The new X-Men #1 explained: Everything you need to know about their new mission, new base, and new enemies
The new X-Men #1 is here, marking the first full issue of the relaunched ‘From the Ashes’ era of the X-line. And with it comes the first extended glimpses of the new X-Men status quo, including the main team’s base, their mission, and how they fit into the world.
So what’s it all about? We’ll unpack all the major developments from X-Men #1 by writer Jed MacKay, artist Ryan Stegman, inker JP Mayer, colorist Marte Gracia, and letterer Clayton Cowles.
Spoilers ahead for X-Men #1
X-Men #1 follows two concurrent stories – one in which Beast, newly reborn as his heroic self from shortly after his time on the Avengers, shows the X-Men’s new base of operations to the chief of police of the small town in Alaska where they’ve taken up residence, and another in which Cyclops leads his new X-Men team on a rescue mission for another A-list mutant.
In Beast’s portion, the bouncing blue mutant shows chief Paula Robbins of the Merle, Alaska police department all around the X-Men’s new base, set up in the town’s former factory, which closed before the X-Men came to town. Beast introduces her to their hydroponic growing operation, overseen by Glob Herman, which grows a number of food crops, and introduces her to Xorn, the X-Men’s team medic. Through it all Beast tries to foster an atmosphere of friendliness – even after it’s revealed that this isn’t just any factory, it’s a former Sentinel factory, which the X-Men have now reclaimed.
But Magneto – now hovering in a throne-like chair akin to Professor Xavier’s iconic golden floating chair – is far less welcoming to chief Robbins, making it clear he sees himself as the “dragon,” who will ensure that “my Children of the Atom will thrive,” and that he is to be feared. Magneto’s presence in this new X-Men iteration marks a significant shift from the more diplomatic approach taken during the Krakoa era. This hints at a more assertive, even confrontational stance towards humanity.
The New X-Men’s First Mission and the Fourth School
Over on Cyclops’ mission, he leads Magik, Juggernaut, Psylocke, Kid Omega, and Temper on a mission to save none other than Wolverine and six other newly activated mutants, all of whom are being experimented on by an Orchis spin-off group known as the Fourth School, who believe they can create a new form of life that is a fusion of humans, mutants, and AI.
The team manages to rescue Wolverine, however it turns out that the newly activated mutants aren’t adolescents of the age when mutant powers usually activate, but full grown adults whose X-genes have been artificially activated (like what happened in Deadpool’s origin). And what’s more, they’re indoctrinated soldiers for the Fourth School. The Fourth School’s experiments and their creation of indoctrinated mutant soldiers represent a serious threat, not only to the X-Men but to the mutant community as a whole. This adds a new layer of complexity to the X-Men’s mission and highlights the ongoing dangers faced by mutants in this new era.
The X-Men manage to fight their way out of the base and force the Fourth School mutants to flee, but Wolverine refuses to go join Cyclops’ new team, telling Cyclops not to contact him again (we know he’ll be showing up as part of August’s Uncanny X-Men #1). Cyclops and Beast discuss both of their separate experiences, while standing under the shadow of a massive, frozen Sentinel – which Cyclops says is to remain in place a while longer so the humans “don’t forget what they owe us.”
The presence of the frozen Sentinel serves as a chilling reminder of the past and a warning to humanity about the consequences of their past actions towards mutants. It’s a powerful symbol of the X-Men’s determination to be recognized and respected, even if it means using force to remind humanity of their transgressions.
A New Era for the X-Men: From Ashes to a Scaled-Back Start
Overall, this fresh start feels like a bit of a rehash of the goals of the Krakoa era, with Cyclops, Beast, and Magneto uniting to build a self-sustaining community of mutants in the heart of Alaska. But aside from the much less advanced and ambitious lifestyle the X-Men have created, there’s one key difference from how the X-Men started off the Krakoa era.
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In this case, they’re not trying to appeal to humankind for co-existence through sharing their advanced mutant technology and engaging in diplomacy. They’re stating in no uncertain terms that they will exist in the world alongside humanity, and they will defend themselves however they have to while reminding humanity how mutants have historically been treated.
The X-Men’s new approach is both a reflection of the past and a statement of intent for the future. Their decision to build a self-sustaining community in Alaska suggests a desire for independence, a break from the complexities of the outside world. However, their firm stance against humanity’s past transgressions and their determination to defend themselves shows that they haven’t abandoned their fight for equality and justice.
It’s a scaled-back start compared to the Krakoa era, but X-Men #1 is already leaving its footprint on the new ‘From the Ashes’ status quo.
What’s Next for the X-Men?
X-Men #2 goes on sale August 14. The events of X-Men #1 have set the stage for a new chapter in the X-Men’s ongoing story. With the introduction of the Fourth School, the X-Men face a new and formidable enemy with a dangerous agenda. The team’s commitment to defending themselves and reminding humanity of their past actions suggests a more assertive, even confrontational approach going forward.
The future of the X-Men is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the struggle for mutant rights and equality is far from over. The new ‘From the Ashes’ era promises to be a thrilling and challenging journey for the X-Men, as they navigate a world filled with both hope and danger.
A Comprehensive Guide to the New ‘From the Ashes’ X-Men Comics Relaunch
Curious about the new X-Men line but don’t know where to start? Here’s our guide to the new ‘From the Ashes’ X-Men comics relaunch.
The ‘From the Ashes’ era of the X-Men comics relaunch is a fresh start for the mutant heroes. This new era sees the X-Men adopting a more assertive stance towards humanity, emphasizing self-reliance and a commitment to defending themselves. The new X-Men line includes a variety of titles, each exploring different aspects of the mutant community and their evolving relationship with humanity.
Here’s a breakdown of the key titles and their focus:
- X-Men #1: The first issue of the relaunched series introduces the new X-Men team, their new base in Alaska, and their new mission. It also introduces the Fourth School, a new threat to the mutant community.
- Uncanny X-Men #1: This series will focus on the classic X-Men team, led by Wolverine. It will explore the team’s role in the new era, their relationship with the new X-Men team, and their ongoing struggles against threats to the mutant community.
- Immortal X-Men: This series will focus on the Quiet Council, the governing body of Krakoa. It will explore the internal politics of Krakoa, the decisions made by the Quiet Council, and the impact of their actions on the mutant community.
- Legion of X: This series will focus on the mutant Legion, a powerful and dangerous telepath. It will explore Legion’s powers, his connection to Professor X, and his role in the new era.
- X-Force: This series will focus on the X-Men’s black ops team, known as X-Force. It will explore the team’s covert missions, their willingness to use lethal force, and their impact on the mutant community.
- Nightcrawler: This series will focus on the mutant Nightcrawler, a master of teleportation and acrobatics. It will explore Nightcrawler’s journey of self-discovery, his relationships with other mutants, and his role in the new era.
The new X-Men line offers a diverse range of stories and perspectives, each exploring different aspects of the mutant community and their evolving relationship with humanity. Whether you’re a longtime X-Men fan or a newcomer, this new era promises to be an exciting and engaging journey for readers of all ages.
What is the main focus of the new X-Men #1?
The main focus of the new X-Men #1 is to introduce readers to the X-Men’s new base, their mission, and their new enemies in the ‘From the Ashes’ era of the X-line.
Who are the key characters involved in X-Men #1?
The key characters in X-Men #1 include Beast, Cyclops, Magneto, chief Paula Robbins, and various mutants like Wolverine, Magik, Juggernaut, Psylocke, Kid Omega, and Temper.
What is the significance of Magneto’s role in the new X-Men iteration?
Magneto’s presence in the new X-Men iteration signifies a shift towards a more assertive and confrontational stance towards humanity, contrasting with the diplomatic approach of the Krakoa era.
What are the two concurrent stories explored in X-Men #1?
X-Men #1 follows two concurrent stories – one where Beast shows the X-Men’s new base to the chief of police in Alaska, and another where Cyclops leads a rescue mission for mutants being experimented on by the Fourth School, a spin-off group of Orchis.
