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Essential X-Men #2
Essential X-Men, Vol. 2
Ever expanding their ranks the Children of the Atom combat the evils threatening both mutants and humans -- like the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants the Hellfire Club and Dark Phoenix!
Collecting:
X-Men #120-141, Uncanny #142-144; Annual #3-4
Collecting:
X-Men #120-141, Uncanny #142-144; Annual #3-4
512 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
19 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
About the author
Chris Claremont
3,296 books899 followersChris Claremont is a writer of American comic books, best known for his 16-year (1975-1991) stint on Uncanny X-Men, during which the series became one of the comic book industry's most successful properties.
Claremont has written many stories for other publishers including the Star Trek Debt of Honor graphic novel, his creator-owned Sovereign Seven for DC Comics and Aliens vs Predator for Dark Horse Comics. He also wrote a few issues of the series WildC.A.T.s (volume 1, issues #10-13) at Image Comics, which introduced his creator-owned character, Huntsman.
Outside of comics, Claremont co-wrote the Chronicles of the Shadow War trilogy, Shadow Moon (1995), Shadow Dawn (1996), and Shadow Star (1999), with George Lucas. This trilogy continues the story of Elora Danan from the movie Willow. In the 1980s, he also wrote a science fiction trilogy about female starship pilot Nicole Shea, consisting of First Flight (1987), Grounded! (1991), and Sundowner (1994). Claremont was also a contributor to the Wild Cards anthology series.
Claremont has written many stories for other publishers including the Star Trek Debt of Honor graphic novel, his creator-owned Sovereign Seven for DC Comics and Aliens vs Predator for Dark Horse Comics. He also wrote a few issues of the series WildC.A.T.s (volume 1, issues #10-13) at Image Comics, which introduced his creator-owned character, Huntsman.
Outside of comics, Claremont co-wrote the Chronicles of the Shadow War trilogy, Shadow Moon (1995), Shadow Dawn (1996), and Shadow Star (1999), with George Lucas. This trilogy continues the story of Elora Danan from the movie Willow. In the 1980s, he also wrote a science fiction trilogy about female starship pilot Nicole Shea, consisting of First Flight (1987), Grounded! (1991), and Sundowner (1994). Claremont was also a contributor to the Wild Cards anthology series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
October 16, 2023
One of the most important and significant runs in comic book history !! We're talking the Proteus saga | the emergence of the Hellfire Club | the Dark Phoenix Saga | the coming and disbanding of Alpha Flight | the Days of Future Past. What can one say about the debutants, here's just some of them - Proteus, Hellfire Club Inner Circle, Sebastian Shaw, Donald Pierce, White Queen (Emma Frost), Black Queen, Kitty Pryde, Dazzler, Dark Phoenix, Days of Future Past reality!!! On top of all that is the incredible character development, especially on Kitty Pryde, Wolverine, Cyclops and Jean Grey. To get true context, don't forget that most of these stories were written in the late 1970s!!!
This is the trade paper back reprinting of The Uncanny X-men #120-144 and X-Men annuals 3 & 4. The legacy of this writing is self evident today! It could be argued that the long form plotting, foreshadowing and juggling countless stories by Chris Claremont has never been surpassed? Ultimately what this run did was make readers truly feel for the characters. 9 out of 12, Four Star read on my fourth reading! Although I have probably read this run over 10 times, reading it first when it was originally published!
2010, 2014, 2017 and 2023 read
This is the trade paper back reprinting of The Uncanny X-men #120-144 and X-Men annuals 3 & 4. The legacy of this writing is self evident today! It could be argued that the long form plotting, foreshadowing and juggling countless stories by Chris Claremont has never been surpassed? Ultimately what this run did was make readers truly feel for the characters. 9 out of 12, Four Star read on my fourth reading! Although I have probably read this run over 10 times, reading it first when it was originally published!
2010, 2014, 2017 and 2023 read
August 3, 2019
4.5 stars.
A few issues of filler here and there but, for the most part, Claremont takes the X-Men into the 1980s with a bang.
Notable first appearances: Kitty Pryde, The Hellfire Club (including first appearances by members Emma Frost and Sabastian Shaw), Dazzler, Dark Phoenix, Proteus/Mutant X, and Pyro. Also includes the classic stories "Dark Phoenix Saga" and "Days of Future Past".
A few issues of filler here and there but, for the most part, Claremont takes the X-Men into the 1980s with a bang.
Notable first appearances: Kitty Pryde, The Hellfire Club (including first appearances by members Emma Frost and Sabastian Shaw), Dazzler, Dark Phoenix, Proteus/Mutant X, and Pyro. Also includes the classic stories "Dark Phoenix Saga" and "Days of Future Past".
July 28, 2019
This is perhaps THE most iconic story in the entire history of the X-Men. I read it as a kid, "The Dark Phoenix Saga" collected in a trade. It was interesting but a bit hard to follow, as a kid, disconnected from the rest of Claremont's run. Reading it now, for the first time, in the context of his legendary run? It was fantastic. I particularly liked reading "The Phoenix Saga" first and then seeing how it led to "The Dark Phoenix Saga" later. I will admit it is a bit of an abrupt shift, to see the Phoenix Force go from this liberating vision of Jean Grey's power to the demonic force of corruption that possesses her. However reading these issues in conjunction with Ramzi Fawa's BRILLIANT 'The New Mutants: Superheroes and the Radical Imagination of American Comics' explains with depth and insight both the larger themes within the work as well as the cultural forces that helped shape the narrative.
The X-Men's greatest author and his most iconic storyline of all time - it was fast, fun, and there is SO MUCH MORE going on here than I got as a kid (obviously :) ). How was I not going to enjoy this? Again, it's worth noting I read this digitally on Marvel Unlimited but I've picked this edition because it incorporates the issues I read,
The X-Men's greatest author and his most iconic storyline of all time - it was fast, fun, and there is SO MUCH MORE going on here than I got as a kid (obviously :) ). How was I not going to enjoy this? Again, it's worth noting I read this digitally on Marvel Unlimited but I've picked this edition because it incorporates the issues I read,
March 11, 2021
Twenty-four issues-worth of X-Men adventures from the late 70s and early 80s.
Including the Dark Phoenix Saga and Days of Future Past, this book sees the X-Men face foes such as Arcade, Proteus, Alpha Flight, D'spayre and the Hellfire Club, as well as introducing characters like Kitty Pryde, Emma Frost and Dazzler.
This book constitutes what is probably the most important X-Men run of all time and has both Chris Claremont and John Byrne at the top of their game. The episodic adventures of previous years has largely fallen away and instead we get much longer and better developed storylines which are given enough time to mature and build to a crescendo.
Perhaps the most famous of these storylines (partially because Fox have failed to do it justice on the big screen twice now) is the Dark Phoenix Saga. It begins with Jean Grey sacrificing her life, only to be reborn as the Phoenix with her powers increased exponentially. We then get a slow and impressively subtle slide towards darkness as Jean struggles with the exhilaration of her godlike powers and then has the darker side of her nature slowly manipulated by a mysterious enemy, until finally she loses control. It is a perfectly-paced and brilliant epic tragedy.
As well as the Dark Phoenix story, we also get the iconic Days of Future Past (adapted for film much better, it has to be said), whose basic premise of heroes from a post-apocalyptic future time-travelling to put things right has become a Marvel mainstay (even the MCU has done it) and is a rich narrative vein to mine.
Perhaps the best thing about this book is that the move towards longer-form storytelling means that the main X-Men are given some genuine character development over time, feeling a natural progression for them. Jean Grey is the most obvious example, but I also enjoyed seeing Wolverine and Storm coming to realise that they no-longer have to be loners and even Cyclops is shown to have changed and matured through working with this particular X-team.
There are a few less than stellar moments, the somewhat silly battle with Arcade in Murderworld being one such, and the fact these collections are printed in black and white means that these stories don't look as vibrant as they once would have, but overall these are just good-quality X-Men stories.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.com *
Including the Dark Phoenix Saga and Days of Future Past, this book sees the X-Men face foes such as Arcade, Proteus, Alpha Flight, D'spayre and the Hellfire Club, as well as introducing characters like Kitty Pryde, Emma Frost and Dazzler.
This book constitutes what is probably the most important X-Men run of all time and has both Chris Claremont and John Byrne at the top of their game. The episodic adventures of previous years has largely fallen away and instead we get much longer and better developed storylines which are given enough time to mature and build to a crescendo.
Perhaps the most famous of these storylines (partially because Fox have failed to do it justice on the big screen twice now) is the Dark Phoenix Saga. It begins with Jean Grey sacrificing her life, only to be reborn as the Phoenix with her powers increased exponentially. We then get a slow and impressively subtle slide towards darkness as Jean struggles with the exhilaration of her godlike powers and then has the darker side of her nature slowly manipulated by a mysterious enemy, until finally she loses control. It is a perfectly-paced and brilliant epic tragedy.
As well as the Dark Phoenix story, we also get the iconic Days of Future Past (adapted for film much better, it has to be said), whose basic premise of heroes from a post-apocalyptic future time-travelling to put things right has become a Marvel mainstay (even the MCU has done it) and is a rich narrative vein to mine.
Perhaps the best thing about this book is that the move towards longer-form storytelling means that the main X-Men are given some genuine character development over time, feeling a natural progression for them. Jean Grey is the most obvious example, but I also enjoyed seeing Wolverine and Storm coming to realise that they no-longer have to be loners and even Cyclops is shown to have changed and matured through working with this particular X-team.
There are a few less than stellar moments, the somewhat silly battle with Arcade in Murderworld being one such, and the fact these collections are printed in black and white means that these stories don't look as vibrant as they once would have, but overall these are just good-quality X-Men stories.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.com *
May 12, 2011
Its incredible that this one book contains the quality of stories that it does. The hunt for Mutant X. The Dark Phoenix Saga. Cyclops leaving the X-Men (?). Days of Future Past. This was truly a great time to be an X-Men fan.
The hunt for the reality shifting Mutant X/Proteus is probably my favorite X-Men story of all time. Tons of tension as the body count rises only to get battles that are absolutely crazy as reality literally gets flipped inside-out. I was a little disappointed that they didn't include the short "Shreds of Humanity" though as it went a little deeper into Wolverine and Nightcrawler's battle with Proteus... Oh well.
The whole time this madness with Proteus is taking place, "Jason Wyngard" is laughing his ass off, foreshadowing the Dark Phoenix Saga. This is probably one of the more well known X-Men stories and it was good to finally be able to read it all. I was surprised both with the ending and how truly screwed up Phoenix was at her darkest. Really easy to see why Cyclops left.
Then there's the introduction to Kitty Pryde / Days of Future Past, an epic of a story condensed into maybe two (three?) issues. I really love the X-Men stuff that has them dealing with their being different. A story about the Sentinels taking over and rounding up all mutants into ghettos resulting in a possible nuclear holocaust? Nice.
I really like the team under Storm's leadership and am looking forward to reading more. This is about the time that I stopped reading X-Men, so the future is kind of unknown. Yay!
The hunt for the reality shifting Mutant X/Proteus is probably my favorite X-Men story of all time. Tons of tension as the body count rises only to get battles that are absolutely crazy as reality literally gets flipped inside-out. I was a little disappointed that they didn't include the short "Shreds of Humanity" though as it went a little deeper into Wolverine and Nightcrawler's battle with Proteus... Oh well.
The whole time this madness with Proteus is taking place, "Jason Wyngard" is laughing his ass off, foreshadowing the Dark Phoenix Saga. This is probably one of the more well known X-Men stories and it was good to finally be able to read it all. I was surprised both with the ending and how truly screwed up Phoenix was at her darkest. Really easy to see why Cyclops left.
Then there's the introduction to Kitty Pryde / Days of Future Past, an epic of a story condensed into maybe two (three?) issues. I really love the X-Men stuff that has them dealing with their being different. A story about the Sentinels taking over and rounding up all mutants into ghettos resulting in a possible nuclear holocaust? Nice.
I really like the team under Storm's leadership and am looking forward to reading more. This is about the time that I stopped reading X-Men, so the future is kind of unknown. Yay!
December 29, 2025
When people recommend Chris Claremont, or X-Men in general, they say, "Go read Dark Phoenix and Days of Future Past." It's convenient because these two seminal arcs are back to back. I did that though. That's where I started with X-Men. I must admit, without the ramp up, it doesn't hit as hard. You don't get the emotional impact. They were the first X-Men comics I ever read. They were good, fine, didn't blow me away.
Now, a year later, I've read this again, this time with proper build up, and it is much better. Claremont's writing builds slowly over dozens of issues to pay off, but it is great. I enjoyed these stories much more the second time. I don't even think they're the best X-Men stories, but I can clearly see what people recommend them. They are significant stories that can (mostly) stand alone. Most other arcs are tied into the ongoing narrative it is hard to pluck them out. Also, they don't stand out in the way this one did.
Having said that, these stories likely cemented X-Men's reputation for bold, challenging storytelling and gave rise to the X-Men mania that coalesced in the 90's.
These arcs are head and shoulders and belly button above anything that came before. No one talks about the Claremont stories that came after, despite the fact that there are 15 years of it. I'm excited to see what he wrote.
Now, a year later, I've read this again, this time with proper build up, and it is much better. Claremont's writing builds slowly over dozens of issues to pay off, but it is great. I enjoyed these stories much more the second time. I don't even think they're the best X-Men stories, but I can clearly see what people recommend them. They are significant stories that can (mostly) stand alone. Most other arcs are tied into the ongoing narrative it is hard to pluck them out. Also, they don't stand out in the way this one did.
Having said that, these stories likely cemented X-Men's reputation for bold, challenging storytelling and gave rise to the X-Men mania that coalesced in the 90's.
These arcs are head and shoulders and belly button above anything that came before. No one talks about the Claremont stories that came after, despite the fact that there are 15 years of it. I'm excited to see what he wrote.
April 3, 2020
Yeah, this volume was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G from the Dark Phoenix to the Hellfire Club to the arrival of Kitty Pryde, it was a massive big book that transported me back to my mid-teens. These were no longer the childish storylines & artwork of even a few years prior. This was John Byrne revitalizing a once-dormant title & taking us along for a wild ride in doing so. I vividly remember Kitty's clash with the Geiger Alien-like creature & being scared for her as a fellow teen.
It was around this time that Frank Miller did his thing with Daredevil. Bill Sienkiewicz was making Moon Knight a force to be reckoned with. Jim Ward's Comic Store was still in its original iteration on N Water St before relocating, first to Park City & then to the Golden Triangle before settling on McGovern Ave between N Queen & N Christian Sts. These were some of the last superhero comics that I read in that long gone era & I remember why - I thought that nothing could surpass these stories. I'm about to find out as I continue with Vol. 3.
It was around this time that Frank Miller did his thing with Daredevil. Bill Sienkiewicz was making Moon Knight a force to be reckoned with. Jim Ward's Comic Store was still in its original iteration on N Water St before relocating, first to Park City & then to the Golden Triangle before settling on McGovern Ave between N Queen & N Christian Sts. These were some of the last superhero comics that I read in that long gone era & I remember why - I thought that nothing could surpass these stories. I'm about to find out as I continue with Vol. 3.
June 8, 2025
When it comes to the X-Men, this book is a good as it gets. Why? Simple... this book is a phone book sized collection of X-Men comics and just happens to include not one, not two, but THREE really great story arcs. It's got the Proteus Saga. Which while creepy is a very underrated story. It also has The Dark Phoenix Saga. That's one of the greatest X-Men stories ever told. Plus, rounding out near the end, it has Days of Future Past.
Most of the other stories while not quite at the level, are still pretty good. There are only two clunkers. One of them being that weird annual where Nightcrawler goes to hell.... and learns that he was actually been dating his adopted sister for months without knowing it... and is fine with it? And the last issue feels like Claremont had half an issue of Man-Thing written before the series was cancelled... and got a still strapped for time and spliced Cyclops into it so it could be an X-Men issue instead. But other than that... amazing.
Most of the other stories while not quite at the level, are still pretty good. There are only two clunkers. One of them being that weird annual where Nightcrawler goes to hell.... and learns that he was actually been dating his adopted sister for months without knowing it... and is fine with it? And the last issue feels like Claremont had half an issue of Man-Thing written before the series was cancelled... and got a still strapped for time and spliced Cyclops into it so it could be an X-Men issue instead. But other than that... amazing.
May 24, 2014
THERE ARE 3 BOOKS THAT COVER THE X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST MATERIAL. THIS IS ONLY ONE OF THE THREE NECESSARY TO UNDERSTAND THE WHOLE STORY LINE (for my own personal reference to keep from getting them confused, because two of the titles are EXACTLY the same, the third is similar), this is the third book I review of the three:
THE BOOK: The collected issues for this Marvel title include the following: X-Men issues 120-141; The Uncanny X-Men issues 142-144; and The X-Men Annual numbers 3-4. The new material in this book, and not included in the first two books I reviewed, are issues 120-137, 144, and annuals 3-4. So, what we see in terms of what's necessary for the time line of "Days of Future Past," and what IS included, are the primary two issues (141-142)--the other material is either back story leading up to the Future Past time line, or just additional material for you to enjoy in getting to know the characters or tangential story plots.
While the cover has a beautiful, full-color image, the issue, itself, is published in black and white, that is, no color--so don't be misled by the beautifully colored cover. The paper consists of inexpensive pulp paper; it is economical, but definitely not pretty. This book is radically different in appearance from the two previous books--the previous two are published in full color, and have beautiful glossy pages, gorgeous to the eye and appealing to the visual senses. And, while the pages in the Essential X-Men: Volume Two are eminently clear and readable, it lacks the beauty and artistic sensibilities the previous two books possess.
Two reasons exist why I selected this volume to include in the book review. First, the topic we are looking at, today, Days of Future Past, is part and parcel of this book. Additionally, since I am no "comics expert," I defer to those who do know comics; the experts list this volume as an essential book dealing with the story line of Days of Future Past--that's why volume 2, and not volume 1, is included in today's book review.
What is included in the Essential X-Men v.2? In the opening pages we are introduced to ALPHA FLIGHT (the Canadian group of super mutants, mentioned, above). Vindicator and crew (Sasquatch, Northstar, Shaman, Snowbird, and Aurora) seek to bring Wolverine back to their fold--against Wolverine's wishes--uh huh. You can guess how that goes.
Another sequence of issues deal extensively with the HELLFIRE CLUB (Sebastian Shaw, Emma Frost [AKA The White Queen], Harry Leland, Donald Pierce [Cyborg], and Mastermind [AKA Jason Wyngard--Jean Grey's seducer to the darkside and creator of her new persona, THE BLACK QUEEN (see issue #132].). A little "aside," here, if you recall, in the movie, X-Men: First Class, the Hellfire Club was showcased when CIA Agent Moira MacTaggert follows Colonel Hendry into the Hellfire Club and sees, for the first time, several super mutants--in the book, Moira MacTaggert is a research geneticist and good friend of Charles Xavier.
While she is with Wyngard/Mastermind, Jean Grey mysteriously transforms into the Dark Phoenix. Thereafter, Jean and her fellow mutants struggle with her god-like powers, eventually, Jean sacrifices herself and she dies. (See issues #134-137)
The rest of the book includes the material I've already covered, above, only in black and white instead of in full color. The X-Men: Days of Future Past, is included (issues # 141-142), as are the other back story material (issues 138-143).
(3) The third book I've reviewed about the X-Men is called: Essential X-Men: Volume Two (Marvel Essentials v. 2): This black and white, pulp paper book is a great book if you want to economize. (mine cost $15.21). And to give the publishers credit, we do get a lot of issues here in one package. Still, I much prefer the beautiful editions, just above. The reading of this black and white edition was lacking in enjoyment that the other books provided. I give this book 3.5 stars out of 5.
I hope you have enjoyed today's rather long-winded blog post about the upcoming movie, X-Men: Days of Future Past, and, of course, the books that spawned the movie. With the advent of these super hero movies, we are bombarded in books and movies, certainly, but also in novelty items, like toys, collectible figurines, special editions or collector's editions of video or console or PC gaming, of clothing, bedding, hats, music CDs, and even PEZ dispensers.
I'm afraid that I've been sucked in by all the hype, too. I've decided to just roll with it. I saw a Wolverine PEZ dispenser and bought it just to have on my desk for inspiration as well as a sweet treat for myself while I've been drafting this blog post. I loved how much fun it was allowing myself to "get into" this blog post. I hope you've enjoyed reading about the books I selected for you today. Grab a book and learn just a little more about Days before it gets to the big screen. And...just a suggestion...grab a Wolverine PEZ and nibble while you read. Just...have some fun while you're doing it!
Thank you for joining me this week as we looked at some action books! Join me next week as we look at a new book and, hopefully, have some fun, too. Take care, my friends, and pick up a book and read just a bit.
If you would like to see the graphic images I included in my blog post, you can see the whole review (with all three X-Men books, together) as well as information about new characters in the movie, X-Men: Days of Future Past. See it on my blog at Sharon's Love of Books: http://sharonsloveofbooks.blogspot.co...
THE BOOK: The collected issues for this Marvel title include the following: X-Men issues 120-141; The Uncanny X-Men issues 142-144; and The X-Men Annual numbers 3-4. The new material in this book, and not included in the first two books I reviewed, are issues 120-137, 144, and annuals 3-4. So, what we see in terms of what's necessary for the time line of "Days of Future Past," and what IS included, are the primary two issues (141-142)--the other material is either back story leading up to the Future Past time line, or just additional material for you to enjoy in getting to know the characters or tangential story plots.
While the cover has a beautiful, full-color image, the issue, itself, is published in black and white, that is, no color--so don't be misled by the beautifully colored cover. The paper consists of inexpensive pulp paper; it is economical, but definitely not pretty. This book is radically different in appearance from the two previous books--the previous two are published in full color, and have beautiful glossy pages, gorgeous to the eye and appealing to the visual senses. And, while the pages in the Essential X-Men: Volume Two are eminently clear and readable, it lacks the beauty and artistic sensibilities the previous two books possess.
Two reasons exist why I selected this volume to include in the book review. First, the topic we are looking at, today, Days of Future Past, is part and parcel of this book. Additionally, since I am no "comics expert," I defer to those who do know comics; the experts list this volume as an essential book dealing with the story line of Days of Future Past--that's why volume 2, and not volume 1, is included in today's book review.
What is included in the Essential X-Men v.2? In the opening pages we are introduced to ALPHA FLIGHT (the Canadian group of super mutants, mentioned, above). Vindicator and crew (Sasquatch, Northstar, Shaman, Snowbird, and Aurora) seek to bring Wolverine back to their fold--against Wolverine's wishes--uh huh. You can guess how that goes.
Another sequence of issues deal extensively with the HELLFIRE CLUB (Sebastian Shaw, Emma Frost [AKA The White Queen], Harry Leland, Donald Pierce [Cyborg], and Mastermind [AKA Jason Wyngard--Jean Grey's seducer to the darkside and creator of her new persona, THE BLACK QUEEN (see issue #132].). A little "aside," here, if you recall, in the movie, X-Men: First Class, the Hellfire Club was showcased when CIA Agent Moira MacTaggert follows Colonel Hendry into the Hellfire Club and sees, for the first time, several super mutants--in the book, Moira MacTaggert is a research geneticist and good friend of Charles Xavier.
While she is with Wyngard/Mastermind, Jean Grey mysteriously transforms into the Dark Phoenix. Thereafter, Jean and her fellow mutants struggle with her god-like powers, eventually, Jean sacrifices herself and she dies. (See issues #134-137)
The rest of the book includes the material I've already covered, above, only in black and white instead of in full color. The X-Men: Days of Future Past, is included (issues # 141-142), as are the other back story material (issues 138-143).
(3) The third book I've reviewed about the X-Men is called: Essential X-Men: Volume Two (Marvel Essentials v. 2): This black and white, pulp paper book is a great book if you want to economize. (mine cost $15.21). And to give the publishers credit, we do get a lot of issues here in one package. Still, I much prefer the beautiful editions, just above. The reading of this black and white edition was lacking in enjoyment that the other books provided. I give this book 3.5 stars out of 5.
I hope you have enjoyed today's rather long-winded blog post about the upcoming movie, X-Men: Days of Future Past, and, of course, the books that spawned the movie. With the advent of these super hero movies, we are bombarded in books and movies, certainly, but also in novelty items, like toys, collectible figurines, special editions or collector's editions of video or console or PC gaming, of clothing, bedding, hats, music CDs, and even PEZ dispensers.
I'm afraid that I've been sucked in by all the hype, too. I've decided to just roll with it. I saw a Wolverine PEZ dispenser and bought it just to have on my desk for inspiration as well as a sweet treat for myself while I've been drafting this blog post. I loved how much fun it was allowing myself to "get into" this blog post. I hope you've enjoyed reading about the books I selected for you today. Grab a book and learn just a little more about Days before it gets to the big screen. And...just a suggestion...grab a Wolverine PEZ and nibble while you read. Just...have some fun while you're doing it!
Thank you for joining me this week as we looked at some action books! Join me next week as we look at a new book and, hopefully, have some fun, too. Take care, my friends, and pick up a book and read just a bit.
If you would like to see the graphic images I included in my blog post, you can see the whole review (with all three X-Men books, together) as well as information about new characters in the movie, X-Men: Days of Future Past. See it on my blog at Sharon's Love of Books: http://sharonsloveofbooks.blogspot.co...
September 3, 2017
Comfort comics reading, almost entirely in pamphlet form (except for Dark Phoenix, which I'll review separately.) A couple of observations:
1) This is where I started to like Wolverine and also about the last time I liked Wolverine. Claremont and Byrne do a good job of starting to peel back the mystery and adding nuance. Sadly, after this, I just associate the character with overexposure.
2) Man, wasn't the introduction of Kitty Pryde great? I love the early issues with her ("Demon" and "Days of Future Past"). And almost nothing after that (save a Whedon storyline in Astounding X-Men) is memorable.
3) Hey, 1) and 2) show a pattern!
1) This is where I started to like Wolverine and also about the last time I liked Wolverine. Claremont and Byrne do a good job of starting to peel back the mystery and adding nuance. Sadly, after this, I just associate the character with overexposure.
2) Man, wasn't the introduction of Kitty Pryde great? I love the early issues with her ("Demon" and "Days of Future Past"). And almost nothing after that (save a Whedon storyline in Astounding X-Men) is memorable.
3) Hey, 1) and 2) show a pattern!
April 19, 2024
All the stars for Proteus. I think of all the vaunted story arcs in this particular volume, and there are many - dark phoenix, Muir island, hellfire club, days of future past - Proteus is the one I cared for the most. He was so gleeful about his dismantling of people and their realities that it was the most chilling. I'm not very fond of Phoenix, light or dark, and I truly hate Scott Summers, but #138 - Elegy - was a great issue.
I'd have liked to see what happened to the 2013 reality in Days of Future Past but maybe I've got to wait? I'm not convinced about Kitty, but I do like her relationship with Storm. (And skeeved out by her relationship with Peter. She's 13!)
I'd have liked to see what happened to the 2013 reality in Days of Future Past but maybe I've got to wait? I'm not convinced about Kitty, but I do like her relationship with Storm. (And skeeved out by her relationship with Peter. She's 13!)
November 18, 2024
Holy Cats, this one had it all; Dark Phoenix, Proteus, Kitty Pryde, Dazzler and Days of Future, Past!
There were themes of identity, prejudice, death, rebirth, death, sacrifice, fencing, fighting, torture, time travel, alternate universes, death, cosmic horror, romance, social injustice and of course the universal underlying dread that the Wendigo could attack you at any moment.
If you need to know, you need to know this volume.
There were themes of identity, prejudice, death, rebirth, death, sacrifice, fencing, fighting, torture, time travel, alternate universes, death, cosmic horror, romance, social injustice and of course the universal underlying dread that the Wendigo could attack you at any moment.
If you need to know, you need to know this volume.
June 17, 2017
More classic stories, with some five star art by John Byrne, who's truly remarkable in these issues. Sadly, while Claremont is still a few years away from giving himself completely over to his stylistic excesses, he's still too verbose in these issues, with much more dialogue than is necessary.
November 19, 2023
Wonderful turnaround from the first volume. Not that the first volume was bad, quite the opposite! But this was such a boost in storytelling, character development, everything! Super fun, great volume!
January 12, 2018
This collection has some of the best and engaging classic Claremont X-Men stories, including Days of Future Past and some of the Phoenix Saga stories. I enjoyed reading this immensely.
June 12, 2018
To write the Proteus story, the Dark Phoenix Saga, and Days of Future Past while also creating Kitty Pryde, Dazzler, and Mystique in two years is pretty impressive feat.
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December 11, 2019120-144
August 20, 2021
Highkey wish there were more buddy-adventures with Cyclops and Man-Thing
October 21, 2021
Giant-Size X-Men #1 and the comics reprinted in the first volume of Essential X-Men kicked off a new era for the now classic superhero team and this volume seals the deal.
February 16, 2026
This one’s got all the classic stuff of the run, John Bryne’s art is great.
April 26, 2025
I rated Essential X-Men, Vol. 2 5 stars because it continues the excitement and depth of the X-Men saga, building on the foundations laid in the first volume. The stakes are higher, and the character development is even more engaging as the team faces new challenges, both from external threats and within their own ranks. The dynamic between the X-Men is so well-crafted, and you really feel the tension and camaraderie between them.
This volume dives deeper into key characters like Wolverine and Storm, expanding their backstories and motivations. I loved how the stories balance epic superhero battles with real, human struggles — whether it's facing prejudice or dealing with internal conflict. It’s not just about fighting villains; it’s about the personal growth of each character.
The artwork continues to be fantastic, with powerful visuals that bring the action to life and add emotional depth to quieter moments. The vivid colors and classic style are perfect for the tone of these stories.
Overall, Essential X-Men, Vol. 2 is a thrilling, emotional ride that kept me hooked from start to finish. It’s a perfect continuation of the X-Men legacy, and I highly recommend it to any comic fan — it’s definitely deserving of 5 stars.
This volume dives deeper into key characters like Wolverine and Storm, expanding their backstories and motivations. I loved how the stories balance epic superhero battles with real, human struggles — whether it's facing prejudice or dealing with internal conflict. It’s not just about fighting villains; it’s about the personal growth of each character.
The artwork continues to be fantastic, with powerful visuals that bring the action to life and add emotional depth to quieter moments. The vivid colors and classic style are perfect for the tone of these stories.
Overall, Essential X-Men, Vol. 2 is a thrilling, emotional ride that kept me hooked from start to finish. It’s a perfect continuation of the X-Men legacy, and I highly recommend it to any comic fan — it’s definitely deserving of 5 stars.
January 9, 2012
By now everybody on the planet must be familiar with the X-Men. Three big Hollywood movies and countless comic books plus TV cartoons span nearly three decades.
But what really happened to Jean Grey when she turned into power incarnate as the Dark Phoenix? I’m not talking the Cartoon TV version, or the major motion picture. I’m talking the “real” story as it happened in the comic books way back when.
If you read this collected volume, Essential X-Men Vol. 2, of black and white X-Men comics, comprised of issues 120-144 and annuals 3 & 4, you will get your answer, but don’t expect it to be like the last X-Men movie - expect it to be a much, much better story.
I love that Marvel and DC have decided to collect all the issues of their best comic books and make them available in these black and white inexpensive trade paperbacks. The lack of colour doesn’t bother me one bit, because it’s the stories that matter.
In these issues, 120-144, the X-Men are essentially Wolverine, Storm, Banshee, Cyclops, Phoenix, Colossus, Angel, Sprite and Nightcrawler.
And packed into this Vol. 2 of Essential X-Men are quite a few huge tales, Dark Phoenix being the most well known.
Included in this volume is the attempted recapture of Wolverine by the Canadians, Banshee leaves the X-Men and Kitty Pryde (Sprite) joins, they battle the Hellfire Club and the Brotherhood of evil Mutants led by Mystique, introduce the Dazzler, defeat Mutant X, travel to Dante’s Hell, travel to 2013, and of course, confront and get their collective arses handed to them on a plate by Dark Phoenix.
Few things rocked the world of geeks like the Dark Phoenix saga. Yeah, I felt the tremors twenty six years ago, and we are still feeling the aftershocks in popular geek culture today.
Special cameo appearances also in these issues made by Dr. Strange, Man Thing, Spider Man, the Fantastic Four, The Hulk, Beast, Havok, Alpha Flight and even Emma Frost and Arcade.
My only disappointment in this volume was the absence of my all time favourite X-Man; Rogue. Yup, 568 pages of no-Rogue. I know she doesn’t officially join the X-Men until issue 171, but I was hoping for a taste of her before then. She was a no show, but I have Vol. 4 and 5 on order, and they are packed with Rogue goodness.
I’m not a comic book geek by any stretch. I don’t own all copies of X-Men in plastic bags sealed in a environmentally controlled chamber (I don’t actually own any X-Men comics) but I am very much enjoying the stories and the art, even in black and white.
If you ever wanted to know the golden age of comics, pick up any of the Essential editions from Marvel Comics or the Showcase editions from DC and you won’t be disappointed.
But what really happened to Jean Grey when she turned into power incarnate as the Dark Phoenix? I’m not talking the Cartoon TV version, or the major motion picture. I’m talking the “real” story as it happened in the comic books way back when.
If you read this collected volume, Essential X-Men Vol. 2, of black and white X-Men comics, comprised of issues 120-144 and annuals 3 & 4, you will get your answer, but don’t expect it to be like the last X-Men movie - expect it to be a much, much better story.
I love that Marvel and DC have decided to collect all the issues of their best comic books and make them available in these black and white inexpensive trade paperbacks. The lack of colour doesn’t bother me one bit, because it’s the stories that matter.
In these issues, 120-144, the X-Men are essentially Wolverine, Storm, Banshee, Cyclops, Phoenix, Colossus, Angel, Sprite and Nightcrawler.
And packed into this Vol. 2 of Essential X-Men are quite a few huge tales, Dark Phoenix being the most well known.
Included in this volume is the attempted recapture of Wolverine by the Canadians, Banshee leaves the X-Men and Kitty Pryde (Sprite) joins, they battle the Hellfire Club and the Brotherhood of evil Mutants led by Mystique, introduce the Dazzler, defeat Mutant X, travel to Dante’s Hell, travel to 2013, and of course, confront and get their collective arses handed to them on a plate by Dark Phoenix.
Few things rocked the world of geeks like the Dark Phoenix saga. Yeah, I felt the tremors twenty six years ago, and we are still feeling the aftershocks in popular geek culture today.
Special cameo appearances also in these issues made by Dr. Strange, Man Thing, Spider Man, the Fantastic Four, The Hulk, Beast, Havok, Alpha Flight and even Emma Frost and Arcade.
My only disappointment in this volume was the absence of my all time favourite X-Man; Rogue. Yup, 568 pages of no-Rogue. I know she doesn’t officially join the X-Men until issue 171, but I was hoping for a taste of her before then. She was a no show, but I have Vol. 4 and 5 on order, and they are packed with Rogue goodness.
I’m not a comic book geek by any stretch. I don’t own all copies of X-Men in plastic bags sealed in a environmentally controlled chamber (I don’t actually own any X-Men comics) but I am very much enjoying the stories and the art, even in black and white.
If you ever wanted to know the golden age of comics, pick up any of the Essential editions from Marvel Comics or the Showcase editions from DC and you won’t be disappointed.
October 29, 2014
The first thing that really stood out for me in this book was the art work. I’ve always been aware of John Byrne, but until now I hadn’t read anything by him. After reading this collection I can see why he is held in such high regards. The art work in here is fantastic. Everything about it is firing on all cylinders. It’s that crisp, but not hyper-stylized artwork I love in super-hero comics. I enjoy these Essential collections because they are printed in black in white, giving you a chance to really take in the artwork. I don’t think the art would be weaker in black and white, there are parts that would have been interesting in color, but for the most part I think the stories read even better without color.
And how about those stories: For the most part they are good. It’s the Jim Shooter age of Marvel Comics and his big push was as many panels and as many great stories as possible. There is a real sense of one story flowing into another, the way events in real life seem to lead one right into the next. Villains don’t simply show up at the X-Men’s door talking about world domination. There is an issue to issue buildup of their plan, before the X-Men get involved.
There are of course a few negatives things. I liked the Dark Phoenix sage, but it seemed to drag on a bit. It might have been because the “saga” actually happens there is a slow build up to it. Cyclops, and others, keeps thinking about how strong Jean is becoming and wondering if she can handle that level of power. When it at last seems to be over they squeeze another two issues out of it. While I was reading it there just seem to be this giant part in the middle that I had to work my way through to get to the end.
It was also a bit annoying to read all the recaps issue to issue. I know that this is really no one’s fault. When the comics were original published they were coming out month to month, and no one was thinking they might one day be printed in a 500 page collection. So they had to throw that recap in for the readers who were unable to get the last issue, or even the last couple. But for those of us reading all those issues back to back it was a bit annoying.
Overall this was a really great read. It was a classic time in the X-Men comic, and for me it will stay that way.
And how about those stories: For the most part they are good. It’s the Jim Shooter age of Marvel Comics and his big push was as many panels and as many great stories as possible. There is a real sense of one story flowing into another, the way events in real life seem to lead one right into the next. Villains don’t simply show up at the X-Men’s door talking about world domination. There is an issue to issue buildup of their plan, before the X-Men get involved.
There are of course a few negatives things. I liked the Dark Phoenix sage, but it seemed to drag on a bit. It might have been because the “saga” actually happens there is a slow build up to it. Cyclops, and others, keeps thinking about how strong Jean is becoming and wondering if she can handle that level of power. When it at last seems to be over they squeeze another two issues out of it. While I was reading it there just seem to be this giant part in the middle that I had to work my way through to get to the end.
It was also a bit annoying to read all the recaps issue to issue. I know that this is really no one’s fault. When the comics were original published they were coming out month to month, and no one was thinking they might one day be printed in a 500 page collection. So they had to throw that recap in for the readers who were unable to get the last issue, or even the last couple. But for those of us reading all those issues back to back it was a bit annoying.
Overall this was a really great read. It was a classic time in the X-Men comic, and for me it will stay that way.
June 13, 2011
Well, these things are huge, so it always takes me a while to get through them. Plus,I can't read at work much anymore because down time has become unheard of.
Much like the first volume, I am impressed by the large over arching storylines and bored by the ones that are contained in a single comic. If it's not continued, it's almost worthless. Kitty Pryde's been introduced, and I'm not a fan. However, in reading these comics, a person can easily see why Wolverine got so popular. He really does jump out as one of the most outstanding characters in the comics. He's got the most punch, personality, likability, and actually I think, relate ability. I've always liked him, but didn't *quite* understand the hype until I read the context of where he first originated from. Compared to how everyone around him is written, he's a step above the rest.
The highlight of this volume for me was the "Days of Future Past" story arc, because, well, I like time travel and Apocalypse stories a lot. I remembered liking it in the 90's cartoon as well-but didn't actually remember the story all that well, just the title and that I liked it. :p
Anyways, this volume felt more in depth and involved than Volume One, and I enjoyed it more. But these Essential volumes are great little gems, and I look forward to reading more. (I'd love to read all the X-Men ones and move onto other Marvel titles as well...we'll see.)
Much like the first volume, I am impressed by the large over arching storylines and bored by the ones that are contained in a single comic. If it's not continued, it's almost worthless. Kitty Pryde's been introduced, and I'm not a fan. However, in reading these comics, a person can easily see why Wolverine got so popular. He really does jump out as one of the most outstanding characters in the comics. He's got the most punch, personality, likability, and actually I think, relate ability. I've always liked him, but didn't *quite* understand the hype until I read the context of where he first originated from. Compared to how everyone around him is written, he's a step above the rest.
The highlight of this volume for me was the "Days of Future Past" story arc, because, well, I like time travel and Apocalypse stories a lot. I remembered liking it in the 90's cartoon as well-but didn't actually remember the story all that well, just the title and that I liked it. :p
Anyways, this volume felt more in depth and involved than Volume One, and I enjoyed it more. But these Essential volumes are great little gems, and I look forward to reading more. (I'd love to read all the X-Men ones and move onto other Marvel titles as well...we'll see.)
February 10, 2009
Basically this is the best run of the X-Men in my opinion. Mostly because of the culmination of the Phoenix story, but you've also got Days of Future Past, which is probably the most important story in the future direction of the title. Done and redone to death in varying aspects. It also has the Proteus story. This collection also marks the ending of John Byrne's run as artist for the book. It will be hard to go back to Dave Cockrum... But Byrne wanted to do some writing, so he got to go over to Fantastic Four to revitalize that book.
We also get a first full look at Alpha Flight, the Hellfire Club takes full shape in the Dark Phoenix Saga, and Kitty Pryde bestows a little youthful perspective into the team. And darn near destroys the mansion doing it. Oh and don't forget the ever-enjoyable, ever-corny Arcade and Murderworld!
All in all, it's just loads of fun.
First Appearances: Sebastian Shaw, Donald Pierce, Kitty Pryde, Dazzler , Emma Frost, Proteus, Rachel, Robert Kelly, Destiny, Pyro, Avalanche, Sasquatch, Aurora, Northstar, Snowbird, Heather Hudson, Shaman, Stevie Hunter, and other lesser knowns.
Collects The Uncanny X-Men #120-144 (they push a couple annuals that technically take place in this period to the next essential, which gets a little confusing when you finally get to them)
We also get a first full look at Alpha Flight, the Hellfire Club takes full shape in the Dark Phoenix Saga, and Kitty Pryde bestows a little youthful perspective into the team. And darn near destroys the mansion doing it. Oh and don't forget the ever-enjoyable, ever-corny Arcade and Murderworld!
All in all, it's just loads of fun.
First Appearances: Sebastian Shaw, Donald Pierce, Kitty Pryde, Dazzler , Emma Frost, Proteus, Rachel, Robert Kelly, Destiny, Pyro, Avalanche, Sasquatch, Aurora, Northstar, Snowbird, Heather Hudson, Shaman, Stevie Hunter, and other lesser knowns.
Collects The Uncanny X-Men #120-144 (they push a couple annuals that technically take place in this period to the next essential, which gets a little confusing when you finally get to them)
February 1, 2016
A vast improvement on the completely random first collection, this is far more cohesive in terms of plot. The majority of issues deal with the progression of Jean Grey from Phoenix, to the Black Queen to the Dark Phoenix and detail her tragic death. We also get the introduction of Kitty Pryde (Sprite) and Dazzler, although she leaves after one adventure.
The majority of stories are classic X-Men fayre, fun, but ultimately forgettable, although I am rather fond of super-villain Arcade and his murderworld arc. The one stand out story is "Days of Future Past!" which remains one of my all time favourite x-men stories. Magneto, Mystique and the evil mutants kill anti-mutant Politian senator Kelley, setting off a chain of events that start a human mutant war. With all but a handful of x-men left alive, Kitty time travels back in time, possesses her former self and engages the x-men to prevent the tragic future from coming to pass. Absolutely superb story with lots of sentinel action.
As the title of this collection states - Essential for any X-Men collection and thoroughly enjoyable though other than the days of future past arc, not amazing. Lovely classic x-men artwork and its nice to see a fair bit of Angel, who didn't get much of a look in in the last volume.
The majority of stories are classic X-Men fayre, fun, but ultimately forgettable, although I am rather fond of super-villain Arcade and his murderworld arc. The one stand out story is "Days of Future Past!" which remains one of my all time favourite x-men stories. Magneto, Mystique and the evil mutants kill anti-mutant Politian senator Kelley, setting off a chain of events that start a human mutant war. With all but a handful of x-men left alive, Kitty time travels back in time, possesses her former self and engages the x-men to prevent the tragic future from coming to pass. Absolutely superb story with lots of sentinel action.
As the title of this collection states - Essential for any X-Men collection and thoroughly enjoyable though other than the days of future past arc, not amazing. Lovely classic x-men artwork and its nice to see a fair bit of Angel, who didn't get much of a look in in the last volume.
January 17, 2011
So I finally got to read the famouse Dark Phoenix saga. I can imagine how awesome this must have been 30 years ago. Even nowadays, it's good and interesting reading. The story arcs before it were not that good but after Jean Grey demise Kitty Pryde appeared. As a huge manga fan I really appreciated the addition of this cute loli character to X-men team. ^_^ Moreover, the story arc with Kitty from future was really interesting. This book is really an essential piece of comic history. With so many pages and for such a price, it's a clear win. Oh, I forgot to mention that the first appearance of the infamous villain Emma Frost took place during this volume. And I should also mention that Cyclops is a total douche. I mean, everytime Jean Grey unmaterialises, he immediately starts searching for another big breasted material... ahemmm... did I mention Emma Frost? But he wouldn't, would he? I mean, she's a villain and Cyclops is a realy good man. No, he wouldn't. Ever. Even if she, by any chance, turned into a superhero.
September 23, 2014
This was definitely a huge improvement from the first volume. It took me a while to get into it, but once I was there I couldn't put it down. The two a-plots in this book really held up despite that I knew what was going to happen and that I'd already seen many different versions of them done, both in adaptations and in different universes by other fantasy/sci fi creators that were really obviously influenced by this over the decades. The economy of the storytelling still impresses me, it's amazing how you can make your audience emotional in a couple of panels where others only pull that off in 10+ hours of a tv show. The b-plots in Canada were adorable and I don't really care if it was intentional or not they cracked me up.
Some characters that annoyed the hell out of me before stopped saying their catch phrases so much and became more fleshed out. Scott just became more insufferable though and not gonna lie I am a little disappointed that Colossus and Nightcrawler didn't get much development yet and just seem to always be the first guys to get beat up.
Some characters that annoyed the hell out of me before stopped saying their catch phrases so much and became more fleshed out. Scott just became more insufferable though and not gonna lie I am a little disappointed that Colossus and Nightcrawler didn't get much development yet and just seem to always be the first guys to get beat up.
November 7, 2013
I read comics for YEARS after these issues came out, just on the off chance I could find art matching Byrne's wonderful masterwork as represented herein. It was rare that I found something by any artist as professionally polished as the work Byrne did here.
Today Byrne's work looks like he doesn't bother to pencil anything, just grabs the bevel-edged marker and goes to town, and some fans still like his new stuff. But the art is this book was the good stuff -- thin dip-pen lines, great expressive anatomy, attention to detail by an artist who was hungry to make his mark in comics...and did.
Since pretty much everyone has seen an X-Men movie by now, this book is a great launching point because you can pick one of these up and figure out who's who in no time flat. If you aren't crazy about the story or the art, comics probably aren't for you.
Today Byrne's work looks like he doesn't bother to pencil anything, just grabs the bevel-edged marker and goes to town, and some fans still like his new stuff. But the art is this book was the good stuff -- thin dip-pen lines, great expressive anatomy, attention to detail by an artist who was hungry to make his mark in comics...and did.
Since pretty much everyone has seen an X-Men movie by now, this book is a great launching point because you can pick one of these up and figure out who's who in no time flat. If you aren't crazy about the story or the art, comics probably aren't for you.
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