I'm glad I've been hanging on to this issue and I know that when X-Men #12 hits the shelves, it'll be on the top of my pile of comics to read. This was a slow burn, X-Men, but you're bringing me back. I want this big story arc to end (but not too soon) and then do some heavy focus on some of these really interesting character dynamics that have been developing. If I get that, I can be a happy fan. Read Full Review

This book has had to overcome a lot. First there was the whole weird marketing of it, as a book about female X-Men that didn't want to be known as a book about female X-Men. Then "Battle of the Atom" hijacked the series way too soon, forcing it to start again from a full stop. Now of course it has the arc within an arc, which exists only to try to sell the #1.NOW gimmick, but regardless, the series has built up a lot of momentum again. Despite my plot nitpick, it's even using the Jean Grey School (as a backdrop) better than the titles it is front and center in. Even the villains get a fair shake in this issue, with enough time to be developed as characters without making the whole comic about them. Read Full Review

VerdictNeither of those points stop this book from being incredibly enjoyable. Theres a reason this book is a breakout hit of Marvel Now! Its got an amazing roster with some incredible creators behind it telling stories that revolve around old characters used in novel and interesting ways as well as teaming up characters who arent usually seen together, and who may not like each other very much (the dynamic between Monet and Rachel Summers is delightful) coupled with some of the best art in the industry. Read Full Review

This issue gets a 7.8 for magnificent art all around, great character development of Ana Cortes, and a fun second half featuring the younger X-Men. This is the best issue of X-Men since Battle of the Atom, and I'm excited for the next issue. Read Full Review

All in all, this is actually a very good issue. Taken on their own, both sections of the book are well done and do an excellent job of making me want to read the next issue. I am left to wonder though, how much better it could have been if the backup story had been sprinkled through the lead story as it typically would be. Read Full Review

The art again is split between Kris Anka and Clay Mann. There's more of an attempt to separate their two portions of the story, which would be nice if not for the fact that the continuity between their two sections is perplexing. At this point, the scenes of the younger X-Men battling Sentinels seem almost pointless in the context of the larger conflict. Read Full Review

For all of the threats and fear-mongering, things are too simple in some regards. It's as if Wood has given up on the chess game for a few toys in the box. Remember when you played with your action figures/dolls but you had to put down the toy that wasn't speaking or involved in the conversation to pick up the one that was? That's what this issue feels like. Read Full Review

Despite this unrealized potential, the death and resurrection theme remains a consistent and compelling feature of X-men #11. More than anything, it establishes the Sisterhood as a powerful threat that will test the all-female X-men in ways nothing else has to this point. It can do without the ongoing side-plots with Jubilee, John Sublime, and the other students at the Jean Grey Institute. These are characters that have no history of dying and coming back to life yet. Selene and Madelyne Pryor do have that history. This along with their choice of attire makes them a much more compelling story and one where too much material was wasted for no good reason. Read Full Review

"X-Men" #11 is a disappointment in what has otherwise been a strong run. With a few too many careless mistakes and some poor set up, Brian Wood's writing falters and ultimately suffers for it. However, Kris Anka does a wonderful job with the issue as a whole; if there's any reason to pick up this book, it's the artwork. Read Full Review