Written by Devin Grayson
Art by UDON Studios; Long Vo; Charles Park; Saka of Studio XD; & Randy Gentile
Cover Art by UDON Studios
SUMMARY:
Based on the same-named Kids’ WB animated TV series (which ran from 2000-2003), Marvel Comics simultaneously produced a short-lived comic book. This 120-page Marvel Age mass market reprint collecting Issues # 1-5 was released in 2004.
In an re-imagining of X-Men chronology, college professor Charles Xavier recruits graduate student Storm/Ororo Munroe and the mysterious Wolverine/Logan as his first two operatives, despite misgivings from his friend, Eric (Magneto). The following issues focus on the assimilation of new X-Men: i.e. teens Cyclops/Scott Summers; Jean Grey; Nightcrawler/Kurt Wagner; Kitty Pryde; and Rogue. Evidently, Xaxier’s students split their time at his Academy with classes at the local Bayville High School. Also woven into these freshly rebooted origins are Mystique and Toad.
Notes: This adaptation series ran only nine issues. Previously, the series was released in trade paperback form – hence, its Volume 2 consists of Issues # 5-9. The individual issues are also available in digital form.
REVIEW:
Not surprisingly, it’s a faithful adaptation (of the TV series, that is). Both the rudimentary visuals and the Disney teen-style storylines are meant for the show’s young audience. That’s how X-Men: Evolution should be construed – otherwise, it’s an uninspired kiddie mish-mash that older readers familiar with Marvel’s mainstream X-comics will find silly, if not outright boring. In terms of creative assets, the predictable dialogue between future X-couple Scott & Jean is well-played for what it is. The twist re: an inexperienced Scott as Logan’s unwanted sidekick vs. being the first X-Man himself is at best a shrug. At least, this concept’s awkwardness is nicely offset by Storm/Ororo’s role as Xavier’s mature second-in-command.
Beyond occasional flashes of genuinely good artwork, this X-Men: Evolution is Marvel’s gift to the elementary school crowd. For anyone else, this undemanding compilation merits at most a perusal.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The covers for Issues # 2-5 are reprinted as full pages — Issue # 1 appears as this compilation’s cover art. Also, in full-page format, the covers for Issues # 6 and # 9 are presented.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 4 Stars
