The end of an era marks the start of another. In the case of the X-Men comics, its current era will conclude this summer, with From the Ashes stepping in as a new initiative to relaunch the franchise.
Announced during SXSW, the upcoming arc is built around three core titles: X-Men by Jed MacKay and Ryan Stegman, Uncanny X-Men by Gail Simone and David Marquez, and Exceptional X-Men by Eve L. Ewing and Carmen Carnero. Incoming editor Tom Brevoort is helming the project, which picks up from the end of the Krakoan Age and follows the iconic heroes as they support struggling mutants through this uncertain period.
“Over their 60-year history, the X-Men have been many things. Outcasts. Teachers. Revolutionaries. Heroes. Above all, they’re a species, and the future is still theirs for the taking!” Marvel teased in a press release. “Krakoa showed the world what homo superior is truly capable of and now, the X-Men have to fight harder than ever to keep Professor X’s dream alive. These three core series will approach the X-Men’s vital mission with distinct and relevant perspectives while remaining faithful to the storytelling power of the mutant metaphor!”
Fans would recognise the title as a reference to a classic ’80s X-Men saga, with the new lineup focusing on Cyclops, Jubilee, Rogue, Kate Pryde, and other beloved mutants. X-Men, releasing on 10 July, spotlights Scott Summers and his hero assembling efforts as described:
“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, Magneto, Psylocke, Kid Omega, Temper (formerly Oya), Magik and Juggernaut as they assemble against new forces, battling for the destiny and philosophy of the mutant species. Mutant business is their business.“
Meanwhile, Uncanny X-Men sees Gambit and Rogue returning to New Orleans and operating as “Outlaw Heroes” alongside Nightcrawler, Wolverine, and Jubilee. It will feature new characters specially designed for the series when it debuts on 7 August, with a synopsis that reads:
“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 super hero adventures. Uncanny as ever, the X-Men are back to saving the day mutant-style!“
Rounding out the list is Exceptional X-Men, set to launch on 4 September. The story centres on Kate Pryde as she works as a barista in Chicago, where she went to college, before being pushed back into teaching after meeting three young new mutants. Here’s the official description:
“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!“
Marvel also revealed that six new series will follow the debut of these three core X-Men titles, namely Phoenix, Storm, Wolverine, Nyx, X-Force, and X-Factor. More details are expected sometime in the near future.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
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