Alex Ross’ Redesigned X-Men Need to Be Marvel Comics Canon

Iconic artist Alex Ross’ redesigned X-Mendeserve to be the canonical versions of the mutant team. His mysterious take on Wolverine, Cyclops, and Jean Grey among others are perfect new representations of the characters.

The photorealist artist has famously brought life to the Marvel and DC universes with comic book accurate renditions of heroes. Often returning to their classic uniforms, Ross has proven that the original creators’ visions have never become outdated. His art has emphasized how timeless the most beloved superheroes’ costumes are from both universes. However, he has also pitched a handful of redesigns for heroes such as Martian Manhunter, Robin, and Batgirl among others in Rough Justice, documenting his work for DC Comics. In Marvelocity, Ross’ work for Marvel Comics can be appreciated by fans.

Alex Ross’ redesigned X-Men are featured in Marvelocity, wearing their striking new suits. Although the comics have typically given the team suits that catch the eye, the mutant members tend to be more reserved. Initially inspired by the team’s first live action adaptation, Ross depicted a similarly grounded team uniform. Despite being rejected by Marvel Comics at the time, Ross’ take on the X-Men deserve to be canon.

Both Cyclops and Jean Grey appropriately wear hoods, representing their distance from the world. Meanwhile, Wolverine isn’t as flashy as his bright yellow mainstream counterpart. Instead, the tone of yellow-orange is toned down, which feels in line with Logan’s aggression. The design on his chest doesn’t exactly form an ‘X’, but it does resemble a ‘W’, representing Wolverine’s lone wolf nature. The other mutants don the ‘X’ with varying colors, which feels right as they are known members of the team, not competing for influence like Logan has in the past.

Ross’ X-Men embrace cleverly designed costumes, with suits that both match and contrast each other. Incorporating each of their individual personalities into their costumes, they all feel authentic to the characters. Whereas the mainstream version of the team looks like a group of independent superheroes, Ross’ take gives them a unifying thread in their collective aesthetic. Considering his original inspiration of the black leather suits from the movies, his redesigned costumes pay a greater sense of respect to the source material. As an artist who values the earliest depictions of characters, Alex Ross would be an ideal candidate to have a say in the X-Men’s future designs.

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