Full disclosure. I have been one of those X-Men fans who just kind of got... tired sometime around when Beast started looking like a cat. Really the only "X" book I read after that was the X-Factor Investigations series by Peter David. It's actually been a few years since I read that too. Also, Wolverine is one of my least favorite characters in the Marvel Pantheon and certainly one of my least favorite mutants. I will admit that when done right (as Bendis has in New Avengers or Whedon did in the start of Astonishing [okay... i read that too]) he actually can be a pretty good read.
So, while it seems like I was predisposed not to like this book much I found myself drawn in by the Marvel hype machine with the interesting prospect of an X-Men (sort of) divided and that it ends up being Wolverine of all who actually opens the school. I know what you're thinking... "How does that work?" As it turns out, so is Headmaster Logan. And, as a reformed X-Fan it seemed a decent jumping on point.
And all in all, it is.. There's not a whole lot to this issue, but it accomplishes the task of a first issue. jason Aaron does a nice job of introducing us to the books cast, familiar faces like Logan, Kitty, and Beast, even folks like Husk and Rachel Summers, and of course the students. The book reminds me of a pleasant mix of the classic X-Men and New Mutants.
Aaron's book is light and positive. It doesn't take itself too seriously. It is cast with charming characters - both good and bad, and showcases that this school, aptly named for the as yet still late Jean Grey, is a place for good, for possibilities. The dark tales of mutants: x-tinction, decimation, etc. It's nice to see some levity for them. And its nice to see Kitty and Logan filling Xavier's shoes in their own way.
Chris Bachalo's kinetic and cartoony style, is the perfect complement to the book. It adds that bit of over the top "fantastic". Put together Wolverine and the X-Men shows the promise of a fun series. If you need any more reason to check the book out look no further than the first page... Doop? Yeah, that's Doop. Awesome.
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