The X-Men been put through the ringer, though you could say that has been the case for their entire existence. What has not been same is their enemy, which used to be contrasting ideals and villains who had some vested interest in using mutants to their benefit in some way. Lately, the enemy de jour has been things like mutant extinction and plagues like M-Pox, and that constant fight for the very survival of mutant kind has been a bit exhausting to some. For those who that description fits, X-Men Gold #1 is the book you've been waiting for.

In fact, this is the best X-Men book in some time, regardless of your history or viewpoint. Writer Marc Guggenheim has an immediate grasp on these beloved characters, who exhibit the same dysfunctional family vibes that made this group so popular in the first place. His handle on Kitty Pryde, in particular, is kudos worthy, who truly comes into her own here as a leader. The position suits her, and she provides the perfect balance of levity and thoughtful analysis that this series needs.

Relationships have always defined the X-Men, and there's plenty of history to mine here. Guggenheim hits all of them with ease, including the wonderful dynamic between Old Man Logan and Kitty, Nightcrawler and Storm, and of course Kitty and Colossus. It all feels familiar but not stale, comforting but not dated, and that is something the X-Books have been missing for awhile now. Art wise Ardian Syaf provides some drool-worthy visuals, including that opening splash page. It feels like Syaf was born to draw Colossus and Kitty, and lends action and emotions to his scenes in equal measure. Small moments like when Kitty sits in Xavier's chair for the first time resonate like they're supposed to in part thanks to Syaf's stellar art.

X-Men Gold kicks off this X-Men renaissance with a bang, and for longtime fans or those who lost touch, this is the book you've been hoping for. It's time to give the X-Men another chance. Rating 5 out of 5 Stars.