Krakoa is gone, but the X-Men remain. Can Cyclops lead the new team in a world that is recovering from the loss of their utopia? Find out in X-Men #1 by Marvel Comics! 

X-MEN #1

Writer: Jed MacKay
Artist: Ryan Stegman and JP Mayer
Colorist: Marte Garcia
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $5.99
Release Date: July 10, 2024   

Previously in X-Men: The nation of Krakoa was considered a safe haven for all mutants. After Orchis attacked the mutant nation and spread an anti-mutant propaganda campaign, mutantkind struggled to survive. Now that Orchis has been destroyed, mutants are spread across the globe, but some have banded together. Now Cyclops leads Beast, Magneto, Psylocke, Kid Omega, Temper, Magik, and Juggernaut to help mutantkind wherever possible. 

 X-Men #1 reveals that the X-Men have taken up residence in an old Sentinel factory in Alaska. Some locals are concerned with the X-Men being there, as many consider the factory their main livelihood. However, Beast escorts Police Chief Paula Robbins around the complex to assure her they don’t mean any harm, even though this place once did great evil against mutants. Unfortunately, Magneto attempts to lead by fear, which hurts Beast’s attempt at a friendly conversation. 

Meanwhile, Cyclops leads the X-Men to rescue Wolverine and free six new mutants. In Santo Marco, Cyclops sends Juggernaut and Magik to take out Orchis forces while everyone else heads inside. Psylocke attempts to retrieve Logan while everyone else looks for the new mutants. Here, we learn about the Fourth School, an offshoot of Orchis that believes they should be a mix of humans, A.I., and mutants. As Kid Omega attempts to locate the mutants, they realize Orchis must have succeeded as they are attacked by new adult mutants. The X-Men have no choice but to fight them. Back at their base, Logan decides to leave and find his own way while everyone else contemplates the implications of the Fourth School. 

I wasn’t sure what I wanted out of this new X-Men series. I loved the Krakoa Age, and I’m sad it has ended. I admit I wasn’t thrilled with how the last event ended, but I tried to keep an open mind to this new series. When I picked X-Men #1, I was first struck by how dynamic the characters look, and I think that had a lot to do with the colors used in the panels. These character designs looked phenomenal, from the pink of Omega’s hair to the yellow of Cyclops’ outfit and the giant X on Juggernaut’s helmet. I was visually drawn into the pages. I then noticed the characterization of some of these characters. Juggernaut has come a long way as a character, and watching some of the drama between Temper and Kid Omega kept me engaged. 

But as far as the overall plot? I’m not sure I am on board yet. I think this new Fourth School has some potential, but it doesn’t excite me as much as Sinister or Apocalypse have in the past. But perhaps that doesn’t matter with all the fantastic characterization here through all the characters. I’m always impressed when a writer can balance a large cast of characters and make it feel like many of them get moments despite the limited page count. Good work overall. 

I am surprised how much I enjoyed the simplicity of the storyline. Through the simple plot, the characters and art were able to shine, and I think I’ll be following the new titles extensively over the next few months. X-Men #1 gets a 4.5 out of 5 stars from me. 

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X-Men #1

90%

90%

Optimistic

X-Men #1 provides excellent characterization and character design right from the start.

• Writing

  9
• Art

  8
• Coloring

  10
• User Ratings (1 Votes)
  5.6