• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Crushing Krisis

Comic Books, Drag Race, & Life in New Zealand

  • DC Guides
    • DC Events
    • DC New 52
    • DC Rebirth
    • Batman Guide
    • The Sandman Universe
  • Marvel Guides
    • Marvel Events
    • Captain America Guide
    • Iron Man Guide
    • Spider-Man Guide (1963-2018)
    • Spider-Man Guide (2018-Present)
    • Thor Guide
    • X-Men Reading Order
  • Indie & Licensed Comics
    • Spawn
    • Star Wars Guide
      • Expanded Universe Comics (2015 – present)
      • Legends Comics (1977 – 2014)
    • Valiant Guides
  • Drag
    • Canada’s Drag Race
    • Drag Race Belgique
    • Drag Race Down Under
    • Drag Race Sverige (Sweden)
    • Drag Race France
    • Drag Race Philippines
    • Dragula
    • RuPaul’s Drag Race
    • RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars
  • Archive
  • Contact!
You are here: Home / consume / comic books / Top 12 X-Men Collections of 2011 – New Material

Top 12 X-Men Collections of 2011 – New Material

January 10, 2012 by krisis

Uncanny X-Men issue #534.1, from Uncanny X-Men: Breaking Point

Today I bring you a list of the best collections of new X-Men material released in 2011, which collect stories originally published over the last 18 months of comics.

Occasionally I wonder if comic collecting as an adult is merely a shameless attempt at recapturing our youth now that we have the budget to appreciate it properly – especially as I and many other fans (let’s be honest) fetishize premiere format reprints of the comics we coveted as a kids. (Last week’s post covered the best of those from 2011.)

Is there anything to this hobby other than rewarding our inner teenage geeks?

If there’s an answer to be found in X-Men comics, it must be on this list. These are the twelve new X-Men stories that captured my imagination like those old issues I still obsess over, and I categorize “the wonder of feeling like a kid again” separately from “trying to recapture youthful feelings with a dose of well-preserved nostalgia.”

xXx

12. X-Men: First to Last
Collects X-Men Giant-Size #1 and X-Men #12-15.

If retconning new tales into the spaces between old stories ticks you off, this book is one to avoid. If, instead, you would enjoy a tale that plays out in parallel on present day Utopia and in the classic days at the X-Mansion – with both settings exploring the power dynamic between Xavier, Cyclops, and Magneto – then buy this book!

I will admit there is a particular twist in this comic that really rubs me the wrong way, but it’s otherwise a kinetic and engaging story. Dalibor Talijic’s flashback art is gorgeous, Paco Medina’s present day is a refined cartoon, and writer Christopher Yost is a master of reminding us of overlooked details in the storied history of the team. (Read my original review.)

Also available for pre-order in paperback. If you like this, try X-Men/Spider-Man.

xXx

11. X-Men: To Serve and Protect
Collects the four-issue limited series.

Why is a slim anthology of toss-away short stories on the list? Because it’s really good. It is like a lightning round of character-focused X-stories – mostly featuring just one or two characters and a handful of pages to give them a defining moment. It never fails, and is fronted by the much-loved “X-Dudes” series starring two of the younger X-Men you absolutely won’t recognize but will soon love dearly. A totally fun read, and relatively free of confusing continuity issues.

If you like this, try X-Men: Manifest Destiny (not the pink one that says “Uncanny”).

xXx

10. Uncanny X-Men: Quarantine
Collects Uncanny X-Men #530-534

Uncanny X-Men’s new helmer Kieron Gillen hits the ground running with a story that spreads the on-panel love to a big array of recognizable X-Men cast members.  While fans don’t adore artist Greg Land, his glossy photo-reference artwork makes this urban battle against a Lex Luthor-esque pharmaceutical-wielding villain really pop. For a casual fan, this is likely one of the most fun reads of the past year. (Read my original review.)

If you like this, try X-Men: Nation X in hardcover or TPB, or Gillen’s subsequent Breaking Point arc.

xXx

9. Wolverine and Jubilee: Cursed
Collects the four-issue limited series and Jubilee’s first appearance from Uncanny X-Men #244. 

It’s hard to explain the draw of this strange, somber tale of a newly vampirized Jubilee and Wolverine feeling like he has failed in his role as her protector. The duo’s changed dynamic will fascinate you if you were reading X-Men around the time of Jubilee’s late-80s debut. Phil Noto’s artwork looks like perfect single cels of classic Disney animation, and once you follow the story down the rabbit hole of vampiritic double-crosses magical artifacts you’ll be completely engrossed. (Read my original review.)

Also available in paperback. If you like this, try one or both of X-Men: Curse of the Mutants (HC or TPB) and X-Men: Curse of the Mutants – Mutants vs. Vampires (HC or TPB).

xXx

7. & 8. Daken/X-23: Collision & Daken: Big Break
Collecting Daken #5-9 and X-23 #7-9 & Daken #9.1 and #10-13, respectively.

It’s no secret that I am in love with both of Wolverine’s errant progeny (actually, X-23 is a clone, but who’s counting?), but it’s Daken who I obsessed over throughout 2011. I’ve written about both volumes already, but the upshot is that Daken is intent on ruling the world of crime one city at a time by both planning their downfalls and saving their days. That he happens to be Wolverine sans the rage and morals and with twice the sex drive just makes things more intriguing. Collision, particularly, includes some sumptuous art and an intense (and vaguely hot?) Daken vs. Gambit squareoff. (Read my original Collision and Big Break reviews.)

Both Collision and Big Break are available in paperback. If you like X-23, pick up her origin and the incredible Target X. If you like Daken, pick up The Prince (HC or TPB).

xXx

6. X-Factor: Happenings in Vegas
Collects X-Factor #207-212 

Las Vegas is the most dangerous place you could possibly take a team of squabbling B-list mutants that includes in its roster a girl who knows the future and a promiscuous alien with the power of luck. And, that’s only half the trouble this ragtag band of mutant detectives get into, considering that the cover of this collection bears the visage of The Mighty Thor – a hero far outside of their league, as is any villain that would compel him to pay a visit to Vegas. This book made me absolutely gleeful while I first read it. (Read my original review.)

Also available in paperback. If you like this, try X-Factor: The Invisible Woman Has Vanished (HC or TPB) or Hard Labour (HC or pre-order TPB).

xXx

5. Uncanny X-Force: Apocalypse Solution
Collects Uncanny X-Force #1-4 & material from Wolverine: The Road to Hell

A team of 90s-popular hyper-killers plus a parody of a 90s hyper-killer sounds very … 90s. Right?

Wrong, when they are in the hands of breakout star writer of 2011, Rick Remender. Wolverine is deadly and deadpan, Psylocke and Archangel are both believably in love and reluctant to pull a trigger, Deadpool is simultaneously hilarious and murderous, and Fantomex is like Robert Downey Jr. playing James Bond playing Deadpool as a Frenchman. This opening arc fires on all cylinders and Jerome Opena’s art is beyond gorgeous. (Read my original review.)

Also available in paperback. If you like this, pick up the following arc, Deathlok Nation.

xXx

4. Astonishing Spider-Man & Wolverine
Collects the six-issue limited series. 

Even more Wolverine? And how did this book get on here when I claim to dislike Jason Aaron?

As it turns out, Aaron is at his best when he’s at his most zany, which is maybe why I don’t enjoy him on straight Wolverine books. With Peter Parker as his narrator, a nonsensical cross-time caper as his backdrop, and the best-ever take on a classic scenery-chewing X-villain from artist Adam Kubert, he finds sure success. This book is madcap, requires little or no prior knowledge, and is repeatedly worthy of an actual LOL.

Also available in paperback. If you like this, you need to pre-order Aaron’s forthcoming Wolverine & The X-Men, Vol. 1 ASAP.

xXx

3. X-Men: Age of X & X-Men Legacy: Aftermath
Collects Age of X: Alpha, New Mutants #22-24,  X-Men Legacy #245-247, and Age of X: Universe 1-2 & #242-244 and #248-249

Early previews of Age of X left fans a little cold – another alternate reality with twisted versions of our heroes? Leave it to Mike Carey, departing this month after a 70+ issue run on X-Men Legacy, to surprise us all by turning in a subtle, slow-burning alternate reality tale. Age of X is a quality mystery story that gets deep into the psychology of all of our favorite X-Men, plus features delectable art from rising star Clay Mann.

To fully appreciate the deft, self-contained world of Age of X, you also need the strong Aftermath, which bookends Age of X with a pair of significant stories that both benefit from and add depth to to the mysteriously twisted alternative world. Throughout, Rogue (and, to a lesser extent, Magneto) is star of the show. (Read my original AOX and Aftermath reviews.)

Both Age of X and Aftermath are available for pre-order in paperback. If you like the actual-reality of Aftermath, try X-Men Legacy: Emplate (HC or TPB). If you like the alternate-reality of Age of X, pre-order the massive forthcoming Age of Apocalypse Omnibus.

xXx

2. New Mutants: Fall of the New Mutants
Collects New Mutants #15-21.

Since it’s 2009 debut New Mutants has been a fun read, but its first year of issues read like an overflow pan for plots too periphery for Uncanny X-Men to deal with. Here the book not only gets its own unique story, but it is a gripping, daunting action-adventure with high stakes that stretch all the way back the Inferno saga of the 1980s!

Spider-Man writer Zeb Wells nails the characterization of the entire team (even oft-ignored Karma!) and Leonard Kirk draws engaging comic art without the fussy overly-detailed photo-reference of his peers. Together, they plunge the team into one of their most desperate positions (and that is saying a lot for this group of characters!), which makes the shocking resolution even more satisfying! (Read my original review.)

This directly precedes Age of X (above), and should absolutely be read beforehand if you plan to pick up both. Also available in paperback. If you like this, try X-Infernus (HC or TPB) or New Mutants: The Return of Legion (HC or TPB) – both of which are key setup for this arc.

xXx

1. Uncanny X-Force: The Dark Angel Saga: Book 1 (& 2!)
Collects Uncanny X-Force #8-13 (& 14-18 or 19)

Do not be surprised when every year-end X-Men list names this as the storyline of the year. Or decade. Or “ever, since Dark Phoenix.” Writer Rick Remender finds layers in his kill-squad of Deadpool, Psylocke, and Fantomex that never existed before and somehow finds a way to make Wolverine not the main character, all while crafting Angel into the best villain the X-Men have faced in years (decades?) (since Dark Phoenix?).

Yet, this Saga isn’t all endless piles of over-dramatic continuity porn – it starts off with two killer one-shot issues before beginning its sickening ascent up a rollercoaster of plot that pays off with insane loop-to-loops in the forthcoming Book 2. Together they form the story named by a vast majority of X-Men fans – including your author – as the best of 2011.

Plus: the original Dark X-Man, Jean Grey … but not how you might have expected.

Just trust me on this one. Both Book 1 and Book 2 are available for pre-order in paperback. If you like this, read The Dark Phoenix Saga (duh).

xXx

Whew! That’s a lot of X-Men comics! For my fellow fans – do you agree? What 2011 new releases have I left off that no true X-Fan should be without? Leave a comment with your reasoning!

I’ll get back to my collections-of-the-week series soon, but first I’ll be back next week with a preview of the best upcoming collections announced for 2012 in both new and reprinted material.

Related posts:

  1. Oversize X-Men: A map of every existing omnibus, plus what’s missing (Part 4: 2008 to 2015)

Filed Under: comic books, reviews, Year 12 Tagged With: Age of X, Collected Editions, Daken, Dark Angel, Kieron Gillen, Marvel Comics, Mike Carey, New Mutants, Rick Remender, Spider-Man, Uncanny X-Force, Wolverine, X-Men, X-Men Legacy, Zeb Wells

Previous Post: « tuesday morning brain
Next Post: secret gourmets and undead dreams »

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. Crushing Krisis › Happy Birthday To This says:
    August 27, 2012 at 10:01 am

    […] my OCD issues with dirty feet. I mused on how Taylor Swift is like (and unlike) The Beatles. I reviewed the best of X-Men from 2011. Yoga in my hall at work (long […]

Primary Sidebar


Support Crushing Krisis on Patreon
Support CK
on Patreon


Follow me on Twitter Contact me Watch me on Youtube Subscribe to the CK RSS Feed

About CK

About Crushing Krisis
About My Music
About Your Author
Blog Archive
Comics Blogs Only
Contact Krisis
Terms & Conditions

Crushing Comics

Marvel Comics

Marvel Events Guide

Spider-Man Guide

DC Comics

  • New Comics & Collected Editions: Marvel Comics – September 20, 2023
    Catch up on newly-released comic books and collected editions from Marvel Comics September 20 2023, with guides to every title & character! […]
  • New for Patrons: Guide to Monica Rambeau – Photon, Spectrum, & Captain Marvel
    It's time to shine a light on a Guide to Monica Rambeau. She's been Photon, Spectrum, & even Captain Marvel. Read EVERY issue in order. […]
  • Guide to Avengers (1963-1996)Updated: Guide to Avengers (1963-1996)
    Happy Anniversary to Marvel's Avengers! To celebrate I rebuilt my definitive guide to Avengers (1963-1996), including EVERY issue & collection. […]
  • Silver Age X-Men GuideUpdated: Silver Age X-Men Guide
    I've updated my definitive Silver Age X-Men Guide to collected editions of the earliest X-Men comics, including a new Penguin Classics & Taschen editions. […]
  • Guide to Conan the BarbarianUpdated: Guide to Conan The Barbarian
    I've overhauled my Guide to Conan the Barbarian to celebrate the release of Titan Comics' new Conan the Barbarian series written by Jim Zub. […]
  • Avengers Inc. (2023) #1 by Al Ewing & Leonard Kirk, released by Marvel Comics September 13 2023New Comics & Collected Editions: Marvel Comics – September 13, 2023
    Catch up on newly-released comic books and collected editions from Marvel Comics September 13 2023, with guides to every title & character! […]
  • Guide to Birds of PreyNew for Patrons: Guide to Birds of Prey
    Who are the Birds of Prey? Learn what cast members define one of DC's signature team with my Guide to Birds of Prey! […]
  • Fantastic Four (2022) #11 released by Marvel Comics September 6 2023New Comics & Collected Editions: Marvel Comics – September 6, 2023
    Catch up on newly-released comic books and collected editions from Marvel Comics September 6 2023, with guides to every title & character! […]
  • It’s gonna be May! Oh, wait, it’s ALREADY May…
    Hello, friends! Unfortunately, my non-CK life and […]
  • Drax GuideDrax Guide – now available to the public!
    Learn how the MCU merged several incarnations Drax into Dave Bautista's hyper-literal warrior with a vendetta agains Thanos in my Drax Guide! […]
  • Guide to GamoraGamora Guide – now available to the public!
    My Gamora Guide will help you find every Marvel comic starring Thanos's adopted daughter and the most dangerous woman in the galaxy! […]
  • Drag Race España Season 3, Episode 2 – “Drag Vision” Review & Power Rankings
    The queens of Drag Race España Season 3 make a collective stumble in this "Drag Vision" choreography challenge, earning the ire of the judges (though it's the kindest ire you'll ever see). […]
  • Star-Lord GuideStar-Lord Guide – now available to the public!
    Get ready for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 with my Star-Lord Guide, including every comics appearance of Marvel's TWO distinct Star-Lords! […]
  • Drag Race Sverige Season 1, Episode 8 – Sweden Grand Finale, “Queen Delicious” runway, & season retrospective
    It's the Drag Race Sweden Grand Finale! Our final three queens put their spin on an original song and walk a final "Queen Delicious" runway alongside their eliminated peers. […]

Content Copyright ©2000-2023 Krisis Productions

Crushing Krisis participates in affiliate programs including (but not limited to): Amazon Services LLC Associates Program (in the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain), eBay Partner Network, and iTunes Affiliate Program. If you make a qualifying purchase through an affiliate link I may receive a commission.