With heavily plot-oriented or partially explained origins for many X-Men characters, sometimes the unique, emotional aspects of a character's intro gets lost amongst the story's twists and turns. The X-Men Origin series plans to personalize and humanize the emotional turmoil surrounding the founding X-Men members' humble beginnings.
X-Men Origins for Colossus, Jean Grey, Beast
Not to be confused with the popular Wolverine: Origins series, nor the recently released Magneto: Origin 5 issue series, X-Men Origin is its own series that deals with the story of one classic X-Man per issue. Each issue is standalone and so far centers on the super hero's first manifestations of their mutant super human abilities and the emotions that follow the development.
3 Origin Issues by Different Comic Book Artists
So far Marvel has released 3 origin stories through the X-Men Origin title, Colossus, Beast, and Jean Grey. The issues stay as close as possible to the characters' official histories, with surprisingly little "ret con."(retroactive continuity) The stories are heavily character oriented, focusing on the emotions and trauma involved in a young teen facing the consequences of developing mutant powers in a mutant-hating world.
X-Men Origin: Colossus
X-Men Origin: Colossus was released in May 2008. The story was written by Christopher Yost and Craig Kyle, and illustrated by Trevor Hairsine, Kris Justice, and Val Staples. This first issue brings to life the story of Piotr Nikolaievitch Rasputin as he becomes the mutant man of steel in his home country of Russia. The story adds a twist by including a close call with the KGB while still staying true to Colossus' canonical origin.
X-Men Origin: Jean Grey
The next X-Men to get an Origin one off is Jean Grey. X-Men Origin: Jean Grey was released in August 2008. The story was written by Sean McKeever and beautifully illustrated by Mike Mayhew. The issue recounts Jean Grey's traumatic first manifestation of her telepathic powers as she watched her best friend die after being hit by a car.
The issue is by far the best of the 3 stories. A pre-X-Men Professor X appears, taking a special interest in the young Jean Grey.
X-Men Origin : Beast
X-Men Origin: Beast was released in September 2008. This issue also stands out as a visual spectacle. The artwork, by JK Woodward, looks like it was all hand-painted from real-life models. The story, by Mike Carey, meanders and gets lost in the middle, but is still a step up from the arguably most underrated X-man's normal origin stories.
The book debunks the common thought that Beast, real name Hank McCoy, has blue fur as part of his mutant manifestation. In true comic book history, Beast grew blue fur after accidental exposure to one of his many science experiments.
The gorgeous artwork is what makes these one-offs totally worth it, since little knew information is revealed.
 |
 |
 |
