Review by Antony Ellis

Writer: Chris Claremont

Pencils: Tom Grummett

Inker: C. Hamscher

Colourist: Wilfredo Quintana

Letterer: Tom Orzechowski

Assistant Editors: Jordan White & Charles Beckerman

Editor: Mark Paniccia

“Love – & Loss: Part Two of Five”

Having the opportunity to speak with Chris Claremont last month on ­X-Addiction was awesome and I was awestruck from the get go (as my wife took pleasure in pointing out!) However, I’m a serious comic book journalist and my interviewing Mr. Claremont doesn’t mean that X-Men Forever gets a pass just with Chris being a friend of the show. That being said – I need not worry at the moment as the quality of X-Men Forever is astounding and continues its nostalgic trip down memory lane which commenced in the first issue this month.

The X-Men still recovering from their run in with Fabian Cortez have added distress as a psychic attack leaves the majority of the team unconscious, with Jean in particular worse hit after having her psychic link to Wolverine ripped apart suddenly.

Nick Fury again features prominently in this issue and Claremont ties in nice little references to Beast’s history with the Avengers and Nick Fury’s past that really help to tie this book into continuity in the era to which fits chronologically. It goes without saying that Claremont knows these characters inside and out and he writes them brilliantly, focusing heavily on Storm and in particular the edginess and bloodlust that she still possesses following her encounter with the Brood and the violence that followed circa Uncanny X-Men #173.

The main crux of the issue is given away by the cover with Sabretooth featuring to provide the major action and fight scene. This battle is great to watch and we get to see more of the mansion as a result, but we also get hints at Claremont’s plan for Sabretooth and his relationship with Wolverine.

Tom Grummett’s art is fantastic throughout and feels very classic while still managing to use modern panelling techniques and perspectives. One stand out moment is the reveal of Sabretooth as he attempts to ambush Storm, with both characters looking amazing. Grummett also does a good job of recreating iconic rooms in the mansion including The Danger Room and the all important infirmary – for a long time X-Fan, it really is pretty cool.

X-Men Forever was another project that I was dubious about when it was first announced earlier this winter, but it really is a fun book and the stories don’t feel tacked on “what ifs”, as Claremont manages to effortless recapture his series when he was at the top of his game.

Rating: 8 out of 10 (On its way to Greatness!)