Giant-Size X-Men Forever #1

[Jeff of Earth-J]

X-Men Forever is the only X-title I currently read, but I have been considered dropping it at the end of volume one because I’d fallen behind, thus violating my first rule of comic collecting, “Don’t buy what you don’t read.” I caught up with the most recent six or eight issues over the weekend, though, and I found I wasn’t in violation of my second rule, “Don’t read what you don’t enjoy.” I haven’t yet decided whether or not to buy (or perhaps tradewait) volume two, but there was never any question I’d be buying Giant-Size X-Men Forever #1with art by Mike Grell.

Reading it was an odd experience. Dave Cockrum is associated with the Legion of Super-Heroes as well as the X-Men. Both Mike Grell and Dave Cockrum are associated with the LSH. Reading an X-Men story illustrated by Mike Grell (especially one featuring the Imperial Guard who are, in turn, based on the LSH) is an… odd experience.

Giant-Size X-Men Forever #1 also features a reprint of Uncanny #108 as a back-up, the first time it’s been reprinted since Dave Cockrum’s note at the end is no longer true. :(

[Figserello]

What's the note? What?

Surely #108 was reprinted as a Classic X-men or in an Essential?

[Jeff of Earth-J]

#108 was John Byrne's first issue as artist, and there was a kind of sappy dedication to Dave Cockrum on the last page. In tiny letters under the dedication itself were the words, "I'm not dead.— Dave Cockrum." Uncanny #108 has been reprinted many times, but this is the first time since Dave Cockrum is no longer with us.

[Figserello]

Good on Byrne for writing the dedication. I'll have a look at it the next time I'm in my LCS (in about 4 hours!)

[Jeff of Earth-J]

I don't know if it was Byrne or Claremont or editor Archie Goodwin who's responsible for the dedication, but it reads: "This book is dedicated with respect and admiration to DAVE COCKRUM -- who helped make the dream a reality."