by Matthew Russell - Posted 1 year ago
Welcome my CryptoComics Compatriots, and brace yourselves, because we are jumping into a world of crazy mutants today. Many on my team might think that I should write an article based on holiday gifts for the comic lovers, or Christmas Specials in Comics. I decided to jump ship and write this instead, as a result many on my team might hate and fear my decisions (Can you see the thought process here?)
For a whopping six decades, Marvel Comics' X-Men have been gracing the shelves of your local comic book store, reigning supreme like the undisputed monarchs of mutant melodrama. During this epic saga, these mutants, burdened with the heroic task of defending a world that can't decide whether to fear or hate them, have seen some so-called "legendary" creator runs. Get ready as we unveil our picks for the crème de la crème, because, apparently, there's a hierarchy in the world of X-Men comics.
But, hold on to your capes, dear readers, because we need to lay down some ground rules. Forget about those spin-off teams – we're strictly talking flagship X-Men books here (One semi-exception in #3). So, you won’t be seeing X-Force, X-Factor, or anything X-Related here, just straight forward X-Men, Uncanny included.
Now that we've navigated through the convoluted world of mutant bureaucracy, let's dive into the riveting task of ranking the top 5 X-Men creator runs of all time. Cue the dramatic mutant entrance music, because this is a big deal, apparently. (You know you can hear that epic theme song from the X-MEN cartoon).
Many hate Joss Whedon for who he is or what he has done to the Justice League movie, but that's not what we are talking about here. Creator controversy aside, let's continue.
In the world of X-Men comics, there are many serious and dramatic storylines. But in the hands of Joss Whedon and John Cassaday, the X-Men took on a whole new level of hilarity. Their run was known for its witty dialogue, absurd situations, and over-the-top characters.
One memorable moment involved the X-Men facing off against a group of villains who were trying to steal their powers. In the middle of the battle, Wolverine got distracted by a hot dog vendor. He spent the next few minutes arguing with the vendor about the price of a hot dog, while the other X-Men were busy fighting for their lives.
Another time, the X-Men were transported to a strange dimension where gravity was reversed. This led to a series of hilarious scenes, such as Cyclops accidentally launching Emma Frost into the air, and Beast getting stuck to the ceiling.
Whedon and Cassaday's X-Men run was a refreshing change of pace from the usual superhero comics fare. It showed that even the most serious of superheroes can have a sense of humor.
First off, I actually love the costumes, still to this day. Yep, I’m starting with the controversy. Also, a controversial opinion, not a huge fan of Grant Morrison’s work. It does work well here though.
Grant Morrison's epic X-Men run, spanning from 2001 to 2004, revolutionized comic book storytelling. He transformed the X-Men from a group of mutants fighting for survival into a symbol of social change, exploring themes of diversity, identity, and acceptance. His complex and thought-provoking narratives challenged readers, while his introduction of new characters and reimagining of classic villains further enriched the X-Men universe.
Morrison's X-Men run was not without its critics, but its impact is undeniable. He reinvigorated the franchise, attracting a new generation of fans, and left an enduring legacy on the world of comic books. His work serves as a testament to the power of storytelling to inspire, challenge, and transform.
Morrison's penchant for dense storytelling and intricate plotlines, while captivating for many, could be overwhelming for some. The sheer volume of information, symbolism, and meta-references sometimes overshadowed the emotional core of the characters and stories.
Combine that with the tone and pacing made kept this from reaching higher on the list. For those that don’t know: Morrison's X-Men was known for its ambitious scope and willingness to tackle complex themes, but some found the narrative to be inconsistent in tone and pacing. The abrupt shifts between lighthearted humor, intense action, and philosophical introspection could be jarring for many.
This one was my exception to the main title books due to the fact that it takes place in the “Ultimates” world. The debacle with anything “Ultimates” related is another blog topic all together, but dang, it started out strong. That is why it makes it onto our list.
Mark Millar's tenure as writer injected a refreshing dose of energy and contemporary relevance into the iconic mutant franchise. His approach marked a departure from the more traditional superhero fare, infusing the series with a gritty, grounded sensibility and exploring themes of social commentary and political intrigue.
Millar's Ultimate X-Men run was characterized by its sharp dialogue, fast-paced action, and morally ambiguous characters. He reimagined classic X-Men characters with a modern edge, making them relatable and flawed individuals grappling with complex issues. Like many before it, this series delved into themes of prejudice, discrimination, and the struggle for acceptance, resonating with readers in a way that traditional superhero comics often failed to do.
Millar's writing style was both entertaining and thought-provoking, seamlessly blending action, humor, and drama. He tackled mature themes without shying away from controversy (Scarlet Witch & Quicksilver aside), challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about society and human nature. His Ultimate X-Men run served as a refreshing take on the franchise, expanding its appeal to a wider audience and leaving a lasting impact on the X-Men legacy.
In the realm of comic books, few names hold as much legendary status as Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. Their creative partnership revolutionized the industry, giving birth to some of the most iconic characters and stories in comic book history. Among their many collaborations, their work on the X-Men stands as a testament to their innovative storytelling and enduring impact on popular culture.
Many believe that this should be #1, and rightfully so. This team started it all, not to mention a good portion of Marvel itself. They were so instrumental in comics becoming cool, but there is another who will top the list.
Jack Kirby and Stan Lee's X-Men, debuting in 1963, was a groundbreaking comic book series that challenged the norms of the superhero genre. The X-Men were a group of outcasts, feared and ostracized for their mutant abilities, resonating with readers who felt marginalized or misunderstood.
Kirby's dynamic artwork and Lee's clever dialogue brought the X-Men to life, making them iconic characters. Their work introduced themes of social commentary, diversity, and acceptance, inspiring countless adaptations and solidifying the X-Men as a cultural phenomenon. They set the standard for not just X-Men Comics, but comics in general.
Just thinking about their run on X-Men strangely makes me think about the song To Be A Man from Dax ft. Darius Rucker. If you haven’t heard that song, check it out and it perfectly explains what the X-Men are truly all about.
Chris Claremont's original 16-year tenure on Uncanny X-Men, spanning from 1975 to 1991, is widely regarded as one of the most influential and groundbreaking periods in comic book history. His writing injected the series with unprecedented excitement, originality, and energy, transforming the X-Men into cultural icons and revolutionizing the superhero genre.
Claremont's run was characterized by its emphasis on character development, complex storytelling, and mature themes. Hell, there is an entire documentary all about how good this series was.
He delved into the personal lives and relationships of the X-Men, exploring their hopes, fears, and vulnerabilities in a way that resonated with readers on a deep level. His stories were full of action, adventure, and humor, but they never shied away from tackling difficult issues such as prejudice, discrimination, and loss.
He introduced a host of new and iconic characters to the X-Men universe, including Wolverine, Rogue, Gambit, and Emma Frost. Just look at the cover of Giant Sized X-Men #1, when he took over. His first story shoved all the OG X-Men aside for a new group that was put together in order to rescue the originals.
He also revitalized existing characters, giving them new depth and dimension. His portrayal of Professor X, Magneto, Jean Grey, and Cyclops remains the definitive for many fans.
HIs exceptional writing style IS both captivating and thought-provoking. He seamlessly blended action, humor, and drama, creating stories that were both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. His dialogue was sharp and witty, and his narratives were full of suspense and intrigue.
The only reason that this isn’t in the top 5 (It’s still in my top 10) is that Chris Claremont started their run and they ended up pushing Chris out of the franchise for several decades.
Anyway, this creative collaboration in the early 1990s marked a pivotal era for the X-Men franchise. Their work on X-Men (1991-2001) revitalized the series, injecting it with a fresh energy and captivating storytelling that redefined the team for a new generation of fans.
Nicieza and Lee brought a unique blend of talents to the X-Men. Nicieza's fast-paced plots, explosive action sequences, and witty dialogue were perfectly complemented by Lee's dynamic and expressive artwork. Together, they created a series that was both visually stunning and narratively compelling.
Under their guidance, the X-Men faced a series of challenging threats, including the mutant-hunting Sentinel robots, the time-traveling villain Apocalypse, and the insidious alien empire known as the Shi'ar. These confrontations explored complex themes of identity, prejudice, and the struggle for survival, resonating deeply with readers.
Nicieza and Lee also introduced a host of new and memorable characters to the X-Men universe, including Bishop, Cable, and Fantomex. These characters added new dimensions to the team, expanding its dynamic and further solidifying its appeal to a wider audience.
The impact of Nicieza and Lee's X-Men run is undeniable.
Jump back next week as we talk about all things comics. In the meantime, check out all the new comics that have landed on the Marketplace. I really want to discuss them and the importance that they bring. I just finished reading Feral Terra by the demented Baz and wow… I need someone to talk to about this. So good!
