COMIC BOOK REVIEW - Jean Grey: Nightmare Fuel

By The Masked Medic

Since I was on a bit of an X-men hype, I thought I’d read another X-men series novel, but this time it was Jean Grey that was the focus of this novel. Marvel’s reboot in 2015 led to a story that essentially made the X-men younger versions of themselves again.

‘Nightmare Fuel’ is the story of the young Jean Grey, who is struggling to come to terms with her identity, especially given that her older counterpart was lost to the Phoenix entity. Believing herself to be at risk of this happening to her too, she begins to look for help from various individuals including Thor, Psylocke and Doctor Strange in an attempt to be ready to battle the Phoenix Force so that it doesn’t overpower her. Along the way, she discovers more of who she is and what she’s capable of, as one of the most powerful mutants that ever were.

I actually liked the premise of the story even though it was highly confusing in parts. The young Jean Grey is inexperienced and that makes her an interesting character to read. The character development during the novel was obviously the focus of the whole story.

I thought the artwork in some of the issues was really good, especially the issue with Psylocke, however, other issues didn’t particularly take my fancy. I also wasn’t much of a fan of the covers. Overall, it wasn’t a bad book, but the confusing aspect of it almost lessened the enjoyment for me,

Favourite Panel:

Jean using her psychic energy to create Wolverine claws was pretty cool IMO.

Favourite Character:

Jean. Although she starts off as this insecure young girl, her development is phenomenal by the end.

Rating:

• Story Arc: ★★½

• Character Development: ★★★½

• Artwork: ★★★

• Enjoyability: ★★½

• Re-readability: ★★

Level: Advanced