The Allreds make with the gorgeous visuals, while Milligan's story deepens the mystery around Zeitgeist, while another X-Statix member buys the farm. or do they? Read Full Review

But you cant talk about X-Statixor The X-Cellentwithout mentioning the great Michael Allred, whose art looks just as good (and exactly the same) as it did back in 2001. Im glad Marvel didnt feel the need to update the look of this book with new art, because Allreds Lichtenstein-esque visuals just work for the vibe of these characters and this premise. The smoothness and vibrancy of Allreds art contrast the ironic, acerbic, and often violent nature of Milligans writing in a way that I cant imagine seeing any other artist tackle it. (This technically has already happened in other X-Statix titles, but the point is that Im glad he returns to his original creation with this series.) And you also cant talk about Michael Allred without his wife Laura, who once again colors his work with a candy-coated palette that counters the tartness of Milligans script with sweetness. Read Full Review

There are new targets and topics at play, but the core formula for this series' success hasn't varied much in the past few decades. That includes the appearances of some long-gone faces and one of the first and most familiar storytelling tropes that will keep fans on their toes as this new spin on the team proceeds. Read Full Review

This first issue is a little too reliant on that Giant-Size issue that came out nearly three years ago, but it's great having Milligan and the Allreds working in this world again, so I'm excited to see what's to come. The artwork is sublime. Read Full Review

A fantastic continuation of the "X-Statix" comics for fans of the original, less exciting if you're new to the team and hoping to jump in on a new first issue. Read Full Review

X-Cellent # 1 will be loved by returning readers, but rejected by those trying to jump in for the first time. The current story added with the expectation that we know what has already happened can be so much from the first half of the issue. The characters are fun and the themes inside the script work well, but the momentum of the comic is limp. It is fantastic seeing the creative team reunite, but ultimately this premier issue is disappointing. Read Full Review

Might be a bit of a surprise if you haven't read the X-Statix Giant issue with the new cast. But as a fan of camp I have to love this stuff. No situation is ever boring and the characters personalities fill up scenarios left and right. Plus there's a real sense of suspense on the feeling anyone can die...

Okay, yes mutants can always come back to life with the Five these days. But come on, this is one X book that doesn't stay connected with Krakoa, they feel like superheroes on a variety show. In fact that's one of the appeals of Milligan and Allred's saga, it's very much its own identity devoid of relationships with other Marvel stories. That's what helps make this series so notable, it does whatever it wants without getting roped into the insanity of the Marvel universe; because it has plenty of its own. more

Allred! Great artist. Great characters.

I get that the theme they're building is that the X-Statix have become dated and lame -- why else would you throw in an ironically unironic "you millenials and your [x]" joke? -- but it's just not coming across as sharp and smart as the creators hope. The whole thing is at risk of disappearing into its own navel, or other less savory orifices.

At least it comes with a splendid serving of Allred art!

"Sometimes Dead Is Better"

The X-Cellent #1
Writer: Peter Milligan | Artist: Michael Allred | Publisher: Marvel Comics | Variant cover by David Mack

**Review**
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

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I really liked that one-shot released way back, but this isn't nearly as good. It felt poorly paced, like it was juggling way too much, and I just didn't enjoy it. It's a slog. Shame that the art is as good as it is.

Never was a fan of Milligan, guess some things never change. If you're a fan of Doom Patrol and that sort of weirdness, you'll like this. I think it's dumb and it's weird for the sake of being weird. This isn't for me.

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• Sup3rsa1yan1990
• KFuqua

Sup3rsa1yan1990 - Feb 6, 2022

Which of the new x books do you recommend, if any. I hopped off after that stupid hellfire gala, is it worth even looking again?

Merlyn - Feb 6, 2022

I'd definitely recommend Hellions, it was really good. Then, depending on your taste maybe S.W.O.R.D., Way of X or X-Men. S.W.O.R.D. stars really well but wasn't very good in the last half, Way of X starts exceptionally well but ends with a thud. And X-Men is very action oriented but the story suffers a bit.

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Nothing good about this one.