“The Mutant that Walks Like a Man” Creative Team – Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly(writer). Adam Kubert(artist). Laura Martin(color artist).
“Revelation: Superior” Creative Team – Al Ewing(writer). Sara Pichelli(artist). Federico Blee(color artist)
Clayton Cowles(letterer). Adam Kubert & Laura Martin(cover artists).
Published by Marvel Comics
The Story
The past isn’t set in stone, and the future can change at the drop of a hat. That’s what Kamala Khan is learning in Giant-Size X-Men #1 when she’s taking back in the past by an unexpected and unhinged villain.
Ever since she became a mutant, Kamala has had trouble figuring out who she is. Her mutant side is impacted by her Inhuman side, while part of her wants to just be a good daughter who’s human. While venting about all of this to Bruno, the Time-Travel Detector’s alarm starts to alert them. In the flash of an eye, Kamala is taken back in time to a very different point in history in Westchester, New York. She arrives on the front lawn of the X-Mansion and she isn’t alone.
A very distressed Cyclops is outside with her, who says he lost his team on an evacuation from Krakoa. Kamala says she’s here to help, even though Professor Xavier isn’t on board with her assistance. Cyclops puts his foot down and says Kamala is helping and that’s that. Now it’s time for Kamala to get to know the rest of the team. What Kamala doesn’t know is that she’s about to witness the birth of the Uncanny X-Men.
Along with the main story of Giant-Size X-Men #1, there’s also another story at the end written by Al Ewing called Revelation: Superior. This small story has to do with Professor X meeting a young woman who’s a mutant, but this isn’t just any mutant. She’s the X-Men that never was.
The Writing
Giant-Size X-Men #1 delivers a giant sized amount of fun with a big dose of heart, much of it thanks to Kamala Khan. Her upbeat, optimistic personality brings a refreshing change to the X-Men dynamic, and it’ll be exciting to see just how much her energy influences the rest of the mutant team.
Writers Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly skillfully explore the past while reminding us that the future is still unwritten. In this issue, they present the formation of the Uncanny X-Men through Kamala’s eyes. When Scott’s team, featuring Marvel Girl, Havok, Iceman, Angel, and Lorna Dane, goes missing, Kamala steps up to help, all while a huge threat looms. The villain chosen for this story is a brilliant pick, with deep roots in mutant lore that longtime fans will appreciate.
As for the second story, Revolution: Superior, I want to know so much more about Justina. It’s not every day that Professor X meets his match, so I’d really like to see Justina’s story continue. Al Ewing, the writer, sure knows how to keep you locked into his compelling story.
The Art
The artists of the first story, The Mutant that Walks Like a Man, include Adam Kubert and Laura Martin. Kubert illustrated a beautiful story that matched the exciting energy of the storyline. With Martin handling the colors, there’s no way to fail with both of their impeccable talents. I think their talents showed the brightest at the beginning with the main villain speaking to Mother Askani. With showing a few different tones in the first few pages, the artists really set the stage for the comic, while showing us exactly what kind of antagonist we would be dealing with.
In the second story, Sara Pichelli and Federico Blee are the artists and you couldn’t have picked a better duo for this piece. With a grittier look to this story more so than the first one, matched with vibrant colors, the artists really left me so wanting to see more of this story. In such a short story, it was impressive with how quick the artists hooked you in. Hats off to them!
Overall Grade – 9/10
Let me know in the comments below what you thought of Giant-Size X-Men #1!
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This review was written by Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast. If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of Giant-Size X-Men #1, or tell me what comics you’d recommend me trying out! Find me on my socials, and check out my Marvel podcast, Vigilante Vibes, by clicking here!
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