Robb Ghag reviews All-New X-Men #22…
“The arrival of the original X-Men in the present sent shockwaves through the Marvel Universe, but we’ve only seen the effects on Earth. When alien races learn that Jean Grey, host of the destructive Phoenix Force, is back on earth, they do something about it. Now it’s up to the rest of the All-New X-Men and the Guardians of the Galaxy to save Jean Grey from twisted intergalactic justice! Don’t miss two of Marvel’s biggest franchises crossing over for the first time!”
This series continues to get better and better. If Brian Michael Bendis has anything to do with the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy movie, consider me already sold.
The last two issues of All New X-Men seemed to be a bit of a stop gap leading to the multiple issue cross-over of the Trial of Jean Grey. While I typically do not like multiple issue, and series cross overs (always seem to be a ploy to increase those issue book sales imo), I have a strange feeling this one will succeed extremely well.
The artwork has taken a leap forward as Immonen shows why he is one of the best artists of this generation. Considering this issue has battles, and emotions and conflict of every nature, he does exceptionally well in every aspect of laying out this book, and delivering a visually stunning story (there is a fantastic panel of the Beast in his Lab, which I cannot stop staring at).
The script itself isn’t anything fantastic, but I already know there is a buildup here, and I have faith it will pay off. The Trial of Jean Grey continues this month in Guardians of the Galaxy #11.
Robb Ghag works for an Arts & Entertainment Brokerage in Toronto Canada. An Animation and Film school graduate, he specializes in Risk Management of Animation and VFX studios throughout North America.
Originally published January 24, 2014. Updated April 11, 2018.