Geoffrey Thorne's Q&A on X-Force -- Round 5

Geoffrey Thorne recently made a return to the CBR Forums to engage with fans and address questions about his highly anticipated X-Force run.

Some people have raised concerns about the portrayal of the "Native American with red headband" imagery, considering its origins in Hollywood rather than specific cultural attire. I'm curious if you and/or Marcus To have delved into this aspect while developing Forge's character.

Thorne: Hm. We had a lot of discussions about Forge. A LOT. I did considerable research on Cheyenne history, traditions, and current status. None of that will make it into these first issues. Once I'm done writing X-Force, I'll tell the backstage stories and post pages from my first drafts. I make a point of almost never describing how the sausage is made while I'm on a book because there are scumbags who will use frank discussions to gin up controversy in order to get clicks. I'm aggressively anti-scumbag. Bottom line: Forge has a few established looks, and in these first issues, we are using a variation of one of them. That said, THIS time, at least, there's a story reason for the headband.

Could you provide more insight into the concept of X-Force having a revolving cast of guest heroes?

Thorne: Heh. Normally, I wouldn't do this, but I got hammered on the Green Lantern run with covers that revealed plot twists, blurbs that were literally false in their descriptions of what the books contained, and covers that sometimes depicted scenes that never occurred and were never even proposed by me. I'm going to caution everyone, once again, about putting too much stock in these marketing blurbs about our book. I didn't write these marketing blurbs and have no input into them. SOME of what they've said is accurate. Some, like this "rotating guest star" thing, is not. I'm not looking to have to defend myself for failing to fulfill promises I never made. This book will absolutely not be a revolving door of mutant guest stars. Nor will it be a plug-in "mutant of the week" book. This is not Mutant Marvel Team-Up. This is X-Force. Our playing field is the entire Marvel universe. Not saying what it WILL be (SPOILERS), but it will not be either of those things. At all. Put that entirely out of your mind.

I find it particularly exciting to hear that there won't be a revolving door of guest characters in this series.

Thorne: We will be FAST. We will be GLOBAL. We will be RUTHLESS. We will be CONTENTIOUS. We will LIE. We will BETRAY. We will ROLL THAT COASTER as hard as we can. Because we are about winning, about solving the problem for good, not slapping a bandaid on it. And we will, most definitely, be STRANGE.

Will Deadpool be a permanent team member or just a guest star for the initial arc?

Thorne: Wade is 100% a guest. He is not on the team on anything resembling a permanent basis. Whether you love Deadpool or hate Deadpool, you will enjoy what we do with Deadpool.

The issue I have is with Betsy retaining her role as Captain Britain. It seems unrealistic for Britain's top hero to be involved in killing. Personally, I much prefer Betsy as Psylocke. Her transition to Captain Britain doesn't sit well with me.

Thorne: Wait and see.

I'm curious about the mechanics of Betsy's role as Captain Britain. Captain Britain is typically seen as the British equivalent of Captain America, a symbol of heroism. Seeing her on a hit squad feels out of place. Additionally, revealing mutants' involvement in killing could exacerbate existing tensions between mutants and humans. This development has dampened my enthusiasm for the book; I'd prefer to see Betsy return to her Psylocke persona.

Thorne: Wait and see.

My concern about the portrayal of killing ties back to Betsy's identity as Captain Britain. As England's premier hero, it's challenging to reconcile her involvement in lethal activities. X-Force traditionally comprises anti-heroes, so integrating a traditional hero like Captain Britain seems discordant. However, I'm open to seeing how this unfolds in the series.

Thorne: The past won't help you. New deck. New dealers. New game.

What are your thoughts on Betsy's psychic weapons? Are there plans to introduce more medieval-inspired weaponry, or will she predominantly stick to the classic sword and shield?

Thorne: Heh. Lady Braddock will be doing some new stuff, for sure.

Are there any unresolved X-issues that you will be revisiting? Additionally, will there be brand-new villains introduced in this series?

Thorne: New villains, yes. And some [I hope, engaging] spins on old ones. I don't plan on revisiting anything, not the way I think you mean. That said, while the Krakoa era will have come to an end by the time we debut, the ripple effect from all that will have ongoing consequences on the characters in the book. The rise and fall of Krakoa is a significant and, I think, traumatic event to many, many mutants in the X-verse. It would be poor storytelling to ignore that.

Is there any possibility of Cable showing up in X-Force?

Thorne: I have no problems with Cable. He can be fun. But he's got too much gravity for the stories I tell. Any book he's in becomes a Cable book and I'm not here to tell Cable stories or have the story I want to tell transformed into a Cable book. I can't speak to what anyone else is doing with ANY of the characters people want to see but there are a bunch of us with a bunch more series and minis to be announced and a LOT of mutants unaccounted for.

Will Betsy's history with Warren be addressed in this series, or will there be any interaction between them? I'm not a fan of Betsy and Rachel as a couple.

Thorne: I dunno about other writers but nobody controls my narratives but me and, to some degree, the editor. Betsy's with Rachel now, that's the canon. Every character carries their personal history with them just like we all do. MANY queer people go through years or even decades pretending to be straight for their own reasons (usually tied to self-preservation in a hostile society) before coming out. Some, tragically, never do. I've got a sibling who went through this and it was extremely painful for them and for me be unable to help them through it beyond just being supportive of their struggle and their decisions. Betsy and Rachel are now canonically bisexual and, currently, in love with one another. Betsy and Warren certainly did happen and, should they meet up again in X-Force, or elsewhere, I like to think they would remember that time with warmth and happiness. But Betsy is in her own body now and Kwannon's back in hers. When Marvel accepted my pitch for what is now X-Force, Betsy and Rachel were already a couple and a couple they will remain unless there's an EXTREMELY compelling reason to break them up (and I mean EXTREEEEEEEEEEEEMELY compelling). I don't see it happening, frankly. Betsy's romance with Warren will not be rekindled or revisited on my watch. Also, while I love the canon, I hate nostalgia like cancer. We will be moving forward, not backwards.

X-Men Unlimited Infinity #137 Art

X-Men Unlimited Infinity #137 Spoilers

Spoilers: Saul warns X-Corps that they shall not trespass any further, with Absalom and Nicodemus by his side. Betsy orders Mirage and Thunderbird to move forward, while she, Rictor, and Shatterstar stay behind to deal with the three Externals. Betsy attacks Saul with her psychic sword, but he stops it in midair. Saul transforms into a dragon, and Betsy jokes that in a fight between knight and dragon, the knight always wins. Meanwhile, Rictor and Shatterstar decide to switch opponents, with Rictor facing Absalom and Shatterstar against Nicodemus. Saul warns that Betsy falls short of her responsibilities and doesn't understand her potential as a vessel for magic. Betsy retorts that she's used to old mages questioning her worth, referring to Merlyn, and defends herself from Saul's attack with a large butterfly-shaped telekinetic shield. With a surge, Betsy climbs up the dragon's body and thrusts her psychic sword into its scales.

Further into Nova Roma, Mirage and Thunderbird encounter Orchis zombie soldiers and take them down one by one. The duo finds the pens where the kidnapped mutants are being held. Before they can free them, Mirage and Thunderbird are confronted by Crule, who seeks a rematch against Thunderbird.

Captain Britain Graces the Cover of "X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic" #141

The cover of "X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic" #141 features Captain Britain, signaling a continuation of the External Saga. Initially planned as a 20-part story from issues #121 to #140, the arc has been extended to 25 chapters, as confirmed by Steve Foxe's newsletter. Issue #145 is set to conclude the saga on June 24.

"X-Men: The Wedding Special" #1 Advance Preview

A Betsy Braddock and Rachel Summers adventure by the writer who brought them together—Excalibur scribe Tini Howard! Joined by rising star Phillip Sevy, Howard pits the hot new couple against the Omniversal Majestrix, Opal Luna Saturnyne! Just about everyone in the Marvel Universe is invited to the vow renewal… except for Saturnyne. And she’s not happy. But why is she taking it out on Betsy and Rachel?

Scott Koblish's 'X-Men' Connecting Cover Unleashes Mutant History

Check out the first half of Scott Koblish's connecting cover that will run across four upcoming X-Men titles: 'X-Men' #35, 'X-Men' #1, 'Uncanny X-Men' #1, and 'Exceptional X-Men' #1.

X-Men Unlimited Infinity Teaser

X-Men Unlimited Infinity #136 Art

X-Men Unlimited Infinity #136 Spoilers

Spoilers: Shatterstar teleports Rictor, Thunderbird, Mirage, and Captain Britain to Nova Roma. Betsy notes that Selene's defenses have created a psychic dead zone around Nova Roma, making telepathic contact with X-Corps Island difficult. Mirage recalls how Nova Roma's citizens suffered at the hands of Doctor Barrington recently, emphasizing the need to stop Selene once and for all. Mirage mentions that Magma will soon play her part in the war against Selene.

Meanwhile, amidst the Amazon jungle, the X-Corps encounters an invisible barrier. Betsy identifies it as magic, noting that the Externals are skilled in ancient ways. Rictor raises the earth to gain a better vantage point, revealing that Selene has shielded the entire city of Nova Roma under a dome. Thunderbird considers punching the dome, and Shatterstar suggests blindly teleporting inside, but suddenly the dome opens for them. A blast of fire is launched directly at the X-Corps, and Rictor shields the team by knocking them back to the ground. Absalom and Nicodemus appear, challenging the X-Corps to a fierce battle. Saul intervenes, urging his comrades to calm down, as it will serve him well to unleash the beast within him once again, transforming into a dragon.

Geoffrey Thorne's Q&A on X-Force -- Round 4

Geoffrey Thorne, the creative force behind the upcoming X-Force run debuting in July, revisited the CBR Forums to engage with fans and answer their burning questions.

Have you drawn inspiration from Rachel's earlier days in Alan Davis' Excalibur run for your take on her character in X-Force?

Thorne: Assume I've read (and own) 98% of all X-related material ever printed. And that includes John Byrne's bootleg. Also, assume I'm not paying homage to or emulating any previous version or arc. Further, assume I LOVE Alan Davis's work.

Is there a possibility of seeing Rachel interact with her brother and X-Force founder, Cable, in your upcoming run?

Thorne: I never say "no" to using cool characters, but I wouldn't count on Cable showing up any time soon.

Will X-Force follow a similar release schedule to Uncanny X-Men and X-Men, with 18 issues in its first year and possibly double shipping?

Thorne: With what I'm making Marcus draw already, I shudder to think what his reaction would be to having to draw EIGHTEEN issues in 12 months. How Gail and David Marquez are even doing that...? Yikes, man.

Can we expect the character design sheets for the team to be released?

Thorne: This far out, I doubt it. I'm certainly not allowed to.

Any chance we'll see Hellion make appearances in your X-Force series?

Thorne: I hate to break hearts, but not in the near future. But there are a bunch of other X-Books dropping so it's not unlikely he can show up in one of them.

Will Sage's past be explored in your run, and what are your thoughts on her real name not being Tessa?

Thorne: As far as I'm concerned, Tessa is her real name. Time will definitely be spent on Tessa.

Can you provide any teases about Forge's dynamic with the strong female characters in the team?

Thorne: Forge is... not a nice man. A good man? Absolutely. Nice? Not even close.

Will any character experience a sudden change towards villainy, similar to Beast's heel turn in Ben Percy's run?

Thorne: I write heroes. I have no interest in turning them into monsters. But there are heroes and there are heroes.

Will Rachel's chronal abilities and her identity as Askani still be a focus in your X-Force series, considering her development in recent years?

Thorne: Hmm. Them Phoenix girls got a lot of juice, that's for sure. Rachel's powerset and its effects are something we will definitely be exploring. Saying more constitutes a spoiler. PSIONICS are a weird breed, even compared to other mutants.

Was your Forge-led book pitch in 2020 intended to tie into the Krakoa era, or was it more era-agnostic?

Thorne: Era-agnostic. ALL my pitches have to be independent of whatever's currently going on in a given universe because I am, like everyone else, a minimum of three months behind whatever's going on in the ongoing story. Usually more than three.

Does Surge still rely on her gauntlets to control her powers, or has she overcome that need?

Thorne: She still needs them.

I'm somewhat worried about the creative direction, as it appears to be incorporating elements introduced by Tini Howard, which many feel negatively impacted characters like Betsy, Rachel, and others. How do you address these concerns?

Thorne: The canon is the canon but this is a FRESH start. Whether you loved or hated any previous run on the title, one thing I can promise is this book will not be any of those books. Oddly enough, just like real human beings, writers are not interchangeable. We're presenting our own show, not duplicating somebody else's.

Will Forge continue to address real-world issues such as housing crises, poverty, and climate change as he did pre-Fall of X?

Thorne: New mission. New team. New obstacles. New villains. Many, many new dangers. Issue #1 will tell you what you need to know. Once again, there will be no spoilers. You'll have to actually read it to find out.

What made Surge stand out among the available Academy X crew for inclusion in your X-Force team?

Thorne: I liked Nori. I liked all the NEW XMEN ACADEMY kids. The thing I like about her is she is a grappler, not a hider. Her response to trouble is to punch it in the mouth. Yeah, she had some bigotry issues to work out but those were, I think, the result of ignorance rather than malice. (Yes, there's a difference.) And then Krakoa happened and we're on the other side of all that. I thought it would be good to check in with Nori to see how she's grappling with all that.

Will Forge's invention of Surge's power control gauntlets come into play in the story, perhaps with an upgrade?

Thorne: I would say Forge is always giving folks helpful gadgets.

Can we expect any connective tissue with other X-books in your series, such as specific characters or storylines?

Thorne: There's some. But, in the case of X-Force, it won't be obvious.

Who is Tank, and how do they fit into the X-Force team?

Thorne: I'm not disclosing Tank's identity until it's right for the story. Even if somebody guesses right.

Can you offer any hints about the villains we can expect to see in your X-Force series? Will they be new or classic villains?

Thorne: No hints, but I generally try to do two things in corporate comics fiction: 1) Access the rich and amazing lore of the universe I'm being allowed to play in. 2) Keep Moving Forward. I am not a fan of nostalgia. The vibe is "Warriors" (Imagine Dragons song used to promote the League of Legends 2014 World Championship).

With Betsy as Captain Britain, there are numerous story threads available to explore, correct?

Thorne: My name is Geoffrey Thorne and I endorse this observation.

Would you lean more towards the characterization of Betsy Braddock as written by Chris Claremont, Rick Remender, and Cullen Bunn, as opposed to her portrayal during the Krakoa era?

Thorne: Alas, I am not those men. All I can promise or provide is the From the Ashes era Betsy.

Did you originally pitch the idea for this X-Force series back in 2020?

Thorne: Nope. I've been thinking about it since 2020. It was conceived and pitched early this year without knowing anything about what would happen after Krakoa or how Krakoa would end.

X-Corps Assemble in X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic #140 Cover

X-Solicits for July 2024

X-Force #1 Geoffrey Thorne (W) • Marcus To (A) Cover by: Stephen Segovia Foil Variant Cover by: David Nakayama Forge Variant Cover by: Clayton Crain Forge Virgin Variant Cover by: Clayton Crain Stormbreakers Variant Cover by: Chris Allen Variant Cover by: Tony Daniel Variant Cover by: Mahmud Asrar Variant Cover by: Skottie Young Logo Variant Cover Also Available A NEW PATH FORGED! The world is fractured. Forge uses his powers of invention to devise the only fix: an all-new, all-different X-Force! Forge leads a custom-made, handpicked team of mutants – Rachel Summers, Betsy Braddock, Sage, Surge and introducing Tank – in off-the-books missions so dire, so integral to the fate of the Marvel Universe, there’s no time to stop for permission! As Forge detects increasing threats across the planet, he will recruit a specialist for each target – first up: that regenerating degenerate, Deadpool! Be here for an X-Force like you’ve never seen them before, stick around to see who joins, who lives, who dies and uncover the mystery of Forge’s discovery!

X-Force #1 Covers Without Trade Dress

Regular Cover: Art by Stephen Segovia & Colors by Bryan Valenza

Variant Cover: Art by Tony Daniel & Colors by Marcelo Maiolo

Variant Cover: Art by Mahmud Asrar & Colors by Matt Wilson

'X-Force' #1 Variant Covers Send Marvel's New Mutant Strike Team into Action

Variant Cover by TONY DANIEL

Variant Cover by MAHMUD ASRAR

Variant Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN

Variant Cover by DAVID NAKAYAMA

Fall of the Hose of X #5 Variant Cover by Miguel Mercado

X-Men Unlimited Infinity #135 Spoilers & Art

Spoilers: In a dynamic battle, Sunspot and Solem overpower Gideon, leaving him defeated on the ground. Despite Gideon's resilience and warning of his ability to rebuild, Sunspot cunningly exploits the situation by seizing Gideon's fortune with the assistance of Sebastian Shaw, who gleefully betrays Selene. Meanwhile, Solem confronts Sunspot with the option of decapitating Gideon, leading to a revelation about the Externals' mutant-tracking software, which operates on a dead man's switch. Gideon offers critical information to Sunspot in exchange for his freedom, but Solem severs his hand to prevent further manipulation. As Gideon questions the team's ability to thwart Selene's plans, Sunspot, accompanied by Shatterstar and Trinary, departs, leaving behind a tense atmosphere of impending confrontation.

On X-Corps Island, Trinary and Wiz-Kid use Gideon's DNA to access the Externals' mutant-tracking software, contemplating erasing it to hinder Selene's plans. Layla Miller warns of potential consequences if Selene discovers the disruption to her supply chain, emphasizing the need for swift action. Observing from above, Betsy, Dani, and John recognize the urgency to confront the Externals directly, signaling a shift towards proactive engagement. As tensions escalate and plans unfold, the team braces for the impending clash with Selene and her allies, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown.

Geoffrey Thorne's Q&A on X-Force -- Round 3

Geoffrey Thorne returned to the CBR Forums once again for another round of Q&A about X-Force. Check out his insightful answers below.

Have you been keeping track of Surge's recent appearances here and there?

Thorne: I tracked Nori. She did some stuff in one of the Krakoa books and in that recent Bishop book but, for the most part, people haven't really used her or most of the NEW X–MEN ACADEMY "kids." As with all the characters I take on, I have plans for Nori that may not be readily apparent (on purpose).

Will you be pulling guest stars primarily from the X-Men books, or can we expect some guests from the greater Marvel Universe? How long will the guest characters be joining the team on average, a single issue, a story arc?

Thorne: That is an overstatement. There will be a few guest stars, here and there, but it's not like we'll be trotting them in and out constantly or even frequently. The team is static after issue 1 with guests showing up as needed. It is absolutely not a "guest star of the month" book. This is not Marvel Team-Up or anything like it.

Will Loa join the team?

Thorne: I also love Loa. Sadly, she doesn't fit into this first arc.

Was this initially an X-treme X-Men pitch with Sage, Rachel, and Betsy traveling all around?

Thorne: Nope. All things begin and end with Forge. And Sage. I don't pitch books by title. I pitch stories and let the company decide where they fit. This book has nothing to do with X-Treme X-Men. It's its own animal altogether. You know what happens when you assume.

Betsy has co-led X-Force many times, likely due to her pragmatism and her judgment skills. The incredible Remender run orbited around her, she co-led her own team with Storm, and was second in command to Cable and then Magneto when his Uncanny X-Men were more like X-Force during Bunn’s run. Will she have a similar role this time?

Thorne: Lady Braddock has a pretty full plate when she enters the story. Quite full. The leadership of this X-Force isn't really set up the way it has been for other versions of the team. Forge is the leader for reasons that will become clear in issue #1.

I know that your run will be nothing like Remender’s run, but I’d love to know your thoughts about his Uncanny X-Force.

Thorne: I make it a policy of never discussing my fan feelings on prior creative runs on a book I'm currently doing. That said, I've enjoyed nearly all of Mr. Remender's work since his FEAR AGENT days.

Forge is the longest-running X-Man who has never canonically had his real name revealed. Can we finally get that now that he’s a headliner of a book?

Thorne: I've noticed this too. Forge has used aliases over the years and we've never been told if any of them are really him. Will we find out this time around? Stay tuned, True Believers.

Is this going to be more akin to the original X-Force concept of striking problems before they become a problem or more black ops stuff?

Thorne: Short answer? Yes. But don't take too much from that. THIS X-Force's mission is different and, maybe, much weirder. I write heroes. I don't do nostalgia. X-Force didn't start as a murder squad. This isn't a continuation of the most recent iteration because Krakoa is no longer a controlling influence. Not in that way. This is a new deck with a new deal. This is not a copy or continuation of previous versions of X-Force. New leader. New mission. New solutions.

How does Rachel feel about her tattoos. They're on the cover, but she hasn't had them visible in some time. What do they represent to her in his mind?

Thorne: I doubt very much that Rachel is happy about the tattoos and why they are present at all is part of the story. One of the things I always liked about the X-Books (when they're good) is they're about the characters' internal conflicts just as much as they are about the plots and the fights. All of the characters in this book are carrying major baggage that will influence their interactions and even why they are on the team. The loss of Krakoa is a real thing and its shadow is long. The betrayal of Charles Xavier is a real thing. As is her relationship with Betsy. While this will absolutely not be some ponderous exploration of each character's inner life, those inner lives govern their actions in a very real way for each of them and, in some cases, at great cost. I can't ANSWER these questions here but I promise they have been considered and the answers are part of the story already.

Dead X-Men #4 Preview

Dead X-Men #4

Writer: Steve Foxe

Art by: Vincenzo Carratu, Bernard Chang, David Baldeon

The Story: Everything ends! Prodigy, Dazzler, Frenzy, Cannonball and Jubilee have gone farther and have risked more than any X-Men team before. Now, at the end of everything, the final fate of Krakoa rests on these five mutants. Will the Dead X-Men save the seed of the future…or kill it before it can even be planted? Rated T+

In Shops: Apr 17, 2024

 

Geoffrey Thorne's Q&A on X-Force -- Round 2

Geoffrey Thorne, the writer of Marvel's forthcoming X-Force series, revisited the CBR Forums to delve deeper into fan questions. His return engagement provided enthusiasts with more details about the highly awaited comic book.

How did you present your pitch for X-Force to Marvel Editorial?

Thorne: I pitched them a team led by Forge with ZERO "marquee" characters with a spin nobody else had pitched. I pitch a lot of stories to a lot of people, and most of them get shot down. It's always a surprise when the more offbeat ones are the ones that get traction. How offbeat they remain by the time you see them is another story entirely. Nonetheless, based on the issues that have made it through the editorial minefield intact, I'm excited for July.

Can you elaborate on Deadpool's role in X-Force?

Thorne: I don't know how anybody else is using Wade, but in X-Force, I think both Wade-haters AND Wade-lovers will enjoy what we do.

Is there any significance to Betsy not being referred to as Captain Britain in the solicitations and not wearing her costume? The same with Rachel not being called Askani. Will this be addressed in the book?

Thorne: It's difficult to address certain questions without spoilers or breaching my NDA. All I can say is, I KNOW you're excited and trying to parse every ounce of data out of the smallest announcements, but I would caution everybody against digging TOO deeply into the solicits. They are, by their very nature, a tiny and very shallow overview of the story to come. Sometimes they're straight-up wrong. The way I write superheroes who know each other's AKAs and real names is they sort of switch back and forth between them, depending on the scene. For instance, Rachel's 'hero name' is Askani, but Betsy's probably never going to call her that. Same with Captain Britain vs. Betsy. That would be like me always calling my wife Director Thorne instead of, you know, her name or whatever pet name I have for her. I think you can take comfort in the fact that the FROM THE ASHES initiative (or whatever we call a themed release these days) is not a reboot. Krakoa happened and the events of the Fall of X are canon.

How long have you been developing X-Force?

Thorne: I've been thinking about this since 2020 or slightly earlier.

What settings can we expect to see in your series? Will there be visits to locations like House of Magneto, Age of Apocalypse, or Days of Future Past?

Thorne: Where will it take place? Hmmm. I was going to do a Back to the Future joke, but you lunatics will think I'm hinting at time travel or something (I'm not NOT hinting at time travel). Let's see... [Thorne linked to Cowboy Bebop's opening sequence]. This should stir the pot.

Do you have any specific sources of inspiration for your upcoming run on X-Force? Are there any shows, movies, albums, or other media that you'd use to describe the tone of the team and its mission?

Thorne: Hannah Barbera's Johnny Quest. This for sure...

Will Sage have a more active role in combat this time? She missed out on much of the X-Force action previously!

Thorne: That, I can guarantee. I really believe people have been underestimating exactly what Sage is/can do with her power.

What details can you provide about the character Tank?

Thorne: You haven't even met Tank yet. That guy is FULL of surprises.

Considering Forge's aim to solve the world's problems, how many ethical boundaries will he and his team be willing to cross?

Thorne: He's not fixing ALL the world's problems. That would be crazy. Ethical lines? Where we're going, we don't have ethical lines. Hey, I got the Back to the Future joke in after all.

Can you address concerns from readers about Marcus To's art style potentially not aligning with the tone of a book like X-Force?

Thorne: That panel shared by Marcus To is NOTHING compared to what's happening. Honestly, if you think this is a book about folks standing around talking, you are in for a CRAZY surprise. This one panel does NO justice to what issue one is. Buckle up.

Marcus To Shares "X-Force" Teaser

Captain Britain Slays a Dragon in "X-Men Unlimited Infinity" #139 Cover

Geoffrey Thorne's Q&A on X-Force

Marvel recently unveiled exciting news for X-Men fans with the announcement of a new X-Force book written by Geoffrey Thorne. The acclaimed writer took the time to engage with fans and answer their questions on the CBR Forums, offering insights into what readers can expect from this highly anticipated addition to the X-Men universe.

What can readers anticipate from the upcoming X-Force series?

Thorne: Love the canon, but nostalgia is not my thing, so make of that what you will.

Can you share your thoughts on Marcus To's artwork for the book?

Thorne: Marcus is bringing the heat. Fans and detractors will both be surprised by what we're giving.

Do you like Otherworld?

Thorne: Not to spoil or talk too deeply about projects I'm actively writing, but... I love all that Otherworld stuff. Do what you want with that.

For someone unfamiliar with your writing, which of your previous works would you recommend to provide a glimpse into what to expect from your X-Force run?

Thorne: I try to switch things up from book to book. You won't find much similarity between Green Lantern, say, and Mosaic or Blood Syndicate. I will say it's nothing at all like Green Lantern (which was meant to be a three-part cosmically epic sci-fi novel.) This is not that. KING IN BLACK: BLACK PANTHER and King in Black: Planet of the Symbiotes #2 are similar in tempo, but, again, I really don't think any two of my books are alike.

Is Tank a robotic character in the series?

Thorne: Tank is a member of the X-Force team I am currently writing.

Will you explore Surge's friendship with Forge as part of the team dynamics?

Thorne: Short answer is yes.

Thank you for including Surge in the roster; can we expect further development for the Academy X squad?

Thorne: I loved NEW XMEN ACADEMY. Like LOVED.

Are there plans for Betsy to regain her previous martial arts skills in the upcoming storyline?

Thorne: Betsy is not Kwannon. Prior to Kwannon, Betsy knew how to fight and POST Kwannon she knows how to fight. With a sword and everything. And, remember, there are a LOT of apex fighting styles available to a TELEPATH. Lots and lots and lots.

Could you offer insight into the selection process for the cast of characters in X-Force?

Thorne: I've always wanted to do a Forge-centric yarn, and I like these characters. Especially Sage. I think Sage has a lot to offer and a lot to do. Those two were always going to be in it. The others were chosen for different reasons. Some are very story-based so, I can't say.

Are you familiar with Betsy's and Sage's friendship in New Exiles?

Thorne: Yes.

Without giving away spoilers, what can fans of Betsy Braddock expect from your interpretation of her character in X-Force?

Thorne: You can expect Betsy to be a serious, seasoned warrior with a sober mind and incisive attitude. You can expect her relationship with Rachel to have nuance, depth, and complexity. To the best of my ability. She's been in one battle zone or another nearly her entire adult life, and she is still here to talk about it. But somehow she didn't turn into Wolverine or Omega Red. I think that's interesting, personally.

What is your personal journey with X-Men comics? Do you have any favorite runs or memorable experiences as a fan?

Thorne: Until just after the Morrison era, I had an unbroken collection of all X titles starting with X-Men #1 (Lee/Kirby and including the reprint era). I fell off during/after Morrison's run and only came back after that for particular arcs, writers, and/or artists. I loved much of HoX/PoX and liked most of the post-Hickman Krakoa era. This includes all mini-series, solos, and the MARVEL UK stuff as well. Nearly all of them are currently in a storage facility about four miles from my home. Not every book is for every reader, so I won't be saying which ones I didn't like because the internet mob makes too much of a meal of that kind of thing. I have +30k comics, down from +50K, by the way. I loved the entire Claremont/Byrne Era. I loved the Claremont/Cockrum Era (including Len Wein who gave us the all-new all-different X-Men). I loved Age of Apocalypse. I loved House of M. Many of the sidecar titles I bought for the art more than the stories, but it doesn't mean the stories weren't fun. I love anything drawn by Alan Davis or Paul Smith or Chris Bachalo or Sara Picelli or Mahmud Asrar.

Are you familiar with British speech patterns?

Thorne: Are you concerned about dialect? My Impala in TRUTH & JUSTICE was a Londoner. I wrote Sophie Devereaux on LEVERAGE for 3 seasons and Professor Moriarty on THE LIBRARIANS. Don't worry.

BETSY BRADDOCK Rejoins X-FORCE From the Ashes!

X-FORCE #1

Written by GEOFFREY THORNE

Art by MARCUS TO

Cover by STEPHEN SEGOVIA

On Sale 7/31

Marvel.com: Set in the X-Men’s upcoming From the Ashes era, a new X-FORCE ongoing series by Geoffrey Thorne and Marcus To begins this July.

In the X-Men’s world, there’ll always be need for a team willing to cross the lines no others dare to—a group of mutants who call themselves X-FORCE!

This July, on the edge of the From the Ashes era, the latest evolution of X-Force is born, specifically suited to this brash new age of mutant storytelling. Discover their impossible mission in the new X-FORCE ongoing series written by acclaimed screenwriter Geoffrey Thorne and drawn by kinetic X-Men artist Marcus To.

This time, this iconic comic book super squad will be built from the ground up by the mutant inventor—Forge! Accessing an omega-level degree of his unique and complex mutant power to build anything, Forge will bear witness to everything broken in the world.

Luckily, he knows exactly who he’ll need to repair it: Rachel Summers, Betsy Braddock, Sage, Surge, and Tank. To save nothing short of existence itself, they’ll jump sword, gun, and fist first into deadly uncertainty, and the only thing getting in their way will be the secrets they keep!

A new path forged! The world is fractured. Forge uses his powers to devise the only fix: an all-new, all-different X-Force! Forge leads a custom-made, handpicked team of mutants in off-the-books missions so dire, so integral to the fate of the Marvel Universe, there’s no time to stop for permission!

Plus, as Forge detects increasing threats across the planet, he’ll recruit specialists for each target. It’s a revolving door of Marvel guest stars and first up: that regenerating degenerate, Deadpool!

"I cannot believe the reaction to my pitch with, 'That sounds like X-Force to us,'" Thorne shared. “It's a new vibe and a different mission, but it's still X-Force. Looking at all the books coming out under this banner, I'll just paraphrase the prophet, Sheryl Crow: 'All I wanna do is have some fun.' Looking at what I'm getting to do and what the others are bringing, I'm absolutely not the only one."

"When Marvel approached me to be the artist for X-FORCE, I was ecstatic,” To added. “I was always a big fan of the X-books growing up, and to be a part of bringing that excitement to new and old readers alike was an opportunity I could not turn down. And the chance to draw Betsy Braddock again is icing on the cake!"

Last month, fans got their first look at what awaits Marvel’s line of X-Men titles following the bold Krakoan Age with the reveal of three flagship series: Jed MacKay and Ryan Stegman’s X-MEN, Gail Simone and David Marquez’s UNCANNY X-MEN, and Eve L. Ewing and Carmen Carnero’s EXCEPTIONAL X-MEN.

The expansive mythos of the X-Men has always made space for additional series that test the limits and explore the far-reaching scope of the mutant metaphor. Fresh spins on classic X-Men titles and startling directions for your favorite mutants are just ahead, starting in July with X-FORCE, PHOENIX, and NYX.

Be there for an X-Force like you’ve never seen them before, stick around to see who joins, who lives, who dies and uncover the mystery of Forge’s discovery. See the new lineup on Stephen Segovia’s X-FORCE #1 cover below and stay tuned tomorrow for another X-Men: From the Ashes series announcement!

Exclusive Marvel First Look: Giant-Size X-Men (2024) #1

As part of Marvel's commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Giant-Size X-Men, the upcoming one-shot will center on Angel. The preview provides insight into a new villain named Maze, who ensnares Angel in a surreal mindscape. The preview features appearances from Angel's former flames, such as Candy Southern and Betsy Braddock. Giant-Size X-Men #1 goes on sale on May 8th.

Marvel Preview: X-Men ’97 #2 Teases Psylocke Appearance

X-Men ’97 #2 features the return of Psylocke, a mysterious psychic ninja. News anchor Trish Tilby reports on Psylocke's recent activities, hinting at potential trouble caused by the enigmatic figure. Serving as a canonical prequel to Disney+'s animated series X-Men '97, this comic sets the stage for forthcoming adventures in the mutant universe.

'X-Men: The Wedding Special' #1 Reveals Secrets Behind Mystique & Destiny's Love Story

Marvel.com: Marvel’s merry mutants take center stage in this year’s Marvel’s Voices: Pride one-shot! Titled X-Men: The Wedding Special #1, this annual anthology celebrates Pride Month with stories crafted by incredible LGBTQIA+ talent and hits stands on May 29. Join the X-Men as they come together to honor one of the most beloved and longest-lasting gay couples in comic book history—Mystique and Destiny!

Other tales feature: A Betsy Braddock and Rachel Summers adventure by the writer who brought them together—Excalibur scribe Tini Howard! Joined by rising star Phillip Sevy, Howard pits the hot new couple against the Omniversal Majestrix, Opal Luna Saturnyne! Just about everyone in the Marvel Universe is invited to the vow renewal… except for Saturnyne. And she’s not happy. But why is she taking it out on Betsy and Rachel?