NYCC 2023: The Rise and Fall of the X-Men's Krakoa Age Revealed

Marvel.com: In 2019, fans witnessed the dawn of the Krakoan Age in Jonathan Hickman’s groundbreaking HOUSE OF X and POWERS OF X, two interconnected five-issue limited series that spanned mutant history and future. Now, the Krakoan Age ends in the same dramatic fashion in FALL OF THE HOUSE OF X and RISE OF THE POWERS OF X. Each delivering half of the story that will bring the Krakoan Age to its conclusion, the pair of series will feature the X-Men of today and the X-Men of tomorrow as they wage the final war against extinction across their entire existence! Evolution is inevitable. Extinction is optional!

The two series are fittingly crafted by some of the Krakoa’s defining architects, writer Gerry Duggan (X-MEN, MARAUDERS) and artist Lucas Werneck (IMMORTAL X-MEN) delivering FALL OF THE HOUSE OF X and writer Kieron Gillen (IMMORTAL X-MEN) and artist R.B. Silva (POWERS OF X) delivering RISE OF THE POWER OF X, plus covers by HOUSE OF X superstar artist Pepe Larraz. 

Mark Brooks confirms Betsy is depicted as Lady Mandarin on the right.

The Hellfire Gala/Fall of X Discussion

Spoilers: Emma and Xavier wants Kamala to reveal herself as a mutant as a political move for mutantkind. Kamala is reborn, and Hope explains that she's a hybrid between a mutant and an Inhuman. Xavier reveals that the Terrigen mist suppressed the awakening of her mutant powers. She is given a costume and gala attire. At the ball, she feels uncomfortable and refuses to reveal herself to the world.

The treehouse is under attack, and Cyclops leaves to check it. Irene and Mystique have an argument and leave the party. The Avengers receive an emergency call from Captain America and leave the party. Rogue tags along. Jean announces that she and Scott are leaving the X-Men, and that Synch and Talon are the new leaders. All candidates are elected, but Nimrod descends from the sky, killing everyone except Juggernaut, who is thrown off the building with Jean since she took the blunt.

Iceman faces Nimrod. Illyana tries to teleport everyone out, but her powers fail. Nimrod kills Bobby, and Jean attacks him using Juggernaut as a bullet. The Stark Sentinels arrive. Dr. Stasis and Karima arrive through a gate, revealing that Stasis sabotaged the Krakoan medication. He demonstrates its effects on humans at the gala, causing them to turn against each other, explaining that he wants mutants off the Earth.

Moira arrives and attacks Jean with a blade imbued with Blightswill. Xavier surrenders to them and asks the X-Men to stop attacking. Stasis and Moira reveal that if mutants don't leave, they'll kill one human for each mutant and escalate the numbers until humanity is wiped out. Xavier agrees to send the mutants away from Earth and sends a global message for everyone to enter the gates around the world. However, some mutants with psychic training aren't affected by his message.

Curse is furious with Xavier and Illyana, and a group including Marrow, Mary, Dani, and Dust drag her through the gate. Exodus pushes the Five through another gate. Meanwhile, Mother Righteous is performing a spell to trap one of Krakoa's islands in a magical lantern, seemingly where mutants who passed through the gates are headed.

Dying, Jean talks to Firestar and tells her to be the mutant fighting from within Orchis. They devise a plan for Stasis to believe Firestar was a traitor recruited before joining the X-Men in the last election, and the other mutants will believe it too. Angelica is supposed to save any mutants left around the world. If anything goes wrong, they should blame Beast, and people will believe it automatically.

Jean says her farewells to Scott and asks him to be strong. She says goodbye to Logan and tells him to seek revenge. He kills many Orchis members. Emma Frost and Lourdes make everyone hold hands and teleport to the Hellfire Club NY Chapter. Lourdes has been hit and dies. The gates are hacked and closed for good. Back at the gala, the humans want to leave as news spread that no one survived the event. Stasis orders soldiers to kill them, and they do so in front of Xavier. Moira tries to kill him, but Xavier asks for help, and Rogue arrives and rips Moira in half.

During the escape, Rogue distracts the Sentinels, and Xavier finds out that he can't locate the minds of the mutants he sent through the gates. He had induced them to go to Arakko, but they never arrived; they're dead. He falls to the ground crying, and Rogue is left stunned. Xavier tells her to leave and avenge them. Xavier is now the only mutant left in Krakoa. In the post-credits scene, Emma and Fisk are scheming, and Kitty leans against a gate and crosses to the other side, facing numerous Orchis soldiers.

Note: Betsy Braddock does not appear nor is she mentioned in the "Hellfire Gala" issue. Her whereabouts are unknown. Betsy is merely acknowledged in a promotional image released by Marvel's Twitter, showing that she has a reserved seat at the Summers family table.

A New Team of X-Men Chart the Course for the Reign of X in ‘X-Men’ #1

Marvel.com: After months of speculation, Marvel Comics is proud to unveil the new team of X-Men! Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Sunfire, Rogue, Wolverine, Synch, and Polaris will be the lineup in X-Men (2021), the new ongoing X-series launching in July. Brought to you by a team of X-Men all-stars—writer Gerry Duggan, artist Pepe Larraz, and colorist Marte Gracia—this new flagship X-Men title will showcase the incredible adventures of the first X-Men team since the mutant nation of Krakoa was formed in Jonathan Hickman’s revolutionary House of X/Powers of X.

The current era of X-Men has evolved mutant storytelling like never before. No longer protecting a world that hates and fears them, the X-Men said goodbye to their dream of coexistence and founded a thriving mutant homeland. But in the aftermath of X of Swords, original X-Men Cyclops and Marvel Girl realized that the world needed its premiere team of mutant Super Heroes. Things might be complicated between the nation of Krakoa and the rest of the Marvel Universe, but to the X-Men, things are simple—you do what’s right, you protect those who need protecting and you save the world we all share. This new team are the chosen champions of mutantkind, and they’re up for any battle to protect their people and their home planet.

“It's my privilege and honor to be reteamed with Pepe Larraz as we throw beautiful and deadly threats at the X-Men beginning in July,” writer Duggan said. “Mutants have saved themselves, and are now going to save the world. Krakoa will grow roots in the capital of the world, New York City, and the inaugural year will star Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Rogue, Wolverine, Synch, Sunfire, and Polaris. The threats to Earth will come fast and hit hard, and every page from Pepe and Marte will blow your hair back. See you in July.”

Don’t miss the team’s official debut during June’s Hellfire Gala, the highly anticipated event that will tie in to all your favorite X-Men titles. And be there for mutant history in the making when X-Men #1 hits stands on July 7.

Note: With Rogue out of the picture, it remains to be seen whether Excalibur will be reshuffled or gain a new team member.

'Reign of X' Brings New X-Men Series

Marvel.com: The latest era in writer Jonathan Hickman’s revolutionary transformation of the X-Men universe is now underway, bringing with it exciting new titles like:

• Children of the Atom by Vita Ayala and Bernard Chang – on sale now;
• Way of X by Si Spurrier and Bob Quinn – on sale April 21; and
• X-Corp by Tini Howard and Alberto Foche – on sale May 12.

And after June’s highly-anticipated franchise-spanning Hellfire Gala, fans can expect even more surprises, including a trio of brand-new series:

• X-Men by Gerry Duggan and Pepe Larraz – on sale July 2021;
• Classified (allegedly The Trial) by Leah Williams and Valerio Schiti – on sale August 2021; and
• Classified by Jonathan Hickman and TBD.

The Future of Mutantkind Is Revealed in 'Planet-Size X-Men' #1

Marvel.com: The Hellfire Gala is in full swing as Gerry Duggan and Pepe Larraz reveal the X-Men’s planet-size plans this June.

This June, the Hellfire Trading Company invites readers everywhere to the inaugural Hellfire Gala as they announce the first team of Krakoan X-Men to the world—and reveal the startling plans that mutantkind has in store for the Marvel Universe. This highly anticipated comics event will unfold in issues of your favorite ongoing X-Men series as well as Planet-Size X-Men, a special double-sized one-shot from two of mutantkind’s most masterful creators: writer Gerry Duggan (Marauders, Savage Avengers) and artist Pepe Larraz (House of X). The HELLFIRE GALA rages on in one of the most pivotal chapters yet in Jonathan Hickman’s X-Men era. But even bigger things are afoot a world away…

“Make no mistake—this is an X-Men book drawn by superstar artist Pepe Larraz. It is absolutely the most important issue of the month,” editor Jordan D. White promises. "Pepe is absolutely the star of the X-line and he is doing the most amazing work of his career. You cannot miss this."

Twelve titles, twelve stories, all focused on a single night that will go down in Marvel Comics history. Stay tuned for more HELLFIRE GALA cover reveals, costume designs, variants covers, and more as the buildup to this major turning point in the saga of the X-Men begins!

PLANET-SIZE X-MEN #1

Written by GERRY DUGGAN

Art and Cover by PEPE LARRAZ

On Sale 6/16

X-Force #14, Chapter 17, Hellions #6, Chapter 18 & Cable #6, Chapter 19 – X of Swords Spoilers

X-Force #14: Saturnyne draws the cards and summons Magik and Pogg Ur-Pogg for a rematch, a hand-to-hand combat without weapons. Pogg Ur-Pogg swallows Magik; however, Illyana learns that the large alligator surface is just a “costume”. The actual Pogg Ur-Pogg is a small troll-looking creature that Magik drags out of the alligator costume and defeats easily.
Magik wins.
Arakko 5 – 3 Krakoa 

A number of non-sensical contests follow. 

Torture endurance: War vs. Cable, Captain Avalon & Gorgon
War wins.
Arakko 6 – 3 Krakoa 

Contest of pushing boulders: Death, Isca & Pogg Ur-Pogg vs. Magik
Arakko wins.
Arakko 7 – 3 Krakoa

Battle under the sea: Isca & The White Sword vs. Gorgon
Arakko wins.
Arakko 8 – 3 Krakoa 

Eating disgusting food challenge: Redroot vs. Cypher, Captain Avalon & Cable
Krakoa wins.
Arakko 8 – 4 Krakoa 

Dance battle: Bei & War vs. Cypher & Wolverine
Arakko wins.
Arakko 9 – 4 Krakoa 

Labyrinth escape: Redroot & Pogg Ur-Pogg vs. Captain Avalon & Storm
Arakko wins.
Arakko 10 – 4 Krakoa 

Puzzle contest: Death & War vs. Gorgon & Magik
Krakoa wins.
Arakko 10 – 5 Krakoa 

Fashion couture contest: Redroot & War vs. Storm & Wolverine
Arakko wins.
Arakko 11 – 5 Krakoa 

Navigation in Blightspoke: Isca vs. Cable & Magik
Arakko wins.
Arakko 12 – 5 Krakoa 

Saturnyne then summons Captain Avalon and Redroot for a foot race in the Crooked Market. Knowing full well Brian is faster, Saturnyne rigs the match again and sends the Furies after Brian. While Brian is busy fighting them off, Redroot easily wins the contest. The point goes to Arakko, but since Redroot shattered a valuable crystal by accident in the Crooked Market, Mad Jim Jaspers shrinks her and traps her in a jar. Saturnyne warns Brian that he too broke many items in the Crooked Market and that he’s in Mad Jim Jaspers’ debt unless he asks for her help.
Redroot wins
Arakko 13 – 5 Krakoa 

Spelling contest: Bei, Death & Pogg Ur-Pogg vs. Magik & Cypher
Arakko wins.
Arakko 14 – 5 Krakoa 

Watching all the people you killed without looking away: The White Sword vs. Wolverine
The White Sword winds.
Arakko 15 – 5 Krakoa 

Resisting a rock siren: Isca & War vs. Gorgon, Magik & Wolverine
Arakko wins.
Arakko 16 – 5 Krakoa 

Killing a kitten: War vs. Captain Avalon
War wins.
Arakko 17 – 5 Krakoa 

Death and Storm are summoned for the next battle in Sevalith. Whoever draws blood first wins. After drinking with Wolverine, Storm finds herself without her powers and dizzy. Nevertheless, Storms puts up a front and impresses Death. Death decides to take off his hood and show his death stare. Storm protects her eyes with her blade, and Death sees his own face in the reflection. Ororo takes the opportunity and stabs him in the guts, drawing blood.
Storm wins.
Arakko 17 – 6 Krakoa 

Hellions #6: The Hellions finally reach Arakko through the Dryador gate. Tarn, the Uncaring, an Arakki mutant, welcomes them and warns that all of the ten swords have already been claimed and that the tournament is well underway. The Hellions realize Mr. Sinister played them when Tarn uses his psychic powers and learns that Mr. Sinister only intended to collect genes of Arakki mutants. Tarn then summons other mutants under his leadership and warns Mr. Sinister to back off; instead, Essex releases genetic collection drones in the air. A fierce battle ensues between the two groups; Nanny is the first to die. Empath releases his hold over Greycrow and runs away towards the Dryador gate while Orphan-Maker has his arms chopped off and dies. Havok has his hands cut off and Greycrow is gravely injured by shrapnel. Sinister orders Kwannon to take the genes collected to Krakoa with Havok and Greycrow. Wildchild stays behind to buy them time. Wildchild is stabbed to death while Sinister is dismembered. Kwannon, Greycrow, Havok and Empath all reach Castle Camelot in Avalon and lick their wounds. Greycrow stabs Empath in the guts and warns him to drag himself towards the gate to Krakoa; otherwise he will never be resurrected. In Krakoa, the actual Mr. Sinister releases a dark smoke and kills all of the last remaining Hellions. Kwannon, Havok, Greycrow and Empath all die in Krakoa. Sinister retrieves the genes and puts on an act while warning the others that his precious Hellions were killed in an attack in Otherworld. 

Cable #16: Sinister lies about what had happened to his Hellions and asks the Quiet Council to destroy the External Gate. Xavier replies that harming the gate is not an option. Sinister says his choice will cost Krakoa everything. In Dryador, Saturnyne summons Cable and Bei, the Blood Moon to a fight to the death. Cable gets the upper hand, but he is hesitant about killing Bei in front of Doug. Bei gets back on her feet and humiliates Cable. Saturnyne stops the fight and awards the point to Arakko since Cable’s death of spirit was enough.
Bei, the Blood Moon wins.
Arakko 18 – 6 Krakoa 

Cable attempts to reach out to Jean and Scott, but Saturnyne servers their connection. Jean and Scott decide to take matters in their hands. Gorgon and the White Sword are next for a battle to the death. The White Sword summons his fallen soldiers, each representing one of his one hundred swords. Gorgon slays 13 of the White Sword’s champions, giving Krakoa a narrow lead of 19 to 18. The White Swords decides to fight himself and gives Gorgon the option to be healed and serve him eternally. Gorgon rejects his offer. The White Sword stabs Gorgon through the chest. Gorgon dies in Otherworld.
The White Sword wins.
Arakko 19 – 19 Krakoa 

The final contestants are summoned. Apocalypse and Genesis will fight the last battle and decide the outcome of the tournament.

Marauders #15, Chapter 13, Excalibur #14, Chapter 15 & Wolverine #7, Chapter 16 – X of Swords Spoilers

Marauders #15, Chapter 13

Saturnyne shows a glimpse of the future to Wolverine of what happens if he attempts to kill her: Amenth conquers Krakoa and Earth and massacres mutants and humans alike. Logan gives up on the idea of killing her. Cypher eats the poisoned food intended for Logan and starts choking to death. Isca cuts Doug’s throttle so he can breathe. White Sword chastises War for attempting to cheat the tournament. Disgusted with such cowardice, White Sword heals Cypher. Brian asks Saturnyne to declare Krakoa the winner by forfeit in view of Arakko’s violation of the rules. Saturnyne replies that Wolverine also attempted to murder her. As courses continue to be served, the Krakoans and Arakki get to know each other. Cable and Magik play games with Isca in order to test her invincibility. War and Redroot notice that the Krakoans are far too soft. Once dinner is finished, Saturnyne draws the tarot cards and sets the first battle: Captain Britain vs. Isca the Unbeaten. 

Excalibur #14, Chapter 15

In Avalon, Betsy contacts Jubilee telepathically and warns her to stay away from the Starlight Citadel. Isca visits Betsy’s tent and advices her to forfeit the duel and avoid death. Betsy dismisses her remarks. Shortly afterwards, King Jamie Braddock hosts the duel between Captain Britain and Isca. The battle started evenly close; however, the Starlight Sword shatters into pieces and so does Betsy Braddock. Betsy Braddock is no more. Saturnyne have her priestesses retrieve Betsy’s pieces and invites the remaining combatants to a party. Brian accuses her of rigging the duel and playing Betsy.

Arakko 1 – 0 Krakoa 

Saturnyne next draws the cards and sets the next duel: Cypher vs. Bei the Blood Moon. Cypher is fascinated by the fact that he can’t understand what Bei speaks; her words are not a true language and cannot be translated. The White Priestesses attend to Doug and start dressing him up in a white robe and a flower crown. Magik visits Doug to check on him and deduces he’s not being dressed for a duel. They soon realize Saturnyne intends to marry Doug to Bei the Blood Moon. Cypher and Bei the Blood Moon both agree to the wedding. Jubilee heads to the Citadel looking for Betsy riding on Shogo, who spits fire on the Citadel. Saturnyne calms down Shogo with her magic and tames him. Cypher and Bei ties the knot, and the Majestrix decides to award a point to both Krakoa and Arakko.

Arakko 2 – 1 Krakoa 

Wolverine #7 

Magik and Pogg Ur-Pogg head to the Floating Kingdom of Roma Regina for the next duel. As the battle is about to start, Saturnyne rigs the game once more and retrieve their swords. She demands arm wrestling instead of a sword duel. Pogg Ur-Pogg easily beats Magik.

Arakko 3 – 1 Krakoa 

Wolverine and Summoner then head to Blightspoke for the next duel. Saturnyne warns that it’s a fight to the death. Logan and Summoner battle fiercely. Wolverine gains the upper hand and stabs Summoner in the eye with his sword. Summoner dies. Saturnyne rigs the game again and declares Arakko the winner because it was a fight to the death, and Summoner actually fought to his death.

Arakko 4 – 1 Krakoa 

Saturnyne draws the cards for the next duel: Wolverine vs. Storm. It’s a drinking contest in the Crooked Market hosted by Mad Jim Jaspers. Wolverine and Storm drown their sorrows drinking and flirting a little bit. Since both are Krakoans, the point is awarded to Krakoa regardless of the winner. Behind the scenes, Mad Jim Jaspers strikes a deal with Death. 

Arakko 4 – 2 Krakoa 

Saturnyne proposes a duel between Solem and War. Solem instead decides to call in Logan’s favor for giving him one of the Musarama blades in Hell earlier. Wolverine agreed to fight Solen whenever he wanted in exchange for the blade and now has to pay the price. Logan is teleported to the battlefield and must face Solem and War together. War learns that Wolverine killed her son Summoner and is greatly upset. Solen watches Wolverine and War battling each other until War stabs Logan in the neck and Wolverine cuts off War’s hand. Saturnyne decides to award the point to Solem.

Arakko 5 – 2 Krakoa

X-Men #14, Chapter 12 & Marauders #14, Chapter 13 – X of Swords Spoilers

X-Men #14, Chapter 12

Genesis invites Apocalypse for a walk to explain what had happened to the Arakki since they had gone their separate ways. Genesis tells the story of Okkara and how it was split by the enemy’s Twilight Sword. Genesis led a great army and defeated many of her enemies. As the demon forces dwindled down, the dark creatures of Amenth asked for a parley and brought the golden helm of their god Annihilation. It was then that Genesis found out that the Amenthi were breeding the Arakki mutants they had captured with their own demons to produce a hybrid warrior race, giving birth to Summoners. Enraged, Genesis fought Annihilation to death and won, but she refused to wear the golden helm. Instead, Genesis was held prisoner for one hundred years as the demon horde cracked the walls of Arakko. Once Genesis learned the mages of Arakko had reopened the chasm, she placed the golden helm on her head and surrendered to Amenth. Genesis tells Apocalypse that Annihilation wants everything, so now she wants everything as well. She wants Krakoa.

Marauders #14, Chapter 13

The Swordbearers of Krakoa and Arakko gather for the first time in the Starlight Citadel as they wait for Saturnyne’s feast, prepared by Mad Jim Jaspers, to be served. The regents of Otherworld realms are also invited. Storm catches the attention of Death, who seems drawn to her, much to War’s dismay. Storm then approaches Wolverine to let him know that she knows what he is thinking, which she seems to approve. Saturnyne then introduces all guests and order them to enjoy the feast before the bloodshed of the following day. Wolverine blames Brian for not sleeping with Saturnyne and save themselves the trouble of the tournament, which pisses Betsy off. Elsewhere, Magik and Gorgon study whether the Swordbearers of Arakko are right or left-handed. Magik and Gorgon earn the respect of Isca. Storm notices Death watching her, and invites him for a dance. As they dance, Storm tells she doesn’t fear or desire death, but she knows death, and this is as close as she will allow it. As the dinner is served, War puts a mysterious powder on Logan’s food without anyone noticing. Wolverine then argues with Saturnyne and stabs her with his claws.

Marauders #14 – X of Swords, Chapter 13 Preview

Marauders #14
Writer: Gerry Duggan
Art by: Stefano Caselli
Cover by: Russell Dauterman

The Story:

X of Swords – Chapter 13

A toast. A dance. A dinner served: Part I.

In Stores: November 4, 2020

Hellions #5, Chapter 6; New Mutants #13, Chapter 7 & Cable #5, Chapter 8 – X of Swords Spoilers

Hellions #5, Chapter 6

Spoilers: Empath is resurrected at Krakoa and welcomed back by Xavier and Hope. Two days later, the Quiet Council holds a meeting where Mr. Sinister proposes to send his Hellions to Otherworld as none of them were among the chosen champions. He wants the Hellions to steal the Arakki champions’ swords to force a forfeit. Shaw, Msytique, Exodus, Emma Frost and Sinister himself vote in favor of his plan. Exodus proposes that Mr. Sinister leads the Hellions, much against his wishes. The Hellions regroup, and Havok warns that whoever dies in Otherworld cannot be resurrected. Meanwhile, Mr. Sinister plans to send his own clone to Otherworld instead. The uncooperating clone forces Sinister’s hand and both play rock paper scissors to decide who will go to Otherworld; otherwise, the clone will expose Mr. Sinister’s illegal clone farm to the Council. We never learn which Mr. Sinister went to Otherworld. Upon crossing the gateway, Sinister asks for King Jamie Braddock’s permission to travel through Avalon. Jamie accepts it and gives them a horse as a gift. Jamie requests Sinister’s cape in exchange to seal their deal. The Hellions soon find out that Jamie played them as the horse was stolen property of Saturnyne. Sinister asks Empath to manipulate Saturnyne’s guards into cooperating with them. Empath agrees only if they let him use his powers to turn Greycrow into his pet. Sinister accepts Empath’s conditions and soon the Hellions embark on a journey to the Kingdom of Dryador towards Arakko.

New Mutants #13, Chapter 7

Spoilers: It’s been an open secret for some time that Doug’s best friend, Warlock, was joined with him as his artificial arm. However, Saturnyne’s prophecy specifically called for both of them to take part in the tournament, with Warlock as Doug’s blade. With the exception of Warlock, no one believes that Doug is up to the task, not even Doug himself. Krakoa made two attempts to keep Doug on the island, in part because Krakoa will not have a voice in Doug’s absence. Exodus made a more violent attempt, and suggested that he would kill Doug to prevent his departure. Only the interference of Warlock and Krakoa forced Exodus to back off. For her part, Magik tried tough love with Doug by putting him through a crash course in swordplay. Magik remembers Doug’s death, when he was killed in part because his powers of language aren’t always useful in battle. Over the course of the issue, Doug was able to use that ability to read Magik’s body language. He even showed real improvement. That gave Doug a boost in confidence, and forced Magik to bring him down to Earth. The Arakkii are a warrior race who have fought every day of their lives in the darkest parts of Otherworld. Against an enemy like that, Doug can’t hope to win. The best he can do is try not to die and stay close to Magik when the fighting begins.

Cable #5, Chapter 8

Spoilers: When Saturnyne left a mental message that led Cable, Cyclops, and Jean Grey to the Peak, it turns out that may not have been meant to help the mutants. The former headquarters of S.W.O.R.D. was powered down and abandoned for a reason. And almost everyone on board was slaughtered by a brand-new threat. Jean encountered the lone survivor, and she soon learned about the Vescora, an alien race that acts like a virus given humanoid form. They want to "cleanse, dissect, and learn.” But if that’s not alarming enough, the survivor told Jean that the Vescora are “enemies that are not bound to our laws of physics." They invade, replicate, and move on. Under normal circumstances, the Vescora would be an extinction-level threat just by themselves. In the middle of a war with the Arakkii, their arrival is a recipe for disaster. Cable was able to remove the Light of Galador from the Peak’s engine, and once again depower the station. However, the portal to the Vescora’s realm remains, and it looks like it was created from the bodies of the Vescora themselves. At best, this is only a temporary solution for a problem that may soon get out of hand. Following their ordeal on the Peak, Jean and Cyclops seemed uncharacteristically calm and collected. Cyclops even assured his son that “we’re gonna be okay.” Somehow, that wasn’t very convincing. As for Cable, he took his place as the fifth champion of Krakoa.

Cable #5 – X of Swords, Chapter 8 Preview

Cable #5
Writer: Gerry Duggan

Art & Cover by: Phil Noto
Variant Cover by: Ivan Shavrin

The Story:
X of Swords – Chapter 8
A hand held aloft. A mystery in the stars. An ace up the sleeve.

In Stores: October 21, 2020

Comic-Con@Home: 'Marvel Comics: Next Big Thing' Panel

Hollywood Reporter: When X of Swords, the storyline stretching through Marvel Entertainment’s entire X-Men comic book franchise, arrives in September, it’ll do more than tie the publishing line together; according to one of the story’s lead writers, it’ll also demonstrate how collaborative the writers of the multiple comics have become.

Talking during the Marvel Comics: Next Big Thing panel streamed Friday as part of Comic-Con at Home, Tini Howard, writer of Excalibur, said that the 24-part storyline was the result of talking to X-Men writer and franchise lead Jonathan Hickman, and realizing that the two were planning similar plot developments without realizing it.

The storyline, originally announced in February, “comes out a lot of my love for a lot of things people have seen in Excalibur, of magic not just as a thing that lets you fly around and shoot fireballs or whatever, but magic as the idea of a cultural practice,” Howard said. “It’s going to be really exciting character work for a lot of your favorite characters. They all have some fun stuff coming up.”

Although the title, pronounced “Ten of Swords,” could be read literally given that the storyline will involve multiple characters using swords, Howard said that there’s another meaning to be considered. “If you know the tarot at all, you know the ten of swords is the end of a suit, and like all suits, it’s a journey. The suit of swords, if you’re a tarot reader, does not end well.”

In addition to watching the many different X-teams — the X-Men, the New Mutants, the Marauders, and more — come together, Howard promised that fans picking up the storyline will also get to see threads pass between chapters, with fellow guest Gerry Duggan saying that he’s even co-writing issues of the series he normally writes solo with other writers from the X-office.

The storyline, Howard said, "is really just showing you how good we’ve gotten at writing books as a team."

Storm, Cypher and Captain Britain are three of the X-Men that are teased to have major moments in X of Swords. Howard and Duggan were light on details, but Howard did mention that some of Douglas Ramsey's big moments do happen inside the pages of Excalibur.

A cover for November's Marauders #14 by artist Russel Dauterman features Storm sharing a sensual dance with a new X-Men villain, Death, who is one of Apocalypse's First Horseman and a central antagonist in the X of Swords crossover.

X of Swords begins with X of Swords: Creation #1, released in comic stores and digitally in September.

Jamie Braddock Returns in 'Infinity Countdown: Black Widow' #1

Flashback to 2012, Psylocke was forced to kill her older brother Jamie Braddock in order to stop the Goat of self-propagation from destroying every reality. Back to 2018, Jamie Braddock returned in the pages of Infinity Countdown: Black Widow #1 without further explanation.

Spoilers: Jamie Braddock, who is as insane as ever, apparently has been dabbling in the dark arts and fights Black Widow for the possession of her Space Infinity Stone. He did mention remembering his sister killing him. Luckily for Black Widow, Merlyn was more than happy to offer her a helping hand against the mad Braddock.