Marvel NOW! is well underway and appears to be doing well. The move has brought with it re-launches of previously ongoing comic book series as well as new series. One of those comics is All New X-Men #1. This new series is being written by Brian Michael Bends, drawn by Stuart Immonen, inked by Wade Von Grawbadger, colored by Marte Gracia and lettered by Cory Petit.

When All New X-Men was announced, there were several concepts that did not sit right with some fans. One of those was Brian Michael Bendis being the series writer. I’ll admit I questioned Bendis’ involvement on this book. I am a long-time X-Men fan and was around for Bendis’ run on the Avengers franchise, which wasn’t always great. Many fans have voiced their concerns about that run and him handling this series. Those worries can be put to rest here. Bendis is a talented writer and brings that skill to the X-Men.

Cyclops has been liberated from prison following the events of Avengers vs. X-Men and AvX: Consequences. This is in thanks to Magneto, Emma Frost and Magik. He re-joins them to recruit newly mutated citizens of the world. The Cyclops fan and X-Man in me immediately fell in love with a three particular panels in which Cyke declares his stand on mutants in the world and the X-Men. Stuart Immonen's depiction of Summers making the "X" with his forearms is an image that X-Men and Cyclops fans as well as comic book readers in general will be never forget.

Stuart Immonen and Wade Von Grawbadger have collaborated on multiple projects before and you can expect the same high quality level of work here. His characters look great all around. From a storytelling standpoint, his pencils convey the script well. Marte Gracia adds in his colors to really make the book come alive.

As previously stated, I was hesitant to pick this book up, but Bendis definitely eliminated those reservations. This book excels in both writing and visuals. The X-Men are in a very different place following Avengers vs. X-Men. This series opens up the next chapter for the mutant population. If you are a fan of Bendis, Immonen, the X-Men and/or Avengers, I recommend picking up this series.

I purchased this comic book with my own funds.