At first I was inclined to pass over “X-Men Giant Size” #1. So often special issues are simply cash grabs and have very little appeal to me. After thumbing through the book in the comic shop and having my attention grabbed by some really strong art work, I decided to give it a try.

This issue is a launching point for the “First to Last” storyline and I have to say I was really hooked. Writer Christopher Yost has put together a solid first chapter featuring the Neos and another group that I’ll let you discover. For the most part this issue is action oriented and features some great battle sequences. It also shifts between different time frames (depicted as “then” and “now”) that work really well. Some good dialogue and a fun ending also help this issue.

Paco Medina and Dalabor Talajic share the penciling duties and both compliment each other well. From the gorgeous title splash page to some amazing action panels pitting the X-Men against a Sentinel, he art is polished and well structured.

Needless to say this book suprised me and is one that I will go back and re-read. The story continues in “X-Men” #12 and if the story remains at a high level this could be a fun ride for X-fans.