The Good
Let me begin by stating the fact that I absolutely love Alan Davis' work. When I first saw his art in old CAPTAIN BRITAIN comics, he became one of my favorite artists. Since then, I've read and enjoyed pretty much everything he's done.
Here we have a new Hulk series. Alan Davis writing and drawing Hulk? That sounds great. Looks like we have the original X-Men as well? Sign me up. I did have a question as to where this story would fit in.
The answer is given immediately on the first page. This story ties into X-MEN #66 from 1970. I couldn't recall if I actually read that issue in my copy of ESSENTIAL CLASSIC X-MEN. Thankfully the issue is available if you're a subscriber to Marvel Digital Unlimited. But reading that issue isn't essential here because there is a recap on the first page and some flashbacks incorporated into the first few pages.
Classic is the key word here. It's fantastic seeing Davis draw Hulk from this era as well as the original X-Men. This story does feel like it fits in with the original and I found myself simply staring at Davis' art.
The Bad
From this first issue, it's hard to say just how crucial this story will be. Even as a huge Alan Davis fan, this just felt like a fun romp into the past. Because this story is tied to a past issue, we know it won't have any big drastic impact on the characters. Not all comics need to either. I will definitely check out the rest of this story but I can't say it'd necessarily be at the top of reading pile.
It seems like an odd choice to present this story today. We have the regular Hulk series plus the Original Sin tie-in mini with Iron Man that came out today. The X-Men are all over the place with the original X-Men in ALL-NEW X-MEN and UNCANNY X-MEN. I mentioned it wasn't crucial to read the original X-MEN #66 but for those that haven't, they might feel they're missing out on a little something.
The Verdict
Whenever there's a new comic from Alan Davis, my expectation immediately sore. As a huge fan, I can never get enough. Unfortunately with this issue, while it is pretty cool to journey back to a story with Hulk and the X-Men from 1970, I found myself asking if this was really necessary. Sure, you can ask whether any comic is necessary but with the limitations of being set in the past, we know there won't be any major developments for the characters. There is no questioning whether or not fans of Mr. Davis should pick this up. I will indeed continue to read this but sadly my excitement for the series has sunk a little.