Book Description

BradyGames X-Men: Mutant Academy 2 Official Strategy Guide provides detailed coverage for the new and secret characters' signature mutant powers, abilities, and moves. In-depth fighting tactics to help players defeat the competition is also included, along with game secrets direct from Paradox Development. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A great help
This official strategy guide is an excellent resource for the game 'X-Men: Mutant Academy 2". All the characters, moves, combo's and secrets are included inside. The only code that isn't is the one that unlocks everything, but that can be found online. Still and excellent guide. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A good read
One of the more complicated marvel stories around. In a nutshell: A grown up Franklin (Sue & Reed's kid) comes back in time from the future to the "present." He doesn't recognize the present as the present and rearranges things (and reality) to something closer to what he remembers. This brings in past AND future versians of the FF, the X-men, and various other X-groups. As if this isn't complicated enough already, Franklin is... well... sick. Baby Franklin is unconscoius and the adult has something seroiusly wrong with him. And all of this is before Rachel's (Scott & Jean's possible future child from an alternate reality) past shows up... Have fun! ... Read more

Book Description

X-pand your Universe. The first supplement to the Marvel Universe Roleplaying Game is bursting with dozens of new profiles, maps, diagrams and descriptions of all things X-Men. Plus a brand new Marvel Universe Adventure! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent Supplement
Good supplement to the marvel universe rpg. It adds a fair number of new powers as well as some good villains and heroes from the marvel x-teams. The mini-adventure in the back is top notch and will help inexperienced game masters and players ease into the gaming system. Not a must have, but definitely a nice addition for the marvel gamer. ... Read more

Book Description

In the best-selling tradition of How to Draw Spider-Man, the glorious, full-color How to Draw X-Men teaches fans how to draw the greatest X-Men heroes and archenemies, from Wolverine, Cyclops, and Storm to Professor Xavier, Beast, Gambit, and more. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Amazing Art
This book is amazing with color and pictures. The detail is amazing for first time drawers, i recommend this book for all artist who love to draw X-men. ... Read more

Book Description

The X-Treme team takes the field of battle as Earth's last line of defense - and ultimately, its only hope - against an alien armada capable of enslaving entire dimensions. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great companion piece for this great graphic novel
I know of a great companion piece in the form of a book entitled "The Adventures of Darkeye: Cyber Hunter" whose odd manner of having log-entries over chapters reads exactly like the script for a graphic novel, even though it is in the science fiction/high-tech and cyberpunk genre along with books like "Cryptonomicon", "Snow Crash", "Prey", and "Altered Carbon". Very fast-paced, incredibly visual, and very exciting due to its action-packed pages.

Claremont in High Gear
With this second volume, Claremont brings the "Destiny" storyline first set up in Volume 1 to a close. The X-treme Team faces an invasion from another dimension and deals with the villain from the first book, Vargas. Salvador Larroca's uninked artwork is far better and clearer here than even in the first book. This book is recommended for readers who enjoy Claremont's characterisation as that's the real draw of this storyline. Rogue and Storm are the real stars here - and if you're a fan of either of those X-women, you better get this volume!

Finally, for those who complain about Claremont's expositional writing or seemingly "direction-less" writing, check out this volume to see how much planning and thought goes into his comics. I've always felt that Nu-Marvel is sorely lacking in the kind of grand, Shakespearean style of writing that Marvel used to be known for. Check out any Jim Shooter, Jim Starlin, Roy Thomas, Steve Englehart, etc. writings to see what I mean. Claremont brings that back in spades here. His wordy, expositional style works perfectly with a story like that.

Whats Wrong in Comics
Chris Claremont is one of the most influential writers in the history of comics. He turned the X-Men into a massive franchise (an 'X' on a book almost always ensures sales). But he's been around so long without changing that he's now become a cliche. Extreme X-Men is no exception.

The Invasion storyline is beautifully drawn. Larocca is one of the most marketable artists working today. He's action-packed and still able to draw distinctive people and places. He has flow and energy in every panel.

It doesn't make up for the heavy-handed, predictable script, the bad dialogue and the flat characterizations. There are WAY too many word balloons in each panel; they detract from the elegance of Larocca's work and the visual cadence of the book. Claremont doesn't seem to trust the ability of the artist to tell the story, so there are often word balloons stating what the character is doing as they do it (i.e. "I have to blast them with my lighting" as Storm gets ready to blast them with her lightning) or information repeated needlessly throughout the collection.

Claremont is a major creator, cutting edge in his time, and now he's like John Hughes still making teen angst coming-of-age films. Like your father trying to look cool in an old biker jacket, badly moussed hair, and sunglasses straight from a Robert Palmer video.

I find Extreme X-Men to be better suited to people who like big action scenes with little characterization, or Claremont fans. Invasion is right up there. The art is pretty, what you can see of it behind the word balloons. All in all, I'd sooner recommend some of Claremont's earlier work (collected in X-Men Essentials and other formats), or one of Grant Morrison's hardcover X-Men collections.

The best yet!
Claremont and Larocca keep the excitement coming, with an invasion by thousands of other-dimensional conquerors. Their leader Khan rules an empire Alexander the Great would be jealous of: he is the absolute monarch of countless dimensions, and our earth is his next target. How can a handful of X-men stop him? You'll have to read the book to find out, but I can guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Good work, well rendered.
I've always enjoyed Claremont's writing and Larroca's art seems pretty godo to me. Though I do believe that the exploding breasts have gone a bit too far.
As stated above this is an Invasion themed storyline, originally 7 issues. Now there have been points where I found teh piecemeal that the stories go through, an issue a month, exhausting. But for this poarticular storyline, I foudn it rushed. This could've been a full year's worth of stories. Though I do credit Claremont with taking his time to develop this story, there was a lot more to be mined here. Part of the problem seems to be Larroca's art is so dynamic and full that it tends to take up several pages showing a vareity of things. While this is great to look at, it happers story development because issues run from only 18-22 pages.
The best part of this story is how Claremont touches on a Storm of old. Through other writers, she's been hurling lightning bolts and gusts of winds but here Khan's heiroom attacks her and she uses her minimal powers and her skills with a knife to beat them all. That was impressive. Equally impressive was Sage who watches Storm be attacked by the traitorous Viper and does nothing.........Claremont leaves this point unclear. Did Sage theorize that Storm would do better on the inside of Khan's organization or is there something more sinister at work? Gambit trapped as an energy conduit for the transport system for the invasion to materialize was very well handled and teh appearance of Vargas, showing up at the wrong time to pick a fight was good as well.
Lifeguard and Slipstream while getting their first real exposure are given short shrift afterwards. Lifeguard maturing into a Shiar warrior and Slipstream using his powers for the first time is completing with all of these other storylines. Thunderbird doesn't get much to do here other than be the resident back up blaster, and teh same for Bishop. I'm not sayign that Claremont doesn't like them, I'm just saying that even Rogue gets jumpstarted by Sage and develops further. Are Bishop and Thunderbird at their character development limit? I also like to see a writer develop power stunts for characters that uses their abilities in new and interesting ways. Thunderbird can fly and fire plasma bolts and Bishop redirects energy through guns (still a questionable visual for me--------he's always with a HUGE gun and an angry black man grimace, just because he's an ex-soldier doens't mean that this has to be his constant way of appearing. It would be interesting to seeing a subtle Bishop.)
More issues, the two that follow this trade paperback being a wrap up of Vargas and an emergency medical/life after death/vist from the New X-Men wasn't as necessary immediately after such a great storyline.
Even Khan gets shorted by his demise being off-scene, which means he's still alive. And the fact that there needed to be some real scenes of what it would take to stop a multitude of worlds from taking over another. There were stories to be mined here of a couple of the X-Men on one of the good enslaved worlds and a bad one. Also more on the Madripoor resistance and Viper. Red Lotus gets bounced and forgotten by Shaitan and then Shaitan in Storm guise gets beaten and kidnapped by Vargas. Anyoen who's read the other issues knows that Vargas and Storm spar with swords in one of Destiny's Diaries, also Lifeguards metamorphosis promises Shiar trip and the shot from the Diaries looks like Kitty Pryde will be back in the X-Men but under the hands of Claremont which is sensational. She does make an appearance a couple of issues later and the Mekanix limited series is written by Claremont.
What I can say is that Claremont excels at such huge storyline arches. Unfortunately because attention spans can be so limited. While I wouldn't have minded this being 9 issues and then the abyssmal Xtreme Xpose issues as a break to give Larroca time to catch up, I did really enjoy Claremont and though I see how Larroca's art can dominate over story time and outlines, I do love his work too. A couple of double-sized issues would've given more time to this impressive story.
My complaints?
The X-Men get sucked in to the whole thing a little too easily----Storm's Ruby, Shaitan attacks--BAM! Invasion. But there was no preamble to this coming about. Shaitan maybe attacking them a couple of times before for no clear reason would've been a good lead in. Viper having attacked Storm and organizing Madripoor was good but she needed to be more involved throughout the story, rather than just a minor evil, it would've been nice to see her be in the thick of it and how her tactics might be necessary to win a war. Also a few Madripoor victims and characters from the Wolverine series and development of the island would've been cool.
I give it 4 stars because the art nudged out the story, when a bit more economy could've made this a classic along the lines of the Dark Phoenix saga. Unfortunately death is big here as a cliffhanging monumental issue. That would've been cool. What about if time passed differently in Khan's realm? And Storm had a child? That would've been quite the development. I hate HUGE stories where afterwards other than bruises the main characters haven't changed in any hugely significant way. Sure Rogue's powers are out of whack now but they'll be back or perhaps there will be a truly adventurous twist and she'll have to absorb new powers from now on. It was also a nice development to at the end of this issue give her control over absorbign powers, it's been tooooooooooooo long in the coming. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

X-Men comic books
This is an incredible volume of the X-Men. Big highlights? The introduction of Lockheed and the New Recruits, Rogue's joining the X-Men, Ororo's personality change, Scott's courtship and marriage to yet ANOTHER reincarnated Jean Grey, Madelyne Pryor, Logan's tragically failed wedding to Mariko, Ororo's new leadership over the Morlocks and Caliban's crush on Kitty. It truly is a great addition to the collection of any X-Men fanatic.

New loves, old faces
A grieving Scott Summers lost his true love Jean Grey, when she killed herself to save the world from the overpowering Phoenix. Now he's met Madeline Pryor, who has an uncanny likeness to his former love...very uncanny!

Meanwhile, Wolverine prepares for his marriage to the Japanese beauty, Mariko; Storm gets a new look and becomes the leader of a unlikely group of mutants; Kitty starts exploring her love for Peter/Colossus; and an enemy seeks help from the X-Men.

I enjoy "From the Ashes." The artwork is classic and the story is entertaining and adventurous. And this is a highlight in Claremont storytelling.

If you're an X-Men fan, you'll like this.

be careful about used copies
Be careful with used copies, especially from sellers who do not specialize in comics.

I ordered a used copy of this and got a tiny black and white paperback that was not even the FROM THE AHSES story.

Make sure you know what you are getting. These xmen books must come in a variety of editions...or at least the one seller I went through was confused.

Worth getting this one.

This is what the X-Men are all about!
Ask any comic reader who grew up in the 1970s and 1980s to name their favourite X-Men stories of all time and you usually get the usual "Dark Phoenix Saga" or "Days of Future Past". But if you really want to know the REAL reason why the X-Men were the hottest comic characters in those decades, you gotta check out this volume. It has everything that makes the X-Men what they are. Great character moments, milestones, multiple plotlines, fantastic action and camaraderie. This volume highlights creators Chris Claremont and Paul Smith at their best. We get Wolverine's wedding and rejection by Mariko, the Silver Samurai Saga, Rogue's entry into the X-Men, the first (and best) Marauders story with Storm winning the leadership from Callisto, Caliban's crush on Kitty Pryde, the first appearance of Lockheed, Kitty's pet dragon and finally, Madelyne Pryor's first appearance and wedding to Scott Summers. Is that enough for you or not? Read this again and see why the X-Men comics were the most potent "drug" on the newstands in the 1980s!

A great glimpse into X-men history.
This novel shows one of the highlight eras of the X-Men. From Lockheed's debut, to Rogue's joining of the X-Men, to Cyclops' marriage to Madeline Pryor, to Ororo's personality change, so much is chronicled in this novel. Any X-men fan needs to collect this novel; his collection would simply not be complete. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

One of the better X-Treme X-Men books
Many comic fans have been disappointed with legendary X-Men writer Chris Claremont's run on X-Treme X-Men, but this sequel/remake of his classic X-Men storyline is definitely one of the better story-arcs he's thought of of late. William Stryker, the televangilist who almost wiped out mutantkind years ago, has escaped his confines with the help of his new ally Lady Deathstrike, and he has bigger plans for mutantkind this time around, and he is manipulating Shadowcat as well. On his trail are Storm, Wolverine, Bishop, Sage, and Cannonball as the plot thickens and twists are revealed. The story, even though it is nowhere as profound as the original, is solid Claremont style storytelling. Shadowcat has always been one of the best characters that Claremont has ever written, and in this story we get inside her head as Stryker tries to use her to his advantage. The art by Igor Kordey (New X-Men, Cable) is solid as well, even if he tries to hard to draw Wolverine like Hugh Jackman. The real attraction of this book however, is that the original, and now out of print, God Loves, Man Kills story is included here as well as we see Stryker make his first strike at Professor X and his X-Men (which then included Cyclops, Storm, Wolverine, Colossus, Shadowcat, and Nightcrawler). This story is the story that inspired the superb X2: X-Men United film, and this book is worth picking up for the original story alone. ... Read more

Book Description

The X-Men travel to Antarctica to respond to an S.O.S. from a colony of mutants... and what they find is far more shocking than they expected! Will the X-Men share the colony's gruesome fate? Collects X-Men #166-170. ... Read more

Book Description

On the planet Xhaldia, ordinary men and women are mutating into bizarre creatures with extraordinary powers. But is this a momentous evolutionary leap or an unparalleled catastrophe? The very fabric of Xhaldian society is threatened as fear and prejudice divide the transformed from their own kin.

Dispatched to cope with the growing crisis, Captain Picard and the crew of the Starship Enterprise™ receive some unexpected visitors from another reality -- in the form of the group of mutant heroes known as the uncanny X-Men®. Storm, leader of the X-Men, offers their help in resolving a situation that is agonizingly similar to the human/mutant conflicts of their own time and space.

But when hostile aliens appear in orbit around Xhaldia to try and abduct the transformed for use as a superpowered force in an attack on the Federation, even the combined forces of the crew of Starfleet and the X-Men may be unable to prevent an inferno of death and destruction.

Starfleet's finest crew and Earth's greatest mutant heroes will need all their powers and abilities to save the Xhaldian people and stop a deadly threat to the Federation. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

a fun book, all the characterizations were perfect
What a great book, dovetailing well with the comic book that started this inter-company crossover. Mike Friedman knows his stuff, both sets of characters act like they should, and the interactions between them are a treat, especially Worf & Wolverine, Nightcrawler & La Forge and especially Picard & Storm. The plot is a little off-putting at first but when the action kicks into high gear, the book showcases each characters strengths and / or their mutant powers and quite well at that. The various team-ups mix up the group dynamics often to keep it very interesting and there are lots of nice continuity touches for both fans of the X-Men comic book and the Star Trek: Next Generation TV series and films, like the surprise twist ending or Wolverines rendition of Worf's holodeck program. My only complaint is that the enemy in this book is a little too one-dimensional and their motivations and society are not fleshed out that well. But don't read this book for the bad guy, they are a necessary plot device to get the two teams to interact in fun ways, which is what the book does in spades. It also assures us that there will be lasting effects on the characters, not just a "lets team-up for the hell of it" attitude, but true character exploration and interaction. Each character is necessary, not ancillary, to the plot, and its unpredictability of who will team up with who kept me delighted throughout the book. If you are not a fan, this book is still quite accessable to those with limited knowledge of the X-Men comic book, like myself. I thought it was fun to see the two teams interact and expand the characters in ways never seen before, like the mutual dislike Archangel & Picard had for each other, how Nightcrawler's powers are compared with 24th century transporter technology and the Xavier / Dr. Crusher team-up, brief as it was, was just too funny. A fun book all around for both X-Men and Star Trek fans.

Mutants Everywhere
I read this book before actually seeing and reading the comic book that was its prequel. Which actually didn't matter at all.

The story was great and for a X-Men or Trek fan this is a definite read. However, X-Men fans who couldn't care less about Star Trek might not like the fact that the X-Men don't have a big enough role in this book. Sure the mission is to help a planet of fledgling mutants become accepted in their society, but that's not really how it goes. The X-men spend their time stumbling around the Enterprise, not used to the strict discipline and heirarchy and causing accidental damage and getting into trouble. When they do finally get to do something useful the book places more emphasis on when and where powers are used as opposed to the story and character interactions. Ordinarily I don't think that is a bad thing with regard to X-Men, but Star Trek demands a bit more story. In this case I feel this book could have easily been a duology or even possibly a triology. That way we could get the story depth required of Star Trek and better use the abilities of the Xmen and their great character personalities.

There are two noteworthy character dynamics that I loved and think the author could have exploited a bit more. That was Wolverine and Worf, and Storm and Picard.

Well done novel!
The X-Men and THE ENTERPRISE-E together again. This one was a very well done blending of the X-Men into the Star Trek universe. As you can imagine, Wolverine was hard to control, Archangel pushed the rules to the limits, and Storm was definitely their leader. The combination of Wolverine and Worf was particularly interesting. The situation they were dropped into was also well written. When a planet suddenly develops a crop of super-powered mutants of their own, the Enterprise is asked to help the authorities, only to find an alien ship there ahead of them to "harvest" the new mutants. With the help of the X-Men, the Enterprise bridge crew rescue the transformed teens, but not without cost. The X-Men themselves do a bit of growing. Colossus finds himself guilty of the same snap judgement he's accused non-mutants of having. In all a well written story.

An excellent way to bring together two genres
Outside of watching "The X-Men" movie and looking forward to the next one, I'm not a huge X-Men fan. That being said, this book absolutely floored me. I couldn't put it down and read it in two days (if I wasn't working 18 hours a day at that time it would've been one day). MJ Friedman has with this Star Trek installment, once again, shown why he's one of the top selling Star Trek authors. Thanks to the author for a great read.

Just a Lot of Fun
This is a book that shouldn't be taken all that seriously. It's just a fun read. Fans of both "Star Trek" and The X-Men will have a good time with this. Underused characters such as Banshee and Nightcrawler are treated well in this story. ... Read more

Book Description

In the dark recesses of the Galaxy waits an alien race.More machine than organic, they seek out inferior races which they can assimilate.They are called the Phalanx, and they have just targeted Earth as their next meal.

Humanity is helpless against the onslaught of the assimilation the Phalanx brings.Those creatures that are genetically different, known to us as mutants, possess the ability to defend themselves against the Phalanx.Of those, the group known as the X-Men present the greatest threat to the Phalanx's plans for domination.

Through means of assimilation, subterfuge, and incursion, the Phalanx have prepared a preemptive strike against the X-Men.Armed with this knowledge, the mutants have launched a desperate strike of their own, to find seven fledgling mutants: Husk, Chamber, Skin, Jubilee, M, Synch and Blink -- all that stand between the Phalanx and victory. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

One of the Best
This series was something of a rebirth of my interest in the X-Men. It had been a long time since I'd read of new and interesting heroes, and these ones were definitely enough to keep my attention going. A definite read for any X-Men fan, regardless of previous knowledge.

The Book(s) That Started it All
Like the title says, this is the book (or collection thereof) that started the best (IMHO) comic book series ever. This shows how the GenX kids got together, and it depicts their first adventure together, sadly however, there is one who will not stay with them for very long. A MUST READ for any comic book fan! ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Great book...looking forward to the next!
Sanctuary is a page turner that kept me involved throughout the entire book. It was easy to read and easier to understand. This is a must-read book if you are an X-Men fan! I am anxiously looking forward to the issuing of the final book in the trilogy

The "Two Towers" of this trilogy...
Don't get me wrong, this is still a good book, but it seems more "filler" than not. Just like the "Two Towers" this isn't the beginning or the end, it is just....there. I agree with most that the space subplot is pretty boring. It seems more like and excuse to keep them out of picture until book three. Wouldn't want Magneto to lose TOO quickly after all. Besides, does anyone write a series to JUST be two books, or is it always at LEAST a trilogy? Anyways, this is good readin', and any X-Men fan will enjoy it. If you're keeping score....
1) X-Men: Mutant Empire (series); Christopher Golden
2) Daredevil: Predator's Smile; Christopher Golden
3) Hulk: What Savage Beast; Peter David
4) Fantastic Four: To Free Atlantis; Nancy A. Collins
5) Ultimate Spider-Man; Stan Lee, editor
6) Spider-Man: Carnage in New York; David Michelinie & Dean Wesley Smith

Solid cornerstone of the Mutant Empire series
(For an explanation of my background, please read my review of the first book in this series. Be warned that this review will spoil some of what happened in the first novel, although I took care not to reveal the plot points of this one.)

Sanctuary, the second book in the Mutant Empire trilogy, picks up exactly where the first one left off, and develops the story further toward the resolution in the last novel.

Just as with Siege, Sanctuary keeps the X-Men team divided into two halves, with one half dealing with a crisis in space while the other half begins to fight Magneto's takeover of New York down on Earth.

I should mention right off that this novel's development is a little slower concerning the "away" (space) team. It should be noted that they came a long way in Siege - they traipsed halfway across the galaxy to another planet, fought through a legion of soldiers to rescue two prisoners, fought their way back out to teleport home, and then were stranded in a dead ship. But Sanctuary spends the WHOLE novel detailing this team's attempts to get home in a poor attempt at stalling. In essence, this team remains in space for the whole novel, and this subplot overstays its welcome.

Meanwhile, back on Earth, Magneto's empire in New York City is slowly growing. The other half of the X-Men fly in to infiltrate it and fight the entire city. They run into many familiar villains, from the Marauders to the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, before charging Magneto head-on in the Empire State Building.

Where the space subplot fades out, another one comes in. This one deals with Charles Xavier's attempts to deal with the crisis. He does some spin-doctoring on the major news networks, but the major conflict in this subplot is the test of his ethics. Will he violate his code of honor and use his telepathic powers to avert the greatest crisis and setback in the struggle for mutant rights and acceptance? The answer will surprise both old and new readers - I was totally floored.

And Golden develops yet another layer - the rivalry between Valerie Cooper and Henry Peter Gyrich, which previously merited only a few pages, now takes a level of importance in Sanctuary. Cooper wants a relatively clean end to this crisis, but Gyrich naturally obstructs her plan and proceeds to set up an assassination attempt called Operation: Carthage (and before it happens, you KNOW it will make Bay of Pigs look like a cakewalk). I also liked the portrayal of Gyrich as a slightly deranged bigot, as his reasons for hating mutants come to light and expose a very twisted mind.

In essence, where Siege was the exposition, Sanctuary obviously serves as the buildup to the climax. While parts of the novel seem like filler material, Golden still continues his masterful pacing and excellent characterization toward what will be one amazing finale.

A must read for anyone that has ever heard of the X-Men
'The idea of the team being split up is so over done' thats what I thought when I started this trilogy, along with, 'I don't think that the X-Men in space is a good idea' and 'haven't we heard enough out of Magneto all ready?'. Well after I was through with the first book I was begging for the second! And this book is certainly as high quality as the first. The way he analyses the characters and their personalities is absolutely spectacular! I thought that I would die when I finished this book, the anticipation for the third has gotten me to read the first two again!

I tip my hat Christopher Golden on his stunning accomplishments!

Way over-written
Magneto wants to make a safe haven for all mutants, that haven turns out to be New Yok City,then the X-Men have to fight both the Master of Magentism and human bigots to save the city from total destruction. Like we haven't seen this in the comics a million times before, only here the story was over 200 pages long and all of it was a complete "been there, done that" story all over again. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Mutated, Yet Still Solid Graphic Novel
Let me say, right off the bat, that this review of the comic book adaptation of X-Men 2 does not contain any major spoilers about the film. If you want any crucial plot details, I suggest you pick up any one of the movie tie-ins that are now available.

In addition to the film adaptation, the book also features separate stories about Wolverine and Nightcrawler. Both of these tales act as prequels to the second film. The stories take place some time after the first film ended and as film number two begins. This may sound like a minor quibble, but I can't understand why the prequel adventures appear after the main story, rather than before it. It's kind of like having an appetizer, after eating the main course. The placement of these bonus tales made them anti climatic.

THE STORY-It seems as though adapter Chuck Austen captures the movie versions of these characters quite well. Based on what is represented in the book, the story allows for the X-MEN to work more as a team this time out, then in the first feature. Mutants are still greeted with mistrust and skepticism by most humans. However when powerful forces attack the President-the cause for mutant kind is even further complicated. As an assault is planned on Professor X's school and mutant enemy and ally must work together. This action packed main story, while good, in the end felt rushed at only 48 pages long. The Wolverine story written by Brian K. Vaughan , has Logan on a quest to find out more about his mysterious past. As for the Nightcrawler tale written by Austen: readers are treated to information about his start as a circus performer and how he turned hero.

THE ART-Patrick Zircher and Larry Stucker handle the artistic chores on the film adaptation. For the most part I found their work to be just OK. The quality seemed varied at best. Some of it was really fantastic-especialy capturing Magneto-while at other times it wasn't nearly as detailed as I expected it to be. Most of the actors likenesses were a bit off (for legal reasons?) too. The Wolverine tale featured the work of artists Tom Mandrake and Dan Brown, while Nightcrawler's art team of Kark Kerschl and Jung Choi's Transparency gave their best to give the prequels a more polished over that of the main story's art

Overall, the Graphic Novel is pretty good stuff. This despite a few problems as a comic book itself. Movie adaptations are hampered in a way by page limits and sometimes art concerns as well. X2 seems to have a bit of all of that going against it Somehow it still manages a [four star] star rating

The book has 152 pages ... Read more

Reviews (7)

X Marks the Spot
It isn't often that Dracula appears in a book and he isn't the main bad guy. That doesn't mean that he still isn't a threat. This is probably the best prose X-Men novel that I've had the pleasure to read. All the characters behave consistently with their comic appearances. Do yourself a favor and give it a shot.

Good Book
I thought this book was pretty good. I hope the author writes more books. If you like X-Men, Spider Man, or any of the other heros. Also, if you like science fiction books or possibly mystery, you might like this book.

Good Book
I read the book and thought it was pretty good. I've read better but I've also read alot worse. All in all it was definatly worth reading. The main characters in the book are Nightcrawler, Colosus, Shadow Cat, Rouge, Storm, Cyclops, Pheniox, Wolverine, Dracula, and Belesco. If I left anyone out sorry it's been a while since I read the book. I you like the X-men I would deffinatly read this book.

A Great Book
The book Soul Killer by Christopher Golden is a real masterpiece. It effectively puts all of the X Mens talents to the test in a heart pounding adventure that leaves you wanting more. The only real complaint I had about this book was that the profesor wasn't in it. It has awesome battle scenes that only your mind can picture so clear and perfect, and it keeps its suspense throughout the whole book. It is a real treasure to anyone who enjoys reading X Men stories, and I highly recomend it.

Okay, But not the best
I like reading X-Men Books in the past, but reading this one about demons and vampires was a little crazy. I did like the fact that they still openly say that Night Crawler is a Christian. And thats my 2cents. ... Read more

Book Description

BradyGames' X2 Wolverine's Revenge Official Strategy Guide features a comprehensive walkthrough with detailed strategies to conquer the game. Spectacular boss strategy to defeat every super-villain. Tactics for every combo and stealth strike. Game secrets, including costumes, covers, and more!

Reviews (3)

help.
i dont actually have this book but can you tell me how to beat both the sabertooths, juggernaut, and lady deathstrike? i know there is a kind soul out there who will.

i know the first time you beat sabertooth he supposedly drops a card? where does he drop it? how do i get it?

Help, I need somebody, Help!!!
I could have beaten this game without a guide to help me. However, I would have gotten my first social security check before hand. This guide defenitely a must have for anyone that wants to beat this game during this century.

yay!
I can beat the game now! ^.^ ~ now if only they would make a dynasty warriors 4 guide~ ... Read more

Book Description

Beware the Brood!

A vicious alien race intent on conquering the universe!

Able to transform other species into their own kind, the Brood have infected each of the X-Men, and their metamorphoses will soon be complete.

Now Wolverine, the only team member aware that the horrible transformation is about to occur, must enter a battle to save not only the lives of his teammates, but the universe itself!
... Read more

Reviews (5)

Excellent Story
I am an avid X-Men fan but usually despise any story with Aliens in it. I was surprised when I read this story how much I enjoyed it. Wolverine and Storm are two of my favorite mutants in this story and the character development of them is great. I read this story in the Essential book so I'm not aware if this edition is extra small print or whatnot.

Give us the original in color!!!
I read this when it was originally published and it was one of the best series ever printed and then I take a brief look at the black and white reprint shown here and I am aghast!!

The only reason it gets two stars from me is that the story is worth the read, otherwise this looks loke a cheesy attempt by Marvel to make a few extra bucks.

Do yourselves a favor and find this in color and get true enjoyment from the artwork, but if you are just casually curious you can pick this up for at least a good read.

Other options to read this story
This is a good storyline originally printed in the 150s and 160s of the Uncanny X-Men comic in the early 1980s. These were some of the best years of the X-Men. The team included Cyclops, Storm, Nightcrawler, Colossus, Wolverine, Kitty Pryde, and their friend Carol Danvers/Binary. These stories also involve the Brood, the Starjammers, Shi'ar, and Imperial Guard. Recommended.

If, like an earlier reviewer, you want to avoid small pages and print, you have a least one other option (besides tracking down the original back issues or the reprints in the Classic X-Men comic from the late 1980s, early 1990s. The Brood Saga storyline is contained in two phone book-sized trade paper back books: Essential X-Men #3 and #4. ... Each also contains additional stories before or after the Brood Saga which are also quite good.

The Brood and other stories treat issues of morality, slavery, mortality, and sacrifice. The comics have great depth and are also a lot of fun. The early-80s versions of space travel and alien races are great. Look for parallels with TV shows and movies like Star Trek, Star Wars, and the Alien franchise.

that other reviewer doesnt know what he's talking about
I loved this book. I know it was very small and the print was tiny, but that didnt ruin MY overall reading experience. The story is one of the most original stories out of all the millions of marvel comics that come out each week. And since the book is so small, you can sneak it in your backpack and have something to read at school while a teacher is giving lectures. The only complaint I have about it it that it doesnt include the full brood saga. Its only the first part.

If you want to read the graphic novels for the Uncanny X-men in order, its this: essential X-men 1, 2, and 3, the brood saga, X-men: Backpack Marvels 1

This is a good book

Badly dissapointed
I bought the x-men book THE BROOD SAGA hoping for a big, colour comic what i got was a tiny black and white book which was very difficult to read because it was so small i would give it 1 star because it is a big dissapointment ... Read more

Reviews (10)

a fun, light read, yet...
Okay, book one proved that a "back to the future" tale in the marvel universe can be fun. Book two was great in that we learn what it would be like if the x-men were on "the other side" against what they are fighting for everyday in the real marvel universe. My problem with this and every other marvel book I have read, with the exception of Peter David's Hulk novel, is that there needs to be more intricate dialogue between the characters. We get enough of the fighting in the comics. With the novels, there is a chance to explore deep into these characters and provide some very interesting storylines and dialogue. These are novels for adult readers, and it is time for someone to step up to the plate and write an adult novel. These are great concepts, yet there is definitely something missing. Peter David, please write another marvel novel!!!!!

The Fun Continues in Book 2
The second book in the trilogy picks up the action where the first book ended. Spidey and Bishop are now in a world familiar yet very different. The rest of the X-Men have to try to save the world from Kang's evil plot - and fighting some villains they normally don't fight to do so.

This book continues with the elements I enjoyed in the first - lots of action, lots of cameos, lots of cliffhanger chapters. This trilogy continues to be one of the best super-hero novel(s) I've read in a long time.

Like looking into a blackened mirror...
The parts of this novel that centered on Spider-Man and Bishop in the alternate reality were very interesting, and at the same time very disturbing. The X-Men have taken over much of America, if not the world, and imprisoned any superhuman that refuses to get with their program. Peter Parker is a selfish jerk (apparently) who used his powers to gain fame and fortune as revenge on everyone (Flash Thompson in particular) who ever mistreated him in his pre-spider-powered existence. The most disturbing thing about it all is that everyone in the alternate Parker's life is happy as can be, and even Eddie Brock is still a respected (I think) reporter. Of course, this gets our Spidey back into the whole "Spider-Man is a curse on everyone I love" funk. In the end, he gets over it, and is pleasantly surprised when he realizes that the other Parker is more like him than he thought.

Once again the series
I guess I wrote something about the series for the first book, but I want this to stop popping up on recommended books so I'm writing another review. If you want to know what I said, check book one in the series.

superb
Well there aren't many books around that you would not want to put down till you have finished reading it. But this book is certainlyone that fits in to that catagory. From begining to the end, this book will keep you in suspense. I just don't think that words can do justice describing this world. Just imagine being in a wrold where the X_men have become evil and killed or impresioned all the other superpowred humans. Imagiane wolverine free to kill at will. Well stop reading this and buy this book now. I promise you it will not disapoint ... Read more

Book Description

When everyone's favorite shape-shifting secret agent is sent to Europe to investigate a biotech company rumored to be using mutants as guinea pigs, she discovers a mystery far greater than anything she'd imagined! As Mystique and Shortpack get closer to their objective, they must confront a new revelation: that someone is selling transient mutants as guinea pigs, slaves and worse! Will Mystique go after this mutant-selling scum, or will she allow her personal crisis to tear her apart first? ... Read more

Book Description

Kick some mutant butt! This guide gives you killer combos you won't find anywhere else, tells you how to execute the toughest X-moves, and gives you the strengths and vulnerabilities of every character! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A pretty good book
I brought the book and I was quite pleased with it. It had a lot of information dealing with tactics and strategies. The combo section was very useful as well. However, this book has 1 or 2 mistakes dealing with characters moves. The pictures are clear and easy to see, but it is in black and white. Most of all, I notice some information I've found elsewhere was not mention in this book. So unless you have the internet, this book is great for your game. ... Read more

Book Description

Illustrated with over 375 stills and drawings, including the complete screenplay, the only book on the making of the spectacular X-Men 2 and the X-Men film franchise. Exclusive to this hardcover collector's edition is the complete 80-page screenplay, a 16-page section of special effects art from the first X-Men movie, and an 8-page double gatefold of Nightcrawler poster art.

Outcasts from society, the X-Men are genetic mutants, born with superhuman powers, who harness their special abilities for the greater good. But the human race they fight to protect rejects and fears—even hates—them.

Initially realized in the Marvel Comic Book adventures, the first X-Men major feature film was released by Fox in 2000, directed by Bryan Singer, who had previously directed Apt Pupil and The Usual Suspects. Its stunning success—theatrically grossing nearly $300 million worldwide, and becoming a video and DVD phenomenon—signaled the current wave of comics to film adaptations and guaranteed the sequel, which reunites the principal cast members and the original's key creative team, including director Bryan Singer, cinematographer Newton Thomas Sigel, and production designer Guy Dyas.

The new X2 will feature several surprises, including favorite mutant characters from the vast X-Men comics universe, who are new to the film franchise. 375 color illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Overblown book about an overblown movie....
Well the film makers have often said that they based the X-Men movies by doing various things. One being to read the comics and the other was to look at other movies that had been made before which used a lot of visual effects as well as the best of cast and film crew to make the best movie they could. The second movie regretfully missed the mark, mostly because they tried to something in terms of the story which seemed like a cross between Wrath of Khan and the Empire Strikes Back. Do a slightly darker entry in the film series where the fate of a beloved character is left up in the air at the end, and it requires a thrid movie to resolve. Empire Strikes Back did this quite well, but Wrath of Khan did not, and neither did X2, I'm sorry to say. It just came off as a pale climax to a movie that ran a bit too long and the story did not seem to go anywhere but down. Even the visual effects company that worked on this movie went out of business shortly after they finished. One can only hope that they will do better in future movies. In a final note, X2 was also a drawback due to all the story spoilers that geek magazines like Wizard Magazine, and internet geek sites like superherohype gave it. By letting us know what was going to happen in the movie well ahead of release, it robbed us of any change to cry at the death of a beloved charecterby the end of the movie, so in a way, this movie was lost to the internet geeks. IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN.

This book is awesome
If you are looking for concept art, production stills and behind the scenes photography, this is the book.

The book goes in chronological order, for the most part, and shows the concept drawings and paintings, the storyboard sketches (and text), and places them next to finished photography of the sets and characters, which gives you a great idea of how the concepts are turned into reality.

It takes you into character development for all of the major characters, with concept art to final film stills. The characters covered are: Nightcrawler (with a great full page poster of "the amazing nightcrawler"), Charles Xavier, Wolverine, Jean Grey, Cyclops, Rogue, Storm, Pyro, Magneto, Mystique, Mutant 143, and Lady Deathstrike. Most characters have only 2 pages each, but Nightcrawler, Mystique, Wolverine, Mutant 143, and Lady Deathstrike have multiple pages which show sketches and final photography.

The locations/sets covered in the book are: the White House, X-Mansion, Cerebro, Plastic Prison, X-Jet, Alkali Lake, and Stryker's Base.

This book is 100% filled with great content: drawings, photos, and storyboards, along with a section on the special effects. I wish it were twice as big, but everything in the book is awesome.

NICELY PUT TOGETHER!
THE BOOK DESIGN AND CLASSY JACKET ALONE ARE WORTH THE MONEY. LOVED THE MOVIE. THE ONLY PROBLEM THAT I HAVE IS THAT THEY DON'T PUT ENOUGH COHERENT STORYBOARDS INTO THE CONTENT. ALSO, THE NIGHTCRAWLER'S MOCK-UP CIRCUS POSTER DON'T REALLY GIVE ANY ADDITIONAL VALUE OVER THE BOOK'S GENERAL CONTENT.

A Mutant Makers' Pictorial
The Art Of X2 is a great companion to the movie. Director Bryan Singer and Production Designer Guy Dyas allowed the editors at New Market Press great access to storyboards, sketches, sets, costumes, cast and the special effects team, for a rounded look inside the film.

Aside from a 20 page inroducton/overview on the making of the film, text is reserved for photo explanations, cast quotes, and minimal crew commentary. This allows for the photos to "soar" off the pages and not get bogged down by "wordy" text. Readers can still get a sense of what making the film must have been like.

The book comes in two ways: a hardcover and softcover version. Divided into 4 sections, the deluxe hardcover of The Art Of X2, goes beyond the softbound edition. It includes more illustrations, a complete version of the script (as of April 2003), an eight page gatefold featuring Nightcrawler, and a 16 page spread of art/photos from the first film. In my opinion, if "film books" are your thing, than the hardcover version is your best bet--only X fans of the highest order, need to, also consider the hardcover. The book has 264 pages and is recommended

The Ar of X2: X-Men United
My first impression was WOW! This book captures the essence of the movie. It's great to see the story boards it just makes you remember every scene of this excellent movie. It's obvious all the crew involved in X2 cared a lot about details and art and this book crowns it. The addition of the movie script is great, i think we fans love to read the original script to see what scenes didnt make it to the final and wonder what they looked like (if they add them in the DVD it would be fantastic). The quality of this book is absolutely great. Beautiful pictures in every page you turn. A must to every X2 fan. ... Read more