Writer: Jonathan Hickman

Art: Rod Reis, VC’s Ariana Maher, and Tom Muller

Price: $4.99

Release Date: August 5th, 2020

A cultivated would-be assassin who chooses the life of a cavalier criminal, Fantomex has always withstood expectations. For instance, who would foresee that he would break into the artificial domain of his creation? And then do it again. And again. And again. Well, let’s dive into GIANT-SIZE FANTOMEX #1 by Jonathan Hickman to catch up on what’s been happening with Fantomex since Hickman’s take over as the Head of X.

For readers like myself who know very little about Fantomex, this was an interesting and well-received plunge into the history of this enigmatic character that’s rather perplexed me for years. That said, comic fans will not learn anything overly new or foundational to the character nor will they discover anything in-depth about his abilities. Therefore, treat this one-shot as merely an adventurous summary/ Snapshot into Fantomex as a whole.

The issue transcends multiple decades, teams, and groups that are rather interesting to the story and provide a unique spin to the narrative throughout each decade of discovery. Furthermore, Rod Reis’ art adds that extra layer that even becomes reminiscent of Salvador Dali before the issue is all said and done. However, Hickman left many dangling plot threads and angles unexplained that this reviewer hopes to get revisited at some point.

On a good note, there have been rumors that these “Giant-Size” issues are all connected somehow. Now, it’s been very difficult to see how the puzzle pieces all fit… until this issue. Sure, it won’t be completely clear nor will each issue be connected. However, the edges of the puzzle are starting to take shape giving this reviewer hope that some of the interesting dangling plot threads from this issue will be answered like a calm before the Storm.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This issue was really fun, oddly entertaining, and remarkably fascinating. Hickman and Reis work well together to add strange elements of intrigue and mystery that managed to draw this reader deeper into a story that I was uniquely curious about before it began. Hickman’s imagination really took off in this Giant-Sized issue thanks to Reis’ artistic style and choice breathing life into a character that felt almost nonexistent since the Head of X took over. I would highly recommend giving GIANT-SIZE FANTOMEX #1 a shot this week even if you haven’t dipped your toe in any of the prior Giant-Size issues. Readers can still easily pick it up without any prior knowledge and be at practically the same point as everyone else. Grab this issue and let me know what you think!

8.6/10

If you’re interested in GIANT-SIZE X-MEN: FANTOMEX #1, click HERE to get a copy! If you’ve been really digging Hickman’s X-MEN, click HERE to get your hands on related trades, volumes, and issues. Lastly, if the X-MEN are your all-time favorite hero team, click HERE to snag some of the very best issues and trades from this extraordinary team throughout the years. And finally, if you’re looking for something else to read, check out my Amazon Online Comic Shop by clicking HERE. Thank you all for the read and continued support. Stay safe and stay healthy.