Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
All the Claremont stuff was enjoyable aside from some weird stuff involving Wolverine lecturing people on not killing when, you know, he's Wolverine. Rachel is a little too whiny for my liking but I still enjoy her story.
The issue with this Omnibus is about half of it is filler. I'm not crazy about annuals but I at least can respect those being put in. The Nightcrawler miniseries is fun, all I can say there. But holy shit I hated Longshot. I genuinely debated just giving up the omnibus because of how insufferable I found it and it doesn't help because as of right now Longshot isn't super involved with the main story. The writing was wack, the story was boring, but the art was pretty cool I'll give it that.
Finishing this Omni felt more like a chore then the others and I really think they should've found a better way to bridge to Mutant Massacre, I would've been perfectly happy with a cheaper and smaller Omni without Longshot and Nightcrawler (even though I enjoyed that one).
The issue with this Omnibus is about half of it is filler. I'm not crazy about annuals but I at least can respect those being put in. The Nightcrawler miniseries is fun, all I can say there. But holy shit I hated Longshot. I genuinely debated just giving up the omnibus because of how insufferable I found it and it doesn't help because as of right now Longshot isn't super involved with the main story. The writing was wack, the story was boring, but the art was pretty cool I'll give it that.
Finishing this Omni felt more like a chore then the others and I really think they should've found a better way to bridge to Mutant Massacre, I would've been perfectly happy with a cheaper and smaller Omni without Longshot and Nightcrawler (even though I enjoyed that one).
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I sure wish Secret Wars II wasn't in this as much as it was. I absolutely loved Nightcrawler's mini-series, I adore the whimsical silly stories like this and the fact that it connected in with Kitty's fairytale just was a complete delight. I found the Longshot mini-series to be pretty confusing and probably ought to re-read it at some point now that I've read enough into the series where he joins the team.
The main stuff is solid but doesn’t hit the highs of earlier in the series, and there are some weird issues / mini-series added in to fill the omnibus that I was less interested in (the annuals aren’t usually my thing)
This omnibus has some real highs: Lifedeath II, The Trial of Magneto, most of Rachel’s arc, the Wolverine vs. Deathstrike issue, and Psylocke’s addition to the team. Unfortunately, there are some weaker issues, and Longshot has just never done much for me. :/ It’s still quite good, but more mixed than the truly great issues.
Uncanny X-Men #194 ⧫ 4 Stars “Juggernaut's Back in Town”
Nimrod arrives, and though he’s not my favorite villain, this is a pretty cool battle issue, showing how powerful Nimrod is while also giving the Juggernaut his due. It’s a basic writing device that a new enemy showing up to trounce a previous strong enemy establishes a threat, but it’s often done poorly, disrespecting or disregarding an established villain. Here Juggernaut has some fun, and the reader sees each X-Man respond; then, Nimrod shows up more to make the fight cool than to just beat Juggernaut.
Uncanny X-Men #195 ⧫ 4 Stars “It Was a Dark and Stormy Night...!”
Another great issue that works best if you know who Power Pack is, but it’s not required. I’m reading Power Pack for the first time, and it’s delightful. There are some great moments for our featured X-Men: Wolverine, Rogue, Kitty, and Rachel. Also, the cliffhanger is so good, but it leads into Secret Wars II #1, which is garbage.
*Nightcrawler is away, and I believe his series, collected at the end of this omnibus, is here chronologically since Nightcrawler mentions it had occurred the previous year in issue 204.*
Uncanny X-Men #196 ⧫ 3 Stars “What Was That?!!”
I like several aspects of this, but the Beyonder really makes this feel like a different book. Claremont is holding it together, but it’s a more confused issue. Oh, and Kitty says the N-word to a black man to make a point about using the “mutie” slur… I know what it’s trying to do, but this has not aged well. The Kitty cigar scene is funny, at least. At least the “Lifedeath II” and “The Trial of Magneto!” are coming up!
Uncanny X-Men #197 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “To Save Arcade?!?”
This is a really fun issue with Kitty and Colossus rebuilding their relationship along with some surprisingly entertaining stuff from Arcade (for a joke villain, he has some strong issues). DOOMTRAIN!
Uncanny X-Men #198 ⧫ 5 Stars “Lifedeath: From the Heart of Darkness”
The second part of Storm’s story is also excellent. Left for dead in Africa, Storm finds her way from death to life. I also appreciate that Clarmeont doesn’t go for the easy [and stupid] nature is better than technology route. The “Lifedeath” issues thrive on being complex and beautiful.
Uncanny X-Men #199 ⧫ 5 Stars “The Spiral Path”
Another great Rachel issue! This seeds three great storylines that have a huge impact on the team. This omnibus would probably be an easy five-star if not for the Secret Wars II nonsense.
New Mutants Special Edition #1 ⧫ 4 Stars “Home Is Where the Heart Is”
Despite having a somewhat silly opening, most of what happens is character development for the team. Moonstar, Karma, Cannonball, and Magik have probably the best arcs with Moonstar’s journey particularly echoing in the future. Magma’s isn’t great, but the others are fine. The team definitely looks like twenty-somethings the way Arthur Adams draws them, which helps make the opening more palatable. I wish this stayed with the New Mutants as the next issue…
Uncanny X-Men Annual #9 ⧫ 3 Stars “There's No Place Like Home”
The X-Men arrive, and the story gets way too cluttered. Why have the full team? Kitty, Colossus, Storm, and maybe Nightcrawler would have been better. It’s still cool, but there’s just not enough room.
Uncanny X-Men #200 ⧫ 5 Stars “The Trial of Magneto!”
The end of an era, and the start of maybe the greatest Magneto arcs, though one could argue that “God Loves, Man Kills” is the start; this is where it picks up. I strongly recommend reading New Mutants #35 after this.
Uncanny X-Men #201 ⧫ 4.5 Stars “Duel”
Rick Leonardi guest pencils one of my favorite issues. Storm [easily] beats Cyclops to become the leader of the X-Men because Cyclops is stupid. Oh sorry, he doesn’t realize that he needs to retire to take care of his family. It’s a very emotional issue, but it really works.
Uncanny X-Men #202 ⧫ 4 Stars “X-Men... I've Gone To Kill -- The Beyonder!”
Rachel is right! Seriously, I love the continued Rachel character work, leave it to Claremont to really effectively use the Beyonder, but man, he needs to go. Also, there’s some really spectacular art in this!
Uncanny X-Men #203 ⧫ 4 Stars “Crossroads”
Rachel vs. the Beyonder concludes with another meditation on the use of power, and the importance of struggle. Look, the Beyonder is dumb, but Claremont really made these issues count.
Uncanny X-Men #204 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “What Happened to Nightcrawler?”
A pretty fun episode about Nightcrawler regaining his confidence. I wish it was a little more substantial, but I have been continually surprised at how effectively Claremont uses Arcade.
Uncanny X-Men #205 ⧫ 5 Stars “Wounded Wolf”
Damn, Windsor-Smith Wolverine might be the best Wolverine. This issue is why Lady Deathstrike is a classic Wolverine villain. Believe it or not, Yuriko Oyama originated in Daredevil #197-199 in an impressive, but more positive tale. Bill Mantlo introduced a prototype Lady Deathstrike in Alpha Flight #34 in a middling story. This is where the real bad blood begins, and it’s awesome. Katie Power guest stars, and I would never have thought to put her in the role, but damn does it work! (Shoutout to the great Power Pack series!)
Uncanny X-Men #206 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Freedom Is a Four Letter Word!”
The X-Men face the Freedom Force who are mostly the Brotherhood, but with Julia Carpenter Spider-Woman in tow. Storm gets some great stuff, and Rachel continues to struggle.
Uncanny X-Men #207 ⧫ 3 Stars “Ghosts”
While recovering from his encounter with Deathstrike, Wolverine gets drawn into Rachel’s dreams. She’s scared off and decided to take care of some unfinished business with Selene at the Hellfire Club. This is a little much. I think an issue between this and the last focusing on Nightcrawler might have made this more palatable. Cool cliffhanger, though.
Uncanny X-Men #208 ⧫ 2 Stars “Retribution”
The X-Men and Hellfire Club fight, and Wolverine [Claremont] tries to make a better argument than last issue. I think Claremont is stretched a little thin with the Annuals and upcoming crossover again because it doesn’t really make sense. I had to kill her to prevent her from killing a killer, so she wouldn’t become a killer? What?
Uncanny X-Men #209 ⧫ 3 Stars “Salvation”
A huge Nimrod battle issue that’s just way better.
Nightcrawler #1 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “How Much Is That Boggie in the Window?”
This series is super fun, even when it gets a bit ridiculous. More Nightcrawler as a Science-Fantasy swashbuckler, less of the cosmic nonsense of that Iceman miniseries.
Nightcrawler #2 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “A Boggie Day in L'un Dun-T'wn”
I honestly wonder if the series was meant to end here because this ends the first arc, and the last two, while fun, seem more superfluous.
Nightcrawler #3 ⧫ 3 Stars “To Bamf, or Not to Bamf!”
Cute, but a little too wacky
Nightcrawler #4 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Wizard of Oops”
The wackiness ends. Overall, pretty fun!
Longshot #1 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “A Man Without a Past”
I suppose this sets up an interesting mystery; unfortunately, I know where it leads, and I’m not a fan. Also, Longshot is just desperately bland with his luck powers serving more as plot convenience than interesting power. This looks great, but is incredibly hollow.
Longshot #2 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “…I’ll Wave to You from the Top!”
This sets up the love interest? I guess. I wish it didn’t linger on what Nocenti thinks movies are like because that was the dumbest part. I know it mirrors his backstory, but I don’t really care.
Longshot #3 ⧫ 2 Stars “Just Let Me Die”
This one basically devolves into madness with the themes just flowing in and out as stuff happens.
Longshot #4 ⧫ 2 Stars “Can’t Give It All Away!”
She-Hulk and Spider-Man show up, presumably to boost sales. Unfortunately, this is the full introduction of Mojo and the spineless ones… They suck.
Longshot #5 ⧫ 2 Stars “Deadly Lies”
Fighting, lots of fighting. Also, Doctor Strange shows up, so he can sorcerer ex machina next issue.
Longshot #6 ⧫ 2 Stars “A Snake Coils...”
Everything is revealed, and it’s pretty boring. I just can seem to care about Longshot or his vague interdimensional war with Mojo. I kind of prefer they stay out of my comics usually, but Claremont does better in the next couple of issues.
New Mutants Annual #2 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Why do we do these things we do?”
Alan Davis really handles the insanity of this issue well. It’s an issue where feeling trumps sense, and it’s the art that holds it together. Psylocke officially collides into the X-Books, though she bookends the issues. It’s Doug Ramsey who gets main character status with an assist from Warlock, and I really like his journey. If all Mojo stories were like this, I probably wouldn’t despise them so much.
Uncanny X-Men Annual #10 ⧫ 3 Stars “Performance”
This is sort of the less-good retread of the previous issue. Also, the graduated New Mutant costumes look terrible. The one good thing is that Psylocke continues to worry about her eyes.
Marvel Fanfare #33 ⧫ 3 Stars “Shadows on the Soul!”
It’s a comic that was part of a canceled computer game, and it’s fine. It very much reads like that. Bonus points for Rogue-Hulk and the Rogue Torch.
Other Comics Reviews
X-Men Omnibus #1
X-Men Omnibus #2
Epic Collection Volume 4: It's Always Darkest Before the Dawn
Champions Classic Complete Collection
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #1
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #2
X-Men Classic Omnibus
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #3
New Mutants Omnibus #1
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #4
Defenders Epic Collection Vol. 8: The New Defenders
Defenders Epic Collection Vol. 9: The End of All Songs
Alpha Flight Omnibus #1
Dazzler Omnibus
Captain Britain Omnibus
Uncanny X-Men #194 ⧫ 4 Stars “Juggernaut's Back in Town”
Nimrod arrives, and though he’s not my favorite villain, this is a pretty cool battle issue, showing how powerful Nimrod is while also giving the Juggernaut his due. It’s a basic writing device that a new enemy showing up to trounce a previous strong enemy establishes a threat, but it’s often done poorly, disrespecting or disregarding an established villain. Here Juggernaut has some fun, and the reader sees each X-Man respond; then, Nimrod shows up more to make the fight cool than to just beat Juggernaut.
Uncanny X-Men #195 ⧫ 4 Stars “It Was a Dark and Stormy Night...!”
Another great issue that works best if you know who Power Pack is, but it’s not required. I’m reading Power Pack for the first time, and it’s delightful. There are some great moments for our featured X-Men: Wolverine, Rogue, Kitty, and Rachel. Also, the cliffhanger is so good, but it leads into Secret Wars II #1, which is garbage.
*Nightcrawler is away, and I believe his series, collected at the end of this omnibus, is here chronologically since Nightcrawler mentions it had occurred the previous year in issue 204.*
Uncanny X-Men #196 ⧫ 3 Stars “What Was That?!!”
I like several aspects of this, but the Beyonder really makes this feel like a different book. Claremont is holding it together, but it’s a more confused issue. Oh, and Kitty says the N-word to a black man to make a point about using the “mutie” slur… I know what it’s trying to do, but this has not aged well. The Kitty cigar scene is funny, at least. At least the “Lifedeath II” and “The Trial of Magneto!” are coming up!
Uncanny X-Men #197 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “To Save Arcade?!?”
This is a really fun issue with Kitty and Colossus rebuilding their relationship along with some surprisingly entertaining stuff from Arcade (for a joke villain, he has some strong issues). DOOMTRAIN!
Uncanny X-Men #198 ⧫ 5 Stars “Lifedeath: From the Heart of Darkness”
The second part of Storm’s story is also excellent. Left for dead in Africa, Storm finds her way from death to life. I also appreciate that Clarmeont doesn’t go for the easy [and stupid] nature is better than technology route. The “Lifedeath” issues thrive on being complex and beautiful.
Uncanny X-Men #199 ⧫ 5 Stars “The Spiral Path”
Another great Rachel issue! This seeds three great storylines that have a huge impact on the team. This omnibus would probably be an easy five-star if not for the Secret Wars II nonsense.
New Mutants Special Edition #1 ⧫ 4 Stars “Home Is Where the Heart Is”
Despite having a somewhat silly opening, most of what happens is character development for the team. Moonstar, Karma, Cannonball, and Magik have probably the best arcs with Moonstar’s journey particularly echoing in the future. Magma’s isn’t great, but the others are fine. The team definitely looks like twenty-somethings the way Arthur Adams draws them, which helps make the opening more palatable. I wish this stayed with the New Mutants as the next issue…
Uncanny X-Men Annual #9 ⧫ 3 Stars “There's No Place Like Home”
The X-Men arrive, and the story gets way too cluttered. Why have the full team? Kitty, Colossus, Storm, and maybe Nightcrawler would have been better. It’s still cool, but there’s just not enough room.
Uncanny X-Men #200 ⧫ 5 Stars “The Trial of Magneto!”
The end of an era, and the start of maybe the greatest Magneto arcs, though one could argue that “God Loves, Man Kills” is the start; this is where it picks up. I strongly recommend reading New Mutants #35 after this.
Uncanny X-Men #201 ⧫ 4.5 Stars “Duel”
Rick Leonardi guest pencils one of my favorite issues. Storm [easily] beats Cyclops to become the leader of the X-Men because Cyclops is stupid. Oh sorry, he doesn’t realize that he needs to retire to take care of his family. It’s a very emotional issue, but it really works.
Uncanny X-Men #202 ⧫ 4 Stars “X-Men... I've Gone To Kill -- The Beyonder!”
Rachel is right! Seriously, I love the continued Rachel character work, leave it to Claremont to really effectively use the Beyonder, but man, he needs to go. Also, there’s some really spectacular art in this!
Uncanny X-Men #203 ⧫ 4 Stars “Crossroads”
Rachel vs. the Beyonder concludes with another meditation on the use of power, and the importance of struggle. Look, the Beyonder is dumb, but Claremont really made these issues count.
Uncanny X-Men #204 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “What Happened to Nightcrawler?”
A pretty fun episode about Nightcrawler regaining his confidence. I wish it was a little more substantial, but I have been continually surprised at how effectively Claremont uses Arcade.
Uncanny X-Men #205 ⧫ 5 Stars “Wounded Wolf”
Damn, Windsor-Smith Wolverine might be the best Wolverine. This issue is why Lady Deathstrike is a classic Wolverine villain. Believe it or not, Yuriko Oyama originated in Daredevil #197-199 in an impressive, but more positive tale. Bill Mantlo introduced a prototype Lady Deathstrike in Alpha Flight #34 in a middling story. This is where the real bad blood begins, and it’s awesome. Katie Power guest stars, and I would never have thought to put her in the role, but damn does it work! (Shoutout to the great Power Pack series!)
Uncanny X-Men #206 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Freedom Is a Four Letter Word!”
The X-Men face the Freedom Force who are mostly the Brotherhood, but with Julia Carpenter Spider-Woman in tow. Storm gets some great stuff, and Rachel continues to struggle.
Uncanny X-Men #207 ⧫ 3 Stars “Ghosts”
While recovering from his encounter with Deathstrike, Wolverine gets drawn into Rachel’s dreams. She’s scared off and decided to take care of some unfinished business with Selene at the Hellfire Club. This is a little much. I think an issue between this and the last focusing on Nightcrawler might have made this more palatable. Cool cliffhanger, though.
Uncanny X-Men #208 ⧫ 2 Stars “Retribution”
The X-Men and Hellfire Club fight, and Wolverine [Claremont] tries to make a better argument than last issue. I think Claremont is stretched a little thin with the Annuals and upcoming crossover again because it doesn’t really make sense. I had to kill her to prevent her from killing a killer, so she wouldn’t become a killer? What?
Uncanny X-Men #209 ⧫ 3 Stars “Salvation”
A huge Nimrod battle issue that’s just way better.
Nightcrawler #1 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “How Much Is That Boggie in the Window?”
This series is super fun, even when it gets a bit ridiculous. More Nightcrawler as a Science-Fantasy swashbuckler, less of the cosmic nonsense of that Iceman miniseries.
Nightcrawler #2 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “A Boggie Day in L'un Dun-T'wn”
I honestly wonder if the series was meant to end here because this ends the first arc, and the last two, while fun, seem more superfluous.
Nightcrawler #3 ⧫ 3 Stars “To Bamf, or Not to Bamf!”
Cute, but a little too wacky
Nightcrawler #4 ⧫ 3 Stars “The Wizard of Oops”
The wackiness ends. Overall, pretty fun!
Longshot #1 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “A Man Without a Past”
I suppose this sets up an interesting mystery; unfortunately, I know where it leads, and I’m not a fan. Also, Longshot is just desperately bland with his luck powers serving more as plot convenience than interesting power. This looks great, but is incredibly hollow.
Longshot #2 ⧫ 2.5 Stars “…I’ll Wave to You from the Top!”
This sets up the love interest? I guess. I wish it didn’t linger on what Nocenti thinks movies are like because that was the dumbest part. I know it mirrors his backstory, but I don’t really care.
Longshot #3 ⧫ 2 Stars “Just Let Me Die”
This one basically devolves into madness with the themes just flowing in and out as stuff happens.
Longshot #4 ⧫ 2 Stars “Can’t Give It All Away!”
She-Hulk and Spider-Man show up, presumably to boost sales. Unfortunately, this is the full introduction of Mojo and the spineless ones… They suck.
Longshot #5 ⧫ 2 Stars “Deadly Lies”
Fighting, lots of fighting. Also, Doctor Strange shows up, so he can sorcerer ex machina next issue.
Longshot #6 ⧫ 2 Stars “A Snake Coils...”
Everything is revealed, and it’s pretty boring. I just can seem to care about Longshot or his vague interdimensional war with Mojo. I kind of prefer they stay out of my comics usually, but Claremont does better in the next couple of issues.
New Mutants Annual #2 ⧫ 3.5 Stars “Why do we do these things we do?”
Alan Davis really handles the insanity of this issue well. It’s an issue where feeling trumps sense, and it’s the art that holds it together. Psylocke officially collides into the X-Books, though she bookends the issues. It’s Doug Ramsey who gets main character status with an assist from Warlock, and I really like his journey. If all Mojo stories were like this, I probably wouldn’t despise them so much.
Uncanny X-Men Annual #10 ⧫ 3 Stars “Performance”
This is sort of the less-good retread of the previous issue. Also, the graduated New Mutant costumes look terrible. The one good thing is that Psylocke continues to worry about her eyes.
Marvel Fanfare #33 ⧫ 3 Stars “Shadows on the Soul!”
It’s a comic that was part of a canceled computer game, and it’s fine. It very much reads like that. Bonus points for Rogue-Hulk and the Rogue Torch.
Other Comics Reviews
X-Men Omnibus #1
X-Men Omnibus #2
Epic Collection Volume 4: It's Always Darkest Before the Dawn
Champions Classic Complete Collection
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #1
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #2
X-Men Classic Omnibus
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #3
New Mutants Omnibus #1
Uncanny X-Men Omnibus #4
Defenders Epic Collection Vol. 8: The New Defenders
Defenders Epic Collection Vol. 9: The End of All Songs
Alpha Flight Omnibus #1
Dazzler Omnibus
Captain Britain Omnibus
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
With the exception of SW2 and a few things here and there, this was a really good run.
adventurous
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Gun violence, Hate crime, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia, Blood, Police brutality, Antisemitism, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Stalking, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Cultural appropriation, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, Deportation
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes