Definitely more instructional manual vibes but I still really enjoyed the history aspect and appreciate how much work this author did for this book.

I really enjoyed this but I feel like there either needed to be more of a buildup to the romance aspect or this strictly needed to be friendship focused. Gorgeous artwork though, and the overall plot was better than some non-graphic novel fantasy books I’ve read.

Very Suckerpunch with pretty illustrations. Kind of wish there was one more volume for a longer story, but this at least wraps up the story nicely. 

Very eye candy, but still beautifully illustrated. I'm invested enough in the story to at least read Volume 2.

Really enjoyed this one as a refreshing take on the amateur sleuth type story. There was one plot point I wish was delved into a bit more, but otherwise the story was unique and led me astray at some points (in a good way) for genuine surprise. Also, this book gave me major fomo for New Orleans and now I need to go back asap.

Same thing that is said about issue 14 but now I have a cliffhanger. 😡

I definitely feel like I’m missing some details of the plot due to this issue being a part of a multi-title comic event. While this was still entertaining (especially with our cast of characters), this embodies the reason why I’m not the biggest fan of the big giant comic events that span through a bunch of titles.

Almost got lost on the story, but overall a fun quest. Excited to see their shenanigans in the X Of Swords adventure.

*read as single issues* *rating is average between 12 issues*

#16 - Definitely a rough transition from the event plot line back to this one. However, I couldn’t help but giggle at the ‘Bae Sinister’ part purely because of a club here in LA with the same name.
#17 - I really liked that they addressed the Kwannon/Psylocke switcharoo while also getting back to the original pre-comic event storyline.
#18 - Slightly predictable until it wasn’t. Love a good ‘is this the real so-and-so?’ plot line in comics.
#19 - Anytime Betsy and Kwannon get to interact is an automatic win for me, but the the fact that this had a slight emotional aspect made me love it even more.
#20 - This was a perfect blend of quiet moments (which I always appreciate in superhero stories) and action while also giving the reader enough background to understand who Malice is as a character.
#21 - A glimmering way to reel the story back into high stakes territory.
#22 - Missing a little backstory on some characters introduced but otherwise this was a fun mission and I will never say no to Gambit focused antics.
#23 - I don’t think Doctor Doom making an appearance was particularly needed but this was still fun.
#24 - I almost forgot about the Gambit, Rictor and Rogue Captain Britains so I’m glad they came back for this before the chaos ensued. Perfectly acceptable cliffhanger to want to continue reading on.
#25 - Great political parallels with fast-paced action. Exactly what I look for in an X-Men book.
#26 - This was way too much buildup for a final issues that very much is NOT an ending (because now I’ll have to read Knights of X).

*read as single issues* *rating is average between 12 issues*

#1 - Fun cast of characters and an action-packed start to the series!
#2 - Loved the callback to the OG Excalibur storyline. Also glad this went into some of lore instead of just tossing a bunch of things into the storyline.
#3 - The inclusion of classic fairytale circumstances gives the story an entertaining twist. And always love a Rictor appearance!
#4 - Now THERE’S that underlying political theme that the X-Men are known for! Wish there was a little more explanation as to how Rictor came from being a recluse to joining the Excalibur team but his inclusion still works seamlessly into the story.
#5 - QUEEN ROGUE FOREVER!
#6 - A well-rounded semi-conclusion to the task of getting Brian Braddock back to “normal.” Also, such a great example of why I love Gambit and Rogue so much together.
#7 - Sorry, but one more intrigued by Cullen Bloodstone as a villain for our team than Morgan Le Fay. #SorryNotSorry
#8 - A fun conclusion to the team’s visit to Bloodstone Manor! Also, Warwolf puppies are adorable!
#9 - Ok. I’m definitely digging this series because the villains are just getting better and better! Stoked for the Saturnyne Saga.
#10 - Fun bait and switch that leads into anticipated chaos.
#11 - Such a cliffhanger! But very informative on the lore aspect of the Citadel so newer readers can understand its importance.
#12 - Chaos is brewing and I am all for it!