With X-Men: Reign of X by Jonathan Hickman Vol. 2, Marvel completes the re-release of Hickman’s unfortunately brief X-Men run, collected in two large paperbacks – as opposed to the already released omnibus hardcover. In this volume, we find issues #10-12 and #16-21 of the adjective-less X-Men series (issues #13-15 belong to the X of Swords crossover), plus three Giant-Size X-Men one-shots. I’m still not sure why Marvel chose to release this paperback now, but who cares? If you don’t already own these issues, this is a great way to buy a stellar collection of comics.
If I had to complain about anything, I most definitely would have split the issues differently between volume 1 and volume 2. I know why they did it the way it is – presenting the issues in the same order they were originally released and making sure volume 1 (336 pages) and volume 2 (360 pages) have a similar size. Still, I’d have put issues #10-12 in volume 1 and brought one or both of the Giant-Size X-Men specials from volume 1 into volume 2. The page count would’ve been about the same (or even more equal), and then volume 1 would be completely pre-X of Swords and volume 2 all post-X of Swords (plus the Giant-Size X-Men specials).
But anyway, what we get in volume 2 is another fantastic collection of X-Men comics.
Credit: Marvel Comics
As in volume 1, the art is awesome, even though so many different artists are employed. Leinil Francis Yu only draws the first three issues in this volume, but his work remains cinematic, epic, and beautiful as always. After that, we find a rotating chair of some of the top talent in the industry. Rod Reis and Russell Dauterman each illustrate a phenomenal Giant-Size X-Men one-shot. Mahmud Asrar finishes the storyline involving the Children of the Vault in issues #18 & 19. We also get one issue a piece from greats such as Phil Noto, Brett Booth, and Ramón Pérez. Sunny Gho provides most of the beautiful coloring.
As I mentioned in my review of volume 1, this is definitely a Hickman-written series, with all of the high concepts and long-running storylines that don’t always get wrapped up in nice little arcs but always set up interesting ideas for the future. And plenty of data-pages. At the same time, it’s amazing how Hickman keeps these high-concept stories character- and relationship-driven. Let me give a few examples.
Issue #10 introduces new mysteries behind what is going on with Gabriel (Vulcan) Summers. But the issue is a character study about the fragile mental state of an omega-level powerhouse dealing with trauma and psychological manipulation beyond imagination.
Marvel Comics
One of the highlights of the collection: issues #18 and 19 finally return to Darwin, Synch, and Laura Kinney’s Wolverine, detailing their infiltration of the Children of the Vault – a storyline started way back in issue #5. It’s all high-concept sci-fi with lots of data pages chronicling the timelines of the three protagonists. But at its heart, it’s actually an incredible, emotional love story playing out over centuries.
Also, the plot that unfolds around the creation of Nimrod in issue #20 is driven by two tragic love stories – that of Orchis’ scientist, Dr. Alia Gregor, attempting to resurrect her husband, only to lose him again, as well as Mystique’s tragic quest to bring about the resurrection of her lost love, Destiny.
The other highlight of the collection for me is the final two Giant-Size X-Men one-shots. Giant-Size X-Men: Fantomex – drawn by Rod Reis – is an incredible retcon of Fantomex’s origin story. It somehow pays tribute to the awesome work already done by Grant Morrison while adding wonderful layers to Fantomex’s relationship with his ‘brother,’ Weapon XV – the Ultimaton – trapped in The World. Giant-Size X-Men: Storm – with wonderful art from Russell Dauterman – then finishes the overarching plot to save Storm’s life with a satisfying and emotional conclusion.
Marvel Comics
The only other disappointment about X-Men: Reign of X by Jonathan Hickman Vol. 2 is the knowledge that it concludes Hickman’s run on X-Men. Especially in this collection, so many of the issues set up plots and ideas that would never be finished as originally envisioned – if finished at all. Once again, Hickman’s early exit leaves me wondering, “What if?”
Finally, despite not including issues #13-15 (you’ll find them in the X of Swords collection), X-Men: Reign of X by Jonathan Hickman Vol. 2 is a great pickup for anyone who doesn’t already own Hickman’s X-Men run. At $40 for 360 pages, it’s not a bad price for what’s basically two to three trades – twelve issues, four of which are oversized. The rotating artists feature some of the top talent working at Marvel at the time. Hickman continues to tell incredibly entertaining, character-driven stories with interesting long-term ideas. I only wish he had stuck around to finish everything he set up.
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