From the Ashes

Grade:

From the Ashes requires two other TPB's to fully enjoy it. You need The DarK Phoenix Saga TPB and the Worlverine Mini Series TPB. They are crutial, because one explains why this mysterious woman Madelne Pryor showing up is so important, she looks just like Jean Grey who went crazy as the Phoenix, and the Wolverine TPB's ending is actually in this book.

On its own the book is pretty good. With the others its even better, mostly because it makes more sense. Claremont was in top form, before there was too much editor interfierance, and the art by Paul Smith looks sketchy, well it is sketchy but has excellent pacing and the action shots are quite good.

There are 3 arcs in this book, and cover X-men issues 168-176. The first is a conflict with the Morlocks, the next finishes the Wolverine TPB with a battle with Silver Samurai, the final arc deals with the "return" of Pheonix and Mastermind. The best is easily the Middle arc, the first is pretty good, and the last one does not make a lot of sense. I'm not sure I understand this entire fake Phoenix thing. But, this is a good collection, and if you own the Wolvie TPB, this is a must buy. Otherwise you might try it out but don't blame me if you find yourself confused. (Infact, but all 3 Essential X-men books too. They really explain the characters, plus their good book.)