ALL-NEW X-MEN #22 Review (GotG Crossover)

All-New X-Men #22

by Brian Michael Bendis

Art by Stuart Immonen

As someone who has not exactly been keeping up with the comic, All-New X-Men, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with its Guardians of the Galaxy crossover event, The Trial of Jean Grey. I had heard that ANXM was dealing with time-travel, but I wasn't exactly sure how it would connect to GotG. 

Well, the issue starts off with the original X-Men team (from the past) living in the present (confusing, right?). If you read everything, including the introduction page, you won't be lost. This issue does a good job catching you up with what has happened in All-New X-Men so far. Without giving too much away, the X-Men are attacked by alien forces, which is why the Guardians show up.

First off, don't expect too much of Guardians of the Galaxy in this issue. Make no mistake about it, this is very much an X-Men comic. It mostly deals (superbly, I must say) with the relationship between Cyclops and Jean Grey. We will definitely be seeing more Rocket Raccoon and Groot action in the issues to come. This issue serves as a brief introduction between the two teams. It's a great introduction to the storyline, however, and it made me a little anxious to see what happens next. Thankfully, we only have to wait one more week before Guardians of the Galaxy #11 (part two of this story) is released.

The writing in this issue by Brian Michael Bendis was great, with humor that comes from character interactions and not one-liners. It made me want to go back and read the last few issues of ANXM, just to become more familiar with the story. The illustrations by Stuart Immonen are very good as well. So good that I couldn't help but wish that he illustrated some more Guardians of the Galaxy in the future.

Overall, a solid issue, but like I said, don't expect much Guardians action.
Raiting: 4.5/5