X-Men Epic Collection, Vol. 10: God Loves, Man Kills

X-Men Epic Collection

by Chris Claremont, Paul Smith (Penciler), Brent Anderson (Artist)

X-Men mastermind Chris Claremont continues his legendary tenure on Marvel's mutants in this volume - including arguably one of the greatest comic book stories ever written!

By 1982, the X-Men had become the biggest franchise in comic books. The engine driving it all was UNCANNY X-MEN, where Chris Claremont’s deft character work and potent exploration of the mutant metaphor captivated readers. Claremont continued to find new dramatic heights with artist Paul Smith as they unfurled the growing romance between Kitty Pryde and Colossus, the first appearances of Callisto and the Morlocks, Rogue’s debut with the team and the wedding of Cyclops and Madelyne Pryor! Claremont’s writing rose to find perhaps his most poignant and challenging expression in his graphic novel with artist Brent Anderson, “God Loves, Man Kills.” Meanwhile, he collaborated with Frank Miller on the first WOLVERINE miniseries, which rocketed the character’s popularity into the stratosphere!

COLLECTING: Uncanny X-Men (1981) 168-175, X-Men Annual (1970) 7, Marvel Graphic Novel (1982) 5, Wolverine (1982) 1-4, material from The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe (1983)

Genres: Comics, X Men, Marvel, Graphic Novels, Superheroes, Fiction, Comic Book

496 pages, Paperback

First published December 24, 2024

About the author

Chris 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.

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the X-Men firing on all cylinders. It begins with the OGN God Loves, Man Kills. It's so good. It's about a zealous religious far right who is willing to murder children because of how they were born. It's amazing how prescient this still is 40+ years later.

Paul Smith draws most of the regular issues. I feel like he's one of the more unsung X-Men artists. His art is terrific. The famous "Professor X is a jerk!" line is from this run.



You get the first Morlocks. (BTW, Paul Smith said Tom Petty inspired Callisto which I find hilarious.) Storm goes punk rock. Rogue joins the X-Men. They go to Japan for the first time for Wolverine's wedding to Mariko. Madelyne Pryor makes her first appearance. You also have Wolverine's first solo miniseries by Claremont and Frank Miller.

This is really only 400 pages with 100 pages of extras. There are origins from the Marvel Handbook on all the X-Men characters. Turns out Neal Adams was originally supposed to draw God Loves, Man Kills and his 6 pages of pencil art are in here which was an awesome addition. There's a few long form essays and interviews as well.

[Tiag⊗ the Mutant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Epic Collection packs five essential X-Men storylines, the God Loves, Man Kills original graphic novel, which is arguably one of the best X-Men graphic novels ever written, the introduction of the Morlocks, which debuts mohawk Storm who is leading the team at this point, and has an iconic duel with Calypso, then Wolverine’s first solo limited series (illustrated by Frank Miller), the wedding of Wolverine where he fights the Silver Samurai, twice, and partners up with Rogue, who ends up earning a place in the team after that, and lastly the wedding of Cyclops and Madelyne Pryor, which I never cared for, awesome volume.

[Griffin Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

First two issues are incredible - the actual “God Loves, Man Kills” arc is a total heater. The rest of this is a very mixed bag and was kinda tough to get through at times.

[Jennifer Sigman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent compilation. The fact that they intersperse the Wolverine mini-series in it honestly helps the flow of the stories, and something I wish they would do more often with their modern story arcs.

It's very talky - there are many, many pages with more text than pictures. This is how it was in the early 80's when I started borrowing my brother's comics. Some of it has aged better than other parts (the final story, Annual #7, was completely dumb and brings the whole collection down).

If nothing else, the "God Loves, Man Kills" reprint is a must-have.

[Ilhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

re read

[Nick Cochran · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think he lost the plot.

[Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
“God Loves, Man Kills” is 5 stars. It’s peak, it’s one of the most well known X-Men stories, it’s the source material for the best X-Men movie, and it’s unfortunately still relevant today. Everything else is pretty good. The other X-Men stuff isn’t part of a big story arc, but it does feature the introduction of Rogue as a team member (one of my faves), Madelyne Pryor and her marriage to Scott, and the start of some significant development for Ororo. And I think? The first time we see the Morlocks. I am a big Wolverine enjoyer, but I feel only so-so about his Japan connections. Partly cause there’s definitely some Orientalism at play, partly because I think his most interesting backstory thread is his time as a former government agent/lab experiment. The annual issue was fun but had “let’s do a silly one!” Energy. The back also featured some art, entries on relevant characters from the Handbook to the Marvel Universe, and an essay and interview about God Loves, Man Kills. I do love me some bonus features, and where else will you learn that the Blob is single and Pyro is Australian?

[Lando Calrissiono · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is headlined by the excellent God Loves, Man Kills. Which is considered by many to be the quintessential xmen story and it definitely deserves this reputation. The themes of this book remain just as effective as it was then in the 80s. Many of the trials and tribulations faced by our heroes could be construed to be dehumanizing treatment faced by minorities/the other to this day in many places around the world.

Other stories in this book include the wolverine limited series, mastermind attempts to take revenge and a funny annual about aliens doing a scavenger hunt. Also, Rogue joins up!!!

[Travis Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peak X-Men. For all I could say about the other arcs contained here—Cyclops’s marriage (and the bigger story that overshadows), Wolverine’s non-marriage (and the bigger story that overshadows), the advents of the Morlocks and Rogue—it’s the titular issue that makes the collection, and it’s that story that gets retold in every X-Men iteration. “God Loves, Man Kills” is that quintessential 1980s X-men narrative that overtly reimagines the 1960s civil rights era but with mutants at the center. In this go round Professor X is MLK, Magneto is Malcom X, and the stakes are higher, because this minority possesses superhuman traits. Somewhere, someone should write a paper on it.

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first item in this collection is the X-Men graphic novel “God Loves, Man Kills”. I read it when it first came out in 1982 (and I was 14). At the time, I found it profound. Nowadays, I find it overly self-important; too caught up in its message. The monthly issues collected here are much more entertaining and hold up better.
This also contains the “Wolverine” mini-series, which is great, but it does demonstrate that Claremont and Miller were weeaboos ages before the term was coined.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peak Claremont era X-Men. 'Nuff said.

[Nolan Gutenschwager · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. This is very well done throughout, and it seems like every story has an important development. I think this is objectively better than I subjectively enjoyed it. I could tell this was great, but I was never super interested in it for whatever reason.

The God Loves, Man Kills graphic novel is the highlight for me. Very powerful story that is not shy about its message. William Stryker is this religious fanatic that is out to eliminate every mutant because they are different, and the story begins with the lynching of two kids who are mutants. So the story is gritty and very focused on the message, not super hero antics. Magneto is basically on the side of the X-Men and by the end he has Xavier questioning whether he should adopt Magneto's methods to make sure mutants are not outcast like this again.

The Uncanny X-Men issues are good and a lot happens throughout. The team throws down with the Morlocks underground and Storm becomes their new leader after beating their leader in a one-on-one fight. She increasingly develops a harsher attitude and gets her new mohawk look. Cyclops is not an active member of the team and he is out with his family in Alaska where he meets Madelyne Pryor, who strikingly resembles Jean Gray. They fall in love but he is constantly questioning whether she is a reincarnated Jean with so many coincidences. Later on Mastermind gives everyone these illusions that Madelyne is Jean, and then later that Scott is Jean, before Scott cleverly sorts it all out and they prevail. He then gets married to Madelyne. Rogue joins the team and nobody really trusts her because she was a villain. Kitty, Colossus, Nightcrawler, and Wolverine are all featured strongly throughout.

The Wolverine mini series drawn by Frank Miller is in here and that is solid. He is in Japan and in love with Mariko, whose father is a big-time criminal and forced her into another relationship. Wolverine also has sort of a romance with another women who deceives him but does good things and bad things. Very complicated feelings for everyone involved. This transitions into the UXM series where the wedding takes place. Ultimately it seems like it will have a happy ending with Wolverine marrying Mariko but she turns him down at the altar by saying he is not worthy, so that was shocking.

Overall it is very well done, the art is good, the characterization and interactions are welcome, and everything feels important. For some reason it is still not quite my cup of tea, but I did enjoy it.

[Nicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with 'The Fate of the Phoenix', I had some expectation going into this Claremont volume and they were easily met. It was a bit of a relief after reading 'The Brood Saga' that was enjoyable but didn't reach the expected level. This volume was a really enjoyable and easy read.

The graphic novel 'God Loves, Man Kills' was excellent as it brings a more grounded feel to an X-Men story and Anderson's artwork works so well with Olif's colours. I particularly liked how Scott brings Charles back from the brink. The essay and the Claremont interview in the extras were really interesting reads; the answer about Xavier working in the existing system and Magneto not trusting it leading the question 'do you try something else?' was interesting in the context of the Krakoa era.

I own a trade of the Wolverine mini series but it was great to re-read it in context and with an improved reproduction; my only disappointment is that Claremont's introduction and Miller's afterword aren't in this volumes extras.

The UXM issues were really engaging and packed too: introducing the Morlocks, Madelyne Pryor, adding Rogue and evolving Storm.

The annual issue at the end was a bit weird.

The multiple pages from the official handbook are a nice set of extras for the volume.

Overall this was an superb volume and if I were to have a minimal X-Men collection then 7 'The Fate of the Phoenix' and this 10 'God Love, Man Kills' would be essential.

[Christopher Honthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills is undoubtedly one of the most critically acclaimed X-Men comics ever written. I was gifted this graphic novel a couple of years ago and finally got around to reading it.

This is a solid story, one that prioritizes its themes and message over spectacle and action. Its commentary on prejudice, hatred, and religious extremism is just as relevant today as it was when it was first published, and it’s easy to see why so many people consider it a classic.

After finishing the comic, I also watched a comic dub adaptation of it, which was surprisingly well done and gave me an even greater appreciation for the story.

That said, I think I’ve realized I simply prefer modern comics. While I respect what God Loves, Man Kills accomplishes and understand its importance, I tend to enjoy the pacing, artwork, and storytelling style of post-2000 comics a bit more. Still, this is an essential X-Men story and one I’m glad I finally experienced.

[Mixed Metaphor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christ is this a gulp of fresh air after the last volume.

Lots of iconic stuff in this one. God Loves, Man Kills - the titular graphic novel itself, might be the best thing to come out the X-books thus far. For as easy as it is to poke fun at the premise of "fantasy discrimination" (and for good reason!) - I think this is proof that you can tell a relevant story even with these kinds of obfuscations , if you're not a total coward. The art is beautiful too.

The rest of it also has a much better sense of development and forward momentum. So much happens, a lot of it good, or at least much more interesting than the Brood soap opera - Scott starts his relationship with Madelyne Pryor, Rogue joins the X-Men and starts resembling the Rogue we all know and love, the Morlochs get introduced, Storm gets a mean streak and a mohawk, Wolverine gets his first solo outing and sheds an honest to god tear. The hits keep coming.

The annual can go to hell though.

[Dan Vijandre]

"But don't you see--either of you--we're human, too! A different branch, perhaps, but the same basic tree! Such a fundamental shift in attitude can't be imposed--to have any meaning, it must grow from within."
"You brought us to fulfill a dream, Charles--one born of human aspirations--and we've sweated and bled, and some of us have died, to make it a reality. I'm not prepared to give up."
"The means are as important as the end--we have to do this right or not at all. Anything less negates every belief we've ever had, every sacrifice we've ever made."

[Mark Rubin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an unintentional re-read for me. I have a different tpb edition of most of these X-Men issues which I’ve read several times since I was a kid. So that was a fun nostalgic accident.

God Loves, Man Kills was new to me though and it’s as good as advertised. Really highlighting the allegory for racism and intolerance that the X-Men have always been.

The rest of this is great, fun character growth and interactions, great artwork, the addition of Rogue, Storm’s mohawk, Wolverine doing ninja shit in Japan. Good times.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this for Catching Up on Classics Bingo 2026 : I2: Prize Winning Author for the bonus of satisfying the Graphic Novel challenge. Graphics aren't my favorite, and I wasn't really sure what I was getting into with this. It didn't really tell one story, but 2-3 semi-connected stories across several issues from 1982-3. Sometimes in action comics I can't tell what's going on in the pictures. At least these artists are good enough that most of the people look pretty distinct and I can tell who's who.

[Chaitra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read a lot of this collection in other collections. I know the big one over here is God Loves, Man Kills, but Charles makes me uneasy in that one. He got brainwashed a little too easily for me. He also continues to be wishy washy through the stories in the collection. I've never been much of a Charles fan, I much prefer his wife.

But the four Wolverine issues involving his failed romance with Mariko Yashida, I really liked rereading. I think Frank Miller is same-y, but with these issues it works.

[Noah frelin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily my favorite stretch of issues so far, especially bc i followed it up with the MAGIK miniseries.

Love the messy soap opera, especially after a kinda slow space arc imo (i didn’t love the brood stuff)

Edit: since this is the only non-joke review i’ve written for xmen, i should clarify that i skipped annual 7, bc the annuals don’t do it for me. I plan on going back to read anything i skip eventually

[Steven desJardins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The revival of X-Men brought new energy to the franchise, and this is still in the period when the comic felt fresh and exciting, when characters were still developing traits that would become part of what later readers would consider foundational, essential elements of the character. That said, there are elements to the scripting, such as endlessly repeated catchphrases, which are like nails on a chalkboard, and there are later comics that took the ground broken here and turned it into a smoother road. Still well worth reading for its own sake.

[Doug Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a heavy contender for my favorite graphic novel, and certainly my favorite in an amazing stretch of x men books. it has so much to like, from the titular story, to the wolverine mini series, to rogue joining the team, wolverines wedding, and the return of the Phoenix. the annual at the end was kinda meh for me but the overall package here is likely my definitive x men book.

[Wyatt Jaromin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The titular issues are some of the best. William Stryker using the Bible to turn people against the Mutants is such an engaging story and the book doesn't lose steam as it goes on. Wolverine in Japan, Rogue's introduction to the team, and the return of Phoenix are all integral stories to the X-Men collected here.

[Matt Sautman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the 5th graphic novel marvel ever published, X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills is essential as an X-Men story even if its place in continuity can be found elsewhere. That and the Wolverine mini-series Frank Miller illustrated with Chris Claremont make this Epic Collection a must have even though I already owned most of the other comics here in an older collection. The value added here is worth it.

[Diamond Feit · Rating 4 out of 5]

honestly overstuffed with ideas! the title story is great, a lot of the character work is great, but as a resident of Real Japan I found Logan's adventures in Fake Japan a little tedious. You'd think they could have asked just one Japanese speaker to check their spelling, but no.

[Sadiel Giron · Rating 4 out of 5]

God Loves, Man Kills was a dark but phenomenal story. Still relevant in today's world. I also enjoyed the Wolverine mini-series. I really enjoyed how it was mapped to fit in between issues of Uncanny X-Men 171 and 172. The last few issues of this collection were ok. 3.5/5.

[Justin Covey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lotta good stuff in this one. Wolverine fights ninjas and gets dumped at the altar. Storm goes punk. The Morlocks. Gotta love the Morlocks.

[John Lamb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great collection of stories. Chris Claremont didn’t miss.

[John Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some stories that really get to the core of what makes the X-Men what they are today. But the older style makes it a rougher read than you’d like.

[Aisling · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Professor X is a jerk!