After all the hype and all the buildup X-Men: Schism, the story that’s supposed to change the very landscape of the X-World, has arrived. After reading the first issue, this story is already feeling weightier and more important than Marvel’s flagship event “Fear Itself”.

Jason Aaron’s first issue is in many regards exactly what you would expect. It’s a setup issue that puts all the pieces together for the greater story while enticing you with the series’ potential. Aaron lays everthing out for us and moves his story along with a crisp, near perfect pace. He handles the characters well and their interactions are consistent and fun. Some of Logan and Scott’s pleasantries seem a little forced in light of what we know is coming but overall the dialogue is well done. There’s not a lot of action in the issue which I happened to love. Action is made better when the circumstances have gravity and this issue does add gravity to the unfolding events.

I’m a big fan of Carlos Pacheco and was thrilled to see he was working on this book. His work always has a slick, polished look to it and this issue is no different. His characters look great and his layout is simple but fitting. I did chuckle at the stubby, almost pudgy Wolverine on pages 2 and 3 but as a whole this is a beautiful book.

My biggest gripes have nothing to do with the creative aspect of the book. First, it appears that there will be revolving artists on this series and personally I hate that. I would rather Marvel take their time on the book and give us one steady creative team than go this route for the sake of wrapping it up in a little over two months. I prefer a consistent style on mini-series or events and we’re not going to get it (Daniel Acuna has issue three…gulp). I also felt the $4.99 price tag was a little much. Sure we get a little more story and it was a fun book, but I’m still not crazy about dropping down five bucks for it.

I’m pretty pumped about where this story is heading and the potentially serious ramifications only add to the intrigue. In many ways this is your typical setup issue but it’s slick construction and tight dialogue sets in apart from others. I was thoroughly entertained and genuinely interested in what’s ahead. That’s the sign of a successful book!