New X-Men, Vol. 4: Riot at Xavier's

New X-Men (2001)

by Grant Morrison, Frank Quitley

In a world where humans have made mutants the victims of horrible discrimination, Professor Xavier's School For The Gifted is a sanctuary, a safe haven for oppressed mutant youth. But the unimaginable happens when a student reinvents himself as Kid Omega and decides to take over the school. It's mutant vs. mutant...will the school ever be the same?

Collecting: New X-Men (2001) 134-138

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

120 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2002

About the author

Grant Morrison has been working with DC Comics for twenty five years, after beginning their American comics career with acclaimed runs on ANIMAL MAN and DOOM PATROL. Since then they have written such best-selling series as JLA, BATMAN and New X-Men, as well as such creator-owned works as THE INVISIBLES, SEAGUY, THE FILTH, WE3 and JOE THE BARBARIAN. In addition to expanding the DC Universe through titles ranging from the Eisner Award-winning SEVEN SOLDIERS and ALL-STAR SUPERMAN to the reality-shattering epic of FINAL CRISIS, they have also reinvented the worlds of the Dark Knight Detective in BATMAN AND ROBIN and BATMAN, INCORPORATED and the Man of Steel in The New 52 ACTION COMICS.

In their secret identity, Morrison is a "counterculture" spokesperson, a musician, an award-winning playwright and a chaos magician. They are also the author of the New York Times bestseller Supergods, a groundbreaking psycho-historic mapping of the superhero as a cultural organism. They divide their time between their homes in Los Angeles and Scotland.

Reviews

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quentin Quire is such a prick in his first appearance.

As per usual, Grant Morrison is excellent at capturing the righteous fury of rebellious youth, even as critiquing it, with shades of Invisibles and even Kill Your Boyfriend here in a friendly Marvel superhero context.

And then there's the culmination of Scott Summer's personal drama, because X-Men is still supposed to be a soap opera too.

Could have been a tad more cosmic, bigger threats than just mutant schoolkids on drugs, but overall a solid continuation of the New X-Men aesthetic.

[Himanshu Karmacharya · Rating 2 out of 5]

You won't care about a story if you don't care about the characters, and that is what I felt while reading this book. Nothing.

Although the volume raises some good points and social message, the weirdness and absurdness alienated me from the story and the characters, not to mention that they are all horrible in a way or another.

[Molly™☺ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with politics, drama, and relationships, Morrison is back on track after the disappointment of the previous entry. Despite the setting and powers, it manages to feel very real and raw. Whilst there are some elements that only work in fantasy, the messages and morals are tied to reality; the selling point of all good X-Men stories. And, of course,  how can you not mention the iconic final panel?

[Miguel · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES! I liked it a lot! This was the first volume of the serie you didn't need to know anything about x-men history! So for me its something amazing! Its a complete and unique story.
The only thing i didn't like is the cover with jean grey... (has nothing to do with the plot).
Really really exciting to read vol 5!!

Fav characters: Xorn and Emma Frost!!!!

[˙⋆✮ Anny ✮⋆˙ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
The story again was good and thought provoking, but I didn't like the students at all. I also missed Jean, but I guess we'll see more of her soon, considering the ending of this volume...

[Dimitris Papastergiou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun times at Xavier's High!

[Get X Serious · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems as if Jason Aaron modeled his Wolverine and the X-Men run after this particular collection. Which can only be a good thing. I love one, so why wouldn't I love the other?

I'm pretty interested in figuring out how exactly Quentin Quire can go from leading a Magneto-esque riot, kidnapping Professor X, inadvertently killing two students, and attempting to kill others, to being the whacky, lovable bad boy in Wolverine and the X-men. Meanwhile, his co-conspirators end up in some sort of prison... That doesn't really make any sense, but okay.

Also of note, there were 5 Stepford Cuckoos, now there's 4, but in the most recent X-Men run there's only 3... Still waiting to who dies next and how.

Seriously though, how many students gotta die before this school gets shut down?

[Travis · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bunch of snotty students decide to overthrow the teachers, while an almost equally snotty group of students try to learn to work together and the heroes, the actual X-men are pretty ineffectual and too mired in their own personal problems to feel much like heroes.

A huge new cast has been introduced and 90% of them are teenagers, written by someone who thinks all teenagers are jerks, but speak in really clever bits of dialogue.

and to hurt the story further, we finally find what Scott and Emma have been up to and it's incredibly stupid and out of character.

Grant had some good ideas, but is trying too hard and forcing characters to fit his story, rather than the other way around, like it should be.

A really over rated run of a classic series.

[Shannon Appelcline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riot at Xavier's (#134-138). In his second year, Morrison tried to expand the scope of the X-Men. His work with the X-Corps in the previous arc wasn't entirely successful, because they were just too scattered, but his depiction here of the new students at Xavier's is magnificent. That's in large part thanks to Quintin Quire, one of the best characters to originate in the New X-Men, who first appears here as a young rebel without a cause. But, the Specials, the Cuckoos, and Quintin's gang all get great attention here, any many would recur for years afterward (though the Cuckoos and Glob Herman are the only other two to make a real impact). Beyond all that, this is a great story about the conservative old fighting the rebellious young that feels like it really goes to the core of what the X-Men are about [5/5].

[AJ Kallas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now THIS is X-Men. Relationships. Action. Drama.

I also love the dialectic between Quinten Quire's New X-Men and Xorn's class of "Losers". These are all children. They might be rude and entitled, but they are still just children. And the implicit impact of Xorn's kindness and protection (even if a little negligent) goes in stark contrast to Quinten being told he was adopted. It's subtle and not even a major point of this volume. But that speaks to Morrison doing a great job of writing. (I might have sounded harsh in the previous volumes, but I really didn't like them, especially with how much I'm enjoying his X-Men moving forward).

[Jay DeMoir · Rating 1 out of 5]

it was too weird too fast.

[Sergi Oset · Rating 3 out of 5]

Protagonismo total para Quentin Quire (Chico Omega) y para su revolución desde las bases. Una revolución alimentada por el odio, la frustración, el miedo y como no, las drogas. Un coctel explosivo dirigido a la línea de flotación de la escuela de mutantes: las directrices y bases sentadas por Charles xavier que siempre se han dado por buenas e incuestionables. El enfoque de Quentin quizás no es el correcto, su ira mal dirigida, el concepto sobre el que funda su racionamiento solo se basa en su propio anhelo de aceptación e inseguridades, pero no deja de ser una rebelión contra el establishment mutante. Destinado al fracaso (según Morrison), pero el reguero de víctimas que deja a su paso será suficiente para que se produzcan pequeños cambios que permitan que todo siga igual. En paralelo, asistimos al desmorone de la idílica (y cantada) relación de entrega entre alumnas y maestra entre las hermanas Cuco y Emma Frost.
Los diálogos más brillantes (por divertidos y descarados) son para Basilisco y Emma Frost y los villanos más chapuzas y patéticos, los Hombres-U.

[Mike Reiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars - to my mind this is as good as the grant Morrison / Frank Quitely project got in a pretty consistently amazing run. Here the politics of power and education are realized by some of Morrison’s best pacing and Quitely’s most cinematic art (check out those wide panels at the start of each issue). Morrison pushed language beyond sense and respect at times, likely to overcome the comic code restrictions he had to follow while also trying to make his “Vertigo Marvel” without actual swear words for that “edge” quality. This run shows all of those choices really just detracted from his outstanding big picture thinking and amazing character work here.

[salomé · Rating 4 out of 5]

Est ce que embrasser telepathiquement c’est tromper ?

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Civil unrest is brewing amongst the Xavier Institute student body. Led by Omega-level mutant - and social hothead - Quentin Quire, a gang of students puts their displeasure into action. The aptly titled riot is actually fairly short, showcasing when the X-Men are the teachers and the kids still need discipline. New addition Xorn begins to make the rounds, and the wheels start turning towards something bigger.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is what happens when tens grow up with genius intellects and superpowers. They get shirty. Plus also, Cyclops and Emma Frost start getting it on psychically, which considering Jean Grey's on the edge of going Phoenix is playing with fire - literally. Awesome story. And it made Xavier cry. Good.

[C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quitely's back, so the art rocks, and the story is dark and compelling. Xavier's dream is often questioned, but this take on rebellious doubt is very well done, serious, yet with Morrison's trade-mark sardonic tone.

[Trevor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quentin Quire, a nerdy telepath at the Xavier Institute, finds out he's adopted and, with the help of a lot of drugs, redefines himself as a punk fascist revolutionary, starts a gang, kidnaps Xavier, and tries to lead the school in an attack on humanity.

This volume had a very British comics feel to it in a way I can't quite explain. All of the main players here (Quire, Glob Herman, the Stepford Cuckoos) are used frequently by later writers but are never quite as edgy as they are here.

This also introduces a Mutant drug, called Kick, shortly after Joe Casey introduced a different but equally sinister Mutant drug, called Designer Genes, in Uncanny X-Men. Ah the early 2000s.

[Christopher (Donut) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn near perfect. I think I read it too fast, but it will be a pleasure to re-read when the time comes.

[Matt Ferra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this one. The radicalization of Quentin Quire and the following protests and insurrection feels very topical, even though this was written over 20 years ago (which can be said for a lot of good X-Men comics).

Also when did Wolverine grow a soul patch?

[Alex E · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a small group of students in the school for gifted students begins to fan the flames of mutant revolution, can the faculty staff stop not only the physical danger that they pose, but the ideological one as well?

There's something about Grant Morrison writing about angry, rebellious youth that really works well. He manages to capture some of that youthful energy and vigor, flawed though it may be, and translate it directly for the page. Because as much as Quentin Quire thinks his story is about a revolution and a new way of thinking, the story is very much about his lost and angry take on life after learning he was adopted. Once QQ finds out he is adopted, he begins to use the new mutant drug "kick" and that begins to amplify his already high intellect... but at the cost of his sanity. He forms a gang of mutant thugs, comprised of other students, and begins to take to the streets after learning of a mutant designer being killed by humans... which ends up being not true. So the catalyst for his revolution turns out to be completely untrue, but that doesn't matter as QQ is too angry and young to stop.

I also very much liked the secondary story regarding Xorn trying to connect with the "special" class. The innocence of Xorn contrasted against the sarcastic and/or disinterest of the kids in his class made for very interesting moments.

This volume also has, for the most part, Quietly at the helm for the art. And man, it's good to see him back. The book features some of his best work for the series. Some memorable moments are beast chasing a runaway car, the advent of QQ's "New X-Men" gang splash page, and one of my favorites, the Cuckoo sisters literally blowing away QQ. Really amazing in terms of art in this volume.

This story is one that is always praised when talking about the Morrison run. And it's always good to re-read your favorite runs, because you kind of forget how good they really are. Morrison is giving us his take on the X-Men with his version of that classic formula of drama, humor, and action that X-titles are known for. Highly recommended for X-Men fans.

[47Time · Rating 3 out of 5]

My God, that artwork sure is ugly. On the one hand, the normally-hot characters have no hot traits whatsoever, and on the other, the ugly characters are hideous alien demons. I have yet to see a proper smile on any of them. Their grim demeanor is starting to get to me. I guess this is why I let this series go the first time around. Then the dialogue - there sure is a lot of it. The preparation takes up most of the story, then the action scenes are resolved way too quickly.

A mutant called Jumbo Carnation is killed by some regular humans. Quentin Quire deals with a bully in an aggressive way and plans to do something similar to Jumbo's killers. His anger is fueled by the drug Kick which also enhances his powers.

Quentin hides his drug use from Xavier. He gathers several followers by his side to take revenge on Jumbo's killers. The drug enhances powers five-fold, but can also lead to death.

Right before Open Day, an opportunity for mutant and human alike to visit Xavier's school, Quentin takes Xavier prisoner. On the day itself, Quentin starts a riot. The mutant teachers fight back, hard, but the Cuckoo sisters deal the heaviest blow. Sophie takes a dose of Kick before using Cerebro to pacify Quentin. Unfortunately, Sophie dies from the drug. Quentin too dies... somehow. I think...

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't understand all the positive reviews.

I mean, at least the art is better than the previous volume, but nearly every character is unlikable. Especially Quentin and his X-brats. Teenagers throwing tantrums because the world isn't fair that only make the world worse -- my faaaaaaaaaaaavorite. There's still this weird thing going on where Beast is telling the world he's gay while he's not, which feels a bit icky.

Also, Wolverine has a soul patch. Why.

What do I like? Xorn. He's interesting and seems like he has a soul. I like when the X-brats get sassed back. Some of the art I really like, and the rest is fine.

Overall, though, I didn't really enjoy this and don't recommend.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quitely's back, and I can get behind revolutionary punk rock mutants on drugs.

[Xavier · Rating 3 out of 5]

quentin quire is annoying as fuck

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gems include Keron Grant pencils the debut of Quentin Quire, Jumbo Carnation, & Elf Wood & the eponymous Frank Quitely 4parter that debuts Xorn’s Special Class & the Omega Gang

[Adam Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grant Morrison's first few storyarcs as an X-Men writer helped reinvigorate a title which had grown completely stale under the hands of Scott Lobdell and Fabien Nicieza. His new characters were fascinating, his focus on secondary mutations, and the character growth of Emma Frost seemed to be going somewhere important.

This collection is fine. I like the idea of Quentin Quire starting a revolution with the next generation of mutants. I still love Frank Quitely's art, as well as Keron Grant's.

I read these volumes separately, as opposed to in New X-Men by Grant Morrison: Ultimate Collection, Book 2 because I liked separating the Riot At Xavier's and Assault On Weapon Plus storyline from New X-Men, Volume 3: New Worlds because they have a different focus and feel. The downside is that this storyarc really does blend right into New X-Men, Volume 5: Assault on Weapon Plus, to the point where separating them seems arbitrary.

I recommend this for anyone who was enjoying the Morrison run, and people curious about Quentin Quire's journey.

[Shannon McGee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Professor X. is about to open his mutant school to combined humans and mutants. He works to unite both mutant and human but the death of a mutant by a human stirs anger in the students already at Xavier’s School For Gifted. Quentin (later known as Kid Omega) creates chaos and kindles the anger of his fellow students by using his mental powers and a drug that enhances each of their powers.

I have been going back to comics but only reading graphic novels that I find deals on so I am reading them out of order. Xmen has always been a favorite of mine. I prefer the original X-Men team but I like being introduced to new mutants. This is the second graphic novel I have read with Quentin (Kid Omega). In both, he has huge anger problems and really seems to mess things up and causing deaths. Not a big fan of him. I was interested in the Cyclops, Emma Frost, and Jean Grey triangle.

I had an issue with the art though. Especially with the way Quentin is usually drawn. Sometimes he looks like a girl and sometimes his facial features just seem off or not normal. Also, the gang that Quentin gets together wears these red and green sweaters that make them look like a Freddy Krueger gang. Maybe because they are a nightmare.

Still a Marvel fan I will continue to read comics. I think anyone who into superheroes or feels like an outcast will like the X-men comics.

[Joey Nardinelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the one hand, given where Krakoa took the Cuckoos and Kid Omega, this is a pretty interesting read to see their early development in a modern or more contemporary context. On the other hand, Morrison's first issue in this volume leans a little heavily on the shock-value of punching down at various groups (not in the context of the humans shitting on mutants, but on mutants using slurs to denigrate amongst themselves -- I'm also sure there are defenders of this as "time-period accurate youth speech," but that doesn't mean I love reading just the same) and Quitely's art here is in some instances wildly sharp and very his grainy-ish, hyper-detailed, almost unsettling portrayal of humanoid forms, but at other times, it looks rough and a bit blurry (might be the scaling in digital formatting too!). There's some boring stuff here too, especially about Beast and Cyclops/Emma, as well as Angel and Beak and their crew (which are also just annoyingly written teens), even if I know I'll find some of these characters, like Xorn and Glob Herman, far more compelling as this series wears on or shifts into new evolutions. I did notice Glob referring to himself as a "suicide bomb" in a striking parallel to the Luthor-controlled clone aboard the research mission in the opening of All-Star Superman -- not sure that means anything beyond Morrison and Quitely winking at long-time readers.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely the highlight of Morrison’s run on New X-Men for me. After a scattershot third volume which occasionally felt like a collection of one-shots instead of a unified arc, “Riot at Xavier’s” is wonderfully cohesive. I especially love how the B-story (featuring Xorn and the Special Class) comments on and eventually folds into the main action of the A-story. The focus on younger students (Beak, Angel, the Stepford Cuckoos, Basilisk, Glob Herman, etc.) is such a welcome shot in the arm; Morrison does a great job capturing subtle notes of self-consciousness and insecurity which accompany developing self-identity during adolescence. His characterization of Quentin Quire as a scared, precocious teen reinventing himself after a newfound disillusionment with authority feels more vital and fresh than anything else in New X-Men...the X-Men will always be fundamentally tied with otherness of adolescence to me, and the umpteenth rehash of recycled conflicts with middle-aged stalwarts like Scott, Jean, and Logan frequently feel disconnected from that. “Riot at Xavier’s” taps into all kinds of adolescent traumas in real, genuine ways, and that’s a big part of why it’ll always be a personal favorite.