New Mutants, Vol. 1: Back to School

New Mutants (2003) #1-6

by Nunzio DeFilippis, Keron Grant (Artist), Christina Weir

Moonstar, Karma, Magma, and Wolfsbane - the former X-Men-in-training who helped define a generation - are back. But what happens when these "New Mutants" find out Professor Xavier's up-and-coming students think of them as the "Old Mutants?"

Former students become the teachers as the old guard is asked back to help prepare the next generation of New X-Men.

Collects New Mutants #1-6.

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

152 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Nunzio DeFilippis is married to Christina Weir; together they have written a large number of graphic novels. They have written superhero comics but also created original comics and graphic novels of many genres, from YA fantasy to sports to horror to crime drama.

Reviews

[Sam Quixote · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dani Moonstar is sent out into the world to recruit troubled young mutants, whose powers are just emerging, for Xavier’s school.

If you’re familiar with the X-Men in any medium, you’ll know that’s the classic X-Men setup. In fact, Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir’s New Mutants is an ironically old-school X-Men comic! And yet, despite its unoriginality, I thought this was the best X-Men book I’ve read in years because it’s written so well.

Part of that is the back-to-basics approach of the story which reminded me what I liked so much about the X-Men to start with – the persecuted outcasts overcoming adversity and finding acceptance among others different like them – though mostly it’s because DeFilippis/Weir’s writing is quality. While Xavier appears throughout and Wolverine cameos once, New Mutants predominantly features a cast of unknowns which I didn’t mind at all as their stories of hardship and conflict were so compelling.

The focus on building strong characters totally distracts from the archetypal, somewhat repetitive narrative structure to make for a solid, entertaining read. I’ll be honest and say that while I don’t remember the New Mutants’ individual names, I do recall their individual stories clearly and I definitely cared about them far more than their more famous counterparts in better-known titles. The only part of the story where the writers lost me was when it descended into clichéd mindless superhero fighting and even then it was mostly because the art was muddled and made it unnecessarily tricky to follow.

Which brings me to the only real let-down of this book: Keron Grant and Mark A. Robinson’s artwork. It’s very basic by superhero comics standards with plain backgrounds and unappealingly blocky, generic character designs. The visuals as a whole are unimpressive, boring and largely indistinguishable from one page to the next.

Otherwise, New Mutants, Volume 1: Back to School was a highly enjoyable X-book – a hidden gem well-worth seeking out for any X-Men fan!

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty fun, if not super safe, but it worked.

This is all about New Mutants. Who are they? Mostly kids who not sure how to deal with being mutants first few days at the Xavier School. It's kind of cool to see the old "new" mutants are now much older and more mature. One of them, Moonstar, is even recruiting for Xavier to find kids lost in the world and trying to survive. So half the story is a rescue mission of different kids and then those kids learning to live with their abilities while getting used to their new school.

Good: I really liked how the characters interacted. They all felt pretty human, and most of all teenagers. The way they used their powers was believable and also the horror of being a mutant and how society treats you was on full display. The cover art was amazing.

Bad: What in the all of fucks was this art? It was pretty terrible if I'm being honest. I just couldn't get over the movements and odd bodies here. I also thought it was a bit safe, never felt like anyone was in danger.

Overall, besides the art it was pretty enjoyable. I dunno if I'll finish this series or just skip to the next run but this was fun none the less. A 3 out of 5.

[a · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good! And very entertaining! Haven't read comics in such a long time, feels good to take a mini break from novels <3

[Shannon Appelcline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to School (#1-6). A shockingly good X-Men comic. DeFillipis & Weir do a magnificent job of introducing a new cast of young mutants who feel like real people with real problems, much like the original New Mutants before them. The old New Mutants also get some nice attention, particularly Dani, who's practically the star of this piece. And when we finally get into a conflict near the end of this volume, it's good too, both dangerous seeming and a nice bit of continuity. All around, an all-star reinvention of a classic title [/5].

[Alyce Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always struggled to get into the X-Men world (both the movies and the comics) but when I saw the cover of this collection of New Mutants, I knew I needed to try it. It's just so utterly gorgeous, and I love the art style.
However, this art style is only featured during the first four pages and for each of the six covers of the six issues featured in this collection. The rest of the art is rather brash, and the shading is a bit uncomfortable - I got used to it as it went on, but compared to what I'd been expecting I was a little disappointed.
The story is wonderful, though. Dani Moonstar (who is apparently a pre-established character in the X-Men universe, and who I'm definitely going to look into!) returns to Xavier's Institute, then recruits mutants to attend the school. Each issue gives the history and recruitment story for a different mutant, and it's adorable - it's a self-contained volume, but it's something fun and it's nice to be able to dive into a few short character stories for once.

[Lenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oof. This book had so much great potential, following Dani Moonstar recruiting new mutants for Xavier's school - which actually looks and feels like a proper school, with the X-Men training being optional. But there are one too many new students to the point that characterization is stretched thin - unfortunately saving Dani for last. The villains are underdeveloped and uninspired. And the art is just horrible. It looked like early 2000's computer renderings - flat, disproportionate, with glove-like hands and bowed legs. At one point Xavier looked like Mojo Jojo from Powerpuff Girls. I suffered through the art (only because I love these characters and want to read all the major New Mutants stuff) but without nearly enough payoff. Stay away from this one unless you're a big Dani/NM fan.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing the great x-read of 2017…

There was one word that kept coming to me over and over as I read this volume: Heartwarming.

The original New Mutants characters feel like comfortable old friends to me and it is obvious that the writers of this series have the same familiarity, the same love for them as I do. They are treated with care, with utmost respect for where they’ve come from, who and where they’ve been.

Really, it is all about the characters. This volume doesn’t have a lot of action (but what it does have is handled well.) and that is great, a nice change of pace in the x-world. One of the first major splash pages is a hug. And it’s brilliant.

I know that I am probably not selling this to people who want non-stop slugfests, but if you read the original New Mutants stories when you were younger, you owe it to yourself to pick this book up. It is exactly what the doctor ordered. Just done with so much love. Easily my favorite book of this undertaking so far.

Three disappointments for me:
- the back cover mentions Magma and Wolfsbane, neither of which are (technically) back in this volume.
- Why did this series end so quickly?
- Marvel never did release the second half of this series as a graphic novel. Not sure why but I guess that I now have to go seek out the individual issues because this was too darned good to not see what else the writers do with this story.

[Poison Ivy &#x1f335; · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this isn’t a bad book, I do feel a little bit lied to. This is not a “New Mutants” story in the way they tried to sell it. Dani Moonstar is out recruiting for The Xavier Institute. We see the first appearances from mutants that, right now, are still in comics like Prodigy, Surge, Rockslide and Wind Dancer.

•Karma comes in halfway through, accepting a role as teacher and reconnecting with her old teammate.
•Magma is a coma after being crucified
•Cannonball & Husk are dead
•Rahne Sinclair is barely mentioned in the first 7 issues despite being on the cover of one of the first couple issues lmfao (and then they drew her like a BratZ doll, but that’s a comment for the volume 2 review)
•I genuinely think they only focused on the women bc they mention “the whole team” being accounted for but NOONE mentions Roberto deCosta, AKA Sunspot, and we don’t see or hear about Warlock either. If y’all wanted an excuse to fetishize the girls on the cover of the floppies, they should’ve just said that lmfaooo

Overall, not a bad comic and it’s actually pretty…. Progressive? for the time period it was written in, but there’s definitely some issues. If you’re a stickler for art, whew… you might not like this at all. The art is … an acquired taste, for sure. If I had read this when it first came out and I didn’t have much New Mutants content to compare it to, my review might be different.

[Adam Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art is a bit of a letdown in this intriguing story about Dani Moonstar recruiting new students to Xavier's School For Gifted Mutants. Defillipis does a great job about infusing New Mutants lore into this story without it overwhelming the introduction of new characters.

Even though there isn't a ton of hero vs villain action until the end of the volume, I like the stakes of mutant teens coming of age in an era where mutants are a political issue, and having to decide to be out as mutants. Particularly, in relation to their parents. Each character has a very different experience with their family and how they're introduced into Xavier's school.

Sadly, they never put out book two in this series, I don't advise getting this particular edition, instead, if you're a New Mutants fan, if you love Dani Moonstar, or you're just looking for a cool starting point for the Academy X cast of the X-Men, you should pick up New Mutants: Back to School - The Complete Collection. You might note that my review for that volume is harsher. I suspect I didn't enjoy the back half as much.

[anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, okay, okay.

You should know that I am very specific on the type of illustrations I enjoy and it kinda affects my general enjoyment of the novel.
Having said that, I'm not the biggest fan of the illustrations.

However, I enjoyed the new (for me and everyone) characters, even if I don't have the necessary background to enjoy it more, and I wish to continue with this storyline.

I decided to pick this volume based on THIS guide and eventually and stealthily reach the current Death of X issues that I am really interested in.

Here's to hoping that I make it and gradually read more and more storylines.

[Michael Keskeys · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grew up on the OG New Mutants series, i remember when this one came out and wasn't too thrilled with it, but reading it all again now makes me appreciate it a little more. This first half is mostly anthology, setting up who the new kids are at the school, so it leans heavy into the teen drama YA aspect.

[Shaun · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent read about a new class of mutants. I like that they bring in several characters from the original New Mutants run. The art was a little distracting, but otherwise a pretty good story overall. I do want to see were Dani Moonstsar goes as a teacher at the Xavier Institute.

[Nate Deprey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and smart reboot of the New Mutants. The premise is that two original members of the New Mutants return to Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters to help a new crop of mutants come to grips with their newfound powers. It really worked as a premise and was well executed throughout.

[matilda grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

And my comics journey starts here… starting out with a solid entry point into X-men via Marvel Unlimited
Side note: I preferred the art for issues #1-4 over #5-6

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though the dialogue was a little rough and the art just being okay I actually really liked the story.

[Eduardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simplesmente adorei esse elenco de personagens. A Dani Moonstar é ótima e o arco dela de recrutar os novos mutantes e entender que liderança também envolve cometer erros é interessantíssimo.

[TinTin Kalaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feels galore for the next generation of mutants! <3 I just love this whole series!

Former New Mutant Dani Moonstar returns to Xavier School as a teaching staff and recruits the next generation of New Mutants, later rebranded as the New X-Men. Here, we meet new and awesome characters! Enter Wind Dancer, Prodigy, Wallflower, Wither, Elixir, and Surge! Aside from them, there are also the other students such as Hellion, Mercury, Anole, and Rockslide.

This is an amazing series that introduces new characters that you would just love. All of them are just brilliant and you can't wait to see what happens next for them I've already read this so I know. Marvel must make more content that makes them the main characters like this one, not just background characters for Cyclops or Wolverine..

Note: Overall review for up to issue #13 of New Mutants Vol. 2 as this series only had #1-5 as a collected edition.

[Lilli W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. Enjoyable and easy to read. Lots of cool new characters and some awesome powers!

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Um. Wolfsbane is on the cover and in description but nowhere in this collection.

Obviously an attempt to recreate the teen book of the original X-Men or of course New Mutants. I've only ever read things featuring Moonstar post M-Day, so it's nice to finally read some of her as a mutant.

The art is that cartoony whimsy style that I've really started to enjoy recently. I used to prefer more traditional style but this has started to really catch my attention. I think there is something solid about an artist that can draw strangely shaped people but not have things looking grotesque that really attracts me.

[Julia Benassi · Rating 5 out of 5]

dos cosas buenas: mutantes y New Mutants
las cosas demasiado buenas: aparecen por primera vez: Laurie, Sofia, Josh, David y Nori.
la historia es como otra de mutantes que manifiestan sus poderes, pero vista desde otra perspectiva.
Laurie le teme demasiado a sus poderes de control de feromonas; Josh juega con sus poderes; Julian se cree superior por tenerlos; Sofia no los ama ni los odia, le da completamente lo mismo tenerlos; Nori no puede siquiera meterse en una bañera porque se electrocuta; David desconoce hasta donde llegan sus poderes.
Son un grupo PERFECTO.

[Colton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another in a slew of pretty good with young superheroes that I've been reading from Marvel. I started this to get some background on Anole (I can never get enough of young gay heroes), but was surprised to find that I was drawn in by the other characters as well. This would have garnered four stars if the art wasn't too sloppy sometimes. Nevertheless, if you can look past the lackluster illustrations this is a book with a lot of heart and even more character.

[Steven Shinder · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters introduced in this story arc, as well as their abilities, are interesting. It was odd seeing Professor X walking, possibly due to some event that transpired prior to this story. The artwork could use a little work, but it did not ruin the story. At one point, a mutant reads a book written by J.R.R. Tolkien, and I was curious about which one it was. An interesting introduction to new mutant characters.

[Solitairerose · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice setup to a series that didn't get much of a chance. I have always liked the "New teen heroes learning how to use their powers", and this book did a good job of introducing the characters, setting up the situation and giving enough story hooks to last for a while. On its own, unsatisfying, but as a pilot, it did it's job.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It would have been better if the art was bit let juvenile. Most of the characters stare blankly into space when they should be showing emotion. The writing, however, was surprisingly good. Still, it was obvious written for a younger crowd than most of the other x-titles.

[Fugo Feedback]

Conseguí los #1 y 3 de Panini a muy buen precio, así que será cuestión de encontrar el #2 para tener completa esta saga USA y leerme toda de corrido. También tengo el #6 (USA 11 y 12), pero no creo que to-readee el libro que lo contiene hasta no tener un par más de números al menos.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Re-boot of the New Mutants series with some origins for All New X-men, such as Prodigy, and Elixir. A very slow read, and if it were not for the origins of known characters this would have been a 2 star book.

[Earline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure if die-hard New Mutants fans will likes this new series, but it seems pretty sweet to me so far.

I'll read anything with a Josh Middleton cover. hubba hubba ;)

[J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent story, but it is worth pointing out that only 2 of the 5 advertised characters even appear. The art is fairly juvenile, but the story is enjoyable enough.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read it twice.

[Lil' Violet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ugh The copy I had was missing pages so the ending was ruined for me.
The artwork was choppy and nothing like the cover which is amazing