After five years of incredible storytelling and a game-changing status quo change, which saw Marvel’s mutants inhabiting the living island of Krakoa, the X-Men’s so-called Krakoan era is coming to an end. However, the “Fall of X” is just a new beginning for the X-Men. Just announced by Marvel, the X-Men line of comics is relaunching this summer. It’s a launch spearheaded by all-star creative teams on the flagship titles—ones with familiar names like Uncanny X-Men, X-Men, and Exceptional X-Men. Marvel has released details and preview art for the first three books in the relaunch called “From the Ashes,” the title itself a reference to a classic ’80s X-Men saga. Marvel even has a trailer setting up what’s to come, which hints at an “Inmate X” at the dismantled Xavier’s School. Are you a prisoner in your own school, Charles Xavier?
Here’s what Marvel’s executive editor Tom Brevoort had to say about the upcoming X-Men relaunch, as well as a preview of the first wave of titles:
The X-Men are fractured in the aftermath of the end of Krakoa, scattered across the globe without a central base of operation, What that means in practice is that all three titles carrying the name X-Men are core X-Men series—they all center around one of the major aspects of what the team has been about at different points. This is very much by design. We want to field a wide assortment of X-titles with different styles and tones and approaches, an X-Men book for virtually any taste.
X-Men
Written by Jed MacKay, art by Ryan Stegman – On Sale 7/10
Krakoa is no more… but the X-Men fight on! From their new base in Alaska, the X-Men raise a flag of defiance! Join Cyclops, Beast, Psylocke, Kid Omega, Temper (formerly Oya), Magik, Juggernaut, and former enemy Magneto as they assemble against new forces, battling for the destiny and philosophy of the mutant species. Mutant business is their business.
Uncanny X-Men
Written by Gail Simone, art by David Marquez – On Sale 8/7
Outlaw heroes once again, the X-Men embark on a new mission! Making themselves at home in the Big Easy, the X-Men protect a world that hates and fears them! Join Rogue, Gambit, Nightcrawler, Jubilee, and Wolverine on explosive superhero adventures. Uncanny as ever, the X-Men are back to saving the day mutant-style! According to writer Gail Simone, “I think X-Fans are special in that we identify with having something different about us…and you’re going to feel that in this book, and what it means to have that thing about you that’s different, or exceptional. We go deep into the emotional part of that.”
Exceptional X-Men
Written by Eve L. Ewing, art by Carmen Carnero – On Sale 9/4
Mutantkind’s two greatest teachers mold the next generation of X-Men! Kate Pryde has returned home to Chicago following the war with Orchis. Having stepped away from the world of mutantdom, she is nevertheless called back into action as she crosses paths with a trio of new young mutants, Bronze, Axo, and Melee, who clearly need training and guidance. Unfortunately for Kate, Emma Frost thinks so as well!
According to Ewing, “Longtime fans of Kitty Pryde can count on the kinds of adventures you expect from her as a classic favorite, while I hope new and old readers alike will get to love this all-new team of young mutants. Kitty, the one-time kid sister figure of the X-Men, has to reckon with her own memories—good and bad—of being a child of Xavier as she navigates a role as leader and mentor for a new generation of mutants who are trying to make their way in a time of crisis.”
Now, you might be sad to not see some of your favorite members of the team in these initial lineups. Where are Colossus, Iceman, Bishop, and most importantly, Storm and Jean Grey? Well, these announced titles are just the first wave. Among the second wave of titles coming this year are several others, including solo series for Phoenix, Storm, and Wolverine (of course). Marvel also showed off logos for X-Factor, X-Force, and NYX. Almost all of those have retro ’90s styling. It might just be an aesthetic choice, but that remains to be seen. Between X-Men ’97, Deadpool & Wolverine, and now this relaunch, 2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Marvel’s mutants.
