Enroll In The Jean Grey School For Higher Learning

From the looks of it, Wolverine is taking his team back to the east coast and reclaiming Xavier’s Mansion to use as his base of operations. He’s also chosen to rename the school ‘The Jean Grey School For Higher Learning,’ in memory of his long-time love interest, and wife of former teammate Cyclops, Jean Grey. I love this move by Jason Aaron because it completely fits with Wolverine’s character. Though he always held the utmost respect for Charles Xavier, the decision to rename the school in honor of Jean Grey is natural, and something that readers probably wouldn’t expect, but should have.

Readers are also treated to some new art by the amazing Chris Bachalo, including a new view of the grounds. Apparently, Wolverine is allowing the use of some amazing tech in the rebuilding of the school as some buildings look like they are out of Blade Runner, as opposed to the old-fashioned brick buildings of the Xavier School of old. And apparently Iceman was given a building of his own, judging by the obscure ice sculpture in the foreground. (Or maybe that’s from a training session gone awry.)

Seeing this new aspect of the story-line, I’m now even more excited for Wolverine & The X-Men than I was before. I’ve always been a fan of Wolverine (I know, real original, right?). Regardless of that, it’s nice to see Wolverine in a leadership role as opposed to being the trusted foot-soldier that just follows orders. Wolvie has come a long way since his days of being a hot-tempered maniac, flying off into fits of rage with murderous results. It’s nice to see that Jason Aaron has recognized that change in him, and felt that he could handle the role of team leader.

I know most people will probably complain that readers don’t need Wolverine & The X-Men because there are too many X-books already, and up until a couple of days ago, I would have agreed. But as more and more details come out about the new title, I can definitely see how it will add value to the line, and to Marvel as a whole. I like the step that the X-Men are taking, and I’m looking forward to Wolverine & The X-Men.

Wolverine & The X-Men begins October 26.