What’s It About?
© 2024 Marvel
Prepare for an exquisite manga reinterpretation of the beloved X-Men universe!
Meet Jubilation Lee, a spirited teenager harboring a thrilling secret: she’s a mutant, representing the next stage of human evolution, endowed with extraordinary abilities. While all she desires is the simplicity of a typical life filled with mall excursions to escape her overbearing parents, her dreams are shattered when the relentless mutant-hunting robots known as Sentinels set their sights on her. Join Jubilee on a gripping adventure as she navigates the tumultuous world of the X-Men—mutant heroes constantly grappling with societal rejection and fear, yet remaining steadfast in their oath to safeguard a world that labels them as villains. This classic manga series is a must-read for any fan of the franchise!
The iconic X-Men: The Animated Series captured hearts worldwide and served as the definitive introduction to Marvel’s mutants! This cherished manga adaptation, long-out-of-print, triumphantly returns to shelves, boasting a fresh remaster in a stunning deluxe edition, making it the quintessential collector’s item for X-Men enthusiasts!
X-Men: The Manga: Remastered features exquisite storytelling and artistry by notable creators—including Hiroshi Higuchi, Koji Yasue, Miyako Cojima, Reiji Hagiwara, Rei Nakahara, and Hirofumi Ichikawa—with English translations skillfully handled by Mutsumi Masuda and David Evelyn. Produced by Viz Media and set for release on November 12, 2024, it promises to be an essential addition for both manga and superhero aficionados.
Is It Worth Reading?
© 2024 Marvel
MrAJCosplay
Rating:
For those who remember the thrill of the X-Men saga, especially if you were entranced by the nineties animated series, you’ll likely appreciate X-Men: The Manga. This captivating adaptation provides a manga rendition of the original animated episodes, with some modern twists. Freed from the restrictions of nineties television censorship, characters venture into uncharted territory, expressing their emotions more freely, and even showcasing Wolverine with a cigar! While its fidelity to the animated series can be a double-edged sword—offering a refreshing way to relive the story for newcomers, it may come off as redundant for seasoned fans who yearn for more innovation in storytelling.
Artistically, the visuals offer a nostalgic homage, breathing new life into familiar characters, with notable highlights being Wolverine and Gambit, whose manga transformations stand out impressively. Unfortunately, some characters face stylistic challenges: Jubilee appears markedly different from her peers, and the overall rounded edges can detract from the intensity of action sequences. Expanding panel layouts would have greatly enhanced the visual experience, but as it stands, the artwork can sometimes feel overcrowded and chaotic.
Despite these visual critiques, the themes woven into the X-Men narrative resonate powerfully even in today’s society. The issues of prejudice and acceptance depicted amongst Marvel’s mutants draw striking parallels to both historical and contemporary realities. It’s my belief that everyone should engage with at least some X-Men content throughout their lives, as the franchise remains a beacon of relevance. If the original animated series is unfamiliar to you, consider this manga a fantastic gateway; however, for veterans well-versed in the X-Men lore, seeking something more innovative may be the wiser path.
© 2024 Marvel
Kevin Cormack
Rating:
If you were a child of the 90s, reading this hefty volume will undoubtedly evoke fond memories. Marvel’s groundbreaking 76-episode X-Men: The Animated Series served as many fans’ first encounter with this iconic superhero ensemble, originally conceived by Stan Lee in the 1960s and later popularized by Chris Claremont’s monumental Uncanny X-Men run beginning in 1975. The animated series captivated audiences globally, adapting pivotal story arcs such as Days of Future Past and The Dark Phoenix Saga. I vividly recall watching the series religiously on Saturday mornings in the UK, eagerly anticipating each new episode terwijl suffering through its cliffhanger endings.
This collection stands out as a unique fascination—a manga spin on an American animated adaptation drawn from the original comic books. Each chapter corresponds with a single episode from the show, replicating its narrative meticulously, right down to dialogue. Despite the creative contributions of several artists, some demonstration of familiarity with the source comics remains questionable. The artwork varies significantly among the creators: Hiroshi Higuchi’s opening chapter presents an exceptionally adorable rendition of Jubilation Lee, reminiscent of Tezuka’s style, while strange inconsistencies arise, such as the portrayal of Storm as white initially—an oversight that stands in stark contrast to her established African heritage.
Fortunately, individual characters shine remarkably, with Wolverine, grueling yet determined, delivering captivating moments against a fierce Sabretooth, vying for the affection of Jean Grey alongside the often-somber Cyclops. This volume serves primarily as a delightful historical relic—a simpler representation of the X-Men distinct from their current Marvel Comics iterations. As a gateway to these beloved characters, it succeeds, much as the original animated series did. Adapting only the first half of the season, the second volume will cover the remaining episodes. It might serve well as a gift for a younger relative intrigued by both manga and superheroes; however, beyond nostalgia, I doubt many readers over twelve will seek to invest time in this version of the X-Men.
© 2024 Marvel
Jean-Karlo Lemus
Rating:
Following the remarkable success of X-Men ’97, Viz proudly presents a remaster of the beloved 1990s X-Men manga. It’s apparent the mutants enjoyed immense popularity in Japan, just as they did in the U.S. during the heyday of the animated series, garnering a genuine cult following!
If you’re anticipating quirky Japanese artistic twists—like chibi interpretations of Wolverine or exclusive Japan-only characters—prepare for a different experience. This manga serves as a faithful representation of the classic X-Men cartoon. For those unfamiliar with the original cartoon, I refrain from commenting on the adequacy of this adaptation; however, the engaging storylines, depicting a group of misunderstood individuals fighting against societal prejudice, effectively resonate with readers. The narrative tackles serious themes of discrimination, highlighting the hypocrisy within society as seen through the eyes of characters like The Beast during his kangaroo court trial.
The artwork evokes both admiration and critique, employing a “round-robin” format where each chapter is illustrated by a different artist, resulting in inconsistency regarding character representation amid the narrative. While some artists excel at crafting immersive backgrounds, others compromise the characters’ consistency. Specific chapters falter by neglecting to reflect Storm’s vital identity as a black woman, a mistake not present in latter sections. A humorous mention goes to one chapter where the role of Magneto humorously mirrors that of Yoshikage Kira.
A rare delight emerges with the U.S. republishing of X-Men: The Manga, appealing to both X-Men lovers and manga enthusiasts alike. It stands as an excellent entry point for younger audiences itching to explore the X-Men legacy. Strongly recommended for all!
