Though it was released before the actual series, in terms of continuity, it would appear to fit between issues #11 and #12 of Generation X because Mondo has joined the team and it's also sometime after Chamber accidentally blew up the girl's dormitory.

Join narrator Jubilee as she introduces the other Gen X kids, their two teachers, and the school itself. It's all done in the form of a letter written to Wolverine. Most of the story takes place when Jubilee reflects on a volleyball game, thus the double meaning of the title "Opening Volley."

This promotional issue also features a two-page pin-up with art by Chris Bachalo featuring all the main Generation X characters arranged in the same manner as the cover of Generation X Collectors' Preview, which is itself a promotional image produced separately as a wall poster.

The black cover with Emma is the cover for the Generation X - Overstreet Fan Edition. It's a different cover for the same issue, meant to promote both Generation X and the Overstreet Fan magazine at the same time; it was also distributed during the San Diego Comic-Con of 1994.