The X-Cellent #1 Review - Sometimes Dead Is Better
Writer: Peter Milligan | Artist: Michael Allred | Publisher: Marvel Comics
Peter Milligan and Mike Allred’s run-on X-Force which evolved into X-Statix is my favorite take on the X-Force franchise by a wide margin. The series was different from the X-Books that were being released at the time.
The group also stood out because of the team’s celebrity status in relation to most mutant titles. The series was also distinct in that readers could not get attached to any of the cast. X-Statix team members were subject to being killed off at any time. Not even DC’s Suicide Squad had a larger rotating cast of characters. If nothing else, I will always admire the creative team’s ability to keep me invested in characters that may only be around for an issue or two.
The focus of The X-Cellent #1 is split between X-Statix and The X-Cellent. The X-Cellent are a new group of mutants led by Zeitgeist, The original leader of this iteration of X-Force. The comic is dedicated to public perceptions of both teams.
While I appreciate Peter and Mike being true to the spirit of their take on these characters, we have lived through 20+ years of celebrity/reality TV culture. Unfortunately, a lot of jokes and references to social media culture feel dated.
I also thought it was odd that in the Krakoa era of X-Men the mutants of X-Statix/X-Cellent are still dead. The oversight may be explained in this series, but X-Statix has always been detached from mainline X-Men titles so, shrugs.
Mike and Laura Allred have not missed a step and the art direction for The X-Cellent is just as solid as ever. I get that the art may not be for everyone but the simpler style contrast against the shocking violence and humor was always a key selling point for the series.
I was not blown away by this issue and was bored at times reading it. The celebrity obsession was a bit much in current year. I am tempted to go back to my old stash and see if it was as pronounced back then. I could just be getting older and now have different sensibilities.
In Short: While it is nice to revisit these characters. I am not sure if the X-Statix format still has legs in 2022.