Firestar has rejoined the X-Men, but the transition back into mutant-kind has not been easy. Check it out in X-Men Annual #1 by Marvel Comics!

X-MEN ANNUAL #1

Writer: Steve Foxe
Artist: Andrea Di Vito
Colorist: Sebastian Cheng
Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles
Editor: Jordan D. White
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: December 21st, 2022 

Previously in X-Men: After the last Hellfire Gala, Firestar was voted back onto the team, but her relationship with the mutants of Krakoa is tumultuous at best. While Firestar is a powerful mutant and an asset to her team, many wonder if her loyalties are to the mutants or to the Avengers.

THE RIGHT STUFF

X-Men Annual #1 starts with a Firestar almost getting into a fight with the Hellions, claiming that she shouldn’t be on the X-Men. Firestar and Iceman meet with the X-Men to determine their next mission. While there are several attacks worldwide, Firestar focuses on a hospital having trouble with its Krakoa medicine shipment. She and Cyclops head to the hospital to find the medicine and repair their public image. Upon arriving in Florida, a massive storm is heading to the hospital. They also learn that the medicine was stolen. As the storm gets worse, Firestar notices Whirlwind making the storm worse.

Cyclops and Firestar make quick work of Whirlwind, but he starts a timer on a bomb he planted. Firestar rushes to the bomb and destroys it, saving the hospital!

A HEROIC RETURN

It has been a long time since I watched Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends. X-Men Annual #1 pokes fun about that while also being riddled with Iceman’s jokes. In stark contrast, we have the seriousness of Firestar, who is trying to find her place in the mutant nation of Krakoa. And for what it is worth, Steve Foxe balances levity with tension exceptionally well. The comic never appeared corny or made me want to roll my eyes. In fact, I am invested in seeing what they do with Firestar. She was voted in by the X-men viewer base and was likely not on the writer’s radar. But now that she is on the team, I’m excited about the plethora of options for her. X-Men Annual #1 confirms her position in the X-Men and promises excellent stories in the future.

Additionally, Firestar and Cyclops are visually exciting people. Their powers jump up on the page and visually engage you. I’m on the edge of my seat during those scenes where the X-Men use their abilities. I sometimes find the faces a little funny-looking between those scenes. Regardless, great work by the creative team, especially the colorist who makes those powers pop.

BOTTOM LINE: GO FIRESTAR!

X-Men Annual #1 surprisingly has a nostalgia hit because of the cartoons I watched when I was younger. It makes me want to read the main X-Men title I have largely ignored. Considering all these aspects, I give this comic 4 out of 5 stars.

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X-Men Annual #1 Review

80%

80%

Go Firestar!

X-Men Annual #1 does an excellent job of introducing the complexity of Firestar's situation.

• Writing

  8
• Art

  8
• Coloring

  8
• User Ratings (0 Votes)
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