Origins can be good

Back in April, .I complained about the solicitation of an X-Men: Origins one-shot starring Colossus. I felt there was simply no reason to expand a character like Colossus' origin to anything that would warrant it's own one-shot. I didn't buy the book, but reviews I read (such as this one from Paul O'Brien's X-Axis) pretty much summed up my thoughts on it: nothing unreadable, but pretty much unnecessary.

However, when I saw a solicitation for another X-Men: Origins book starring Jean Grey, I was more intrigued. Jean Grey was (as she's still dead) a character with a pretty interesting back story before she got to the X-Men. For those of you not in the know, when Jean Grey debuted in X-Men #1 back in 1963, her lone power was telekinesis. Over time, she was given telepathy and a back story was provided to explain why she had not used them the whole time: while still a child, her best friend was hit by a car. Jean telepathically connected with her as she died, which mentally scarred her. Professor X was called in to help heal the damage, and he blocked off her telepathic powers until she was ready for them.

The Origins issue is a retelling of that story with a heavier focus on what Xavier actually did, and it's excellent work. The writing works and the painted art is gorgeous. It shows that you don't have to add new events to an origin for an issue like this. Just expand on what's already been established to allow readers to get a better grip on the character.

There's another one coming out soon for Beast, so let's hope that quality too.