Thursday, August 2, 2012

The First X-Men #1


It is a powerful testament to the talent of artist Neal Adam's when after over 40 years he has returned to not only draw but co-write a Marvel Comics title he helped rejuvenate and revitalize during the later part of the Silver Age.

When Adams first began penciling The Uncanny X-men during the Silver Age the title was lagging in sales and on the brink of cancellation.  Along with writer Roy Thomas Adams infused new excitement into the failing title.  Fans were amazed at Adam's ground-breaking layouts and compositions, delighted with his attention to character details and blown away by his ability to tell an action-filled story while still able to convey quiet moments.

Unfortunately the Marvel fix for the X-Men came a little too late and after a mere dozen issues or so the title was cancelled.  Its print numbers, if compared to today's titles, would have made it a number one top seller today.

The present: Neal Adams has returned to the X-Men in a brand new title called The first X-Men.  In issue #1 readers are introduced to pre-adamantium claw Wolverine who still hangs out with his step-brother Sabretooth.  Asked by a friend to check in on his son who is displaying 'unusual' abilities, Wolverine is nearly blown away by the boy's explosive power.

When he recovers he discovers the boy has been carted away be certain government types who have sinister intentions for the lad.  Teaming with his step brother Wolverine sets out to save the boy and in the process meets up with other 'unique' (this is before the term mutant' came into vogue) individuals and some heavy handed government enforcers.  Wolverine and Sabretooth make short work of them.

Later Wolverine confronts Charles Xavier, who at the time is trying to blend into 'normal' human life, even going so far to set a marriage date with his love Moira.

When Wolverine tags Xavier as a mutant and challenges him to save other mutants Charles refuses at first, but reluctantly sees Wolverine's point and although he doesn't go with Wolverine he is faced with a life-changing decision-a decision that will set the course for Mutantkind for decades to come.

It amazes me that after so many decades when most comic book artists of the Silver Age have put away their pencils that Neal Adams is as vital and as talented as ever - even more so.  His page compositions have improved with more complexity, his characters look more alive than ever (it was once said that if real superheroes existed they would look like Neal Adams' drawings) and his ability to draw has expanded to any and all things.

I am so pleased that the comic book industry has recognized that age makes little difference when it comes to talent and with the reintroduction of Neal Adams to modern comic book readers (first with DC Comics' Batman Odyssey series and now with Marvel's The First X-Men) readers can enjoy the work of a true master.