When Professor X went to space for advanced medical attention and rekindle his relationship with Lilandra, the X-Men’s archenemy, Magneto takes over their mentor’s place. Meanwhile, Rachel Summers (Cyclops & Jean Gray’s daughter from an alternate future) becomes the new Phoenix. Cyclops becomes a father and other adventures our heroes face off against mutant haters and villains like Lady Deathstrike.
Marvel’s reprint series, Epic Collection re-released 12 issues, two annuals and New Mutants Special Edition in 2025 as the 13th volume. They were originally published in 1985-1986. This time, it’s a comprehensive guide as the rest of volumes. Anyway, I have a few good reasons why I wanna review X-Men’s 13th volume.
- Wolverine’s video game will be released in September 15, 2026 only on PlayStation 5. I’m so thrilled to see my favorite Marvel superhero carrying his solo game.
- Some of the OG X-Men cast will reprise their roles in the highly anticipated MCU film, “Avengers: Doomsday.”
- X-Men ‘97’s second season is now streaming on Disney Plus.
- Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls is coming in August 6, 2026.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS.
Strong & Weak Qualities
Strong: Chris Claremont did a great job writing every single issue.
Paul Smith, Dave Cockrum & John Romita Jr. co-illustrated on various issues. Their artwork’s quite impressive.
Action Sequences are really good.
Pacing for each issue felt natural. I took my sweet time reading every single one.
Chemistry between team members serve as the main highlight.
If you can’t remember what happened, callbacks to previous issues are addressed. You’ll be fine.
13th volume contains republished material spanning 16 issues in 496 pages. More bang for your buck.
- Uncanny X-Men #199-210
- X-Men Annual #9-10
- Marvel Fanfare #33
- New Mutants Special Edition
Wounded Wolf features significant moments.
- In the 200th issue, Magneto attends a trial for his previous crimes. Later adapted on an episode X-Men ‘97.
- Mystique and her fellow Brotherhood of Mutants members are sponsored by the government as Freedom Force. Thus, the stakes increase.
- Nightcrawler embarks a solo adventure in #204.
- #205 has an acclaimed one-off storyline with Wolverine protecting Power Pack member, Katie Power from Lady Deathstrike. The latter has beef with Wolverine who accuses him of stealing her father’s work on Adamantium. I almost forgot, Yuriko Oyama reconstructs her body with cybernetic implants becoming Lady Deathstrike.
- A shocking moment at the end of the 207th issue.
- #208 with our heroes fighting Nimrod.
- Nathan Summers is born and introduced in #201. He eventually grows up to be Cable.
- #201 has Storm & Cyclops partake in duel inside the Danger Room. Whoever wins becomes team leader of the X-Men.
- Rachel battles The Beyonder in #202 tied to crossover storyline, “Secret Wars II.” I plan on writing two separate reviews on “Secret Wars and its sequel.
- New Mutants Special Edition #1 and X-Men Annual #9-10 contains a crossover arc, “Asgardian Wars” involving a powerless Storm and the New Mutants squaring off with Loki.
- #210 sets up a well known storyline, “Mutant Massacre.” Also the 14th volume in the X-Men’s Marvel Epic Collection line.
Weak: In X-Men Annual #9, one character utters out, “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” I hate that cliche line. How about something better, “You look like you’ve seen Patrick Swayze.”
The Final Verdict: A-
Despite on drawback, X-Men: Wounded Wolf’s a very entertaining storyline helping the reader understand the status quo in chronological order. If you’re excited for Wolverine’s PS5 game or feeling impatient for Avengers: Doomsday. Add a physical copy of Wounded Wolf on your self or subscribe digitally to Marvel Unlimited. Your call. Which Marvel Epic Collection of a character or team should I review next? Please leave a comment.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 