutants protecting a world full of people that hate and fear them again.
The X-Men aren’t staving off extinction of the mutant race, they’re not fighting Inhumans, and they’re not split down the middle. The narrative going forward will no longer be about survival, but about living their lives. Fighting oppression is no walk in the park, but it’s a hell of a lot more interesting than a forced war against the Inhumans.
Kitty had the school relocated to Central Park in X-Men Prime, the repercussions of that are explored immediately. “Gold Leader” has her hands full from day one as she’s also dealing with her longtime former lover (Colossus) being on the team. Relationships are established and explored among the whole team, setting up the future drama these characters will be facing.
This issue is a lot of fun. Action scenes were interesting and exciting, even exploring new power boundaries. The cultural impact of the mutants being front and center hits mainstream news, igniting debates and outrage. Even aside from Danger Room training and villain bashing, there’s even time for a classic baseball game.
Artist Ardian Syaf (despite subliminal messages) does a wonderful job breathing new life into these previously stale characters. Frank Martin’s colors also play a crucial part in making this X-Men experience feel more like home. There’s a little bit of everything that makes up a satisfying X-Men experience in this issue. It’s not overdone and it’s clearly not a rushed production. The book hits where it needs to.
In the cliffhanger for X-Men: Gold #1, the team comes face-to-face with a new Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. A decision so obvious, but plays effectively regardless. Marvel was wise to release this book first, readers should feel slightly more reassured that ResurreXion is exactly what we asked for.
One of the most satisfying features of this issue is in back of it. There readers will find a recap of X-Men history as it pertains to these characters. Even if you’re a well read fan of mutant adventures, it’s fun to revisit the timeline. Below is the first page of the history lesson.
What did you think of X-Men: Gold #1? How confident are you in ResurreXion? Will Marvel deliver on their promise, winning unsatisfied X-Men fans back? Let us know in the comments below!
