X-Men Epic Collection, Vol. 22: Legacies

X-Men Epic Collection

by Scott Lobdell, Fabian Nicieza, Brandon Peterson (Penciler)

Magneto and Stryfe cast a long shadow over mutantkind! The X-Men travel to Russia when Colossus visits his sister Illyana, formerly the New Mutants’ Magik! But the sadistic Soul Skinner is loose, and the Russian government will do anything to stop him — even if that means shattering Colossus’ family! Then, when Magneto’s fanatical followers the Acolytes return, could it mean that the Master of Magnetism is still alive? Plus: Siena Blaze strikes as the Upstarts’ deadly game continues! Betsy Braddock returns — but if Betsy’s back, who is Psylocke?! And the X-Cutioner targets the dying Mastermind as mutants worldwide begin falling mysteriously ill! What horror has Stryfe unleashed on mutantkind — and can the X-Men cope with his lethal legacy?

COLLECTING: Uncanny X-Men (1981) 297-300, Uncanny X-Men Annual (1992) 17, X-Men (1991) 17-23, Stryfe’s Strike File (1993) 1, X-Men Unlimited (1993) 1

Genres: X Men, Comics, Marvel, Graphic Novels, Superheroes

488 pages, Paperback

Published April 11, 2023

About the author

Scott Lobdell (born 1960) is an American comic book writer.

He is mostly known for his work throughout the 1990s on Marvel Comics' X-Men-related titles specifically Uncanny X-Men, the main title itself, and the spin-off series that he conceived with artist Chris Bachalo, Generation X. Generation X focused on a number of young mutant students who attempted to become superheroes in their own right at a separate school with the guidance of veteran X-related characters Banshee and Emma Frost. He also had writing stints on Marvel's Fantastic Four, Alpha Flight, and The Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix mini-series with artist Gene Ha. He wrote the script to Stan Lee's Mosaic and an upcoming film from POW Entertainment featuring Ringo Starr. He also participated in the Marvel Comics and Image Comics (from Jim Lee's WildStorm) crossover mini-series WildC.A.T.s/X-Men.

Reviews

[Craig W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This starts with one of my favourite X-Men issues of all time!

[Brent Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

What’s this? More ‘90’s X-Men?!?! Hot on the heels of the X-Cutioner’s Song comes this collection of bombastic X-Men action. Nostalgia driving here and I’m along for the ride.

[XMCU · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update: The X-Men Fatal attractions Omnibus places X-Men Annual #17 (the whole issue) before X-Men unlimited #1.

The second story in X-Men Annual #17 (Of Kings And Queens Of Promises) takes place after the Stryfe Files. I knew before threw the website CMRO the reading order, but I instead read issues In the order presented in the book. I recommend CMRO's reading order. The story explains why the villain attacked the X-Men in X-Men unlimited #1.

The events of Wolverine #69-71 are mentioned in this book, but not collected. So plan to read/own these issues. CMRO says these wolverine issues take place after X-Men #21.

Recommend reading: X-Men epic Collection #1 but more importantly Epic Collection #7. You need to be aware of master mind. Look up what comics are required to learn of the Siege Perilous and Psylocke's involvement. X-Men Visionaries Jim Lee has some of the Siege Perilous. There some mention of Rogue and Magneto's relationship, but it's not quite necessary to read for Vol. 22, but it is mentioned in the book and the story arc is collected in X-Men Visionaries Jim Lee.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the individual volumes and their stories are enjoyable, I found that as a collection this one really didn’t feel very cohesive. Maybe there is a bit too much going on post-Stryfe.

[Matt J · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Psylocke/Revanche stuff was weird and drawn out. The issue with Sienna Blaze was pretty bad. The rest of this was great, particularly for that era.

[Jonathan Waugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly solid for early 90’s X-Men stuff that’s in between two giant stories

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The artwork was great in most of the issues, but in the rest it was kind of childish. The overall story was very interesting.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bridges the gap between X-Tinction Agenda and Fatal Attractions. Stryfe has unleashed the Legacy virus after X-Tinction Agenda and that slowly begins to rear its ugly head for what felt like years at the time. Then you also have the rise of the Upstarts. They are stupid, powerful mutants who kill other mutants for points in some game. Then we get more tragedy for Colossus in Russia with the Soul Skinner. Colossus couldn't catch a break in this era. The Acolytes return just in time for issue #300 of Uncanny. Then Revanche pops in for her confusing story with Psylocke. We also get the first appearance of X-Cutioner. That was the year Marvel polybagged all its annuals with a trading card of a new character to try to suck you into buying two copies.

All of the art is pretty great. Andy Kubert, Brandon Peterson and John Romita Jr. on the monthlies with Chris Bachalo and Jason Pearson pitching in on the other stuff.