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Marvel Masterworks: The X-Men #4
Marvel Masterworks: The X-Men, Vol. 4
Collects The X-Men #32-42
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
14 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Roy Thomas
4,480 books272 followersRoy Thomas was the FIRST Editor-in-Chief at Marvel--After Stan Lee stepped down from the position. Roy is a longtime comic book writer and editor. Thomas has written comics for Archie, Charlton, DC, Heroic Publishing, Marvel, and Topps over the years. Thomas currently edits the fanzine Alter Ego for Twomorrow's Publishing. He was Editor for Marvel comics from 1972-1974. He wrote for several titles at Marvel, such as Avengers, Thor, Invaders, Fantastic Four, X-Men, and notably Conan the Barbarian. Thomas is also known for his championing of Golden Age comic-book heroes — particularly the 1940s superhero team the Justice Society of America — and for lengthy writing stints on Marvel's X-Men and Avengers, and DC Comics' All-Star Squadron, among other titles.
Also a legendary creator. Creations include Wolverine, Carol Danvers, Ghost Rider, Vision, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, Valkyrie, Morbius, Doc Samson, and Ultron. Roy has also worked for Archie, Charlton, and DC among others over the years.
Also a legendary creator. Creations include Wolverine, Carol Danvers, Ghost Rider, Vision, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, Valkyrie, Morbius, Doc Samson, and Ultron. Roy has also worked for Archie, Charlton, and DC among others over the years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 13, 2021
Unfortunately, Roy Thomas proves himself not very capable of delivering very good stories with these issues. He tries his hand at a major storyline (for the time) with the mysterious Factor Three story, an extended conflict of a mysterious group whose only redeeming value is the introduction of Banshee. Somewhere along the line, Thomas drops the whole "Jean is away at Metro College" thing with no explanation at all, another example of this creative team's inability to sustain much.
At times, Thomas proves he is capable of delivering quite interesting character moments, notably giving Jean a personality for the first time in the series since issue 1. Not only that, but we have the beginning of Jean's telepathic skills as well, just in time for the startling conclusion in the final issue of this collection: the death of Professor Xavier. The Factor Three main story has some potentially good points, like the "trial" of the X-Men by former foes, but as mentioned above, Thomas never brings the good ideas to successful conclusions.
Too often, especially by the end of this collection, Thomas breaks out an inane deus ex machina to finish off the story, often saying the villain was an alien from outer space, destroying all personal interest in the conflicts. This collection also has some of the worst X-Men issues perhaps of all time: the combat with Spider-Man in 35, the Mekano issue in 36, the battle with Frankenstein's monster in 40 (you read that right), and the utterly inane Grotesk battle in 41-42 resulting in the death of Xavier. You know a comic issue is bad when you are longing for the days of El Tigre, the Locust, or even the pirate ship.
The new uniforms do nothing for the series other than give Thomas an excuse to stereotype Jean again (despite turning around and giving her one of the best scenes in 42 she's had since the beginning, as mentioned above). One would think it impossible to make a bad issue staring Spider-Man and the X-Men, but Thomas and Co. somehow managed to do it. All the auguries point to the need for a new creative direction. It is starting to become clear why the X-Men were cancelled.
At times, Thomas proves he is capable of delivering quite interesting character moments, notably giving Jean a personality for the first time in the series since issue 1. Not only that, but we have the beginning of Jean's telepathic skills as well, just in time for the startling conclusion in the final issue of this collection: the death of Professor Xavier. The Factor Three main story has some potentially good points, like the "trial" of the X-Men by former foes, but as mentioned above, Thomas never brings the good ideas to successful conclusions.
Too often, especially by the end of this collection, Thomas breaks out an inane deus ex machina to finish off the story, often saying the villain was an alien from outer space, destroying all personal interest in the conflicts. This collection also has some of the worst X-Men issues perhaps of all time: the combat with Spider-Man in 35, the Mekano issue in 36, the battle with Frankenstein's monster in 40 (you read that right), and the utterly inane Grotesk battle in 41-42 resulting in the death of Xavier. You know a comic issue is bad when you are longing for the days of El Tigre, the Locust, or even the pirate ship.
The new uniforms do nothing for the series other than give Thomas an excuse to stereotype Jean again (despite turning around and giving her one of the best scenes in 42 she's had since the beginning, as mentioned above). One would think it impossible to make a bad issue staring Spider-Man and the X-Men, but Thomas and Co. somehow managed to do it. All the auguries point to the need for a new creative direction. It is starting to become clear why the X-Men were cancelled.
January 3, 2022
I'm pretty confident that this volume was a partial inspiration for the film X-Men: First Class. The main villain is a secret organization of mutants known as Factor Three. They plan to turn the Cold War into World War III, resulting in nuclear devastation and wiping out all homo sapiens so that homo superior can rule what remains of the Earth.
Meanwhile, flashbacks show Xavier form the X-Men and recruit its first member, Scott Summers.
These issues are still pretty weak but it's a definite step in the right direction.
Meanwhile, flashbacks show Xavier form the X-Men and recruit its first member, Scott Summers.
These issues are still pretty weak but it's a definite step in the right direction.
May 22, 2023
Overall, this volume was just an okay kind of read. I mean such opponents as Factor Three, The Frankenstein Monster, and Grotesk do not conjure up classic X-men foes or the most memorable of stories. If I had to pick my favorite story line I would say the issues facing Factor Three were the best of the bunch since the team had to face off against Unus, The Blob, Vanisher and Mastermind.
We do get the origin of Cyclops in bits and pieces in this volume. The villain of that story, The Living Diamond, also is among the forgotten foes so it all fits well with this underwhelming collection.
Art was pretty decent by Roth and Don Heck, but there are better collections of our favorite mutants out there.
We do get the origin of Cyclops in bits and pieces in this volume. The villain of that story, The Living Diamond, also is among the forgotten foes so it all fits well with this underwhelming collection.
Art was pretty decent by Roth and Don Heck, but there are better collections of our favorite mutants out there.
August 5, 2025
the moment these comics actually let jeannie be useful i will cheer
April 20, 2020
Beginnings
The stories don’t get great for another several issues, but the origins and foundations laid in these issues show the budding cultural phenomenon that was and is The X-Men!
A great place to start reading or to just experience the original X-Men too!
The stories don’t get great for another several issues, but the origins and foundations laid in these issues show the budding cultural phenomenon that was and is The X-Men!
A great place to start reading or to just experience the original X-Men too!
April 17, 2024
Roy Thomas's tenure on the X-Men starts to expand in this volume from the X-Men taking on a forgettable villain-of-the-week to Let's get super into continuity and examine the X-Men's history and sprinkle in some special guests.
After a Juggernaut story, we focus on Factor Three, who were mentioned at the end of the previous volume. I both respect and am confused by the fact that there are more than three of them, and that none of them turn out to be Magneto. But the highlight of the Factor Three story is a one-issue appearance of Spider-Man who is mistakenly believed to be the villain. It totally fits in with his sad sack luck and with the X-Men's punch first, figure out you messed up later approach to pretty much everything.
The rest of the volume features more C+ X-men stories but introduces background stories at the end of each issue where we get the origins of Professor X, and then Cyclops. They're stories that were already explored in earlier issues but are told in more detail. They're fine but unnecessary if you're reading these stories in modern collections. They were mainly for people jumpoing into the story twenty or thirty issues in who also wouldn't have had any sort of access to the first few issues. Dark days.
The collection builds up to a major death. I'm not sure if it's impactful because the intervening fifty-someodd years of history have taught me that the character isn't going to be dead for long.
The major con to this story is still Roy Thomas's Stan Leeism-filled writing. Holy Hannah, it's repetitive and annoying. There are also an unfair amount of puns that would be outlawed in a better society.
I don't think this would be a highlight, even if you're a silver age fan. It did start better than the previous volumes but after Spider-Man goes back to his own comic, it's all downhill.
After a Juggernaut story, we focus on Factor Three, who were mentioned at the end of the previous volume. I both respect and am confused by the fact that there are more than three of them, and that none of them turn out to be Magneto. But the highlight of the Factor Three story is a one-issue appearance of Spider-Man who is mistakenly believed to be the villain. It totally fits in with his sad sack luck and with the X-Men's punch first, figure out you messed up later approach to pretty much everything.
The rest of the volume features more C+ X-men stories but introduces background stories at the end of each issue where we get the origins of Professor X, and then Cyclops. They're stories that were already explored in earlier issues but are told in more detail. They're fine but unnecessary if you're reading these stories in modern collections. They were mainly for people jumpoing into the story twenty or thirty issues in who also wouldn't have had any sort of access to the first few issues. Dark days.
The collection builds up to a major death. I'm not sure if it's impactful because the intervening fifty-someodd years of history have taught me that the character isn't going to be dead for long.
The major con to this story is still Roy Thomas's Stan Leeism-filled writing. Holy Hannah, it's repetitive and annoying. There are also an unfair amount of puns that would be outlawed in a better society.
I don't think this would be a highlight, even if you're a silver age fan. It did start better than the previous volumes but after Spider-Man goes back to his own comic, it's all downhill.
September 19, 2021
This book collects the 1967 and 1968 comics of the X-Men, issues #32 through 42. They fight the Juggernaut, Tyrannus and the Mole Man, Spider-Man, Mekano, Factor 3, Frankenstein's Monster, and Grotesk. They get new costumes, and their leader, Professor X dies (or at least somebody playing him dies, as will be revealed almost two years later). I had most of these issues as a kid, and several remain beloved - most of all #36, the one where they fight Mekano, who is a lame super-villain, but all the rest of the story, showing the X-Men trying desperately to raise money in order to get to Europe where Factor 3 is holding Prof. X a prisoner, is terrific. I love the attempt to become construction workers, only to be foiled by a lack of union cards.
These comics are not universally beloved by fans, but they meant a lot to me at the time, and they have their good points. Some very nice art by Dan Adkins and Don Heck in some of them, some fun side-bar scenarios that Roy Thomas came up with, the sense of mystery around Factor 3 that didn't pan out to a strong conclusion, the growth of characterization between Cyclops and Marvel Girl, the amusement value of the River Lethe, and a fun use of Spider-Man - all this made this re-read more than a pleasure.
These comics are not universally beloved by fans, but they meant a lot to me at the time, and they have their good points. Some very nice art by Dan Adkins and Don Heck in some of them, some fun side-bar scenarios that Roy Thomas came up with, the sense of mystery around Factor 3 that didn't pan out to a strong conclusion, the growth of characterization between Cyclops and Marvel Girl, the amusement value of the River Lethe, and a fun use of Spider-Man - all this made this re-read more than a pleasure.
August 17, 2025
This period of x-men is often highly criticised and derided, so I wasn't expecting much going in, but I found them to be really enjoyable reads. Some really good stories here, which all have a epic feel to them, the art is really solid throughout, and the back up features are very interesting reads. These issues are wordy, but they are no more repetitive than anything claremont acclaimed run has, Thomas does a very good job building up suspense. Also some single self contained issues which are great fun where the x-men takes on the monster of frankenstein, which is awesome. Reminds me of the claremont Dracula issues. So yes, highly recommend this one, highly under rated.
June 20, 2024
Middle period X-Man stories, all from the pen of Roy Thomas, and illustrated by Werner Roth or Don Heck. Average stories, including one with Spider-Man fighting the group due to the usual sort of misunderstanding. This also contains the first time Professor X dies.
Oh, yeah - the team get their new costumes in this, which are pretty dreadful, especially the Angel's.
Oh, yeah - the team get their new costumes in this, which are pretty dreadful, especially the Angel's.
September 23, 2024
Absolutely terrible. The Factor Three storyline is gawd awful. I have never seen the word ‘selfsame’ used so much in my entire life. With every one of these read, I get closer to Chris Claremont’s version of the X-men.
December 25, 2017
Great
It's a bit simple due to the age but a great read for any fan. It really gives you an understanding of where the X-Men come from.
It's a bit simple due to the age but a great read for any fan. It really gives you an understanding of where the X-Men come from.
April 6, 2018
Some of these issues detail Cyclops' backstory which is fascinating. Also includes some other thrilling appearances from Banshee, Juggernaut and the mysterious Factor Three.
November 14, 2018
/ the x-men are my favorite. especially Marvel Girl and Cyclops.
August 30, 2020
The verbal diarheea on every page makes it extremely tiresome while the plot is very dull and forgettable...
August 8, 2023
Hey, the 60th anniversary read continues.
This could perhaps be rated bad, but there's enough fun and firsts that are worthwhile.
This could perhaps be rated bad, but there's enough fun and firsts that are worthwhile.
February 16, 2025
I know it's a product of it's time but the time is sexist and hot garbage to any woman character.
August 29, 2025
This book sucks so much 😠(〃＞目＜)🤬🤬🤬🤬
October 5, 2025
3.7 stars. These aren't as good as the later issues I read as a kid, but they are fun to read with my 5-year old. And I feel they are getting a bit better as it goes on.
January 15, 2026
It was written in the 60s so it’s pretty cheesy…. but I don’t care
July 30, 2013
- I love seeing how The X-Men comics evolved. They just keep getting better and better.
- I really liked the Dr. Strange cameo! He is so awesome!
- Spiderman gets an X-Men ish!?!? That was different, but fun. The X-Men still make an appearance, but the majority of the comic is about Spiderman. What is with the little web wings on Spiderman? That was weird.
- The new costumes were a surprise! I think Cyclops' and Jean's costumes were a cool improvement, but Angel's costume is awful! He looks like a dork. I'm not digging the colors either.
- I love how the origins parts were added. It was fun to read about how Professor X found Scott and made him Cyclops. I hope they keep adding those at the end of each issue. I would like to see origins on all the characters.
- Along with new costumes, The X-Men get new toned muscles as well. Each of them are more defined.
- The last issue is a killer cliffhanger! Professor X cannot be dead!!
- I really liked the Dr. Strange cameo! He is so awesome!
- Spiderman gets an X-Men ish!?!? That was different, but fun. The X-Men still make an appearance, but the majority of the comic is about Spiderman. What is with the little web wings on Spiderman? That was weird.
- The new costumes were a surprise! I think Cyclops' and Jean's costumes were a cool improvement, but Angel's costume is awful! He looks like a dork. I'm not digging the colors either.
- I love how the origins parts were added. It was fun to read about how Professor X found Scott and made him Cyclops. I hope they keep adding those at the end of each issue. I would like to see origins on all the characters.
- Along with new costumes, The X-Men get new toned muscles as well. Each of them are more defined.
- The last issue is a killer cliffhanger! Professor X cannot be dead!!
September 5, 2013
Volume #4 of X-men Marvel Masterworks seems a bit more interesting than the others. It has one interesting story arc and a surprising last issue. Beginning with issue #38 you also get to see the installment of X-men origins listed as small bonus features in every issue up until #53 (which is the last one in volume 5). Thus you get to see how the first X-man was recruited and what happened until the whole team (of 5 - see below) got together.
Volume #4
Team Roster: Cyclops, Iceman, The Beast, Marvel Girl and The Angel
Issues: #32 - #42
Editor: Stan Lee
Writer: Roy Thomas
Art: Werner Roth & Don Heck
Volume #4
Team Roster: Cyclops, Iceman, The Beast, Marvel Girl and The Angel
Issues: #32 - #42
Editor: Stan Lee
Writer: Roy Thomas
Art: Werner Roth & Don Heck
March 21, 2013
Cheesy Silver Age adventures. They touch a soft spot in my heart, but I can't recommend them to anyone who doesn't have some hook of nostalgia. The art is stark and heavily lined, almost like each panel is a poster. I like its solidity. Things get really weird near the end of the volume with the Gro-tesk storyline, which seems slightly jumbled...maybe they'd forgotten what they'd written in that second-to-last issue.
Read in digital format.
Read in digital format.
June 3, 2014
Yes, it's cheesy. Yes, it's silly. Yes, it has way more text than a contemporary comic. But there's something about this old school goodness I can't get enough of, like looking at embarassing 90's prom photos of your friends for life.
May 8, 2015
More from The Juggernaut, my fave villain at this stage in the X-Men, plus Spider-Man and... Frankenstein's monster? Okay, so the stories are still a little silly, but we have the awesome origin stories of the X-Men starting in issue 38, which is a plus!
July 5, 2015
It was nice to have a bit of an overarching storyline for a while, instead of everything so episodic. The characters are getting a little bit more developed, but they're still pretty much walking stereotypes.
August 10, 2011
See review for Vol. 3.
April 17, 2014
Good one, lot of action, new and old super-vilain and interesting crossover from other super-hero comic.
December 23, 2014
prof X is dead?!
February 10, 2015
Roy is rather boring at delivering good stories. With the exception of the final issues, the rest of them are almost lame.
April 29, 2017
Man, these are bad. Its not just that they don't stand up today....they pale in comparison to other Marvel comics from the same time period. No one seemed particularly enthused to be working on the X-Men.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews