An excellent story, showing a darker side to the marvel universe. The tragic story of war in the island nation of Genosha, the gritty realism of the story along with the excellent artwork, makes for a great read. I would strongly recommend this, for it is truly, one of the few classic stories produced by Marvel.

Along the way, the five students have to find common ground to bond and become first classmates, then friends, and finally, teammates as the X-Men. In this emotionally gripping story, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's creations are seen through a modern-day point of view courtesy of writer Joe Casey (Uncanny X-Men, Superman) and artists Steve Rude (Spider-Man: Lifelines, Nexus), Paul Smith (Uncanny X-Men), and Essad Ribic (Brotherhood).

Judd Winick was on MTV's "The Real World." While on the show, Winick also launched a weekly comic strip, NUTS & BOLTS, and a later spin-off, FRUMPY THE CLOWN. He did ROAD TRIP, an Eisner nomination, and THE ADVENTURES OF BARRY WEEN, BOY GENIUS. Working with DC Comics, he has been writing the GREEN LANTERN monthly title, a ten-issue backup in Detective Comics, JOSIE MAC, and has upcoming projects for Vertigo and a Green Lantern/Green Arrow crossover. Mike McKone has worked on several X-Men titles, VEXT with Keith Giffen, SUPERMAN, MAGNUS ROBOT FIGHTER, HULK, PUNISHER, THOR, SPIDER-MAN, JUSTICE LEAGUE, and many others.

EXILES gathers the first four issues of the monthly comic series into a graphic novel that stands well on its own. The story is familiar to many fans of comics and science fiction, and it's interesting to see the different way worlds and characters could have gone. Winick's handling of Morph, the team funnyman and pratfall king, stays just this side of going over the top. The two worlds revealed in the graphic novel are interesting. Featuring Charles Xavier, the founder of the X-Men, was a given, and the rewriting of the Dark Phoenix saga wasn't too surprising. Where the book really succeeds, though, is in Mike McKone's art, especially with long-time pal and partner Mark McKenna laying in the inks with Cannon and Jimmy Palmiotti. The panels explode off the page in color, vibrancy, and immediacy. Another nice touch is that no one in this series appears to be safe. One of the main characters is killed halfway through the graphic novel, only to be replaced almost instantly with another twisted version of someone near and dear to the X-universe. The potential of the series is great and can bring about the same sense of wonder that powered the WHAT IF series.

Given the overall framework of the comic series, these first two stories lack a little. They're not overly original and despite the premise, there isn't enough real tension or development of character. Of course, Winick is trying to introduce his characters and the concept at the same time, and even kills off one of the major players. There is also a tad bit of long-windedness from time to time that covers over the beautiful artwork.

Regular readers of Marvel's X-books will definitely want to take a look at this spin on their characters and their worlds, and Mike McKone's artwork is absolutely worth collecting for any comics fan.

This is the tragic story about the origin of Sinister. Scott Summers and Jean Grey are brought back to the Victorian age. It was when Sinister was still known as Nathaniel Essex: A brilliant scientist, who was way too obsessed with reaching his goal: Creating the perfect species. He even puts his neglected wife aside in the name of science.

This is a very good story about love, the difficult choice this man had to make and how he came to the decision he eventually made. After years and years of hating Mister Sinister for everything he's done to the X-Men... You find that he's had a heart once. And I couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for the guy. They did Sinister good with this story. The writing is great. The thoughts, emotions and distant relationship between Nathaniel Essex and his wife Rebecca are done marvellously. The events can be shocking at times (don't ever browse through a comic book quickly!!!)

The art is very dark and contains alot of shadows - which works very well for this setting and story. It sets the mood for the story just right. Some might take a while to get used to the style, but that happens pretty quick once you get deep into the book.

The new X-Force seem to be teetering between the forces of sheer greed and vanity against the old school principles of valiant herodom. The age old dilemma: to stay true to your ideals or sell out. The suicidal leader of the team is The Orphan, who bears an intentional resemblance to Kurt Cobain. Standing between her selfish desires for fame and fortune and her need to do the right thing is U-Go Girl, who reluctantly develops a crush on The Orphan. Will she be seduced by the sacred or by the profane? Read on. You won't be sorry.