X-Cutioner's Song

I have been surfing through the 80's and 90's X-Factor comic books on Marvel Unlimited over the last 9-12 months.  I've been on again, off again, but I have stuck with it.  Back in the day, I did not start reading this title until 1992 when my friend Pete and I would go to the local comic shop at college in Charleston, Illinois.  We each bought titles we wanted, but then would go home and read our own books then pass them across the room and read each other's books.  It was a good arrangement for both of us.  We got to double our exposure to stories at half the cost.  

Anyway, I didn't realize the notable X-Men stories that actually happened in the X-Factor book.  Most of the animated series X-Men 97 comes from the pages of X-Factor.  Now that I have caught up to the books I read in college, I am remembering some of the good times my friend and I had discussing the storylines, enjoying the art and "comic style," and arguing over who was the best hero, (who is obviously Spider-man).  I have recently come across a classic X-Men crossover story that shaped my love for my favorite X-Man of all time, Cable.  The story I have come upon again is the X-Cutioner's Song.  

People may disagree with me (hey, that is what literary discussion is all about), but I feel that this is the best 1990's X-Men crossover, hands down.  All the X-teams get involved, there is a murder and the suspect is pretty clear...or is he?  You have classic villains like Mr. Sinister, Apocalypse, Cable (?), the
MLF, and others going against our heroes.  The difficult issue is that the X-Men don't only have villains to contend with, but they are also at odds with one another.  What else is new, right?  Well, to me it was all new, and it was all amazing.  One might say it is an Uncanny story.  

If you don't have Marvel Unlimited and you love Marvel comics, you must raise the money for a year's subscription.  You won't be disappointed!  However, pro tip here.  If you are my age and went to college in the late 80's or earlier, you might want to find a tablet to read these on.  The phone has gotten a wee bit small for me to be able to read for very long.  Just saying!  You want to enjoy this.  

Check out X-Cutioner's Song or for that matter, do what I did and start at the beginning of the X-Factor title in 1986.  This is a comic book that I can't believe I didn't pick up when I was younger.  

Top 5 Comics I look forward to reading each month

This is a list that will change frequently, I am sure.  These are the Top 5 comics, both print and digital on Marvel Unlimited, that I look forward to reading each month.  

5. Star Wars (print) - cruising right along I am just enjoying it

4. Aero (Marvel Unlimited) - hanging on to see where this goes

3. Fallen Angel (Marvel Unlimited) - the X-titles are grabbing my attention

2. X-Force (Marvel Unlimited) - I've always enjoyed this title with Cable or without him

1. Amazing Spider-man - the build-up to issue 850 is captivating if not a little dark and scary

Obviously, these are all Marvel titles.  I have always been a Marvel guy, but not because I have anything against DC or any other company.  Marvel just seems to captivate me and always has.  In fact, an honorable mention would be IDW's Star Wars: Clone Wars title.  

What are you reading that has you looking forward to a visit to your Local Comic shop each month?  Leave a comment of your Top 5 or a few of your "can't wait to get your hands on" comic titles.  

Loving Every Minute

Well, it's official. I've been sucked in. Over Christmas I decided to inventory my comic book collection. I discovered that I seem to be missing all of my Iron Man and Dr. Strange books. Disappointing. I did start digging through several looking for some to sell to make more room for new ones still coming in. I still get Amazing Spiderman, New Avengers, Avengers Prime, Secret Avengers, Spider Girl and X-Force. Before you start thinking, whoa, what's he doing buying so many books? I could buy lots more...easily.

Anyway, I was looking for some books to get rid of and I thought, I will read them one more time, put them aside, and sell them. I started with the X titles: X-Men, Uncanny X-Men, Cable, X-Force and X-Factor. All of these are books from 1991 to about 1998. I have been reading them all together chonologically (all titles from Jan. 1991 then Feb...) just like I did when I bought them new. Of course my books all start with the unbelievably good X-cutioner's Song storyline. Let's just say, I'm not getting rid of any of these, but I'm back reading everyone of them and loving every minute.