I think my biggest problem with this book is the roster. The premise isn't too bad, if not a bit on the nose. I think Taylor's heart is in the right place, but it comes off as him approaching something he has no real way of understanding. At least not enough to write a story that makes a whole lot sense or doesnt come off as cheesy. #3 came off as cheesy to me. The fact that Jean is bringing kids along for the ride isn't that crazy due to how the X-Men function, but the moment Tom Taylor had X-23 cut someones hand to shreds the tone of the book went somewhere I don't think fits Jean's character. There would be no way she'd be ok with that kind of violence, especially if it can be avoided. It was one of her turn-offs with Logan once upon a time. Now she's ok with it coming from kids? (Laura is the same age as Hellion, Mercury, Surge etc, which means shes no older than 19). Not to mention, this isnt the life Wolverine wanted for her, though he didnt really express that until well after Jean's death. So the kid count is up to 3 including; Gabby, Laura and Gentle. That's roughly half her roster not including Trinary who looks pretty young herself and with all that talk about what her "father" did makes me think she can't be older than 20.
Jean just comes back to life, and the first thing that happens is she constructs a team of children with little to no experience outside of Gabby and Laura being trained sociopath killers? Nightcrawler is the only real person the currently makes any sense. It would have made more sense for her to see the current condition of her closest friends and want to help them; While Iceman seems ok, he should be trying to understand who he is all over again, then you have Archangel struggling with brainwashing and then Beast who's basically an X-Men outcast due to being the cause of a really dumb story line. I could think of at least two versions of this team that would have made more sense. For instance... Namor? I read it, and I still don't get why he'd care more than he already has.
First version aka O5 reunion; Jean, Beast, Iceman, Archangel, Nightcrawler, Storm + Trinary
This one is easy. Probably all her closest and oldest friends. Her teaming up with these make the most sense. Archangel could use the help of an experienced telepath thats not interested in him romantically. Nightcrawler fits anywhere and is the only one of Tom's choices that fit. Storm is probably her closest girl-friend so having her wouldn't need much convincing. Iceman was always like her kid brother and Beast should have a yearning to want to be around his family. Probably being less wanted at the mansion, this would be the best of both worlds. Trinary can still be added as a new character. With her being surrounded by all these vets, there would be tons of space for her character to grow organically.
Second version aka Better X-Men Red: Jean, Nightcrawler, Gambit, Laura, Havok, Frenzy + Trinary
Little more dynamic of a group . Much more room for conflict and character development. In this group, I find it funny that a character like Gambit would be actually considered among the more level-headed alongside Jean and Kurt, if asked I see him joining just to be of use. Besides his access to resources and money would help explain away some of the needs of a team like this. Frenzy has unfinished with Jean, but not in a "I hate you" kind of way. In a lot of ways, Frenzy's journey to becoming a hero started with Jean messing with her during Magneto Wars. I can see her sticking close by and buying into Jean's new ideals, just wanting to be a soldier for good. Havok needs as much help as Warren, plus they have the connection of Cyclops which could lead into several great character developing conversations. Laura could be Jeans connection to a friend she thought lost. I can see Jean taking her under her wing to see to it that she becomes what Wolverine was, but better. Nothing changes for Trinary.
These just make more sense to me.
