Welcome, X-Fans, to another uncanny edition of X-Men Monday at AIPT!
The upcoming X-Men Annual #1 is significant for two reasons. First, it’s written (and partially illustrated) by X-Men artist Ryan Stegman, who joins forces with equally talented writers/artists Steve Skroce and Sanford Greene.
Second, it’s Ryan’s last contribution to Marvel’s X-Men line, which he helped refresh as part of the post-Krakoa From the Ashes era.
Hm, I said two reasons, but I guess there’s a third — it’s got Phoenix! As readers of this column are no doubt aware, X-Fans want more Jean Grey!
Anyway, ahead of X-Men Annual #1’s release on March 4, 2026, Ryan agreed to field a few questions about this one-off adventure, as well as reflect on his time with Marvel’s merry mutants. Let’s see what he has to say.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: Welcome back to X-Men Monday, Ryan! Let’s start with a few questions about the upcoming X-Men Annual, which you’re writing and partially illustrating. X-Fan Owen Seyler is curious to learn how this project came about. Did Marvel approach you about this annual, or was it something you pitched?
Ryan Stegman: I actually approached Tom Brevoort about it! I had an idea that I thought was cool and wanted to have fun with it. Brevoort immediately seemed interested, and it all came together incredibly fast.
AIPT: X-Fan Corvus thinks getting to collaborate with Steve Skroce and Sanford Greene is really exciting and wonders what drew you to those two.
Ryan: Sanford and I are close friends. As the idea was developing, I was telling him about it, and he said he wanted in.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Getting Steve was pretty wild to me. I thought it was a Hail Mary, and I emailed Tom and asked if he’d be interested in Steve doing it. Tom immediately replied that he had a good relationship with Steve and that he’d see if he was interested. Pretty much the next day, he was in the seat to draw it. I still can’t believe how quickly it came together. Goes to show that sometimes you just have to take your shot!
AIPT: As I’m sure you’re aware, a lot of Jean Grey fans are pumped to know Phoenix will appear. X-Fans @jean_red_grey and Zdarsky Loyalist want to know what made you want to include Phoenix alongside the Uncanny X-Men cast?
Ryan: Zdarsky loyalist? My goodness. What has the world come to??? Anyway, Phoenix is just a character that I love. Her new design is really cool, and I felt like she hadn’t interacted with the X-Men proper in some time. So basically, I wanted to include some X-Men that I really love because why not?
Courtesy of Marvel Comics and GamesRadar+
AIPT: A process question from X-Fan Alex p: As an artist writing for other artists, did you go full script for X-Men Annual, or did you follow the “Marvel Method”?
Ryan: I went full script. I’d love to do “Marvel Method” someday, but I am fairly green as a writer, so I want to make sure everything works and is clear before I force a great artist like Steve to deal with me!
AIPT: In your newsletter interview with Steve, he mentioned that you write “an action-packed X-Men comic.” What kind of an adventure can readers look forward to seeing Wolverine, Phoenix, and the gang getting up to over those 32 pages?
Ryan: Well, there are monsters. And mindscape scenes. And characters being “drawn to life.” There really isn’t a moment where they aren’t moving or in action because I wanted Steve to have fun with every single page.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics and Ryan Stegman’s newsletter
AIPT: X-Men Annual also marks the end of your current tour of duty within the X-Men universe. Is there a particular contribution you made to the X-Men you’re particularly proud of?
Ryan: I really enjoyed the Age of Revelation event and creating those futuristic designs.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: What was your favorite cover you did within this era?
Ryan: Easily the one where Cyclops is spinning with his visor blasting in all directions. It was a concept by Tom that I then took and made my own, and I think it’s really cool.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: What about X-regrets? Is there anything you wanted to do or wish you could have but didn’t get a chance to?
Ryan: I wish I’d have drawn faster! But this is a hard book to draw, and my kids are at an age where I’m not really willing to bury myself in the work to the point where I have to miss out on their growing up. But I did my best!
AIPT: Speaking as someone who’s sorted through thousands of X-Fan questions over 300+ editions of X-Men Monday, I think it’s safe to assume working on X-Men comics is a unique, roller coaster of an eXperience. I’m curious if your most recent tenure on the X-line has taught you anything about your work, how readers engage with it, or anything else you’ll take with you to future projects.
Ryan: It was certainly an interesting experience. When we did Venom and had all that success, it was different because there weren’t as many “generational” fans. A lot of X-Men fans have been reading it their whole lives and have so much knowledge about the characters. They’re tough to satisfy, but they deserve the best!
Courtesy of Marvel Comics and GamesRadar+
AIPT: Finally, speaking of the future, X-Fan snags is wondering what’s happening next in your career — whether at Marvel or beyond.
Ryan: I’m writing and drawing a secret project at Marvel! I actually know what the next couple of years look like for me at Marvel, and it’s gonna be great.
AIPT: Looking forward to it! But on that note, Ryan, thanks for stopping by X-Men Monday!
Remember, X-Fans, X-Men Annual #1 goes on sale March 4, 2026. Here’s an eXclusive look at the issue’s lettered preview, written by Ryan, illustrated by Steve Skroce, and lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles, courtesy of our friends at Marvel.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Until next time, X-Fans, stay eXceptional!
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