X-Men: Gold Annual #1 still gives me some hope for the current run of X-Men comics. Its still flawed, and I by no means think this is some kind of turning point. However, it is quite enjoyable as a standalone story, and the team does a very good job of turning in an emotional and upbeat tale. I recommend this one. Check it out. Read Full Review

The back up story with Storm was equally heart-warming, very well scripted by Nero and the blind adoration of the girl, though maybe a little overly saccharine sweet, IS the way any child would idolise their hero and given the negative assertion from all around her (even her own aunt) it was nice to see a child who's innocent opinion could not be swayed by their supposed betters. Read Full Review

This is far from an essential issue, but it's still a noticeable step above the current X-Men: Gold arc. Read Full Review

So, not a bad annual - but not as special as it should be. But it is nice to see Excalibur back in action. Read Full Review

This issue includes two single stories, both of which have a nice upbeat story and leave on a good note, though the second story felt a little over the top. And while it's a bigger issue, it comes in at a higher price and with some great stories going on within the X-Men books, this might have been better as a introduction to get new fans into the Xmen. It's a nice upbeat book but I was disappointed. Read Full Review

Inconsistent tone and lukewarm overall quality make the main story a match (not in a good way) for the relentless mediocrity of the current X-Men: Gold run. A bouncing baby Braddock and a sweet B story don't do nearly enough to counterbalance the problematic script or to excuse the huge page-two spoiler. So my jokey suggestion from earlier becomes quite serious: Wait on this one until after Gold #22 comes out - or just skip it entirely. Read Full Review

In my opinion this is largely for completists only. It's a fine issue but it really has no lasting impression. You'll read it, smile, put it down and never think of it again, which is not necessarily a bad thing. If your looking for some depth this comic is not for you. Read Full Review

Damn I mise Excalibur ... Where is Cerise, Feron & Kylun ? ... Why Colossus who was in the team for a time isn't invited with kitty ?
I was very surprise by Magie, but I really like her. I hope marvel will not dare erasing .. Because she rule.
A very nice story for that part but less interested by the Stormhammer part.
The other story about storm fan is nice ... But forgettable. That make me remember Tom Strong 1 ^^

Cover - Love excalibur 2/2
Writing - A really good story about friend, less good for the bad guy and the story not that interesting. 2/3
Arts - The art is great for both story. I just have a question about Brian. Did he not loose a eyes at one point. I remember him in US.Avengers looking like he does lose one. 3/3
Feelings - Damn I want more about the Braddock ... 1/2 more

Good, easy, nostalgic read. Nothing earthmoving.

An Excalibur reunion introduces Kitty, Kurt, and Rachel to Brian and Meggan's new baby. There's an arbitrary twist and an arbitrary baddie who needs a facile, not-too-violent foiling. It's decent material, but the story gets told with thoroughly disappointing effort in both words and pictures. The B-story about a young superfan meeting Storm after a rough day of hero-chasing is a bit stronger but still well short of good. Besides the internal disappointments, this Annual was also mystifyingly published six weeks before a fairly huge relationship development in the main title, which it spoils to no good effect.

This issues was so corny and cheesey. Not a fan of this issue at all.