My favorite comics inspire me and fill me with emotion. Since I wasn’t too familiar with Beast’s origin, I picked up this book (it’s a light week, so I thought “whatdahell”. Much to my surprise, the painted style was on par with work I’ve seen from Alex Ross (gasp! sacrilege!), the dialogue was witty and the pacing was very engaging.

I found myself feeling a great deal of empathy and sadness for Henry McCoy, due to his sense of misplacement and having to give up so much for his destiny as an X-man. Looking forward (after his origin) and reflecting on his physical transformations, I have a new appreciation for his desire to give up his mutant powers to live a normal existence (explored in Whedon’s Astonishing X-men).

I really enjoyed this book and I will remember it for a long time, which by standards is a rare treat. Please don’t crucify me for the Alex Ross comment.