Marvels Snapshots: X-Men #1 Review

by Carlos R. on September 16, 2020

Marvels Snapshots: X-Men #1 Cover Image
Written by: Jay Edidin
Art by: Tom Reilly
Colors by: Chris O’Halloran
Lettered by: Tom Orzechowski
Publisher: Marvel Comics

There’s no two ways about it, this is a phenomenal issue. If you’re a fan of Cyclops/Scott Summers, this is going to be a quintessential story to have in your collection.

The Marvels Snapshot series so far has followed the lives of the ordinary in a world filled with the extraordinary. However, this issue’s viewpoint is from that of Scott Summers, before donning the ruby-quartz visor and blue and gold uniform. This snapshot finds Scott questioning his place in this marvelous universe as he witnesses the dawn of the Marvel Age.

There’s so much to love about this issue; from the inclusion of Super Doctor Astronaut Peter Corbeau to Scott being upset at the fact that he’s accidentally stolen a library book. Jay gets Scott: the outsider trying to make sense of his place in the world, the relentless nature to do good, and just the overall boy scout essence Scott embodies.

Tom Reilly and Chris O’Halloran are such a stellar pair for this book. O’Halloran’s colors throughout the book are gorgeous. I love the flatness of the blue and how muted it makes Scott’s perspective. The bursts of yellow and other colors through the blues in panels with superheroes charging onto the scene helps readers understand Scott’s admiration of these larger than life figures. Reilly’s art has a classic/timeless aesthetic that fits this title wonderfully and I love his design of Scott, there’s a noticeable shift in confidence through Scott’s stances and posture. There’s a decent amount of text on each page and Tom Orzechowski does a great job at keeping the flow of the book and the subtle sound effects, like the car FUMP-ing Scott as he runs, are awesome additions.

Please, do not miss out on this lovely story. If you’re a fan of Scott Summers or even if you hate the guy, you’ll want to read this story, it’s definitely a story that could make you reconsider your stance. And if you haven’t yet, check out Jay & Miles X-Plain the X-Men, seriously it’s the greatest podcast of all time!
 

Our Score:

10/10

A Look Inside