Interestingly, from the few hints that are dropped here, Edmondson would appear to be realising Ultimate Mandarin as a more tech-orientated opponent rather than the magic-based villain we're used to in the 616. Maybe he'll be a sort of mixture of the two? Still, paired with a perfect choice of artist by the editorial team, Edmondson is utilising his considerable skills to produce an assured first entry into the Ultimate Universe, and one that holds the promise of creating an action-packed foundation for the future of the Ultimate Iron Man mythology.

A book with a large cast full of relative unknowns that still offers a welcoming face to newcomers; that still maintains its own distinct voice when pulled into a crossover event, and finds something new to add into the bargain; that has me chuckling at a Shi'ar one moment and welling up for a Brood in the next. X-book or no, Wolverine and the X-Men is just great comics, and this issue is sure to please the regular reader as much as the passer-by. After this issue, I'm pleased to say that I'll soon consider myself more of the former rather than the latter.