Bailey Hoskins has just discovered he is a mutant. For someone who’s never been special, never stood out, discovering he’s “gifted” is truly a gift. And with that gift comes the most exciting opportunity of all – entry into the hallowed halls of Xavier’s School for Gifted Children and into the ranks of the world-famous X-Men! But unfortunately for him…he might just be the worst X-Man ever. Welcome to the X-Men, Bailey…hope you survive the experience!

The idea of a Mutant with a horrible power is something that could be played up for lots of laughs. Also hoping you’re part of some minority group to feel special in a way is something I know I could relate to. Writer Max Bemis touches on both of those concepts briefly in X-Men: Worst X-Man Ever #1 the first issue of a five issue series that debuts this week digitally.

The issue is much more straight forward than I was expecting with a very dry humor that’s definitely not used enough. The idea of having a crappy power has been touched upon in other X-Men runs, and this one so far hasn’t really added anything new to that concept. The first issue is an entertaining one with enough humor to keep me entertained, though it could have stood to have had much more in that department. The tone of the comic is interesting, not sure if it wants to be over the top humorous, or a serious discussion, or somewhere in between, hence the rather dry feel in the end.

I really like the concept overall, but the first issue doesn’t really dive in to any of these solid ideas enough. Wanting to be special by being in a minority group. Having a crappy power. These could be amazing if done right, and they’re there, it’s just not enough of any of it… yet.

The art by Michael Walsh is good. There’s some solid designs of the characters, some takes I think are actually really solid. It reminds me of a style I’d expect more in a small press graphic novel. There’ some costume designs I don’t think I’ve seen before, and I dig it.

Like many “X” miniseries, there’s nothing amazing here, it’s a perfectly ok and entertaining first issue. This is one geared squarely for “X” fans. There’s potential in some of the ideas Bemis puts out there, but it’s hard to say how far he’ll go with them in just one issue. Where he focuses will be the key overall as to determine if this miniseries stands out.

Story: Max Bemis Art: Michael Walsh
Story: 7 Art: 7.6 Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review