X-Men: The Manga: Remastered, vol. 1 | Review

X-Men: the Manga: Remastered, vol. 1

Story and art by Hiroshi Higushi, Koji Yasue, Miyako Kojima, Reiji Hagiwara, Rei Nakahara, & Hirofumi Ichikawa

VIZ, 11/12/24

Age rating: Teen Plus

If you are a fan of the iconic X-Men series, especially the animated series from the 90s, this new manga is for you. 

If you have never heard of the X-Men because you are living under a rock, this manga is also for you.

Seeing the story of the X-Men retold in manga format was quite an experience to behold. As a fan of the X-Men since childhood, I found myself feeling very nostalgic. I even had the cartoon theme in my head as I was reading. This manga is an exact retelling of the 90s cartoon series, with five artists illustrating each chapter with their own style. 

It starts with the introduction of Jubilation “Jubilee” Lee, a teenage mutant who shoots fireworks from her hands. As her parents try to understand what is happening to their daughter, Jubilee runs away to the mall and finds herself encountering a towering mutant-chasing robot called a Sentinel. As the Sentinel is ready to capture her, Jubilee is rescued by three other mutants, Rogue, Storm, and Cyclops.

I know what you’re thinking. 

“Hey, is this what happened in episode one?”

YES! When I mentioned that this is a literal retelling of the animated series, I really meant it.

Even the introductions of Professor X, Jean Grey, Beast, Wolverine, Magneto, Sabretooth, and Morph (oh Morph T_T) are included in this retelling, some with perfect comedic illustration that only a mangaka can do. There are numerous scenes where the exaggerated bubble eyes appear, that just make the once serious pace of the plot pretty hilarious. 

Storylines including the Beast’s imprisonment, the Mutant Control Agency, and the entanglement with the Morlocks are wonderfully retold in the artist’s own vision. There is also a brief cameo of another X-team in the story which could have been fleshed out more but instead gets lost in the flow. As this manga is told from five different perspectives, you will see that the art changes and possibly feel a bit off, but I don’t think this would take away from enjoying the manga. Another gripe I must mention is the lack of Rogue’s involvement in the story. Our gal was present in the series, but she becomes more of a background character with random reactions. Hopefully, Rogue will be featured more as the series goes on. 

Overall, I found X-Men: The Manga pretty fun and perfect for any comic collector. Enjoy the nostalgia and the theme replaying in your head. 

Filed under: Graphic Novels, Manga, Reviews, Young Adult