X-Men Questions

[keith007]

I have a couple questions.
After listening to IFanboy it seems that the X-men comics have gotten readable again.
So, I have a few questions about what I should pick up.

Please understand Im overseas (in Korea) and can only pick up trades and I only want recent story arches.


1. Would House of M be a trade worth picking up?
2. What is the previous major trade before House of M and was it any good?
3. Is Messiah Complex in trade yet? If not, when will it be?
4. Is there any trades between House of M and Messiah Complex?

Thanks :)

Keith

[the-sword-is-drawn]

Messiah Complex finished last month, it'll be a while before it trades.

As for House of M? From an X-Men standpoint it really depends what you're looking for. The main House of M series is relevent to several key X-Men players - Cyclops, Wolverine, Emma Frost. But the House of M: Season of the Witch trade, containing the Uncanny X-Men issues during the crossover really hasn't a lot to do with the X-men - it mostly just sets up New Excalibur.

I'd stick to the main series, or if you're a Wolverine fan the House of M trade from his book is quite interesting.

As for trades in-between, there are plenty. I'd steer clear of any trade with Peter Milligan's name on, because they were some pretty weak stories, or the Brubaker Shi'ar trade if you don't like space stories. But everything else is fair game. Any of the X-Men trades by Mike Carey are definitely worth a look.

And of course there Joss Whedon's Astonishing if you want something a little separate.

[keith007]

Actually I was an X-Men fan of anything before the Mutant Massacre.
So, Im mostly just interested in getting some good X-Book reading is relatively recent.

The core characters I like are Nightcrawler, Wolverine, Colossus, Storm

Mostly I only have a limited selection because of my status being overseas.

Im thinking about picking this book up http://www.whatthebook.com/book/9780785117216?

good or bad choice?

Any other advice?

Much thanks ;)

[the-sword-is-drawn]

Yeah, that was the core series of House of M. The one that actually mattered. All the other stories were satellite stories - You didn't have to read them, but they added to the experience.

If you like Colossus? Well, sorry, but in House of M Poitr stayed on the farm in Russia, and never became an X-Man. Nightcrawler appears in that trade - he doesn't get much page time, but he's there.

If you're a Wolverine ans Storm fan, though you might also like the following House of M volume:

http://http://www.whatthebook.com/book/9780785119227?

Which features Storm (In the Black Panther issues collected) and all the Wolverine issues. There's a pretty big revelation for logan in that series - which has been carried into the main books, although not explored as well as perhaps it should have been.

[horatio616]

I would just get the Astonishing X-Men trades and the Morrison run and skip everything else.

[the-sword-is-drawn]

I would just get the Astonishing X-Men trades and the Morrison run and skip everything else.

The Morrison stuff I'd largely agree with. Although, to be honest? I'd be tempted to skip the Astonishing stuff entirely, now. Whedon's run has really been so far disconnected from the other X-Books that it doesn't really make any impact on them at all.

I'd only read them if you really like Whedon's writing style. With Warren Ellis taking over that book in a few months - and purposefully trying not to be a continuation of Whedon's run - those stories probably aren't going to be terribly important in a year's time.

[horatio616]

The Morrison stuff I'd largely agree with. Although, to be honest? I'd be tempted to skip the Astonishing stuff entirely, now. Whedon's run has really been so far disconnected from the other X-Books that it doesn't really make any impact on them at all.

I'd only read them if you really like Whedon's writing style. With Warren Ellis taking over that book in a few months - and purposefully trying not to be a continuation of Whedon's run - those stories probably aren't going to be terribly important in a year's time.

And... that's why it's good and a must read. It's impactful to the other books in the most important way: it shows everyone else how could the X-Men could be. Impact on continuity has little to do with a story's worthiness. You read a comic because it's good, not because it allows you to connect-the-dots in continuity. That's what wikipedia is for. It's succinct and it's cheaper.

[the-sword-is-drawn]

And... that's why it's good and a must read. It's impactful to the other books in the most important way: it shows everyone else how could the X-Men could be. Impact on continuity has little to do with a story's worthiness. You read a comic because it's good, not because it allows you to connect-the-dots in continuity. That's what wikipedia is for. It's succinct and it's cheaper.

I hear what you're saying, Horatio. I just have to say that I've not been overly impressed by Whedon's characterisations, or stories, during his second run. I loved his first run enough to buy the hard copy, but re-reading I find myself feeling that perhaps the reason I was impressed by it so much at he time was because Claremont's Uncanny and Milligan's X-Men were both under-performing.

Once Astonishing goes up against Brubaker and Carey it doesn't seem half as interesting. The second run tells the kind of stories which I've seen done better in previous X-Men runs, and feels very drawn out.

If you're wanting to get in to X-Men again I'd by far recommend getting some of the Carey trades.

[euchre0]

The Morrison stuff I'd largely agree with. Although, to be honest? I'd be tempted to skip the Astonishing stuff entirely, now. Whedon's run has really been so far disconnected from the other X-Books that it doesn't really make any impact on them at all.

I'd only read them if you really like Whedon's writing style. With Warren Ellis taking over that book in a few months - and purposefully trying not to be a continuation of Whedon's run - those stories probably aren't going to be terribly important in a year's time.

Keith doesn't seem too interested in reading X-Men stories based on their connection to the greater X-continuity.

Carey's X-Men hasn't been very good, but that may be because I despise no artists like I despise Bachalo and Ramos. So they hurt my like of "X-Men." A lot.Brubaker's Uncanny has been pretty good, but before the opening of Messiah Complex, wasn't great. Also, Brubaker's run on Uncanny seems way more drawn out than Whedon's on Astonishing. His Shi'ar story took forever and had several filler issues.

I think most people here would agree that Astonishing X-Men has consistently been better than any X-Men in a long time.

Keith, I'd also suggest looking into "X-Men: Deadly Genesis." It was kind of a turning point in recent stories and can be found in one trade since it was 6 issues. The Messiah Complex trade comes out in mid-May, though first only in hard cover form for around $25.

[horatio616]

I hear what you're saying, Horatio. I just have to say that I've not been overly impressed by Whedon's characterisations, or stories, during his second run. I loved his first run enough to buy the hard copy, but re-reading I find myself feeling that perhaps the reason I was impressed by it so much at he time was because Claremont's Uncanny and Milligan's X-Men were both under-performing.

Once Astonishing goes up against Brubaker and Carey it doesn't seem half as interesting. The second run tells the kind of stories which I've seen done better in previous X-Men runs, and feels very drawn out.

If you're wanting to get in to X-Men again I'd by far recommend getting some of the Carey trades.

There are a lot of us out here who think that Brubaker's run has been disappointing and the least of his Marvel work. As for Carey's run, well, it's hard to speak on it because of Bachalo's indecipherable art. There are so many good comics out there it's hard for me to recommend something passable like most of the X-Men comics. If he's really of fan of the Mutant Massacre era of the X-Men, he's likely to be disappointed with most of what he finds in out there that's recent. Stuff like House of M is for hardcore only.

I will say that if the second half of Whedon's run suffers from anything, it's over-plotting. There's lot's going on, and it's easy to lose track of who's on who's side, but he's writing these characters better than anyone has since Morrison.

[horatio616]

.

Keith, I'd also suggest looking into "X-Men: Deadly Genesis." It was kind of a turning point in recent stories and can be found in one trade since it was 6 issues. The Messiah Complex trade comes out in mid-May, though first only in hard cover form for around $25.

Deadly Genesis was good, but, frustratingly, it didn't exactly end; it led into Brubaker's Shi'ar storyline, which went on forever and didn't exactly end either. You're forced to jump into another mini, Emperor Vulcan.

[euchre0]

Deadly Genesis was good, but, frustratingly, it didn't exactly end; it led into Brubaker's Shi'ar storyline, which went on forever and didn't exactly end either. You're forced to jump into another mini, Emperor Vulcan.

That's a good point. I forgot about that. I thought of Deadly Genesis because it is was prompted my return to X-Men after a few years hiatus.

[the-sword-is-drawn]

Carey's X-Men hasn't been very good, but that may be because I despise no artists like I despise Bachalo and Ramos. So they hurt my like of "X-Men."

You see, there I'd totally disagree. I think that of all the writers to have been involved with the X-Men titles over the past few years Mike Carey has had a far better handle than most. I don't find the art particularly intrusive,. Sure Bachalo's an acquired taste, but I don't feel it ruins the book. Of all the core X-Men books of the last few years this is one that has interested me the most. The lineup and dynamic was actually something different, and it is the book which has been the most central to setting up Messiah complex.

Keith's opening post mentions Messiah Complex. If you want to understand that this is a partial best fit, in my opinion.

[the-sword-is-drawn]

Deadly Genesis was good, but, frustratingly, it didn't exactly end; it led into Brubaker's Shi'ar storyline, which went on forever and didn't exactly end either. You're forced to jump into another mini, Emperor Vulcan.

I'd agree with that. I think it actually set up more than was ever actually explored. It seemed that all this weird stuff the X-Men were seeing were some kind of echoes of the past. But things like Bobby and Lorna seemingly getting it on behind Alex's back, or Xavier telling Corsair about Vulcan? Those thing were never referenced again. Which is a shame, because they were things I actually WANTED to know more about ;)

[keith007]

Ya its true Im not very interested in the greater "X-continuity" mostly because I cant be....Id go crazy Im overseas for another 5 months ;)

So am I understanding this right though there isnt just one House of M trade?
There are several House of M trades?

If the story is good Ill pick the entire trade or all the trades.

(sorry if these questions seem silly Im in Korea and I have to order these from a book store that doesnt sell comics.)

Thanks ;)

[horatio616]

Ya its true Im not very interested in the greater "X-continuity" mostly because I cant be....Id go crazy Im overseas for another 5 months ;)

So am I understanding this right though there isnt just one House of M trade?
There are several House of M trades?

If the story is good Ill pick the entire trade or all the trades.

(sorry if these questions seem silly Im in Korea and I have to order these from a book store that doesnt sell comics.)

Thanks ;)

I couldn't with a clear conscience recommend House of M. The consensus on that x-over, I believe, was that it was underwhelming.

Get the Morrison trades and Astonishing and you'll be delighted.

[the-sword-is-drawn]

So am I understanding this right though there isnt just one House of M trade?
There are several House of M trades?

Indeed. House of M was a crossover which went across the entirety of Marvel's books - not only X-Men titles. Basically involving pretty much any character they could remember, or find a place for.

The Bendis House of M trade is the book at the middle of it. And outside of that there are other series featuring other characters. None of which are essential - although some are interesting. I mentioned the Wolverine one, because it features a plot point central to where the character has been going since that event. And it has storm in the Black Panther story.

[xyzzy]

Whedon's Astonishing X-Men is probably the best X book in recent memory. It takes its lead from the Claremont era and the recent Morrison run. I thought the second arc was a bit weak, but overall, it's been really strong.

Peter David's Maddrox and its continuation, X-Factor run a close second. Maddrox, in particular was a great noir story and that feel carries through to some degree with the ongoing.

Morrison's New X-Men had some great writing and really, really inconsistent art. Some of it's pretty bad.

House of M was decent. Pretty good as alt-reality stories go. Gorgeous art. If you're only interested in the X-family of books, just get the main title. Most of the side stories weren't that great, though I liked the Spider-man one.

The story that preceded it, continuity wise, isn't an X-Book at all, but rather Avengers Disassembled.

I don't know much about the continuity stuff that followed.

[keith007]

Ok, cool which ones are the Morrison trades?

[xyzzy]

Ok, cool which ones are the Morrison trades?

Well, Morrison's run was on New X-Men.

There's a one volume omnibus (http://www.amazon.com/New-X-Men-Omnibus-Grant-Morrison/dp/0785123261/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1203130514&sr=8-8), if you can find it.

The TPBs numbered are 1-7, E for Extinction, Imperial, New Worlds, Riot at Xavier's, Assault on Weapon Plus, Planet X, Here Comes Tomorrow, respectively.

Then there are the oversized hardcovers, volumes 1-3. I don't think they're named.

[xebix]

I was thinking of switching to trades on the X books. Are they fairly easy keep up with? I was wondering since there are so many crossovers if it would be worth it. Star Wars has been really great in trade, but those books never cross over so it makes it pretty easy. Do X books come out in trade regularly?

[bonemachine]

X-Men have REALLY heavy continuity so I put up this thread for anybody with questions.

My question is: Is Astonishing X-Men in continuity? There's been references to stuff that's been happening in Whedon's run but I heard on the Podcast a few times that it isn't.

[gobo]

Astonishing is definitely in continuity.

[oh_caroline]

'Astonishing X-Men' is definitely in continuity. The question with the series has been *where* in continuity -- because the third and fourth arc of Whedon's series essentially took place over a couple days, but took two years to come out. Meanwhile, Civil War and all this other stuff was happening in the 'outside world.' Now that the story is over it's pretty clear that "Torn" and "Unstoppable" took place immediately prior to the "Messiah CompleX" crossover.

The current arc of 'Astonishing' started after 'Uncanny X-Men' 500 (because the team is already well-established in San Francisco). It remains to be seen whether this arc is going to create the same kinds of continuity headaches. I sort of doubt it will, as it's not likely to be either so decompressed, or so delayed. I also suspect that the overall story is going to be more peripheral to the rest of the X-verse than Whedon's run was. . .that is, it mattered when Whedon's happened because there was a question of whether Emma had turned evil, whether someone was going to die, et cetera. This looks like it's going to be more of a side story that doesn't affect other things.

[bonemachine]

Thanks. I got a bit confused when in one podcast, Ron compared this to Illuminati as a book that isn't deep in continuity.

[conorkilpatrick]

I don't think we would have ever said that Astonishing isn't in-continuity. We have said that it's not continuity heavy in that you can read it just fine without knowing much about X-Men history.

[bonemachine]

I don't think we would have ever said that Astonishing isn't in-continuity. We have said that it's not continuity heavy in that you can read it just fine without knowing much about X-Men history.

That's cool. I just got a bit mixed up with the difference between not deep in continuity and not in continuity at all. My bad.