“Refuge”
Writer: Scott Gray
Art: Roger Cruz
Colors: Val Staples
Marvel’s surprisingly good First Class stories continue, this time with the second team of X-Men and a surprise appearance by the Inhumans, in probably one of the better Nightcrawler centric stories we’ve seen in a while. Spoilers within!
Essentially a character study of Nightcrawler, Uncanny X-Men First Class features Kurt Wagner exploring New York only to discover that the mobs there are no different than the mobs from Germany. The Inhumans show up and catch the eye of the distraught mutant, and allow Colossus and Nightcrawler to come tour the Inhumans home of Attilan, where Nightcrawler is convinced he wants to stay so he’ll be accepted. Colossus tries to talk him out of it, but Nightcrawler is convinced…at least, until he learns the secret of the Inhumans powers and the Terrigen Mists.
I’ve really enjoyed the First Class books. Both X-Men First Class and Wolverine First Class have stuck to being lighthearted affairs with plenty of humor and fun mixed in with strong storytelling, weaved around the timeline of classic X-Men mythos. Uncanny X-Men First Class, with its broadened, ethnically diverse cast, takes the concept and runs screaming with it. The focus on Nightcrawler is especially nice, as Kurt has become far more confidant and self-assured, making this likely the first time fans will see Kurt’s early years and the sorrow he endured. Its also fun to see the early X-Men mingling with the Inhumans.
Art continues to be gorgeous on this book. The cartoonish style really works for it, and creates a visually appealing story that flows perfectly.
Uncanny X-Men First Class is a strong story, and its unfortunate that its only an 8 part mini-series. Regardless, this is a fun book and worth picking up, especially if you’re a fan of the classic X-Men. Uncanny X-Men First Class #1 gets a B.