Review: All-New X-Men #13
Issue #13 of Brian Michael Bendis’ and Stuart Immonen’s All-New X-Men opens with quite the bang, as Jean Grey goes full-on Dark Phoenix on everyone in a gorgeous two-page spread. From there, the story reverses six hours as Wolverine, Kitty, and the Originals investigate the ruins of Resilient International (an earlier target of Mystique’s). Jean attempts to use her new-found telepathy to hide them, but she is of course still learning. Mystique, meanwhile, is having some conflict with Lady Mastermind, but finally divulges her plan: to buy Madripoor from Hydra.
Back on the X-Jet, the team discusses Havok’s infamous “Don’t call me a mutant” speech from Uncanny Avengers, and Kitty Pryde shares a personal story from her youth about being Jewish and what that means to her. Ultimately, the team interrupts Mystique’s deal with Madame Hydra, Lady Mastermind notices Jean, and decides to get some payback for what Jean did/will do to her father. Phoenix Forces ensue.
This is the issue of All-New X-Men where things finally happen. The Originals are finally out of the mansion. Mystique’s plan is finally revealed. The team finally gets to fight. The promises of twelve previous issues are finally starting to pay off and it feels fantastic. But the issue isn’t all punching and action! There’s more of the excellent character work that has made it so well-liked before now. The scene where Kitty Pryde shares what being Jewish – and being a mutant – means to her was really touching, and it seems apparent that Bendis does not agree with Rick Remender’s views on mutanthood. Iceman continues to shine, with one of the most distinct voices in the book. Even Mystique and Mastermind’s game of chicken plays out well.
Looks-wise, All-New X-Men continues to be one of the best-looking books on shelves today. The Phoenix scenes and action sequences look great, but honestly it’s Kitty’s speech that really steals the show – from Iceman’s “Pepperoni” line to Jean’s rapt attention, to Kitty fierceness. Immonen’s art and Rain Beredo’s colors are an excellent combination that bring one of the best issues of this series so far.
Aside from a few nitpicks (after thirteen issues, are we really supposed to believe the team didn’t know Wolverine’s name or power??), issue #13 might be the high water mark of the series, and hopefully things will continue to improve for an already strong series.
