Customer Reviews

Ultimate X-Men Vol. 1: The Tomorrow People

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I can appreciate the impulse to push the reset button on long time superhero comic books like "X-Men" and "Spider-Man." After all, we are talking about almost four decades worth of stories, repeated encounters with Magneto and the Green Goblin, each one diluting the potency of the character. Plus, if you go back and read the first dozen episodes of either the original comic book "The Uncanny X-Men" of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby or the new and improved "X-Men" concocted by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum (and then John Byrne), it takes a while for both of those series to hit stride. Writer Mark Millar was given a free reign with this project, but clearly "Ultimate X-Men: The Tomorrow People" was constructed to work whether you came in with issue #1 of Volume 1, Giant-Size X-Men, or Volume 2.

I was here for all three, so part of my appreciation for this six-issue story arc from Millar, pencillers Adam & Andy Kubert, and inker Art Thibert (w/Danny Miki) is how they have reconstituted elements from both of the origins. So I remember Quicksilver and the Silver Witch being part of the original Brotherhood of Evil Mutants as well as Storm and Colossus being recruited for the international version of the X-Men. Anyhow, here is a list of things I liked about "The Tomorrow People" without spoiling the actual story:

I liked the idea that in the beginning the X-Men were just Professor Xavier, Cyclops and Marvel Girl. This reconstitutes the idea that there were always the core of the group. Actually, they would be the heart (Jean Grey), mind (Professor X), and soul (Scott Summers) of the X-Men. Having the Beast and Iceman be part of the second wave is fine with me, as is jettisoning Angel (and Banshee from wave two). You have to have limitations on how many merry mutants are running around in the group. On the other side of the equation Wolverine is now the world's best assassin and is working for Magneto. That is obviously a nice little twist on the tale. The mutant hysteria is in full swing, so that the necessity of all the world's mutants having to pick which side of the coming war they want to be on makes a whole lot of sense. This just underscores the idea that "X-Men" was never just a standard superhero battles supervillain type of comic book.

I really appreciate the way the ante has been upped both in terms of the Sentinnels and Magneto. This time around the big purple robots are going around and not just picking up mutants, they are executing them on the spot. But the chief attraction of this sotry arc is Magneto. The original X-Men was one of the few times in the history of Marvel Comics that the first issue of a comic book actually came up with the greatest villain in the history of the entire series. What I liked most about what Millar et al. came up with is the idea that given the powers Magneto has, there can only be one big battle between him and humanity. I mean, with his powers, taking over the world should be relatively easy. Even in the end, he can only be defeated because of an Achilles heel sort of situation. But what really matters here is that this fight is for all the marbles, win or lose, live or die. This is such a big story that I can understand why as long as we are talking rewriting history fans are wishing that this had been the script for the original "X-Men" movie.

At the root of these changes and elucidations is, I believe, a commitment to taking the original ideas of the "X-Men" comic books to their logical extremes. That is the principle that leads to encouraging throughts about future issues of "Ultimate X-Men." After all, Wolverine was just a bit player this time around and I can easily see each of the X-Men and various super-villains defining future story arcs. So far I have really enjoyed the various Ultimate trade paperback collections that I have read, mainly because I find them to be both innovative and traditional at the same time.

For anyone who grew up with the new X-Men in the 80's and 90's I don't have to tell you how dear these characters are to us. For those who don't know the X-Men, this is a great place to start. Here you get an all new take on our favorite mutants, modernized for the new Millenium. Ever wonder why they wear costumes? You get an explanation! Ever wonder how Wolverine would end up with a button-down group like the X-Men? Here's a reason! Wanna know who would win in the fight for Jean Grey's love: Logan or Scott? The answer is as complicated as it is satisfyingly realistic. And this was one book that built the suspense up to a crescendo that left me breathless. But on top of the great writing is the lush artwork of Kubert, which is at times minimalistic and other times a canvas but always fresh and bold. If you love the X-Men BUY THIS BOOK. If you want to know who the X-Men are, this is a great place to start! I will cherish the Ultimate X-Men books.

After countless attempts at creating a new universe, or continuum, the folks at Marvel finally hit on the right approach: recast their franchise characters as younger and more in tune with the issues of the day. Add top-notch writers and artists and voila! we have a hit. Though the story arcs are so far quite familiar to those with any sense of Marvel's history, the fresh approach to characters and the nifty art contribute to an overall great reading experience.

I would recommend this compilation to anyone who can't get enough of the Marvel universe or those who would like to start their trip into said universe. In short, recommended for any Marvel fan!

The first story arc of the Ultimate X-Men is decent enough and a good way to spend an hour and a half.

It's decent enough unless you've read Mark Millar's Authority run, which has basically the same "widescreen" comic style with a much better artist, Frank Quitely.

The story here is weighed down by Millar's constant need to have a punchline, and the inane continual joking gets to be grating. The characters are poorly defined and their dialogue is interchangeable.

Adam Kubert manages to pace the story. It's good enough even if you don't care for his style, like me. Some of the storytelling gets lost and confusing, but he's consistent enough that he doesn't really subtract from the big picture.

Still, the basic premise and several key exciting moments make this enjoyable, but certainly doesn't make up for all the flaws.

Ultimate X-Men is Marvel's attempt to reintroduce popular characters into a new continuity and to an entire new generation. Marvel has already scored a grand-slam with the Ultimate Spider-Man title which managed to succeed on every level and even surpass the regular Spider-Man comics. However, with Ultimate X-Men they only manage the equivalent of a basehit.

On the good side, Ultimate X-Men is a fresh new take on the characters in the X-Men universe. Each is presented in a new light (albeit not all that different). Cyclops is still the stoic field-leader. Professor X is the guidance and heart of understanding between mutants and humans. Magento and the Brotherhood are still the evil forces that want to rule the world in the name of Homo Superior. Wolverine is still...Wolverine. And there are familiar members in Storm, Colossus, and Beast. Jean Grey is the big exception who has changed completely from the wholesome female of the early Uncanny X-Men stories. The artwork is excellent and the dialogue is outstanding. Writer Mark Millar also manages to develop an "epic" tale as the team's trial by fire.

On the bad side, the regular X-Men titles suffer because there are just too many characters. Ultimate X-Men: The Tomorrow People does not manage to correct this problem. There is a 6-issue storyline that jams over 15 characters into the plot. Obviously there is little room to get to know anyone (a problem that could have been rectified with just a few extra chapters), which means that new readers unfamiliar with X-Men characters will have a lot of work to do just to understand things. The action scenes are also a bit hectic and at points things just feel rushed.

While not as solid an outing as Ultimate Spider-Man, Ultimate X-Men: The Tomorrow People is a solid beginning that can hopefully lead to some stronger follow-up stories.

This book is a MUST BUY for anyone interested in the X-men. I like the fact that this series (like ultimate spider-man), is set in a world thats just like our own, the only exception being that their are super-beings. This gives the book that extra bit of realism that I've never found in other X-men books, and it works, cause I'm hooked. If they can keep up this level of story telling and art ill probably end up liking this better than the orignal continuity. I just hope they keep it up.....(crossing fingers) I can't wait for the next book....its really that good.

The Ultimate line of comics was produced to introduce new readers to classic characters. First there was Ultimate Spidey, and now Ultimate X-Men. You have to admit, though, the the latter is much much more exciting than the former. Spidey has all the teen angst and they truly do succeed in making him a teen. The X-Men sure are younger than the real deal, but their actions are not all that teeny. There actually was a scene where Wolvie was in bed with Jean. What can a person say? These guy are young, reckless and much much more sassy than the originals. They're the X-Men! What did you expect?

With the release of the X-Men movie and the difference between the origin of those characters to the real Marvel Universe heroes, X-fans are very accepting when it comes to change and that's exactly what Ultimate X-Men was all about. The premise is this world, although somewhat a darker image of it. It really works. It works so good that you can actually might gulp and think that these guys are as good as the real deal.

The story is told by Mark Millar, a writer extraordinaire, that really knows how to deal with the X-Men as a group. They're more of a paramilitary unit than a group of teens as you might think they are. The same treatment is later introduced to the mainstream comics and that works even better with them because of the age difference and the much realistic approach to it. The art is mindblowing. The Kuberts are BOTH amazing. Though I'm a big Andy fan, but Adam truly does shine out with this one from his days as the Hulk's artist. The brothers' art leaves you wanting more.

The Tomorrow People is the X-Men for the new millenium. The action and story not only works for new readers, but us old geezers as well.

After hearing a lot of hype over the years I finally bought this one. It isn't a bad read, and it's probably worthy of 3.5 stars---but it's pretty damn flawed.

First off, this is the Ultimate universe, which is essentially a reimagining. Too bad the story starts out with Jean and Cyclops recruiting people. Where'd they come from? How the hell did Magneto find the savage land? Also, why didn't Scarlett Witch or the Sentinels get revamped? If nothing else the Sentinels actually became more primitive and ridiculous-looking in this book.

Secondly, I don't mind the young, "hip" approach to the characters---but often comic writers are nowhere close to be young or hip themselves---so you're more or less getting a cliche of the aforementioned attributes. Belly-button rings and cut-off shirts abound.

Not only that, but it's almost like Millar couldn't break that young and hip mode, and accidentally wrote every character like that. When Xavier is doing Magneto in, Magneto yells, (in pain) "Get out of my head you stupid cripple!"

Third, the Kubert brothers are awesome artists...you don't need me to tell you that. But anytime there's action in a panel, or more than three characters at once, their pencils fall apart. All details leave from faces and clothes, until they're more or less just diagrams of people interacting. This is usually acceptible but it became downright intruding on this book.

Also, they couldn't quite find their niche for clearly portraying action in a panel without the reader being told what was going on. You'll find yourself reading over pages several times just to see who did what and where it happened.

Is it as bad as "Ultimate Spider-Man" or "Hellblazer"? Me thinks not. Is it as good as "The Ultimates", or as good as a reimagining of the X-Men should've been? Me thinks not.

Definately worth a read, and maybe the later volumes get better---but don't get too excited about this one.

Marvel created the "Ultimate" line of books to try to entice new readers by scrapping decades of complex continuity in favor of a fresh start. Supposedly, no prior knowledge of the books or their characters are necessary for you to get a good read that won't leave you scratching your head in bewilderment. So....does it work?

I guess....I've been reading comics since I was 3, so I really can't say how a "newbie" would fare.

I CAN tell you that I loved this book!! I wish that the makers of the atrocious X-Men flick had filmed this for the mutant's initial big-screen outing.

Mark Millar and the Kubert Bros. story does a great job of getting you up to speed fast: People born with strange, potentially deadly, powers exist among us, and pose a very real threat to life as we know it. Two men, Professor Charles Xavier (Leader of The X-Men), and Magneto (Leader of The Brotherhood of Mutants), fight an idealogical battle to win the hearts and loyalty of their fellow Mutants. Xavier wants to help Mutantkind make peace with Humanity, while Magneto sees Humanity as an annoyance that must be disposed of, so Mutants can ascend to their rightful place. This take-no-prisoners approach doesn't sit well with president Dubya; he unleashes the giant robotic Sentinels on a search-and-destroy mission to annihilate all Mutants. The story follows the recruiting of The X-Men (Jean Grey, Cyclops, Storm, The Beast, Iceman, Colossus, & Wolverine), and their first confrontation with Magneto. (And what a confrontation it is!)

Magneto has never been better written; he comes across as both charismatic and chilling...a super-powered cross between Charles Manson and Hannibal Lecter. He also does something VERY original with The Sentinals...very clever, Mr. Millar! Xavier is more cold-blooded than he is in the "real" Marvel continuity; I don't totally trust him.(Did he tamper with Scott's mind to make him defect....? Hmmmmm.)

If I loved it so much, why just a Four? I didn't care for the portrayal of Colossus: When we meet him, he's a soldier for the Russian Mafia, selling a stolen Nuclear weapon to an underling of Magneto. This troubling "Character flaw" is never mentioned again. That just bothered me a lot...I guess I hold my heroes up to high standards. I was also kinda weirded out by the way Jean just lept into bed with Wolverine, and the strong language peppered throughout the book. I'm no prude, but X-Men is an all-ages type of book, and the language just seemed unnecessary.

Overall, a great read- I'm gonna stick around for more.

When the X-Men movie came out in 2000, Marvel wasn't ready for it. They hardly had anything to back up the real-world success of the movie. As the movie premiered and went on to box-office success, the X-Men comicbooks were at its lowest ebb. In fact, the comicbooks were so bad and confusing that even long-time readers like me were thoroughly turned off. The good news is that Marvel is determined not to make the same mistake when they release a sequel to the X-Men movie in maybe 2003-4 by putting a lot of work to the X-Men titles even as we speak.

Ultimate X-Men is a title aimed at the general public - meaning the non-comic reading public. President Bill Jemas and Editor-In-Chief Joe Quesada came up with the Ultimate Marvel line retelling stories of familiar characters like Spiderman and X-Men without the baggage of over 35 years of continuity. It took the comicbook world by storm (the success of this venture to introduce comics to the general public remains to be seen). I think the reason it worked was because they put top-notch talents on the two Ultimate books. You've got Brian Michael Bendis writing Spiderman and here you have Mark Millar, just after a successful stint writing The Authority, writing Ultimate X-Men... plus, Adam Kubert's art never looked better than it does here. The overall feeling was like... well, if the X-Men were only created in 2001, this is how they would have been like.

From all that I've said, I seem to be implying that years of continuity is a bad thing. Not necessary. I was attracted to the X-Men because of the continuity. Every puzzling plotline opened up doors to other more interesting plotlines. It took me years to finally get a firm grasp on all the intricacies of the storylines. Even so, from someone who take continuity as seriously as I do, I still enjoy Ultimate X-Men a great deal. I liked it because of its fresh take on the characters that I've grown to be a little too familiar with. Here you have a Cyclops who doubts Professor X's noble ideals. Here you see Wolverine as a traitor and seducer. Here you see Jean Grey as a young and spunky doctor and mutation-expert. How cool is that? At the same time, we are also served with the ingredients that made us love the X-Men all this while (but with a more intelligent twist) - the philosophical rivalry between Xavier and Magneto, the love-triangle of Logan-Jean-Scott, the very "real" persecution of people-who-are-different and the non-stop action (like when Magneto drops a TRAIN on a group of Croatians bent on killing the X-Men!!!).

For a new comic reader or someone interested in the X-Men after watching the movie, this is a pretty good place to start. For a long-time reader like me, this place offers some familiar characters and plot-lines written in a rather unfamiliar, fresh and exciting manner. Try it.