PopCultHQ

Written by Adrian Care

PopCultHQ received an advance review copy of AGE OF X-MAN: ALPHA #1 from Marvel Comics. Available January 30th, 2019, the creative team for this series features writing from Zac Thompson and Lonnie Nadler, art from Ramon Rosanas, colors by Triona Farrell, and lettering from Clayton Cowles.

Here’s PopCultHQ’s spoiler-free review of…

AGE OF X-MAN: ALPHA #1

Writers: Zac Thompson, Lonnie Nadler
Artist: Ramon Rosanas
Colorist: Triona Farrell
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Cover Artist: Phil Noto

In Shops: Jan 30, 2019
SRP: $3.99
Rated T+

The age of X-Man dawns… and the X-Men cannot stop it. 

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PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
AGE OF X-MAN: ALPHA #1

The omega-level mutant X-man has reshaped reality into a near paradise. Everyone on Earth is a mutant and the X-men are a benevolent team of proactive heroes standing watch and aiding a world that doesn’t seem to need them all that much.

Like Nate Grey would want you to, approach Age of X-Man: Alpha with an open mind. This isn’t the X-book you read last week. It’s not the X-book of last year. This is all-new and all-different, but not what I was expecting.

This is about progression, evolution even. But not in the way it’s been served up with these characters before. There are familiar sign posts; you’re still reading a tale of Marvel’s Merry Mutants, but there’s an underlying feeling to this primer for the latest X-over. Something’s a little off.

Writing:

At first read, I was thinking the characterizations were wrong. This doesn’t feel like the way Nightcrawler acts or speaks. Why is Magneto so subdued and Storm less imposing? Then I slapped my forehead and realized that’s the point.

Zac Thompson and Lonnie Nadler’s previous work on the Apocalypse: Degeneration back-ups (from the X-men Black one-shots) and their work on Cable hold them in good stead exploring a new corner of the X-universe.
The dialogue flows naturally. Character interactions feel genuine. The storytelling is expository where it needs to be and does well at building a little intrigue as we drift through the new reality with purpose and a touch of wonder.

Art:

Speaking of wonder, Ramon Rosanas brings it in spades. In a visual sense, this certainly feels like something new. There are tethers to the 60’s dynamics that the original X-men were created in. There’s a Norman Rockwell or Edward Hopper-lite feel to the design and setting in each panel. But the action is drawn with enough weight to do the X-men justice, even though the still and quiet moments are where the art really shines. It’s a big advancement from Ramon’s previous work on Ant-Man, Night of the Living Deadpool, and All-New Wolverine.

Colors:

Triona Farrell builds on a visual signature she has been developing strongly through recent work on Crowded, West Coast Avengers, and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. She brings a modern sensibility to the utopian setting of the book but maintains a connection to the idealist past with her bright, graphic design, smart style compliments, and enhances Rosanas’ illustration with grace and seamless effort. Her subtle use of specific palettes to aid scene changes is particularly impressive.

Letters:

Clayton Cowles is a rock-solid worker who’s not only worked on flagship titles such as Champions, Uncanny Avengers, Justice League of America, and Batman, but also has been part of the dream team behind Young Avengers and The Wicked and the Divine.

In Age of X-Man: Alpha, Cowles clean speech (and telepathic) bubbles merge perfectly to the beat of the story. Working in unison with the illustration and color as if the three were in total sync. The letter work on sound effects and to emphasize the louder moments are executed with flair and precision. Playing their part, but not overshadowing or stealing too much distraction from the reader.

PopCultHQ’s overall assessment.

While there are parallels to the classic Age of Apocalypse storyline, Age of X-Man: Alpha stands on its own. The creators have a reverence for much loved eras of X-Men lore but aren’t scared to step out in different directions either. This is a world building issue, a primer for the things to come. While some may find the pace too drifty, or the urgency a little absent, it’s all in service to the story being set up. I was apprehensive that the last thing the X-books needed was another reset, another new direction, or a further departure, but the creative team have changed my mind and left me eagerly anticipating what’s to come.

PopCultHQ’s Rating:

3.5 out of 5 Stars

AGE OF X-MAN ALPHA #1 can be purchased on ComiXology and available
at your local comic shop and online retailers on Wednesday, January 30th!

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Writer – Zac Thompson

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Writer – Lonnie Nadler

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Artist – Ramon Rosanas

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Colorist – Triona Farrell

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Letterer – Clayton Cowles

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Publisher – Marvel Comics

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