Feralia – Home of the Feralia fantasy novels by Clint Cassa

So I’ve been looking forward to this chapter in my X-men Reading Project for a while. This one is extra special because it’s the first crossover I collected as a kid in the 90’s. Since I already owned all of the single issues I didn’t need to pick up a trade paperback this time, making this the first time in this project that I read single issues instead of a trade. They were super cool, especially to an excited, nerdy kid. Each of the 6 main issues had a really nice, thick cover with wrap-around art and an awesome hologram! Here’s an example of a couple of them:

This hologram is from Wolverine #75. Though you can’t tell by viewing here, the image will move as you tilt the book. Pretty cool!

I’m still going to recommend a collection, however, to make it easier to find them collected together, and for reading order and reference.

So the collection this time will be the Milestones Edition (ISBN 978-1302919726) which collects Uncanny X-Men #298-300, 303-304, X-Factor #92, X-Force #25. X-Men Unlimited #2, X-Men #25, Wolverine #75 and Excalibur #71. I can’t comment on the print quality this time, having only read the single issues, but the Milestones trade paperbacks I have read have been of good quality.

That quickly brings us to the content. As usual I won’t risk spoilers, but there are some major events that happen in this story with major ramifications. Just as it was with X-Cutioner’s Song, it was very interesting to read this story again, around 25 years later, this time knowing all of the background leading up to it. There is one issue in particular which takes place at a funeral for a certain character. Having now developed an attachment to that character, it was a much more emotional read.

When I’d originally read Fatal Attractions as a kid, this was my first story with Magneto. Again, having read everything leading up to it meant so much more. This time around I’d come to appreciate him so much more, not only as a villain but as a friend and even a former teacher of the New Mutants.

This is a story where things really come to a head, where all of the tension between the X-Men and Magneto comes to a climax.

All of that, plus the nostalgia of one of that was one of the most exciting events I’d read as a kid, made this really, really enjoyable.

This is a major event in the history of the X-Men that you’ll definitely want to check out of you’re a fan.

5/5

-Clint

The next stop on my X-Men Reading Project is X-Men Epic Collection: Dissolution & Rebirth (ISBN978-1-302-91847-7). It’s 488 pages, full color, and collects Uncanny X-Men 248-267.

This collection bridges most of the gap between the major stories Inferno and X-Tinction Agenda. Initially I had skipped over these stories, and read the aforementioned storylines, but I found that a lot had happened in between and wanted some answers. For example, Jubilee and Gambit had both joined the team when I started X-Tinction Agenda. When I finished Inferno, they hadn’t been introduced yet. This collection also includes the tale of the Seige Perilous, so later references to it will make a lot more sense having read it. It also sets up things for up for the next big story (X-tinction Agenda), as well.

Personally, I didn’t enjoy the stories as much as anything in the X-Men up to this point. The writing and art are good quality, it’s just that the collection is so long, and the idea of having the team so split up and scattered just wasn’t as fun to me personally.

As far as a recommendation, I’d say this one depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re only reading the major X-Men stories, you’ll be fine skipping this one. Just be aware that a lot happens and some important characters (Jubilee and Gambit) are either introduced for the first time or have their first important parts, and also it covers a lot of in-between stuff.

If you want to keep up with the team in more detail, then definitely check this one out. This will keep you from wondering about things as you move onto X-Tinction Agenda.

So while not my favorite stories, a lot does happen here that you’ll want to consider reading depending on how in depth of an X-Men reading experience you’re looking for.

3/5

-Clint