While the art and dialogue were fantastic, it's just kind of boring. A flashback issue solely for Charles that doesn't really do much but show that he knew of Ororo before he approached her for the New X-Men and that he fought another telepath. It doesn't really deal with his grief in any substantial way. Sure they address it but why the flashback when it doesn't relate to said grief?

After looking into it more, I came to find out this is the introduction of the Shadow King. It still feels out of place and I don't know his importance to the X-landscape later on so it still feels like fluff. Well depicted in story and artwork but jarring in issue pacing.