Generation X #1

   While the term Generation X is certainly dated (being used in the real world to designate those post-baby-boomers born from the mid-'60s to the early '80s), the double meaning for "X" in Marvel's comics makes it work for a series about young, school-age mutants attending an academy for mutants.

   It's a great concept, but this introductory issue suffers under some familiar problems for the X-books: an overload of characters (at least a dozen are included, not to mention background characters); a fuzzy concept (who are the teachers? Why is the school located in Central Park? Why do the students seem to dislike each other?); silly excuses for a fight sequence (damaging the school over a squabble); and inappropriate behavior by the "grownups" at the school.

   As we've said many times before in this space, the first issue of any series needs the go big and grab the attention of the reader so they'll come back for the next issue, and the next. It's especially important in a sea of X-books, all begging for attention and our limited finds.

   Sadly, this issue doesn't inspire loyalty. It's not a bad issue at all - it just doesn't stand out from the crowd.

Grade: B-

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