On art duties is the man who kicked off the series, Chris Bachalo. If anyone read my early reviews of this title my primary complaint was Bachalo's somewhat “chaotic” art. I'm happy to say I didn't get the same reaction at all to him returning to the series and found this book to be filled with really solid, if stylized, pencils. The art suited the story very well and the layout confusion that I experienced at times before was nowhere to be found. This issue is everything a tie-in book should be: heavily integrated with the main event, planting seeds within itself to keep the story fresh in this series and featuring art strong enough to rival the primary story. A great read in what is becoming one of the best titles at the House of Ideas. Read Full Review

This isn't the best issue of Wolverine and the X-Men, but it's the kind of tie-in all tie-ins should strive to be. Read Full Review

I bought this book because it was a tie-in to A Vs X, but I didn't want a prequel. This was an okay book, but not one I'd purchase again unless it really contributes to the crossover. Read Full Review

Chris Bachalo's artwork is great here. As always with his pencils, occasionally they get to hectic for their own good, but considering this issue is mostly talking, this doesn't happen much. One panel has a problem of issues with perspective, and that is Cap being attacked by the danger".school? Do we call it the danger school? The rest of the issue is a great showcase of Bachalo's work. Characters are expressive, and bursting with energy. It's clear that Wolverine is feeling a lot of pain and confusion with what is going on with the Avengers and X-Men. Wolverine & the X-Men has been arguable one of the best books art wise (with Daredevil taking the #1 spot), and #9 is another great example. I miss Nick Bradshaw's art, but who cares when Bachalo is this on his game. With next issue looking to feature more fighting, hopefully Bachalo will be able to convey the chaotic nature of the battles without sacrificing the reader's ability to understand what is going on. Or make i Read Full Review

Another awesome issue from Marvels best x-title. Watching aliens from Planet Sin making bets on which planet the Phoenix Force will destroy next is priceless, sadistic, but priceless. Written by Jason Aaron (Avengers Vs X-Men) & illustrated by Chris Bachalo whos drawings looked a little muddled last issue, but hes back in top shape and it looks fantastic. From Marvel Comics. Read Full Review

Aaron defies the dreaded tie-in issue blues and manages to tell a cohesive story within his own title without leaning too hard on what is happening in AvX. The return of the Phoenix has curious ramifications for students and staff alike: Quentin and Rachel Summers suffer seizures, while Idie expresses her frank opinion about the Phoenix's involvement with her powers. This is what I wanted to see from an X-Men title during AvX. These mutants have had to deal with the Phoenix in different variations for years, and now instead of constant foreboding talk about it, we are finally seeing actual effects caused by its return. Read Full Review

It's a pretty good issue. Story and characterization are great, especially considering the story was hijacked for an event, the art was pretty good, and the cover was nice. If you're picking and choosing you tie ins, this series shouldn't be skipped. Read Full Review

Fortunately for this book, the writing is excellent, the visuals are absolutely stunning, and the though the core idea as it relates to the event doesn't make any sense, the people involved still know how to put together an entertaining and beautiful book. However I'll be very glad when "Wolverine & The X-Men" can return to business as usual. It's a much smarter book than this event will allow it to be. Read Full Review

Leave it to master scribe Jason Aaron, whos sadly ended his run on Wolverine as a solo character, to actually conjure up a tie in issue to this years mega-Marvel crossover event that is worth reading. So far A vs. X has been slow at best and boring at worst. Why does Marvel Comics seem so determined to put their readers through another Civil War-like event? The answer is simple. They sell, even if they are rehashes of old stories that are meant to drive sales first and tell a good story second. At least we have Aarons considerable talents and wit to ease the process. Read Full Review

I thought this was a solid issue. It was much better than the Avengers Vs. X-men #2 that came out this week. I say pick up this issue it was a great issue if you are a Wolverine fan, and you wanted to see how he would react to the Avengers Vs. X-men event. Read Full Review

As the first Avengers Vs. X-Men tie-in I personally have read, and one of the first on the shelves, this sets a good level for what to hope for: Jason Aaron balances the event with his own storylines well, and offers a little something for regular readers as well as those who have just jumped on because of the Avengers Vs. X-Men banner. The artwork does drag it down, but the story is as tight as ever. Read Full Review