All-New X-Men #24

By Brian Michael Bendis, Stuart Immonen & Wade Von Grawbadger

This issue of All-New X-Men marks the fifth part of the Trial of Jean Grey crossover. The issue started out a bit slow and Bendis had some of his famous repetitive dialogue, but it picked up very quickly and should leave you satisfied.

J-Son of Spartax manages to embarrass Guardian and also lets it slip that measures were taken to make sure Jean’s phoenix abilities weren’t hereditary. The X-Men and Guardians of the Galaxy hatch a plan that allows them to get a hold of a Shi’ar ship. Shortly after, a battle ensues that is broken up by something truly extraordinary.

Bendis is very good at injecting his books with humor, and this issue is another example of that. He uses Bobby and Rocket as the comic relief, but Angel and Starlord get in a few funny lines as well. Bendis also uses J-Son very well this issue as he defends Jean Grey and puts doubt into the minds of several other people. This is the most we’ve seen of his character and it will no doubt leave people wanting to see a little more. Near the end of the issue it starts to get action packed and Bendis does a good job with his action scene. He also makes it a point to establish that Cyclops is all in on this battle.

As always, Stuart Immonen does a very good job with this issue. His art on this series has been wonderful and he has really come into a groove with these characters. The page that sticks out the most will be that of the city as a recently escaped Jean Grey decides on what to do next. The fight scene is brief, but handled well and given that Immonen signature flare. Marte Gracia should also get some recognition for the colors that were added this issue. They look great and the shadows in some panels are done wonderfully.

This series has been one of the best to come out of the Marvel Now launch and Bendis is absolutely the reason why. When Immonen is on pencils, his consistency makes the book that much better. As the crossover wraps up, Bendis and Immonen deserve a pat on the back for their work here. Even though this is not a blockbuster summer crossover, it has been more entertaining than some recent ones.