X-MEN ANNUAL(2026) #1 – Into the Creative Process

Creative Team – Ryan Stegman, Steve Skroce, Sanford Greene, Arthur Hesli, VC’s Clayton Cowles

Published by Marvel Comics

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The Story

InsideX-Men Annual #1, we see Jean Grey returning to the X-Men at Haven House in Louisiana. She’s happy to see her X-family, but she’s actually there on business. Jean was brought there by a distressed psychic signal, which was located right there at Haven House. Almost immediately, a giant psychic rip opens before their very eyes, which Jean says is actually an idea forming, attempting to manifest into something real. From inside the forming idea comes a gigantic monster that’s ready to rip the X-Men apart, limb by limb. While the X-Men are busy taking down the monster before it comes for the Haven House, Jean is searching through the formed idea for the origin.

Finding where the monster came from through her psychic connection, Jean was able to meet the creator, the Creationist. With a huge chip on his shoulder and a mutant ability that’s unparalleled, The Creationist seeks out to find his revenge for his past.

The Writing

Ryan Stegman brings a very fun story, unlike anything we’ve seen yet from the X-Men in X-Men Annual #1. Showing the classic team-up of Jean and Logan, we get to see just how different these two characters are when they’re on a mission. Stegman also gives a great look at how empathetic Jean is, especially to those who feel they don’t have a place to fit into.

All in all, Stegman brought back the wonderful presence of Jean Grey to the pages of X-Men Annual #1, united with her classic X-family. Seeing Jean back was a real treat, especially after her fantastic solo series from Stephanie Phillips. Here’s hoping we get more of this in the future of the X-titles!

The Art

The artwork throughout X-Men Annual #1 was as exciting as the story itself, if not more so. Ryan Stegman, Steve Skroce, and Sanford Greene bring so much depth to the artwork with their phenomenal detailing work, and out-of-the-box illustrations that match the theme of creativity. What I really appreciated was Ryan Stegman and Sanford Greene inserting themselves as characters, which was a very meta and very creative move. I always get a kick out of artists doing that!

Arthur Hesli is the colorist, and if you’re not familiar with his work, this comic should be a great representation of how extremely talented Hesli is. There’s a beautiful juxtaposition of contrasting colors, and often times Jean is used as the focal point with her bright, warm-toned look. Hesli brings a lot of depth to the panels with his use of clashing vibrancy against the muted tones.

Clayton Cowles is the letterer of the comic and always brings the heat with him wherever he lends his talents. Capturing the many tones of the story through the dialogue, you can feel the emotions of the characters perfectly clear through their words.

Final Thoughts

I found X-Men Annual #1 to be a huge amount of fun, and it captures the meaning of what it means to give outcasts a place to call home. There are many layers to the story, and Stegman addresses each tone with ease. This is what the X-Men are all about!

Overall Grade – 10/10

Let me know in the comments what you thought of X-Men Annual #1!

This review was written by Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast! If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of X-Men Annual #1, or tell me what comics you’d recommend me trying out! Find me on my socials, and check out my Marvel podcast, Vigilante Vibes, by clicking here!