In this issue, the X-Men embark on a mission driven by curiosity, investigating reports of a man in the Arctic dressed in a loincloth and accompanied by a sabretooth tiger. Despite Professor Xavier’s proclamation, with the aid of Cerebro, that the man is not a mutant. The team decides to investigate anyway—if only to stretch their legs (and wings).

Their journey to the Arctic leads them to stumble upon a hidden, lost land: an “undiscovered world” or “world that time forgot,” as it’s described in the adventure. Long-time fans of classic tales will recognize this setting by the name it would later be given: The Savage Land. Interestingly, I didn’t catch any references to it being called that just yet in this issue.

Story

The plot leans heavily into an adventurous tone, with the protagonists finding trouble simply because they went looking for it. While the mission doesn’t yield any immediate, tangible gains, it introduces key elements that would become foundational to Marvel lore. This is our first glimpse of the Savage Land, as well as the debut of Ka-Zar and Zabu. Both will return and leave a lasting impact on Marvel’s continuity.

That said, the story does have its shortcomings. Jean Grey is relegated to the unfortunate role of a damsel in distress—despite the fact that her powers alone could likely have solved the problem from the start. This, sadly, reflects a broader trend in comics of the time.

Artwork

This issue delivers action-packed visuals, with Jack Kirby’s dynamic panels capturing everything from intense fights to imposing dinosaurs. It’s hard not to love the artistic energy as we journey through the prehistoric-style adventure alongside the X-Men. Kirby brings the Savage Land to life in a way that makes it feel truly otherworldly.

Characters & Development

While this issue lays the groundwork for many important future developments, it doesn’t do much to expand on the established X-Men cast. It also doesn’t tie closely to the themes or conflicts typical of X-Men stories up to this point. Coming just a few issues after the team’s graduation in X-Men #7, it feels like a slight shift, perhaps signaling an attempt to find new footing for the series.

Originality & Continuity

For the X-Men, this setting is a fresh departure, though the concept of a monster-filled lost land is reminiscent of stories seen in Fantastic Four and earlier monster comics. It’s worth noting that the Savage Land itself would later be retconned to tie back to a Golden Age story, weaving it more tightly into Marvel’s broader continuity.