Marvel to recreate 'Giant-Size X-Men' #1 with 37 artists as tribute to Len Wein and Dave Cockrum
Today, the X-Men are one of Marvel Comics' biggest properties but if we were to trace the history of mutantkind's popularity, we would inevitably arrive at 'Giant-Size X-Men' #1 by writer Len Wein and artist Dave Cockrum. The book introduced some of the most popular X-Men characters of all time, including Storm, Nightcrawler, and Colossus.
Now 45 years after the landmark issue hit the stands, Marvel is paying tribute to Wein and Cockrum's work by releasing 'Giant-Size X-Men: Tribute to Wein & Cockrum' #1, a page-by-page recreation of the 1975 comic by 37 of the industry's best artists.
“The artists were so excited to work on it because the art in this book inspired them all,” editor Jordan D White said in a statement. “Everybody involved loves this comic book and is doing amazing work. You’ve gotta check it out.”
The artists chosen to contribute to the tribute issue include Alex Ross, Carmen Carnero, and Mark Brooks. “As a kid the X-Men was my very first comic and Len Wein and Dave Cockrum were instrumental in influencing me to become a comic book illustrator,” Brooks said, according to CBR. “Being able to contribute to the recreation of a book that means so much to me is an honor and a privilege. This assignment along with the accompanying pressure to do Len and Dave justice is one I'm thrilled to take on as a thank you for showing a nerdy kid that it's okay to be different and pave your own path."
“The presence Wein and Cockrum have on comics is too immense to weigh,” artist Mike Hawthorne added. “I can honestly say their X-Men were my first love and it's a privilege to pay homage to these two giants and their contribution to our culture. I drew my page with my heart in hand, sirs. I hope it's enough. Thank you.”
Here's the full list of artists who will be working on the tribute: Alex Ross, Kevin Nowlan, Chris Samnee, Marcus To, Siya Oum, Stephen Segovia, Marguerite Sauvage, Carmen Carnero, Bernard Chang, Aaron Kuder, Takeshi Miyazawa, Juann Cabal, Gurihiru, Mark Brooks, Kris Anka, Phil Noto, Valerio Schiti, Leinil Francis Yu, Matteo Lolli, Ema Lupacchino, Carlos Gomez, Iban Coello, R.B. Silva, Ramon Rosanas, Joshua Cassara, David Baldeon, Marcelo Ferreira, Javier Garron, Rod Reis, Javier Rodriguez, Marco Checchetto, Jen Bartel, Mike Del Mundo, Rahzzah, Pepe Larraz, and Mike Hawthorne, with cover art by Adi Granov.
'Giant-Size X-Men: Tribute to Wein & Cockrum' #1 will be released on May 27.