Public fear of mutants is at an all-time high, and Cyclops is brought to trial to answer for the crimes of mutants against humanity. Find out if he is convicted in Fall of the House of X #1 by Marvel Comics!

FALL OF THE HOUSE OF X #1

Writer: Gerry Duggan
Artist: Lucas Werneck
Colorist: Bryan Valenza
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Editor: Jordan White
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $5.99
Release Date: January 3rd, 2023

Previously in the Fall of X: Orchis attacked the Hellfire Gala, killed Jean Grey, and exiled mutantkind. Only a few of them could resist, and they are angry. As Cyclops’ trial in Paris starts, the X-Men have been slowly gathering their forces and preparing to go to war with Orchis for their right to exist.

TO WAR, MY X-MEN

Fall of the House of X #1 starts with Cyclops’ perspective as he prepares for the sham of a trial. He reflects on the location, his own negative feelings, and a realization that this trial will lead to his death. Meanwhile, Wolverine, Cyclops, and Nightcrawler prepare to free Orchis, discussing the Fastball Special and killing Orchis members left and right. However, Professor X calls Rasputin IV to his side, causing her to abandon her role in saving Cyclops. Because of that, the X-Men team is forced to retreat.

During the trial, Cyclops decides not to fight for his case and gives no defense. This leads to his guilty conviction, and Orchis celebrates. They even send Nimrod to destroy Krakoa. Now everyone reacts. Shadowkat gathers her allies, including Juggernaut, with a large gun. Krakoa abandons the rest of the island to escape Nimrod. Tony Stark and Emma Frost enact their plan, and Polaris finds Broo and the Brood to help fight.

THIS IS THE NEXT ERA

I’m fascinated that we spent much of the Krakoa era fighting for peace. This new idea for mutantkind provided a fascinating view of what a mutant nation was. But I think we all knew that it wasn’t going to last. Despite that, I am surprised that Fall of the House of X #1 leads to war. I thought we would return to the status quo of a school for mutants. But can we ever return to that if they are waging war like they are? Mutants are angry. Shadowkat, Wolverine, Colossus, and even Nightcrawler plan to cause Orchis to fear them. This new direction has me on the edge of my seat because I don’t want them to be killers. I want them to be the people trying to bridge the gap between mutants and humans. But based on how the plot is set up, I don’t think it will be possible without some significant shenanigans.

The art is well done here, but there are a lot of characters and a variety of different designs. From the yellow Wolverine costume to the dynamic look of Polaris, I am impressed with how each character is drawn and colored. This comic clearly had a lot of love, and I am happy the story was given the time and space it needed.

BOTTOM LINE: I CAN’T WAIT FOR MORE

When we had the Krakoa arc a few years ago, I was shocked by what they were doing. As I read Fall of the House of X #1, I feel those same thoughts and emotions returning. Considering that, I want to give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. The creative team did a great job with the writing and character design. While I don’t think this book is for everyone, this is right up my alley, and I am glad that the plot wasn’t overwhelming.

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