The new X-Men #1 has arrived, heralding the beginning of the “From the Ashes” era of the X-line. This issue offers the first in-depth look at the new status quo for the X-Men, including their mission, their base of operations, and their place in the world. Let’s delve into the major developments from X-Men #1, crafted by writer Jed MacKay, artist Ryan Stegman, inker JP Mayer, colorist Marte Gracia, and letterer Clayton Cowles.
X-Men #1 unfolds through two parallel narratives. In one, Beast, newly reborn as his heroic self from his days with the Avengers, introduces the X-Men’s new base to Paula Robbins, the police chief of Merle, Alaska, where the team has set up shop. In the other, Cyclops leads his new X-Men team on a mission to rescue another prominent mutant.
In Beast’s storyline, the blue-furred mutant gives Chief Robbins a tour of their new headquarters, which is housed in a repurposed factory that had been shut down before the X-Men arrived. Beast showcases their hydroponic growing operation, managed by Glob Herman, which produces various food crops. He also introduces Xorn, the team’s medic. Throughout the tour, Beast strives to create a friendly atmosphere, even when it is revealed that the factory was once a Sentinel production facility, now reclaimed by the X-Men.
However, Magneto, now seated in a throne-like chair reminiscent of Professor Xavier’s iconic golden floating chair, is far less welcoming. He makes it clear to Chief Robbins that he sees himself as the “dragon” who will ensure the survival and prosperity of the “Children of the Atom,” and that he is to be feared.
Meanwhile, on Cyclops’ mission, he leads a team consisting of Magik, Juggernaut, Psylocke, Kid Omega, and Temper to rescue Wolverine and six other newly activated mutants. These mutants are being experimented on by an Orchis spin-off group known as the Fourth School, which aims to create a new form of life that combines humans, mutants, and AI.
The team successfully rescues Wolverine, but they discover that the newly activated mutants are not adolescents, as is typical when mutant powers manifest, but fully grown adults whose X-genes have been artificially activated. Moreover, these mutants have been indoctrinated as soldiers for the Fourth School. The X-Men manage to fight their way out of the base, forcing the Fourth School mutants to flee. However, Wolverine refuses to join Cyclops’ new team, instructing Cyclops not to contact him again.
Cyclops and Beast later discuss their respective experiences while standing under the shadow of a massive, frozen Sentinel. Cyclops insists that the Sentinel remains in place for a while longer so that humans “don’t forget what they owe us.”
Overall, this new beginning feels somewhat reminiscent of the goals of the Krakoa era, with Cyclops, Beast, and Magneto working together to build a self-sustaining mutant community in Alaska. However, there is a significant difference from the Krakoa era. This time, the X-Men are not seeking coexistence with humanity through the sharing of advanced mutant technology and diplomacy. Instead, they are asserting their right to exist alongside humanity and are prepared to defend themselves as necessary, while reminding humanity of the historical mistreatment of mutants.
This scaled-back start compared to the Krakoa era is already making its mark on the new “From the Ashes” status quo. X-Men #2 is set to go on sale on August 14.
Source: Marvel Comics
