Comics Review: X-Men: Days of Future Past

After “The Dark Phoenix Saga” ended on a bittersweet note, Marvel published another X-Men storyline in 1981 (same year Elektra made her comic book debut) known as “Days of Future Past.” Set in a bad future, mutants are imprisoned and annihilated by mutant hunting Sentinels. Kitty Pryde goes back in time via mind into her younger self to warn her fellow X-Men they must stop Mystique and the Brotherhood of Mutants from assassinating Senator Robert Kelly or else the mutants are screwed. The two-part storyline earned positive reviews from critics, fans and readers alike. Plot elements from the comic were later incorporated in the 2014 film, X-Men: Days of Future Past.” Wolverine’s the one who went back in time instead of Kitty. Boliver Trask is the one who got killed in the past not Senator Robert Kelly. It’s not easy adapting a comic book storyline.

Anyway, a few OG cast members of the X-Men movies will reprise their roles in “Avengers: Doomsday.” It’ll be released on December 18, 2026. A week before Christmas. As I wait for my favorite superhero team coming back to assist the Fantastic Four and Avengers battle Doctor Doom, I’ll be posting reviews on Marvel storylines. Which one should I cover next? Please leave a comment.

Polished & Rusty Aspects

Polished: John Byrne & Chris Claremont co-wrote both issues.

Terry Austin drew good art shifting between past and future.

Pyro makes his debut in issue #141. He becomes a well-known adversary to the X-Men.

Random Thought: I believe James Cameron was influenced by the two-part storyline as a basis for “The Terminator.” I also believe DBZ’s “Cell Saga” was also influenced by it. Both Kitty & Trunks travel back in time to prevent the deaths of the main characters from androids.

Fun Fact: In the pilot episode of “Heroes,” Hiro Nakamura took inspiration for Days of Future Past to better understand the concept of time travel and master time manipulation.

Action Sequences are solid.

In the post-apocalyptic future, Wolverine & Storm are a couple. Various comics later explore their relationship. Logan’s a ladies’ man.

Reed Richards & Susan Storms’ son, Franklin factors in. He guides Kitty to travel back. Franklin’s one of the most powerful characters in the Marvel Universe. He can manipulate reality like Dr. Manhattan from my all-time favorite graphic novel, “Watchmen.”

Destiny has a pivotal role. She has precognitive abilities.

Nightcrawler learns the truth about his lineage. Guess who? A blue character.

A Plot Twist involves who caused the mutant genocide.

John mentioned he inadvertently copied a plot from an episode of Doctor Who, titled, “Day of the Daleks.”

Rusty: This story arc felt pretty short. Could’ve added an issue or two on the post-apocalyptic future.

The Final Verdict: A-

X-Men: Days of Future Past: B-

Despite one nitpick, Days of Future Past is a short, but entertaining storyline. If you’re a comic book collector, spend your cash on it, stock it on your shelf. If you prefer digital, subscribe to Marvel Unlimited. An app features over 30,000 comics. Your call.