Special Edition X-Men #1
Published and © by Marvel, February 1983
Title: “Second Genesis!”
Synopsis: When the original X-Men fall prey to a powerful new foe, Professor X gathers replacements to mount a rescue effort.
Writer: Len Wein
Artist: Dave Cockrum
Review: Bronze Age Minute has reviewed this historic lead story from Giant-Size X-Men #1 before (see review). Len Wein’s story remains incredibly efficient, but Dave Cockrum’s line work suffers from the baxter stock used for this reprint; the blacks print darker here, leaving the art looking sludgy. Still a classic, though.
•••
Title: “A Day Like Any Other”
Synopsis: An out-of-sorts Kitty Pryde gives Illyana Rasputin a guided tour of the X-mansion and grounds – but something secret is afoot!
Writer: Chris Claremont
Penciler: Dave Cockrum
Inker: Hillary Barta
Review: This new backup is more info dump then story. Dave Cockrum is a gifted artist but struggles drawing young teens.
Grade (for the entire issue): B
Cool factor: Fans late to the all-new, all-different X-Men bandwagon surely appreciated this affordable reprint.
Not-so-cool factor: So few artists’ work was improved by the “better” baxter format.
Notable: Includes a new wraparound cover and pinup by Dave Cockrum.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a $2.25 Canadian variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “Hey – want a tour?” – Kitty Pryde, plot device
Editor’s note: This review was written Feb. 4, 2024.
