As the grizzled, battle-hardened mutant savior from an alternate future for the Marvel Universe, Cable is one of the most consistently gruff, taciturn figures associated with the X-Men. As such, "fun-filled" is not the first term that usually comes to mind with the time-traveling, no-nonsense superhero from a post-apocalyptic future. But with the fresh start provided by the X-Men line's Dawn of X relaunch, the creative team of Gerry Duggan and Phil Noto bring a sense of freewheeling fun that makes the character feel refreshingly new, decades after his debut.

The opening issue has Cable -- decades younger than his classic, post-apocalyptic counterpart -- making his own mark on the mutant nation-state of Krakoa. As the younger superhero enjoys life in the mutant paradise, surprising elements from the Marvel Universe are woven into his adventures as he sets out to rescue a young child from the new dangers that have recently arrived on the island, As he interacts with his fellow X-Men, the issue reveals Nathaniel Summers' surprising new status quo and more optimistic outlook on life.

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If you're expecting the typically stoic, straight-laced adventures of "Old Man" Cable, this new direction for the character isn't it. Taking cues from the young Cable's appearances in Jonathan Hickman's run on the main X-Men series, this incarnation of Nathaniel Summers is free of all the post-apocalyptic baggage normally associated with the character, and Duggan takes full advantage of the more fun-loving superhero's status, making him his own while ensuring that he is no less a badass in his own right. And this all gels completely, making it clear that this is a new character who is separate from the usual Cable. It continues on the refreshing relaunch presented by Dawn of X, positioning the character to thrill a new generation of readers.

Between this and fellow Dawn of X title Marauders, Duggan has instilled his X-Men books with a swashbuckling sensibility that doesn't skim on emotion or consequence. So far, Cable is a more rollicking, lighter adventure than Marauders but there are wider connections to the Marvel Universe established in this opening issue that tease greater things to come. And paired with fellow young adult X-Men characters, there is a certain joie de vivre and exuberance shown by the new series' cast that carries over to the audience as Cable and the X-Men are allowed to enjoy themselves for once instead of their usual tortured existence.

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Noto has worked with Duggan for years, and the two collaborators really do tend to bring the best in each other creatively. That doesn't change here. From the issue's opening fight sequence to its fan-favorite cast delving into the untamed wilderness of Krakoa, Noto's artwork remains as lush and engaging as ever. And as the narrative takes unexpected twists and turns into corners of the Marvel Universe beyond Krakoa and the X-Men's typical adventures, Noto's visuals help make the story soar to new heights, with Noto's choice of color palette, in particular, helping infuse the proceedings with a warm sense of life and wonder.

Dawn of X has taken Marvel's Merry Mutants in ambitious, surprising directions by making all that once was old new again. And this refreshing change of pace reinvigorating the X-Men is perhaps no more visible than in Cable; the post-apocalyptic veteran now one of the line's biggest young adult books. The cast is engaging, vital and virile. While the proceedings appear low-key for now, the debut issue provides plenty of teases and plot threads that tease major developments for Nathaniel Summers, especially in regards to the legacy of his older counterpart. Who knew that a Cable comic series could provide so much young adult-oriented fun?

NEXT: Deadpool Meets Young Cable for the First Time this Spring