New X-Men - Volume 1: E Is for Extinction

After a series of convolted and plain old lame storylines (The Twelve, Operation: Zero Tolerance), Marvel finally had the good sense to get an acclaimed and truly gifted writer to take on everyone's favorite merry mutants. The great Grant Morrison, along with artist Frank Quitely began they're now classic run on X-Men (re-titled New X-Men) with E is for Extinction. Introducing us to Professor Xavier's evil twin sister Cassandra Nova and the mass genocide of the mutant populated island of Genosha was just the beginning of Morrison's brilliant run as the X-Men themselves are given a makeover. The spandex multi-colored suits are gone in place of practical black leather, and the attitude and tone of the book has become more adult as well. Many different themes are presented in this first collected volume: Cyclops and Jean Grey's marriage is under strain now more than ever, with Emma "White Queen" Frost in the middle of it. Beast grows more disenchanted, and Wolverine is at his berserker, claw popping best. We are also introduced to the mysterious mutant healer called Xorn; a character who would have a never even thought of impact before Morrison's run ended. Quitely's artwork is great and suits the book, no over muscled, cleavage busting (except for Emma that is) character models that were so apparent throughout various X-books during the 90's. All in all, if you were turned off by the X-Men a few years back after all the lame storylines, you should pick this book up and discover that Grant Morrison is the best writer to ever hit the X-Men since Chris Claremont.

First and foremost: this is probably not for the casual comic reader or those unfamiliar with the genre, specifically the X-Men. This is not to say it is a difficult comic to understand, or that the concepts and/or art are too different than one might expect. It's that the story is best enjoyed by those who already know the characters and appreciate the situations they are put in.That said, to put it simply: this is one of the best modern stories of the X-Men. I recommend you pick up previous issues to catch up on the action (a LOT has happened, from secondary mutations to super-sentinels to changes with Beast to the White Queen joining the good guys). It's a good idea to get this story along with the rest as the story-telling is best when view with the "big picture" - the fun comes with the build-up and anticipation.The story is a grand epic written by Grant Morrison of JLA and Invisibles fame and with art by the very talented (although somewhat unreliable) Frank Quietly. Their run on "New X-Men" (with breaks from Quietly on regular occasion, especially as of late) has been heralded by fans and critics alike, as the New X-Men don a slightly renovated attitude and style.Dramatic, action-packed, and with plenty of interesting twists, "E is for Extinction" brings great writing and great art together to produce an incredibly enjoyable story. Professor Charles Xavier has a twin sister who's bent on - what else - the destruction of mutantkind. Journey from the recesses of Professor X's mind to the depths of space with the Shi'iar kingdom on an adventure that is definitive Grant Morrison - holds no punches.I'll leave it at that, as I don't want to give away too much of your fun. "To me, my X-Men."

Grant Morrison and Frank Quietly's interpretation of the X-Men is wonderfully strange and intelligent. Morrison's storyline is complex and layered with a level of subtlety and nuance that is rare in superhero comics. Married to this narrative, is Quietly's stylized and unique artwork which renders the X-Men as something more interesting than muscle-bound superheroes in brightly-colored lycra costumes. Together, they have created a refreshingly new interpretation of the X-Men that is unique and well-rendered. Under their direction, the new team consists of Prof. Xavier, Cyclops, Jean Grey, Emma Frost, The Beast and Wolverine. As the story opens, a new villain, Ms. Nova, is introduced who plans to wipe out the human race and create a new world comprised solely of "homo sapiens superior" (aka mutants). The evolution of her plans and the fate of human race unfold in a story that is interesting and exciting. Moreover, the pacing of the story, the visual perspective, and the layout of panels are superbly executed. Longtime readers will witness some uncharacteristically sensitive moments between Cyclops and Wolverine and learn of several new events that will effect familiar characters and places like Prof. X, the Sentinels and Genosha. Arguably one of the most interesting interpretations of the X-Men to have appeared in print, "E for Extinction" is highly recommended and worth reading more than once.

This book represents the recent changing of the gaurd on the 'X-Men' title. Not only did a new creative team take over, but elements of the book changed as well. Gone is the old brightly coloured, spandex wearing superhero look. Now the X-Men are clad in black leather outfits, a new attitude for a new era. Also, the characters are portrayed far more realistically, no more over-proportioned bodies. And the story is quite good too, setting off a chain of events in the book that are still being felt. A good TPB to pick up for fans.

As a long time comics reader but strangely enough never a huge X-men fan I undertook the news of Grant Morrison's immpending writing debut on this title with a little trepidition. There is no doubt that Mr. Morrison is the greatest living writer of popular comics fiction working today, but could he takle a team of characters that I loathe and make me care about them? BOY CAN HE. New X-men is Brilliant!! I still really dislike the other X-men books but he has given all of the characters their own human traits and foibles something that no other writer for me has done. Highly Reccommended!!! Oh yeah check out the movie too.