After seeing what Scott Summers has become and who he roles with now, the original teenage team of X-Men return to the Jean Grey School For Gifted Students to find the present day Hank McCoy having a cardiac episode. This issue opens with the younger McCoy forging a mental bond with the older version of himself thanks to Jean Grey so that they may find something to keep Beast alive.

Meanwhile, the rest of the X-Men, past and present, try to sort out the whole Cyclops situation and the little matter of putting the First Class back where they belong in the timeline.

One of the big things in this issue is Jean learning everything about herself and her fate. That’s why she gets the cool cover and the epic splash page depicting her many lives. However, she’s not the only one who’s progression we get to see. Not only are we treated to the many lives and looks of Jean, but of Beast as well. First, I like how Hank sees himself in his head as his first mutation rather than the more cat-like one that’s been seen as of late. My guess is because he missed having the cool haircut like Wolverine’s (it’s a good look on Hank, I’d say). Then, by the end of the issue, young and old McCoy conjure up another mutation to save the latter’s life. Beast is starting to turn into Madonna with all these different looks. I will say that I like this one better than the last one, but nothing beats the classic 90s cartoon look.

The excellent artwork of Stuart Immonen

 

It’s mentioned that Professor Xavier will probably wipe their minds when they get back to their proper timeline and events will unfold as we have come to know them. What’s interesting to me about this is the possibility that it may not happen. What if this is the first step in a series of events that brings Jean Grey back to the Marvel Universe for real? I have some theories about this circulating in my head, so I am very anxious to keep reading to see if any of my thoughts jive with Mr. Brian Michael Bendis.

Finally, I’m glad that Warren has finally said something about no one addressing his present day self. Things are sure to heat up there and I’m looking forward to seeing it come to a boil.

Overall, this series has managed to keep it’s quality consistent and I’m looking forward to the next one.

Final Score:

 

 

ALL-NEW X-MEN #5

Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Art by STUART IMMONEN, WADE VON GRAWBADGER, & MARTE GARCIA