"Astonishing X-Men Annual" #1 is loaded with great visuals and fascinating characterization. Read Full Review

In all, Astonishing X-Men Annual #1 is a solid X-Men comic, filled with entertaining character interactions and featuring an ending that somewhat turns on its ear the notion of what readers have come to expect from an X-book. It made this casual X-fan want to read more. What more can you ask of a comic? Read Full Review

Astonishing X-Men Annual #1 is a unique read. It tries to tackle some complex ideas regarding tone, presentation, and handling the difficulties of ones life. It reflects on itself and the current state of X-Men comics, and it does so in an intriguing manner. Its not perfect and comes close to contradicting itself in parts, but its a compelling read, helped a lot by the artwork of Travel Foreman. This one earns a recommendation. Check it out tomorrow. Read Full Review

A nice story that plays off years of history and continuity effectively, with strong, consistent art that works, even if I don't like this version of The Beast. Read Full Review

The actual plot of the issue"which involves the return of Xavier's old foe Lucifer"may not be the most memorable, but expectation-defying characterizations and their potential ramifications will linger. Read Full Review

It would have been a lot better if this X character wasn't so horrible.

"X who is not Xavier" manipulates the original X-Men through a complicated meeting that turns from a feel-good reunion into a murderous covert op. The complex moral ambiguities in his actions are the big draw here, and they hoist this comic up above average. The art isn't pulling in the opposite direction, but it's not lifting things any higher, either. When I see art with a scratchy, "I was on a deadline" finish like this, I also want to see some audacity to make up for it. Sadly, this issue's barely-achieved artistic ambitions didn't aim higher than "get through 30 pages of X-Men action without confusing or nauseating readers" - and it may not have even achieved that if you dislike its very simian take on Beast.

This was a decent read. I think the characterization of the X-Men was good and all the characters were well-portrayed. Except for X, who is a poor excuse of a Charles Xavier come back. Terrible characterization and very unlikable. Everything Xavier shouldn't be. This issue steered away from the typical, cliched, X-Men racist examination and offered something new that we haven't yet seen, which is refreshing. Unfortunately the payoff of that ends up being pretty disappointing, and merely offers a battle scene, which is also weak. The whole end of the issue is also terrible. It would be fine if it was an ongoing series, but as an annual, it offers a terrible climax and a poor resolution, or lack there of to earn back some of the respect I had for this issue in the beginning. The art was off and on for me. I liked the portrayal of some characters ( Warren), disliked others (Beast). All in all an issue with potential that never reached it for me. more