ALL-NEW X-MEN #23 Review

All-New X-Men #23

Story by: Brian Michael Bendis

Art by: Stuart Immonen and Wade Von Grawbadger

Colors by: Marte Gracia

Last year, when I heard that the Guardians of the Galaxy would be teaming up with the All-New X-Men, honestly, I was a little bit skeptical. I wasn't sure if the two teams would really mesh well together. However, after reading the first three issues of The Trial of Jean Grey, consider me a believer. This storyline is so intrinsically fun, that it's hard to pick out any flaws with it at all. 

This issue starts off with Cyclops waking up on The Guardians' ship. Immediately, we are showered with Bendis' signature humor. Many jokes derive from the culture shock the X-Men receive, hanging out with a talking raccoon and tree in space. It isn't all fun and games though. Bendis, Immonen, and Von Grawbadger have done a great job conveying the sense of isolation Jean Grey feels, as she's held prisoner by the Shi'ar.

 Of course, that's not to say there aren't any flaws. For die-hard fans of Guardians (such as myself), it's a little annoying to witness Rocket Raccoon's continued annoyance with the 'raccoon' label (Why would his name be Rocket Raccoon if he was annoyed by being called 'a raccoon?'). It doesn't make any sense at all, and the retcon has a bad aftertaste.

Other than that one minor setback, All-New X-Men #23 is a fun comic, which ends on a great cliffhanger, as someone from Cyclop's past is brought into the mix.

Overall Rating: 4/5

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