Twice delayed, but finally here, Giant-Size X-Men #2 concludes the time-traveling saga of Ms. Marvel and Legion. The duo hops through crucial moments in X-Men history, mucking things up as they learn what it means to be a mutant. Colin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing, a writing team known as the Hivemind, co-write this final issue, as they have with all five installments, and Adam Kubert returns on art to finish what he started in Giant-Size X-Men #1.
The series has been a controversial one. From the start, many fans were skeptical about Ms. Marvel’s inclusion in the X-Men franchise. Pitched as a celebration of iconic X-Men anniversaries, including the 50th anniversary of the series-defining Giant-Size X-Men #1 (1975), the series drew scorn from those who feared it would insert Kamala Khan into X-Men history.
Those fears, however, proved unwarranted. The series functions as a celebration of famous X-Men stories and events while providing key, core learning moments for Kamala Khan, a nascent mutant discovering what it means to be an X-Man. While the quality of each story has varied, the overall series is fun, visually strong, and enjoyable. It doesn’t always add up on a logical level, but the Giant-Size series doesn’t deserve the scorn and criticism it has received from those who deliberately misinterpreted its premise.
Marvel Comics
In this final issue, Kamala and Legion are back in the present day after their chaotic journey through different X-Men eras. Legion, seeking to enter the White Hot Room to find David, attacks Kamala when he realizes her blood contains the DNA of Krakoa. Luckily, Kamala has prepared for this moment, and her mentors from across time, Cyclops, Phoenix, Rogue, Kitty Pryde, and Wolverine, come to her rescue. These combined, Marvelous X-Men take the fight to Legion.
As a final issue, there’s a lot to conclude, and Kelly and Lanzing handle it reasonably well. Legion’s story receives a strong conclusion, offering an opportunity for redemption and healing that feels both natural and deserved. Kamala, having learned so much, finally tells her family the truth. The time-traveling shenanigans are wrapped up, with the key X-Men retaining core memories while the chaotic events that took place are erased.
However, for a reunion of so many key characters, more could have been done with their dynamics, particularly between Cyclops and Phoenix. Additionally, Wolverine’s inclusion doesn’t add much to the proceedings.
Marvel Comics
The back-up story for this issue, “Revelation,” is written by Jed MacKay, illustrated by CAFU, and colored by David Curiel. The short, five-page story focuses on Mystique and Destiny, the latter of whom can see the future. The story serves primarily as a setup for the upcoming Age of Revelation event in October. Little is actually learned, as the events are established elsewhere, but the dialogue between Destiny and Mystique is quite strong. CAFU is a fine artistic talent, and Curiel’s colors are strong.
Adam Kubert illustrates the issue, with colors by Laura Martin. An X-Men legend in his own right, Kubert excels at action sequences, and it’s on full display here. He draws some bold, creative pages of Legion, and the splash pages and panel work are strong throughout. Martin’s colors, while feeling a bit dated compared to modern digital techniques, have their own appeal with a focus on realism. Less appealing, though, is the design of Kamala’s final costume. Kubert has designed strong characters before, but this uniform isn’t the most visually stylish, and the bright yellow colors don’t help.
Giant-Size X-Men was maligned before it even began, and a subset of fans seemed reluctant to ever give it credit. But it’s been a fun, if slightly uneven, ride through iconic X-Men stories. While Giant-Size Dark Phoenix Saga and Giant-Size Age of Apocalypse remain the strongest issues, Giant-Size X-Men #2 ends things with a bang and mostly strong, logical conclusions.
‘Giant-Size X-Men’ #2 Review: Ends Its Time-Traveling Jaunt With a Bang
Giant-Size X-Men was maligned before it even began, and a subset of fans seemed reluctant to ever give it credit. But it’s been a fun, if slightly uneven, ride through iconic X-Men stories.
