WildC.A.T.S / X-Men (1997)
The Golden Age
Story: Scott Lobdell
Art: Travis Charest
Colors: Wildstorm FX
Letters: Richard Starkings & Dave Lanphear
This mini series was a big deal when it was first announced way back in the day. A crossover between Image and Marvel was something most of us fans wanted to see but were never really sure it would ever happen. So when the day came that this was going to be a reality, I personally could not have been happier to see it happen. The mini series of 4 issues was broken into 4 seperate time periods. The Golden Age takes place during WWII, featuring Logan/Wolverine from the X-Men and Zealot from WildCATS. The issue itself is a cross between Indiana Jones and Aliens with a hint of Film Noire thrown in.
The story itself is okay, nothing to really get excited about. The selling point for this debut issue is of course the amazing art by Travis Charest. This came out a long time ago and Travis has gone on to do other things regarding his art. But to me, this is where Travis peaked artistically, This was the culmination of all his hard work with awesome characters to leave the reader with the best thing he has ever done. Just absolutely stunning artwork that hanging the comic book on a wall in a museum is not out of the question. The art alone makes up for the by-the-books-story.
The Silver Age
Story: Scott Lobdell
Pencils: Jim Lee
Inks: Scott Williams and Sal Regla
Colors: Joe Chiodo & Martin Jiminez
Letters: Richard Starkings & Dave Lanphear
In Part 2 of this mini series, Jim Lee takes over on art duties. The story revolves around primarily Grifter from WildCATs and Jean Grey, aka Marvel Girl from X-Men. There are cameos from Cyclops, Beast, Iceman and Archangel as well as Nick Fury, Pike, Sinister and Zealot. The story is kind of run of the mill. Something you have read countless times before, or something close to it.
As before, the story was not the selling point here. It was Jim Lee's pencils. Back in the day I thought this issue was one of the best he had drawn. But today, although still a pleasure to look at, has some rough spots because by comparison to the work he is putting out now, you really can see how much Jim's style and evolved and improved over the years. I have to point out that back when this came out, even poor Jim had the misfortune of having to follow Travis' issue, which still applies today.
The Modern Age
Story: James Robinson
Pencils: Adam Hughes
Inks: Mark Farmer
Colors: Joe Chiodo & Martin Jiminez
Letters: Richard Starkings & Dave Lanphear
Story-wise, I think The Modern Age is the best of the 4 and art-wise, Adam Hughes gave Travis a run for his money. This issue has all the classic stuff that you normally get from him; namely, hot babes and heroic Superheroes. Adam is one of the best at what he does and his inclusion in this series elevates it to a whole other level. As for the story, I do think it's my favorite of the 4 because it doesn't rely on the standard cliched type of dialogue most associated with team books like this series. It's not corny is what I'm getting at. With the first 2 issues really being nothing more than a tease, we finally get all the WildCATs and X-Men on the same playing field to fight along side each other against a common enemy.
The Dark Age
Story: Warren Ellis
Pencils: Mat Broome
Inks: Stan Parsons
Colors: Wendy Fouts & Wildstorm FX
Letters: Richard Starkings & Dave Lanphear
Additional Pencils by Brett Booth
Now I remember why I have not bothered to read this since the day this hit the stands. The Dark Age was absolutely atrocious in every way imaginable. First thing first. Why the hell did they have Mat Broome doing the art chores here? Why would you follow up the holy trinity of Comic Book Gods (Travis Charest, Jim Lee and Adam Hughes) with someone that had no name recognition whatsoever? I mean this guy never was a fan favorite. He never was flavor of the week superstar. He was working out of Wildstorm Studios and was employed by Jim at the time so he lucked into the gig. My guess is that Jim couldn't find anyone else to do the issue. Back before this came out, I was hoping that J. Scott Campbell would do the issue. He was definitely a fan favorite and someone that could realistically follow the other superstar artist and hold his own.
As for the story, it is garbage. And the dialogue is a joke as well and makes no sense half the time with no flow at all. What a waste. If you ever decide to pick this series up, stick with the first 3 and skip Part 4. I'm not going to even go into the details of who and what the story is about. Not worth it.
Overall Rating: 3 Stars out of 5 (Blame the 4th Issue for dragging down a pretty good book)
Review by Chiprocks1
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