Cover of the Week 13/11 – All New X-Men #18 by Stuart Immonen

Okay fine, I’m a sucker for the team photo but this one is quite the surprise on the cover and in the issue. After the anti-climax of BotA, this page seems to make one clear statement: Bendis’ young X-Men are here to stay. The old uniforms were pertinent at the outset, to emphasise the alienation of the youths in present time. That has rapidly become old news and they are firmly part of the X-furniture, though they have recently moved house. This panel is representative of that fact, and not only do they look stylish and suave, they look confident and assured of themselves. I appreciate the different coloured uniforms may make them appear like well known kung fu children’s television program, but it is a little more subtle than that. The mountainous backdrop plays more an accompaniment to the uniform colours as opposed to the actual environment, but either way the colouring is part of the allure of this cover. The light blues and whites are quite easing and reassuring, interspersed with bright colour.  The classic looking away into the air has a slight air of arrogance, perfect for our dashing heroes. Their stances show intent, especially with the clenched fists. The mountainous backdrop plays more an accompaniment to the uniform colours as opposed to the actual environment, but either way the colouring is part of the allure of this cover. The light blues and whites are quite easing and reassuring, interspersed with bright colour. The ice bridge and Warren’s wings provide contrasting shapes to the peaks in the background. This was by far my favourite cover because I adore these five mutants and for the first time, I believe they may move forward and actually do something. They have transitioned from their original location, changed clothing, attained motivation and are ready to be the X-Men. And for that I am thankful.