X-Men: First Class

Set in the earliest days of the Marvel Universe, this 2007–2008 series from writer Jeff Parker reimagines the original X-Men's formative adventures, focusing on young Cyclops, Marvel Girl, and Professor Xavier as they navigate their first missions together. With a rotating artistic team that includes Roger Cruz, Julia Bax, and Colleen Coover, the book balances Silver Age nostalgia with modern storytelling, offering a fresh yet faithful look at the team's foundational dynamics. It matters as a charming, character-driven entry point that honors the classic era while making the X-Men's early years feel vital and new.