Marvel’s X-Men Epic Collection series continues to delight with its latest volume, featuring the iconic and lore-altering event Fatal Attractions, starring a once-more villainous Magneto. X-Men Epic Collection: Fatal Attractions is a no-holds-barred romp through mutant politics, romance, and drama, with an emphasis on Xavier’s first fall from an idealized mentor, Gambit’s mysterious past, and the beginning of the tragic Legacy Virus.
X-Men Epic Collection: Fatal Attractions collects Uncanny X-Men #301-306, X-Men #24-25, X-Men Unlimited #2, Wolverine #75, Gambit #1-4, and the bonus X-Men: Survival Guide to the Mansion. Featuring beloved X-Men writers Scott Lobdell, Fabian Nicieza, Howard Mackie, and Larry Hama, with talented artists like John Romita Jr., Richard Bennett, Andy Kubert, and Lee Weeks, this epic collection is bursting at the seams, and a truly perfect encapsulation of early-’90s comics.
Marvel Comics
All the comics collected in X-Men Epic Collection: Fatal Attractions were published 40 years ago, but putting them together in one volume truly makes the tales they weave feel new, exciting, and modern. The rise of Magneto’s Acolytes, and Magneto’s return from “death,” perfectly permeate an undercurrent running throughout the entire collection. X-Men Unlimited #2 is a stunning exploration of Magneto’s past and psychology, an intimate glimpse into the tragic mind of a man twisted by fate and choice. Fatal Attractions, and its lead up, are the truly perfect complement to Al Ewing and Luciano Vecchio’s recently concluded Resurrection of Magneto. Additionally, Illyana’s death from the Legacy Virus is devastating, and beautifully explored in various character’s mourning.
With the intense Fatal Attractions, the insertion of Gambit #1-4 feels necessary and well-paired. While Remy and Rogue’s tale in Gambit is by no means calm or casual, it is a more personal vision of an X-Man’s legacy, as opposed to the Fatal Attractions story which involves dozens of heroes and villains. Gambit’s life-or-death mission fighting both the Assassins Guild, and his family in the Thieves Guild, paired with the fascinating relationship juxtaposition between Gambit and Rogue, and Gambit and his dying wife Belle, paint an enjoyable and fast-paced New Orleans adventure.
Marvel Comics
Of course, the highlight of X-Men Epic Collection: Fatal Attractions is the Fatal Attractions event itself. It is major and changes the future of the X-Men forever. Not only is this event the first time the reader can truly see Charles Xavier as a truly manipulative man, but Xavier’s mind wipe of Magneto leads to the Onslaught Saga, a villain who is still around today as the main enemy in Weapon X-Men. Wolverine’s near-death at the hands of Magneto is even more impactful after the Master of Magnetism pulls the adamantium off Logan’s skeleton. This attack, which is brutal and vicious in its portrayal, leads to a several-year period of Wolverine descending into a feral state, and it also changes Logan’s lore forever, revealing that his claws are actually bone and not pure adamantium.
X-Men Epic Collection: Fatal Attractions has some amazing bonus material, including a slew of gorgeous variant covers throughout the volume and collected at the end, as well as the Survival Guide. The Guide, which is written from the perspective of Professor Xavier, is an exciting exploration of the Xavier Mansion, the X-Men’s Code of Ethics, and deep dives into other famous mutant locales like the Morlock Tunnels and Emma Frost’s Massachusetts Academy. An ideal addition to this volume, reading the guide will make any fan feel like a true expert in the daily lives of the X-Men.
I loved this volume of X-Men stories. It was a joy to read from start to finish and is perhaps my favorite of the eight or so X-Men Epic Collection volumes I have read so far. A perfect addition to anyone’s comic collection, a comic you will read over and over again, Fatal Attractions is well worth the purchase, and a spot on your precious (overcrowded) comic shelf.
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
You must be logged in to post a comment.