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X-Statix (Collected Editions) #1-3
X-Statix: The Complete Collection, Vol. 1
Peter Milligan and Michael Allred reboot X-Force into the reality stars X-Statix in their bright and bold 21st-century deconstruction of the X-books! Sex. Money. Power. Fame. That's what drives these mutant heroes! But what really happens when an X-team becomes huge media stars? Find out in this wild examination of celebrity culture -with a far higher body count than any reality TV show! Fall in love with the Orphan, the Anarchist, Dead Girl, Phat, Vivisector, U-Go Girl, the incomparable Doop and more -but don't get too attached, as there's no guarantee that any of them will make it out of each battle alive! And when the team relaunches their brand as the X-Statix, will it propel them to even greater fame? Or will the interactive O-Force become the hot new thing?
COLLECTING: X-FORCE (1991) 116-129, BROTHERHOOD (2001) 9, X-STATIX (2002) 1-5
COLLECTING: X-FORCE (1991) 116-129, BROTHERHOOD (2001) 9, X-STATIX (2002) 1-5
504 pages, Paperback
Published February 4, 2020
7 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Peter Milligan
1,303 books391 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
Peter Milligan is a British writer, best known for his work on X-Force / X-Statix, the X-Men, & the Vertigo series Human Target. He is also a scriptwriter.
He has been writing comics for some time and he has somewhat of a reputation for writing material that is highly outlandish, bizarre and/or absurd.
His highest profile projects to date include a run on X-Men, and his X-Force revamp that relaunched as X-Statix.
Many of Milligan's best works have been from DC Vertigo. These include: The Extremist (4 issues with artist Ted McKeever) The Minx (8 issues with artist Sean Phillips) Face (Prestige one-shot with artist Duncan Fegredo) The Eaters (Prestige one-shot with artist Dean Ormston) Vertigo Pop London (4 issues with artist Philip Bond) Enigma (8 issues with artist Duncan Fegredo) and Girl (3 issues with artist Duncan Fegredo).
Series:
* Human Target
* Greek Street
* X-Force / X-Statix
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
Peter Milligan is a British writer, best known for his work on X-Force / X-Statix, the X-Men, & the Vertigo series Human Target. He is also a scriptwriter.
He has been writing comics for some time and he has somewhat of a reputation for writing material that is highly outlandish, bizarre and/or absurd.
His highest profile projects to date include a run on X-Men, and his X-Force revamp that relaunched as X-Statix.
Many of Milligan's best works have been from DC Vertigo. These include: The Extremist (4 issues with artist Ted McKeever) The Minx (8 issues with artist Sean Phillips) Face (Prestige one-shot with artist Duncan Fegredo) The Eaters (Prestige one-shot with artist Dean Ormston) Vertigo Pop London (4 issues with artist Philip Bond) Enigma (8 issues with artist Duncan Fegredo) and Girl (3 issues with artist Duncan Fegredo).
Series:
* Human Target
* Greek Street
* X-Force / X-Statix
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 14, 2020
This is a really funny and clever sendup of the comics industry, superheroes, celebrities, fan culture— all that. Originally published in the early 2000s, it’s essentially a comic book about a bunch of X-Assholes. I remember reading a few issues as an 11 yr old and not seeing anything like it before. It has been a fun re-read, and holds up today more than ever with our celebrity-obsessed and super hero-infatuated culture (some things haven’t changed since 2002). And of course, with Disney now owning Marvel, it makes this all even more dead-on. It’s smart, satirical, and fun to read. Michael Allred brings a 90s alternative pop art comic style to this twisted and kind of brilliant story by Peter Milligan.
February 15, 2022
The strangest superhero team you've ever heard of! First as X-Force, then as X-Statix, a ragtag group of mutants that are mostly out for media attention as well as fame and fortune manage to be superheroes along the way.
X-Statix is a weird book, and that's entirely the point. A book like this wouldn't work nowadays - there's no way you could launch a team with entirely new characters, with hardly any link to the main Marvel Universe aside from a few cameo appearances, without it falling flat on its face. But X-Statix is all of that and more - the superheroics are almost just a sidebar at times, with the team's interpersonal relationships and their reactions to the world around them even more important than whether or not they manage to do what they set out to do.
It's also a satirical look at the nature of showbusiness, which somehow is still as applicable now as it was in 2002ish when this first came out. Every issue builds on the last, feeling like one serialised story rather than individual bits and pieces. Even when the book relaunches as X-Statix and has more delineated story arcs, it's easy for them to just flow one into the next.
Some of the characters can be a tad on the nose - the handling of POC and queer characters is a bit haphazard, but there's effort being made, and I appreciate what Peter Milligan was trying to do even if it doesn't always land the way we'd want it to. All of the characters feel real, even if some of their dialogue is a bit unnatural at times.
And of course, the fact that no artist can come close to copying Michael Allred's style makes X-Statix stand out even further. He pencils all but about 3 or 4 of the 25 issues contained here, and his pop art style just ensures that this series looks like nothing else as well as reading like nothing else.
So yeah, X-Statix is weird. But it's the kind of weird that I love. It has a big heart, even if it's hidden behind some dodgy dialogue and some grumpy characters. Odd little books like this are the reason I love comics.
X-Statix is a weird book, and that's entirely the point. A book like this wouldn't work nowadays - there's no way you could launch a team with entirely new characters, with hardly any link to the main Marvel Universe aside from a few cameo appearances, without it falling flat on its face. But X-Statix is all of that and more - the superheroics are almost just a sidebar at times, with the team's interpersonal relationships and their reactions to the world around them even more important than whether or not they manage to do what they set out to do.
It's also a satirical look at the nature of showbusiness, which somehow is still as applicable now as it was in 2002ish when this first came out. Every issue builds on the last, feeling like one serialised story rather than individual bits and pieces. Even when the book relaunches as X-Statix and has more delineated story arcs, it's easy for them to just flow one into the next.
Some of the characters can be a tad on the nose - the handling of POC and queer characters is a bit haphazard, but there's effort being made, and I appreciate what Peter Milligan was trying to do even if it doesn't always land the way we'd want it to. All of the characters feel real, even if some of their dialogue is a bit unnatural at times.
And of course, the fact that no artist can come close to copying Michael Allred's style makes X-Statix stand out even further. He pencils all but about 3 or 4 of the 25 issues contained here, and his pop art style just ensures that this series looks like nothing else as well as reading like nothing else.
So yeah, X-Statix is weird. But it's the kind of weird that I love. It has a big heart, even if it's hidden behind some dodgy dialogue and some grumpy characters. Odd little books like this are the reason I love comics.
November 6, 2022
Wow, what a great series!
I hadn't heard of X-force, much less X-statix, so was pleasantly surprised to find such an on-the-nose entry in the X-universe.
This series is essentially the tv show The Boys but without Homelander. It's superheroes as a business, including staged fights, brand-deals, and reveal-all interviews. The art (inking and coloring) is stupendous. Michael Allred does the majority of the inking on the issues and lends it a pop, clean feel that really suits the story and Laura Allred (his wife!) gives us a bright and balanced pallet.
This is a clean start for this particular superhero group so I'd definitely recommend starting here if you've not got any experience with X-force. I've already moved on to volume 2 and nothing to complain about yet.
This is a bit of a deviation from my X-men adventure (see below) but.. Xavier and Wolverine have made a couple of appearances so it's on theme ;) Maybe I'll just change the adventure to modern marvel? Let's see!
==========
Why X-Men, why now?
I was really into X-Men during my teens.
It's such a classic story about acceptance and finding your place in the world that it feels catered to teens. Plus there's enough diversity in the cast's backgrounds and personalities to keep it interesting.
And look at the epic storylines back then: the dark Phoenix saga, Age of Apocalypse, House of M, Civil War - so much great stuff!
I grew tired of them at some point and moved on to other pastures (Runaways, then mostly Image) mostly because the big Marvel collections were huge, a long time coming, and they were so expensive! I didn't have a way to get single issues (this was pre-digital comics) so I ordered them from the USA.
But recently.. someone talked about how great the Hickman run is... And I wanted to get back in. Because let's face it: when Marvel is done well it's like being a kid again.
So with the help of comicbook herald I put together a little reading list. Books so far:
New X-Men, Volume 1 by Grant Morrison
New X-Men by Grant Morrison: Ultimate Collection, Book 2
New X-Men by Grant Morrison: Ultimate Collection, Book 3
I hadn't heard of X-force, much less X-statix, so was pleasantly surprised to find such an on-the-nose entry in the X-universe.
This series is essentially the tv show The Boys but without Homelander. It's superheroes as a business, including staged fights, brand-deals, and reveal-all interviews. The art (inking and coloring) is stupendous. Michael Allred does the majority of the inking on the issues and lends it a pop, clean feel that really suits the story and Laura Allred (his wife!) gives us a bright and balanced pallet.
This is a clean start for this particular superhero group so I'd definitely recommend starting here if you've not got any experience with X-force. I've already moved on to volume 2 and nothing to complain about yet.
This is a bit of a deviation from my X-men adventure (see below) but.. Xavier and Wolverine have made a couple of appearances so it's on theme ;) Maybe I'll just change the adventure to modern marvel? Let's see!
==========
Why X-Men, why now?
I was really into X-Men during my teens.
It's such a classic story about acceptance and finding your place in the world that it feels catered to teens. Plus there's enough diversity in the cast's backgrounds and personalities to keep it interesting.
And look at the epic storylines back then: the dark Phoenix saga, Age of Apocalypse, House of M, Civil War - so much great stuff!
I grew tired of them at some point and moved on to other pastures (Runaways, then mostly Image) mostly because the big Marvel collections were huge, a long time coming, and they were so expensive! I didn't have a way to get single issues (this was pre-digital comics) so I ordered them from the USA.
But recently.. someone talked about how great the Hickman run is... And I wanted to get back in. Because let's face it: when Marvel is done well it's like being a kid again.
So with the help of comicbook herald I put together a little reading list. Books so far:
New X-Men, Volume 1 by Grant Morrison
New X-Men by Grant Morrison: Ultimate Collection, Book 2
New X-Men by Grant Morrison: Ultimate Collection, Book 3
November 11, 2020
First - I will say the art by Mike Allred is perfect as always. His style always makes me smile and works best when there is some humour to the story (which there is here). We get one issue with the late, great Darwyn Cooke (which is also perfect because it is a romantic story). We also get one issue with Paul Pope...my least favorite artist...but it is just one issue.
Second - I have never read anything by Peter Milligan before. I heard he was a little "out there" and I can now confirm that. This is not your typical hero book. It is a bit silly, a bit cynical, a bit character driven and a bit message driven, but definitely not action or adventure driven. That made for a slow read. It is an interesting read. But not one I was racing to go through.
Overall, I did enjoy it. I think if the art hadn't been Allred I might not be saying this because the issues he didn't draw felt flat (except for the Cooke one) but his style and his humour meshed well with the overall tone of the book. I am not sure I would want to get volume 2 because I'm not wondering "what's next". I was happy with what I read but I didn't feel Peter had much more to say about fame - and even that message seemed to get lost by the end.
My biggest critique is that Peter is a bit over the map with his writing. Sometimes we are supposed to not care about the characters because they all die anyway. Then we ARE supposed to care because they have romances and feelings. First it is about fame and then it is surreal (the issue with no dialogue was a big fail) then it is about friendships then...well I think the message got lost at times. Looking back - the time it gelled the most for me was when they went on a space adventure and it WAS about the team and the characters and these misfits were forced to rely on each other and became closer. Unfortunately, Peter also decided to kill off one of the best characters then...so...it went a bit downhill after that.
Okay - so to sum up - I liked it but I probably won't get volume 2 :).
Second - I have never read anything by Peter Milligan before. I heard he was a little "out there" and I can now confirm that. This is not your typical hero book. It is a bit silly, a bit cynical, a bit character driven and a bit message driven, but definitely not action or adventure driven. That made for a slow read. It is an interesting read. But not one I was racing to go through.
Overall, I did enjoy it. I think if the art hadn't been Allred I might not be saying this because the issues he didn't draw felt flat (except for the Cooke one) but his style and his humour meshed well with the overall tone of the book. I am not sure I would want to get volume 2 because I'm not wondering "what's next". I was happy with what I read but I didn't feel Peter had much more to say about fame - and even that message seemed to get lost by the end.
My biggest critique is that Peter is a bit over the map with his writing. Sometimes we are supposed to not care about the characters because they all die anyway. Then we ARE supposed to care because they have romances and feelings. First it is about fame and then it is surreal (the issue with no dialogue was a big fail) then it is about friendships then...well I think the message got lost at times. Looking back - the time it gelled the most for me was when they went on a space adventure and it WAS about the team and the characters and these misfits were forced to rely on each other and became closer. Unfortunately, Peter also decided to kill off one of the best characters then...so...it went a bit downhill after that.
Okay - so to sum up - I liked it but I probably won't get volume 2 :).
May 26, 2023
Bought this purely because I love Michael Allred’s art. While the tone of this book took a bit of getting used to, Milligan and Allred have really crafted something special here. Much like DC’s Suicide Squad, none of the members of X-Statix are guaranteed to survive. Sometimes this approach leads to some funny moments, sometimes it can make you a little depressed. At first I was going to get upset with Milligan for killing off every LGBT character, but thankfully some events in the story help to ease that worry.
What you have here is a group of F-List Marvel mutants who are (somehow?) loved as one of America’s favorite superhero teams. While the whole idea of mutants being hated in the Marvel universe is briefly touched on here and there, it’s mostly swept under the rug for the sake of the satire that is being done of reality tv and celebrity culture.
Though it took me a few issues to get into the groove of this series, I came away really enjoying this. When Allred isn’t giving some of his best work, we get treated to the likes of Paul Pope and Darwyn Cooke! Worth it for fans of Allred and the X-men.
What you have here is a group of F-List Marvel mutants who are (somehow?) loved as one of America’s favorite superhero teams. While the whole idea of mutants being hated in the Marvel universe is briefly touched on here and there, it’s mostly swept under the rug for the sake of the satire that is being done of reality tv and celebrity culture.
Though it took me a few issues to get into the groove of this series, I came away really enjoying this. When Allred isn’t giving some of his best work, we get treated to the likes of Paul Pope and Darwyn Cooke! Worth it for fans of Allred and the X-men.
December 4, 2024
While I don’t think that they handled every topic and character with care (spike I’m looking at you) It was still a good satire without the need of being endlessly cynical like other attempts try to do. I guess that apart from that I wish that the side characters had actual things to do, since some of them like phat and the werewolf kid only had one storyline that they stretched out til the very end, and others - like dead girl - never got the chance to shine. I also don’t think that U-Go Girl’s relationship with Mr. Sensitive was that believable and felt pretty insta lovey. Fantastic art though
did-not-finish
August 21, 2021***dnf @ 6%***
I... What?
After reading a few reviews (because I was just so confused at what was happening) I learned that this was an satire. How much I want to, I just don't get satire. Especially if it's from another culture. After learning that fact I tried to continue but I just can't.
I like hopeful somewhat silly superhero stories. It's why the Watchmen didn't work for me. And this feels the same but a lot more brightly coloured.
I... What?
After reading a few reviews (because I was just so confused at what was happening) I learned that this was an satire. How much I want to, I just don't get satire. Especially if it's from another culture. After learning that fact I tried to continue but I just can't.
I like hopeful somewhat silly superhero stories. It's why the Watchmen didn't work for me. And this feels the same but a lot more brightly coloured.
July 26, 2020
I'm not really into the XMen as a comic, I don't like universes that aren't allowed to live and breathe.
This is apparently what happens when it's the 90s, and someone decides to take one of the XMen spinoff comics, and write a meditation on fame and reality TV. It's fascinating, and surprisigly layered. Also it's bubblegum trash.
I didn't expect to love it, but I do.
This is apparently what happens when it's the 90s, and someone decides to take one of the XMen spinoff comics, and write a meditation on fame and reality TV. It's fascinating, and surprisigly layered. Also it's bubblegum trash.
I didn't expect to love it, but I do.
September 8, 2022
Vain, whiny, fame hungry, in-fighting heroes live in the public eye.
This was a very good series with humour and a different slant to most marvel stuff. There aren’t any big names save for a Wolverine cameo, but the characters are interesting enough that you don’t care. The art is great too until it takes a nose dive in the last issue. Overall a worthwhile read!
This was a very good series with humour and a different slant to most marvel stuff. There aren’t any big names save for a Wolverine cameo, but the characters are interesting enough that you don’t care. The art is great too until it takes a nose dive in the last issue. Overall a worthwhile read!
October 29, 2024
A masterpiece in its own right, and by far the best comic from the Quesada era. The premise could have gone either way, but Milligan's writing is something else. The book may be a satire but the characters and situations are developed respectfully and seriously. Allred's art fits the title so perfectly that only Darwyn Cooke manages to fill in properly for him. Can't wait to get volume 2.
February 8, 2022
I like the bevy of weird mutants and Allred’s art. The basic idea is also fun - a mutant team for a celebrity obsessed age but the Actual story lines aren’t that interesting. Also the satire is in no way nuanced and often times cringey and dated.
December 29, 2020
Good if a little uneven at times.
Solid writing and mostly good art. Solid if sometimes underwhelming. One of the most unique X-Men stories in recent memory.
Solid writing and mostly good art. Solid if sometimes underwhelming. One of the most unique X-Men stories in recent memory.
January 1, 2022
All Mike Allred art gets 5 stars, but combine it with the zany but dark, mature yet silly story and characters of Milligan, and this makes for a classic marvel read.
August 8, 2022
Definitely up there with the best superhero books imo. Very excited to read more.
April 10, 2023
Kept me company over two train journeys and adored every page of it.
July 28, 2023
Wszystko działa w tym komiksie. Świetny scenariusz z licznymi zwrotami akcji, zapadający w pamięć bohaterowie i cudowne rysunki pana Allreda.
September 7, 2025
Back in 2001, when I was desperately trying to rationalize to myself why I was spending my tiny 17-year-old allowance on X-Treme X-Men and Uncanny X-Men, I should have been getting this.
March 1, 2024
Mira que Allred me encantó en Estela Plateada, pero aquí tengo la sensación de que lastra la narrativa. Los personajes son muy similares entre sí, falta dinamismo en las secuencias de acción y apenas hay recursos gráficos destacables, todo es muy de cubrir expediente.
El guion tiene algunos momentos interesantes, pero no genera interés por continuar leyendo. Me provoca cierta disonancia entre la gravedad de lo que se quiere contar y el tono superficial de cómo se cuenta. No voy a seguir con la seire.
El guion tiene algunos momentos interesantes, pero no genera interés por continuar leyendo. Me provoca cierta disonancia entre la gravedad de lo que se quiere contar y el tono superficial de cómo se cuenta. No voy a seguir con la seire.
July 10, 2023
I understand this was meant to be a satire of reality tv, celebrity, and entertainment as a business, with the titular superhero team as the "Star Wars" cash cow that's meant to get milked. But as a result, it just whiffs on moments that are meant to be heartfelt. I've decided the series really isn't for me. I enjoyed my time with the oddball team, but not enough to continue.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews