The chronological reprinting of the entire X-line continues with Trials of X Vol. 7, which collects X-Men #4, New Mutants #22-23, and Wolverine #17-18. Like with some of the recent editions in this line of collections, we get a few back-to-back issues in a single run of a series, which improves the readability while also providing a chronological sampling of the larger line.
X-Men #4 is a nice, singular story by Gerry Duggan and Javier Pina that acts as a capable Halloween one-shot with Nightmare tormenting the team in their dreams. One of my favorite single issues from my youth was Marvel Comics Presents #100, which had Wolverine and Doctor Doom confront this dream-realm villain accompanied by otherworldly line work from Sam Kieth. It’s a great one-shot that has permanently endeared me to Nightmare, and the issue collected here feels like homage to the older book. While X-Men #4 doesn’t add much to the larger narrative Duggan has charted, it’s a fine character-focused issue that has ample action. Years ago, you could expect issues like this more frequently, and I always enjoyed them when they arrived (partially because I didn’t always pick up every issue of an ongoing title), and the move to the trade format as the publishing model has nearly done away with one-offs like this.
New Mutants #22-23 by Vita Ayala and expertly drawn by Rod Reis focuses on our senior members of the team confronting the Shadow King, who has swayed some of Krakoa’s younger set. This series went through several iterations in its short life, but this last leg felt the most appropriate for a New Mutants title, with the classic Claremont cast playing the role of mentors. Reis’s surrealist style also benefited a story featuring the likes of Cosmar, No-Girl, and Shadow King, as their disruption of reality gets a beautiful artistic flare on the page. Very enjoyable comics that are a visual treat for the eyes.
Wolverine #17-18 by Benjamin Percy and Lan Medina and Paco Diaz sees the return of ’90s stable Maverick, as they work to undermine a secret surveillance program directed towards Krakoa. It’s a perfectly enjoyable read, with Percy building on many of the themes already established in his concurrent X-Force title. This title continues to feel like a stylistic holdover from another era of X-books, and it’s a welcome stylistic departure from other books in the line. Even if you haven’t enjoyed the Krakoan era of X-Men, I guarantee this book would still satisfy your Logan cravings.
Most of the variant covers are given full page reproductions at the end of the trade, apart from “trading card” covers that have been quite popular with fans. It’s a shame the front covers of each couldn’t have been given the same treatment. As for the trade’s layout and design, it is identical to other editions in this series, so it will look great when lined up with all the others on your shelf.
Trials of X Vol. 7 is a standout collection of issues from the recent past of the X-line. It’s got variety, action, and purpose all in a single trade paperback. Even though the X-line is about to enter the Fall of X arc, one hopes they continue to give this form of publishing a go.
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