World War Hulk: X-Men

Title

World War Hulk: X-men

Library Link
World war Hulk X-Men Hulk : WWH - X-MenSlott, Dan.New York : Marvel ; London : Diamond [distributor],c2008.Year: c2008Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
A loose collection of World War Hulk stories to include X-men, Ghost Rider, Ant Man and others.
This collection does not tell a cohesive story but collects several small, incomplete stories.

Notes
Good for those interested in World War Hulk details.

Learning Curve
Low if read after World War Hulk

Reading Order
Read World War Hulk first.

X-men Origins

Title
X-men Origins

Library Link
X-Men origins / [writers, Sean McGeever ... [et al.] ; artists, Mike Mayhew ... [et al.]]. New York : Marvel, 2010.

10 Second Review
As the title suggests, this book collects stories of the X-men before they were X-men.
Included are Sabretooth, Wolverine, Beast, Jean Grey and others. 

Fans will be familiar with most of the stories but there are few minor surprises.
While the art is good, the stories might be best suited for new readers.

Notes
Professor X is kinda...creepy.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

The Heroic Age

Title
The Heroic Age

Library Link
The heroic age / writers Brian Michael Bendis ... [et al.] ; artists, John Romita ... [et al.]


10 Second Review
Evil/crazy Norman Osborn (The Goblin) has been defeated and replaced by Steve Rogers (original Capt. America).  The Superhuman Registration Act has been repealed and it is no longer illegal to be a super hero.
Basically, the Marvel universe is back to normal.  New teams are being formed with some small suprises.
 
While this book is larger then most graphic novels, there is not much in the way of story.
It appears to be single issues of several separate titles combined to form one book.
The good news is that this book can serve as a 'sampler' for readers that may be undecided over which title to follow.  Lots and lots of Marvel heroes are covered.

Notes
"Hulk is the smartest one there is."

Learning Curve
Low: This would be a good starting point for new readers

Astonishing X-men: Torn

Title
Astonishing X-men: Torn

Library Link
Astonishing X-Men. Vol. 3, Torn / writer, Joss Whedon ; artist, John Cassaday Whedon, Joss, 1964-

10 Second Review
Emma messes with Scott's head, Kitty gets lucky and a powerful alien comes to kill X-men.
Meanwhile Beast gets wild while Logan get civilized.
Strange things are going on and Scott struggles to find answers.
 
Good art and story.  A fun read with some unusual elements.
 
Notes
Why does anyone trust Emma?
 
Learning Curve
Low: Some knowledge of the X-men would be helpful

Wolverine: Old Man Logan

Title

Wolverine: Old Man Logan


Library Link
Old Man Logan / writer, Mark Millar ; artist, Steve McNiven Millar, Mark.

10 Second Review
Like Wolverine? Love a good post- apocalyptic tale?
Well, you’re going to like this.

Set in the future of the Marvel universe, the U.S. has been reduced to a wasteland after the bad guys formed an alliance and defeated the heroes. Villains rule the country with an iron fist and even Wolverine has vowed to never fight again.

This is a fun read with lots of shocks and twist.
Wolverine fans will enjoy and it should be accessible to new readers.

Notes
Earns its Parental Warning for violence

Learning Curve
Low: Should be good for those fairly new to comics.

X-men Second Coming

Title
X-men Second Coming


Library Link
X-men : second coming / Mike Carey ... [et al.] ; artitists, Stuart Immonen ... [et al.]



10 Second Review
The X-men send the only mutant born in the last year into the future for protection.
She returns to the present only to run into Bastion.
Bastion is a robot from the future determined to destroy her.
The X-men sacrifice everything to keep her alive.

Scott Summers, as the leader of the X-men, makes some decisions that do not sit well with the rest of the team.

Excellence story and art.

Fans will spot some familiar developments.
Notes
Not all of the Xmen survive

Learning Curve
Low to Moderate: Readers will need some understanding of the X-men

X-men Forever: Come to Mother…Russia

Title
X-men Forever: Come to Mother…Russia


Library Link
X-Men forever. Volume 3 / writer, Chris Claremont ; artist, Tom Grummett
Claremont, Chris, 1950-

10 Second Review
This book focuses on Colossus and his struggles in Russia.

His sister turns against him and gets Kitty (Shadowcat) to join her side.
Meanwhile, Storm causes trouble in Africa.

A fairly solid continuation of the series but there seems to be some holes in the story.
Good for fans but those new to the X-men might get confused.

Notes
Beast goes on a surprise date.

Learning Curve
Low to Moderate: If read in order

Reading Order
Chronological

X-men Forever The Secret History of the Sentinels

Title
X-men Forever The Secret History of the Sentinels


Library Link
X-Men forever. Volume 2 / writer, Chris Claremont ; artist, Paul Smith
Claremont, Chris, 1950-

10 Second Review
The danger room acts up, Hank get tired of Scott and there are two Storms.
The team investigates strange occurrences in South America that leads them to an ancestor of the Sentinels creator.

A solid continuation of the original story that should appeal to fans.
A funeral brings in lots of guest stars.

Notes
Nick Fury butts in more.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers will need to be familiar with the X-men.

Reading Order
Chronological

X-men Forever

Title

X-men Forever

Library Link
X-men forever. [Vol. 1], Picking up where we left off / writer, Chris Claremont ; penciler, Tom Grummett Claremont, Chris, 1950-

10 Second Review
Storm goes rouge and kills Wolverine and seriously wounds Sabretooth.
Kitty gains one of Wolverine's claws and Scott has relationship trouble.

This represents a continuation of a story line from 1991 from Chris Claremont.
Good art and good story true to its 90's origins.

Notes
Nick Fury butts in.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers will need to be familiar with the X-men

Reading Order
Chronological

Ultimate X-men Apocalypse

Title
Ultimate X-men Apocalypse


Library Link
Ultimate X-Men. 18. Apocalypse / writer, Robert Kirkman ; artist, Tyler Kirkman
Kirkman, Robert.

10 Second Review
Hank and Storm work on their relationship, while Sinister uses his mind controlling powers to evolve into Apocalypse.

Apocalypse can absorb other mutant powers, which makes him a big problem. Jean provides a big solution.

Great art and good story but read the previous book first.

Notes
Fantastic Four make an appearance.

Learning Curve
Low: If read in order

Reading Order
Chronological

X-men Nation X

Title
X-men Nation X


Library Link
Nation X. Book 1 / by Matt Fraction ; artist, Greg Land Fraction, Matt.

10 Second Review
X-men form their own island community and struggle with various challenges.
Magneto stops by to help, Namor sends Norman a message and Cyclops battles inner demons.

Good story and great art. A fun book that also includes some related short stories.

Notes
Colossus gets a surprise visitor.

Learning Curve
Low: Should be OK for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

Wolverine Flies to a Spider

Title
Wolverine Flies to a Spider


Library Link
Flies to a spider / by Gregg Hurwitz, Mike Benson, Joseph L. Clark ; artist, Jerome Opena, Roland Boschi, Das Pastoras Hurwitz, Gregg Andrew.

10 Second Review
This book includes several Wolverine stories of Logan-style justice.
He avenges a young girl, a Native American tribe and investigates some suspicious 'accidents'.

A good, easy read for Wolverine fans with excellent art.

Notes
This book carries a Parental Advisory probably for violence and gore.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

Ultimatum Requiem

Title

Ultimatum Requiem

Library Link
Ultimatum. Requiem / writers: Brian Michael Bendis, Joe Pokaski, Aron E. Coleite
Bendis, Brian Michael.

10 Second Review
This book wraps up some of the loose ends left over by the Marvel Ultimate series.
It includes stories from Spiderman, X-men and the Fantastic Four.

Good art and a fair story.

Will probably only appeal to those seeking a bit more from the Ultimate series.

Notes
Includes several obituaries of those that died at the end of this series.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Knowledge of the series would be helpful.

Reading Order
Read after Ultimatum

X-Force Not Forgotten

Title
X-Force Not Forgotten


Library Link
X-Force. [Vol. 3], Not forgotten / writers, Craig Kyle & Christopher Yost ; art, Clayton Crain and Mike Choi & Sonia Oback ; letterer, Cory Petit Kyle, Craig.

10 Second Review
A new team is formed to handle the X-men's dirty work.

Members include Wolverine, Domino, X-23, Warpath and others.
For this book, Bastion continues to cause problems for Mutant-kind and X-23 is ambushed and captured.
Kamura is holding X-23, who is basically a female Wolverine.
Kamura is mean, crazy and tough enough to take out X-23.
Good story and good art but this book carries a Parental Warning for violence (and lots of it).

Notes
Good for someone looking for a grittier read.

Learning Curve
Moderate: New readers might be confused.

Reading Order
Chronological.

X-Force: Old Ghosts

Title
X-Force: Old Ghosts

Library Link
Old ghosts  / Christopher Yost, Craig Kyle ; artists, Mike Choi, Sonia Oback
Yost, Christopher.

10 Second Review
Scott Summers forms a team to handle issues the polite X-men can't.

Elixer reluctantly helps blackmail Vanisher into cooperating with X-Force. Warpath teams up with Ghost Rider.

Good art and a decent read.
Not great but provides some important story elements.

Notes
Caliban makes an appearance.

Learning Curve
Low: Some Marvel knowledge will be helpful

Reading Order
Chronological

X-Force Angels & Demons

Title
X-Force Angels & Demons

Library Link
Angels and demons  / Craig Kyle, Christopher Yost ; artist, Clayton Crain
Kyle, Craig.

10 Second Review
Mutants are facing extinction so Scott Summers puts together a team to handle the X-men's dirty work.
For this book, their mission is an assassination.
Much darker then the mainstream X-men this is a good choice for those seeking a grittier story.

Includes excellent 'painting' style art and a good story line.
Gripping, but may be too much for young readers.

Notes
Parental Advisory label (violence)

Learning Curve
Low: Some Marvel knowledge will be helpful.

Reading Order
N/a

X-men: Original Sin

Title
X-men: Original Sin

Library Link

http://catalog.houstonlibrary.org/search~S1
Available
at Lakewood Public Library
Marvel Comics, 2009, by Mike Carey

10 Second Review
Wolverine is forced to face some unpleasant memories when he discovers he may have a son. Logan and Charles work through some issues.

Standard art and standard story. Should appeal to Wolverine fans but might overwhelm new readers.

Notes
Hulk and Wendigo make an appearance.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Those unfamiliar with Wolverine might be confused.

Reading Order
N/a

Wolverine: Origin

Title
Wolverine: Origin

Library Link

Wolverine
: origin
OriginJenkins, Paul, 1965-New York : Marvel ; London : Diamond
[distributor], c2009.Year: c2009

10 Second Review
Journey back to the turn of the century to witness the birth of a Marvel icon.

Good art and good writing with some clever elements.
While a good book, it should have been a great book.
Some will feel it would have better to have left this story untold.

Notes
Includes behind-the-scenes notes and sketches.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

Uncanny X-men Lovelorn

Title
Uncanny X-men Lovelorn

Library Link

Lovelorn
Brubaker,
Ed.New York : Marvel ; London : Diamond [distributor], 2009.Year: 2009Format:
BOOK

10 Second Review
Colossus is sent off to relieve some stress, Emma Frost feels distant from Scott and Hank McCoy seeks out some unconventional assistance to help save the dwindling mutant population.

Great art and good story with some interesting guest appearances.
Some readers may feel left out by unexplained elements of the storyline.

Notes
Art by Terry & Rachel Dodson

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers new to X-men will likely be confused.

Reading Order
Occurs after M-day.

Young X-men: Books of Revelations

Title
Young X-men: Books of Revelations

Library Link

Young
X-Men. book of revelations
Guggenheim, Marc.New York : Marvel ; London :
Diamond [distributor], c2009.Year: c2009Format: BOOK

10 Second Review
The young x-men team discovers one of their members is not really a mutant.

Great art and decent story but the wide spectrum of unintroduced characters and events may send readers running to the wikipedia.

Notes
Fans of Teen Titans will likely enjoy this series

Learning Curve
Moderate to High: Readers new to this series might be confused.

Reading Order
N/a