Excalibur 1 by Chris Claremont (2005, Paperback)

The first issue of what would become a long running (125 issues and numerous specials) series from Marvel Comics. It is written by Chris Claremont and inked by Alan Davis. The team is formed believing that the rest of the X-men were dead, however Claremont takes a less serious approach to this series then in much of his other work, but maintains the style of overlapping stories and plots that he is well know for. This first issue is 1 features part 1 of 2 of a story involving tracking down and fighting the "Warwolves". It also start plot lines involving Vixen, Widget, alternate realities (leading to the Cross-Time Caper), Courtney Ross, and hints of a romantic sub-plot between Nightcrawler and Megan. The Artwork is consistent and works well with the story. Overall this and the other early issues of this series are a fun change of pace from the normal X-books, but maintain enough of their history to make them a solid part of the X-men family. Really an excellent book, that you will enjoy reading and rereading.