DK Readers: Creating the X-Men, How It All Began (Level 4: Proficient Readers)

Rating:
Summary: Introducers a new generation to the original X-Men
Review: Publication of "The Story of the X-Men: How It All Began" was clearly inspired by the 2000 film that brought Marvel's merry mutants to the big screen for the first time. What I like about this book by Michael Teitelbaum is that it indeed focuses on the original X-Men instead of trying to deal with all the roster changes. However, while focusing on Professor X and the first-generation of X-Men--Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Beast, Iceman and Angel--it does bring the characters up to date. Of course, a section is devoted to Magneto as well and the book does touch on the Generation X roster of the team, but the point is clearly to learn about the original group. Teitelbaum also does a good job of setting up the compelling premise of the comic book, that mutants are feared and distrusted by "normal" human beings. It was this strong underlying current of prejudice that always gave the X-Men its depth as a comic book. My only complaint is that while there are examples of artwork from throughout the entire run of the X-Men, no credit is given to the particular artists (although you should be able to recognize the distinctive styles of Kirby, Lee, etc.). Those of us who started reading X-Men when it first came out will recognize this is an excellent introduction to the good old days for newcomers to the world of the Un-Canny X-Men. A glossary in the back defines over two-dozens words reflecting the rich vocabulary and challening sentence structure of this Level 4 (Proficient Readers) DK volume.

Rating:
Summary: Introducers a new generation to the original X-Men
Review: Publication of "The Story of the X-Men: How It All Began" was clearly inspired by the 2000 film that brought Marvel's merry mutants to the big screen for the first time. What I like about this book by Michael Teitelbaum is that it indeed focuses on the original X-Men instead of trying to deal with all the roster changes. However, while focusing on Professor X and the first-generation of X-Men--Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Beast, Iceman and Angel--it does bring the characters up to date. Of course, a section is devoted to Magneto as well and the book does touch on the Generation X roster of the team, but the point is clearly to learn about the original group. Teitelbaum also does a good job of setting up the compelling premise of the comic book, that mutants are feared and distrusted by "normal" human beings. It was this strong underlying current of prejudice that always gave the X-Men its depth as a comic book. My only complaint is that while there are examples of artwork from throughout the entire run of the X-Men, no credit is given to the particular artists (although you should be able to recognize the distinctive styles of Kirby, Lee, etc.). Those of us who started reading X-Men when it first came out will recognize this is an excellent introduction to the good old days for newcomers to the world of the Un-Canny X-Men. A glossary in the back defines over two-dozens words reflecting the rich vocabulary and challening sentence structure of this Level 4 (Proficient Readers) DK volume.

Rating:
Summary: Introduction to the Original Team.
Review: This easy to read book aimed at young readers serves as a perfect introduction for those unfamiliar with the original X-Men team: Cyclops, Marvel Girl, the Beast, Iceman, and Angel all studying under the tutelage of Charles Xavier, aka Professor X. The book also talks about Magneto and the first adventure that the X-Men took part in. The classic team has taken many changes over the years, but few teams will rival the original. Great introduction to the original X-Men team.

Rating:
Summary: Introduction to the Original Team.
Review: This easy to read book aimed at young readers serves as a perfect introduction for those unfamiliar with the original X-Men team: Cyclops, Marvel Girl, the Beast, Iceman, and Angel all studying under the tutelage of Charles Xavier, aka Professor X. The book also talks about Magneto and the first adventure that the X-Men took part in. The classic team has taken many changes over the years, but few teams will rival the original. Great introduction to the original X-Men team.

Rating:
Summary: The Story Behind the X-Men
Review: This is a great book for any X-Men fan or someone who just became interested in them. It tells how Professor Xavier, Magneto,Cyclops (Scott Summers), Marvel Girl (Jean Grey, also known as Phoenix, Beast (Hank McCoy), Angel (Warren Worthington III, also known as Archangle) and Iceman (Bobby Drake) came to become the first X-Men. It also gives some info about other X-Men like WOlverine and some of their recent and former enimes like Juggernaut, and Quicksilver. One thing I enjoyed about this book is it had a lot of pics. from old and recent comics. Overall this is a pretty good book!