It's hard to rate a book this big and this seminal but also this old. Because the dialogue definitely shows its age with terms and descriptions that are considered very derogatory and unacceptable these days. But on the other hand, it's incredible seeing the development of Claremont's unique and iconic style and the ways that he and Byrne work together to create some amazing stories and characters. Honestly, the fact that the entire team from writer & penciler through inker, colourist and letterer is so consistent for so long. This level of consistency on a creative team is unheard of these days, and gives the book so much stability and consistency that really helps out.

And, like, come on. The Starjammers! Kitty Pryde! Dazzler! The beginning of the Dark Phoenix Saga! There's so much iconic and memorable content here, it's easy to overlook the problematic language here and there. ( )

Classics in ever sense. This idea of mutant superheros was all but done with flagging sales when Chris Claremont took over and began his long run of X-men story telling that made the X-men into one of Marvel's best selling books. That story run begins here. ( )

This is a large volume in terms of size, pages, and content. However, getting through it will be a breeze. This is the best introduction I've seen of the international team of X-Men. The volume covers everything from the new team's introduction, their fights with various classic X-Men villains, and the introduction of major new characters and settings that have become major staples of the X-Men mythology. The volume ends as the Dark Phoenix Saga is just starting to gain steam.

The only complaint I have with the book is that it wasn't long enough to include the Brood/Binary storyline that from 160's. However, I'll eagerly be awaiting volume two. ( )