Writer: Chris Claremont

Art: Brett Booth, Bill Sienkiewicz, Salvador Larroca, and More

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Price: $4.99

Release Date: January 13th, 2020

Commemorating Chris Claremont’s tremendous influence on our beloved Marvel comics from the past five decades comes a tale of epic proportions with an all-new story! Dani Moonstar is recruited for a voyage across space and time for an extraordinary psychic showdown between the Shadow King. Let’s jump into the CHRIS CLAREMONT ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1 and witness Dani Moonstar tangle with forces and characters created, earmarked, and firmly established by the mighty pen of Chris Claremont!

If you’re interested in this comic or any of the others mentioned, simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon.

Readers and CLAREMONT fans, this is exactly what you’re been waiting for. He’s the foundation of the X-MEN and the father of so many characters that branch out of this genre of Marvel Comics… and that history shines through as bright as the Phoenix Force in this anniversary issue. New and old fans alike will see some of his classic thought balloons dance across the pages with emotions and character struggles, as well as the heavy dialogue and over-explanation that’s the institute of solid CLAREMONT writing. And yes, there was tons of narration. However, if you’re entering a Claremont story, you need to expect this before admission.

This Dani Moonstar tale takes her literally all over the place with tons of special guests to cross paths with. At first, it gets a bit confusing as to what’s transpiring and how it’s happening. Nonetheless, the issue does become more clear as the Claremont subtext fills in some plot threads along the way. The most Claremont-ish story in this issue actually involves the FANTASTIC FOUR. The characters severely explain what they are speculating and sensing while doing it in great length. But in regular CLAREMONT fashion, readers will know what’s emerging before the story concludes. Sure, there were moments of uncertainty. Nevertheless, he would rather over-explain than leave anything to chance to make this issue new-user friendly.

FINAL THOUGHTS

X-MEN fans will become intimate with Dani Moonstar before this one-shot ends due to the cerebral journey CLAREMONT takes the readers on. It’s thorough and, to a degree, unduly packed with commentary, dialogue, and exposition. Nevertheless, this is his style and again lends itself well to comprehension. But, that’s CHRIS CLAREMONT. He’s more direct and less subtle than current writers, which is refreshing to this reviewer who finds himself currently wondering what’s going on frequently in comics needing a summary page to catch up. Furthermore, Dani’s “tour” showcases a variety of stellar Marvel characters with wildly interesting mini-tales that were certainly intriguing making this reviewer wish for more. I strongly recommend the purchases this week for new and old X-MEN fans alike. Pick it up and let me know what you think! God bless.

8.9/10

If you’ve been missing CHRIS CLAREMONT and want to catch up on some of his past work, click the Amazon link HERE for some of the very best! Maybe you’ve been really digging Hickman’s X-MEN run? In that case, click HERE to get your hands on the latest Dawn of X trades and comics or HERE for everything related to X OF SWORDS. And finally, if you’re looking for something else to read, check out my Amazon Online Comic Shop by clicking HERE. Thank you all for the read and continued support. Stay safe and stay healthy.