REVIEW: ‘X-Men United’ Issue 1

X-Men United Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics and written by Eve L. Ewing, with art by Tiago Palma, colors by Brian Reber, and letters by Joe Sabino.

A new campus had been crafted for a new school, with many of the X-Men as instructors. But some are not happy about the new venture.

This series feels like all of the various X-Men series converging into one. The flagship titles of X-Men and Uncanny X-Men are also threaded with the ideas of Exceptional X-Men into this mega project from Eve L. Ewing. In many ways, the plot is a return to basics. X-Men United Issue 1 sees a school campus built, with the major members of the X-Men all becoming teachers. It’s such a refreshing, remedial return to what the X-Men are: educators and protectors of young mutants. The difference is that the campus is entirely psychic, created by Emma Frost using Mister Sinister’s tech. It means the X-Men can enter without actually physically being there.

This doesn’t interfere with the storytelling in the other series by not dragging them away from Louisiana or Alaska. This premier issue is big, with a lot of exposition and ideas to convey. Ewing does this superbly, going to a third of the facilities. In doing so, explanations of the new concept and the roles of the X-Men leaders are provided.

The issue still very much contains the tensions and issues of the present day, meaning that the From the Ashes era and the Fall of Krakoa haven’t been erased. There’s a general feeling of goodwill and enthusiasm, which is snuffed out by a really surprising attack on the final page.

The cast of X-Men United Issue 1 is huge and inclusive. So many of the most iconic members and tutors have returned to help teach the new students. Rogue, Gambit, Nightcrawler, and Wolverine from Uncanny X-Men. Beast, Magneto, and Glob Herman from X-Men. Shadowcat, Iceman, and Emma from Exceptional X-Men. And the loners, such as Laura Kinney and Storm. That’s the most incredible lineup ever, and there’s still some missing. There isn’t a real leader or headmaster, just a collective experience.

Cyclops is also present in the issue, but very much not on board with the idea. You can see just how broken and traumatized Scott is after so much destruction and slaughter. Seeing all the mutants gathered together, even telepathically, terrifies him. His anger and rejection of everyone involved in the building are understandable, but his other actions are certainly more unexpected. It’s fascinating and satisfying to see the older mutants slot back into roles, or grow into new ones. Laura and Logan work together to train the students, whilst Beast is in the med bay.

Kitty is one of those who helped found the idea, and she’s shining and excited about the new project. Even though she and Emma often clash, they are actually united in their desire to make this work. The students are a selection of those Cyclops and his squad have rescued, and those that Kitty and Emma were training. An intriguing note is that in the opening issue at least, the Outliers haven’t migrated from Uncanny X-Men, and it will be interesting to see if that is explored in either Gail Simone’s book or this one.

The art is glorious as so many figures are reunited. Graymatter Lane, the new campus, is jaw-dropping in its scale. It feels even bigger than the first mansion, with larger rooms and taller ceilings. It’s spacious with so many different areas and rooms. With Emma’s imagination and Palma’s creativity, it can be whatever they decide. There are so many characters, but it never feels overwhelming. Time is taken to spend time with the individuals. It’s not just their costumes that look fantastic; their personalities are captured perfectly, too.

Cyclops is always separated from the main group; his jaw changed with anger. Kitty is brimming with excitement as she shows her old friend around their new home. Emma is the figurehead, looking tall and resplendent. Then, in the middle of X-Men United Issue 1 comes a training sequence, with both Wolverines at the helm. There are new powers and abilities on display, and a terrific sense of movement. Even though the facility is psychic, there is still physicality and danger.

The colors are brilliant. There’s a return to uniforms for the students, each in the same yellow-and-black costume. Other members of the team replicate that, such as the Wolverines. There’s also an emphasis on the individualism of the older members, from the blue of Iceman and Beast to the purple and green of Gambit and Rogue. It makes the issue visually interesting and bright. The lettering is very clear and easy to read.

X-Men United Issue 1 feels like a new home. With the mutants so scattered, it’s such a reward to have a place for them all to come back. It’s not getting into everything that’s happened; it’s trying to heal. The X-Men are stronger together. It’s also not entirely a happy reunion, with it actually damaging the relationship Cyclops has with his family even further. With such a large cast, there are just so many possibilities and directions for the story to travel.

X-Men United Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.