X-Men: Outback #2 Spoilers

Spoilers: With the X-Men believed to be dead, Mojo scolds Major Domo for failing to find a suitable replacement capable of maintaining their ratings. Among the possible new programs is a pitch from Molto for a channel called Murder Television, which would broadcast footage of Earth’s most sensational murders.

In the Australian Outback, Colossus opens up to Psylocke about feeling as though he is mourning his own life. Although the X-Men survived their apparent deaths, they must now remain hidden from the world, leaving him trapped in a strange state of post-rebirth isolation. Betsy comforts him and admits that she has insecurities of her own. She fears that she may be a liability to the team, which is why she has become so dependent on wearing her armor.

Meanwhile, Storm, Wolverine, Longshot, Dazzler, and Rogue enjoy a cookout together. Longshot appears to be having a great time, while Dazzler and Rogue finally seem to be getting along better.

Back in Cooterman’s Creek, Madelyne Pryor is struggling emotionally after seeing Cyclops and Jean Grey together on television. She becomes increasingly obsessed with gaining access to the Reavers’ computer system, much to Havok’s concern. After uncovering a section of heavily obfuscated code, Madelyne accidentally activates the Reavers’ security protocol and releases Godshredder, an advanced technological soldier designed as their final line of defense.

While the X-Men sleep, Godshredder releases a swarm of microscopic drones that they unknowingly inhale. The drones successfully take control of most of the team, but Wolverine detects his before it can fully subdue him. Under Godshredder’s control, the other X-Men surround Logan and prepare to attack.

Wolverine escapes into the Outback, pursued by his mind-controlled teammates. Determined not to seriously injure his friends, he initially fights without using his claws. He takes them down one by one, beginning with Dazzler and Longshot before defeating Havok. Storm proves to be one of his most dangerous opponents, but Logan eventually overcomes her as well. When Psylocke attacks, he overwhelms her telepathically by flooding her mind with his berserker rage.

Against Rogue, Wolverine deliberately uses his claws because she can absorb his healing factor and recover from the wounds. Colossus is the final X-Man left standing, and his armored form makes him nearly impossible for Logan to hurt. Wolverine provokes him into charging headfirst, causing the two of them to collide. Both are injured by the impact, but only Logan can heal quickly enough to continue fighting.

Godshredder then confronts Wolverine personally. Their battle is brutal and bloody, with Godshredder burning the flesh from Logan’s arms until only the adamantium-coated bones remain. During the fight, Godshredder reveals that the man inside the armor was once one of the Hellfire Club guards Wolverine mutilated during the Dark Phoenix Saga.

After defeating him, Wolverine realizes that almost nothing remains of the man beneath the Godshredder armor. Unable to save him, Logan delivers a mercy killing. He admits that he cannot honestly say he is sorry for what he did years ago, but he still gives the man a proper burial overlooking the beautiful Australian Outback.

X-Men: Outback #2 Preview

X-Men: Outback #2

Writer: Steve Orlando

Art by: Stephen Segovia

Cover by: Russell Dauterman

The Story:

CHAOS IN THE OUTBACK! With the world believing them dead, the X-Men have relocated to the Reavers’ abandoned headquarters. But when an old Reavers security system is set off, the team must protect themselves from their own home! With the X-Men down, can Wolverine save them? Or will the team be torn apart by the most dangerous Reaver ever?

In Stores: July 29, 2026

X-Men: Outback #1 Spoilers

Spoilers: Following their battle against the Adversary in Dallas, the X-Men sacrifice themselves in order to defeat the Dark Trickster.

Meanwhile, Sabretooth visits Wolverine’s old cabin in the Canadian Rockies, refusing to believe that Logan is truly dead. There, he finds a lock of Logan’s hair and deduces that Wolverine has been there recently. Convinced that his old enemy is still alive, Sabretooth sets out to find him and celebrate their annual tradition: a ruthless birthday brawl.

In Cooterman’s Creek, in the Australian Outback, the X-Men are adjusting to their strange new reality in the ghost town. Psylocke, Havok, and Madelyne Pryor drink together, while Colossus reflects on the living death they now seem to be enduring. Dazzler and Rogue, meanwhile, clash over Longshot’s attention. Far from the base, Storm visits an Aboriginal community that receives her with respect, while she reflects on her perceived failure as a leader. Wolverine joins her and encourages her, telling her that the team needs a symbol of hope — a goddess.

Storm returns to the base and finds chaos, as the tension between Rogue and Dazzler has erupted into a fight. Wolverine interrupts the argument when he picks up the scent of an intruder: Sabretooth.

Sabretooth has brought with him Mister Sinister’s Dire Dogs — experiments born from degraded prehistoric DNA, capable of tracking their prey across the globe and feeding on fear. He unleashes the beasts, and the X-Men assemble for battle. While the team keeps the dogs occupied, Logan lunges at Sabretooth, and the two rivals engage in a brutal, bloody fight.

Storm realizes that their fear is feeding Sabretooth’s mutant hounds. The X-Men also notice that Logan has gone berserk with rage. Psylocke warns the team to control their fear, and Storm manages to master her own, channeling her powers against the dogs. Intimidated by her command and presence, the creatures are ultimately defeated.

The X-Men place themselves between Logan and Sabretooth, both to spare Logan from losing himself completely and because they are his friends — something Sabretooth does not have. Taking advantage of the distraction, Dazzler charges her powers and blasts Sabretooth, frying him with a concentrated burst of light.

Logan then releases his fury by tearing through Creed’s remaining hounds, until Storm reaches out to him. Her presence brings him back to himself. Logan thanks her and tells her that this is exactly why she matters: because she leads.

Psylocke insists that the secret of the X-Men’s survival must be protected. To ensure that Sabretooth cannot reveal the truth, she performs a telepathic surgery on him, erasing his memory of the day’s events and of the fact that the X-Men are still alive.

Later, beneath the moonlight, Storm and Wolverine reflect on the team’s uneasy adjustment to their new existence. Storm concludes that each of them is fighting their own private battle, but that they cannot waste this second chance to defend mutantkind as living myths. Wolverine encourages her to embrace her place as the goddess at the heart of that myth.

Storm agrees. Using her powers, she transforms her punk look into her new Outback costume — a form more fitting for a goddess.

X-Men Monday #342 – Steve Orlando Talks ‘X-Men: Outback’

AIPT!: If you’re looking to get away this summer but don’t want to spend on airfare, consider the more affordable trip to Australia that Marvel Comics is offering in the form of X-Men: Outback. Written by Steve Orlando and illustrated by Stephen Segovia (with covers by Russell Dauterman), this retro limited series will present five issues of all-new adventures set during the X-Men’s fan-favorite Outback era. And to help you decide whether a trip to the Outback is in order, Steve returned to X-Men Monday to discuss his cast of X-Men and what you can expect. Let’s see what he has to say.

AIPT: Which character on the Outback team you were most excited to be writing a new bit of history for.

Orlando: As for who I’m excited to write a new bit of history for… I DO really like our Colossus and Psylocke-focused issue, our third. We get to build out some of Colossus’s backstory as well as allude to stories we know are still to come. But that being said, I think our fifth issue, where we meet Longshot’s ex from his time as a revolutionary in Mojoworld, has probably been the one I’m most excited for as far as new history for characters. 

AIPT: You have a big team to juggle, but what excites you about writing Betsy in the Outback era, and was there anything you wanted to explore or delve into that you think will be supplemental?

Orlando: With Psylocke, in this era, she has just begun to wear her armor—she believes she could be a liability, even if others don’t. So we’ll see her find the confidence we know she has waiting—and she will, of course, be a force. Betsy plays into the resolution of our first issue and gets a spotlight along with Colossus in our third—though, of course, everyone appears in each issue. But much like in the original run, some folks will step into the spotlight more than others depending on the issue. This is an era where Betsy is questioning herself, but everyone can see the strength she has—watching her discover, or rediscover it, I think, is one of the heights of the era.

X-Men: Outback #4 (of 5)

Written by: Steve Orlando

Art by: Stephen Segovia

Cover by: Russell Dauterman

The Morlocks Of The Outback Are In Trouble – And Only The X-Men Can Help!

Havok and Madelyne Pryor must help the Morlocks of Australia escape from the Lava Men! Can even Havok withstand the heat? Will these X-Men be able to establish a truce between the Lava Men and the Morlocks before Maddie’s fiery visions of the future come true?

On Sale 9/16

How X-Men: Outback Revives a Fan-Favorite '80s Mutant Era

IGN was able to speak with X-Men: Outback writer Steve Orlando via email to learn more about the series and how it builds on the foundation of the original comics. Check out an exclusive new preview of X-Men: Outback #1 below, and then read on to learn more:

As you might expect, Orlando is a self-professed super-fan of the original Outback era. As he explains, that was the status quo when he first began reading Uncanny X-Men as a young fan in 1987, and it's one that has continued to resonate with him over the decades.

"So, I got into comics in 1987--before I could even fully read, I was there grabbing back issues and getting to know the characters," Orlando tells IGN. "By the time the Outback Era began, I knew what was going on, I knew the deal. The Outback team was one of the first X-Men rosters I met! And then, as it went on, I soon knew the X-Men even more, not just from the arcade cabinet game but also the Pryde of the X-Men pilot. I wore that VHS out, again and again, to the extent that by the time X-Men '92 started, I was salty that the roster wasn't the one I expected."

Orlando continues, "So again, this team, out in Australia, it was one of the first rosters I encountered--and that's probably why they all went on to be some of my favorite mutants. Back in the ‘80s I didn't know all the context—that would come a few years later. But I knew the look, I knew the defiance, I knew what we'd come to call the vibe. And it's what first defined X-Men for me. As you can imagine, then, I was beyond thrilled to be asked to not just revisit that era--but to celebrate it!"

The X-Men have always been outcasts from polite society, but the Outback era was notable for making them into true outlaws. They were cast out of their familiar home and forced to survive in a strange and unforgiving new environment against new enemies like the Reavers. For Orlando, that's a big part of the appeal with these stories, old and new.

"The X-Men and mutants in general almost always live on the fringe of society--whether they like it or not," Orlando says. "But this era, in the outback, made them just what you say--true outlaws. Their own friends and families believe them to be dead. They have nowhere to turn but to each other--and even the structures that they used to be able to look to for safety and stability can no longer be counted on. I think that feeling, of having your life whittled down to only your closest, your family--chosen or otherwise--is something that's still meaningful today. In fact, the defiance, the will to live and thrive in that situation, is perhaps even more meaningful than before."

X-Men: Outback doesn't focus on one story, but rather dances between the beats of the original run to reveal new adventures and answer lingering questions. We were curious if there were any particular loose ends from the Outback era Orlando wanted to explore here.

"There are!" Orlando reveals. "Though the sweet spot is to find ways to do it in a way that welcomes everyone--so we'll be answering some of these questions, but the delivery won't spotlight it as continuity detective work, etc. When [editor] Darren Shan and I sat down, for example, one of the questions was to address Storm's costume change from her punk look to her main Outback era costume. And we'll do so! When we do, however, it'll be clothed in whole story and a brand-new adventure. The key, above all, is to show love and passion for the era--and in this case, that means new ideas and new villains, just like in the original issues that we're inspired by. But in between, you'll see things like Storm's costume update, Psylocke's transition to her armor, Colossus's reaction to passing himself off as a ghost to his sister. We'll not just answer questions, but we'll dig into and explore the consequences of the beats that are already there."

Orlando also confirms that the series will focus on the same roster as the original comics - Storm, Wolverine, Colossus, Dazzler, Longshot, Rogue, and Havok, with each issue falling between specific chapters of the original run.

"The roster is absolutely the same as folks remember!" Orlando says. "Each issue falls in its own moment in the series, between existing issues or within time jump inside a given issue--so there's no one answer where the series falls. Since each issue is a new adventure, the answer changes for each on--I'm straight up not sure if we'll run the continuity/setting notes we have, but we lay out where each issue fits in the scripts. I do think it's safe to say this whole run takes place before Inferno."

As Orlando mentions, this series takes place before Inferno and the shocking reveal of the true nature of Jean Grey's clone, Madelyne Pryor. As such, fans can expect to see Maddie in this series, as the character struggles with being abandoned by Cyclops for the original Jean and works to become a more active member of the X-Men.

"Madelyne's story is mapped in the original series," Orlando says. "We'll be digging into it here--because we're happening before Inferno, we know where her story is going. In this run, we'll see her wrestle with her place on the team as well as her tension over seeing Cyclops and Jean Grey on TV as part of X-Factor. And I feel safe saying her frustration will build to her getting in on the action in an issue that homages Ripley's epic subterranean rescue in the climax of Aliens. Maddie wants to do more and be a greater part of this chosen family--and that desire will take her out of Cooterman's Creek and onto the battlefield."

Finally, the Outback era is notable as much for its strong visual style as anything else. This is the era when future Image Comics superstar Marc Silvestri truly made his mark on the series. We were curious how Orlando and artist Stephen Segovia hope to capture the vibe of the original comics. As Orlando explains, the goal is to "celebrate, not imitate."

"Listen, when you work with a master like Stephen Segovia, you don't tell him what to do--you set him up for success with exciting visuals and you get out of the way. That said, yes--Marc Silvestri was and still is such a singular talent, and he put an indelible mark on the look of the X-Men during this era. And to me, imitating that would never be the way to go. Instead, it's giving love to the theme behind the style, as you suggest. Stephen doesn't draw like Marc, but in bringing his own style to the pages with the same blockbuster comic book energy that made the Outback Era great--his work honors the spirit of the original run. We want to celebrate, not imitate."

Orlando adds, "And Stephen backs so much energy into his pages, he has such lithe and muscular layouts, that he's delivering the perfect evolution not of the exact style of the Outback Era, but of what it represented. He's the perfect artist for this--and with Russell Dauterman and Matt Wilson on covers and Alex Sinclair on colors, we've got a murders row on deck to make X-Men: Outback one of the best looking books on the stands...in any era!"

X-Men: Outback #1 will be released on June 24, 2026. You can preorder a copy at your local comic shop.

Marvel Returns the X-Men and Psylocke to Australia With 'X-Men Outback' in June

BleedingCool: Announced at ComicsPRO by Marvel's David Gabriel is the news that the next Marvel retro series will be X-Men: Outback, returning to the time after the Fall Of The Mutants when the X-Men hid in the Australian outback and discovered the teleporting Aboriginal mutant, Gateway. And Steve Orlando and Stephen Segovia will be returning the mutants down under.

David Gabriel says, "Steve gave me some notes this morning to tell you what's happening in this book. You are going to see the first time that Sabertooth appeared in the Australian outback. You're gonna discover a secret branch of the Rasputin family bloodline. You're gonna meet the new character, the God Of The Rivers. And he's going to be introducing the all-new Australian version of the Morlocks, and he's also bringing the first appearance of a new character, Cliffhanger."

The X-Men Outback period ran from 1988 to 1990 in Uncanny X-Men during Chris Claremont's long run as writer. The X-Men had appeared to sacrifice themselves and die while battling the demonic entity known as the Adversary in Dallas. The world believed the team was gone forever. In reality, the goddess Roma resurrected them and magically transported the survivors to a remote, abandoned mining town in the Australian Outback. This gave the team a fresh start: they were presumed dead, allowing them to operate in secrecy without the constant scrutiny or attacks that came with their old Westchester mansion base. The X-Men took over the high-tech headquarters of the Reavers, a gang of vicious, cybernetically enhanced mercenaries and thieves who were originally tied to the Hellfire Club. The town, called Cooterman's Creek, looked like a dusty ghost town on the surface but hid advanced computer systems and defenses. Roma's magic made the base invisible to machines, spells, and detection, giving the team true anonymity. The team included Storm, Wolverine, Rogue, Psyclocke, Colossus, Havok, Dazzler, Longshot, and saw Gateway and Jubillee join the team. It lasted only about 20-plus issues, but it introduced lasting concepts like Genosha and showcased a more mature, world-weary X-Men.

X-Men Unlimited Infinity #142 Spoilers & Art

Spoilers: The X-Corps drop the floating island on top of Selene, where the thrusters roast her alive. Sunspot joins the others to check if Selene is really dead. Selene resurrects herself and declares that no child will ever be able to kill her.

In reality, Selene is trapped in a stasis chamber developed by Wiz-Kid, Trinary, Tempo, and Somnus. Mirage explains that keeping Selene alive but pacified is the best way to contain her, despite Tempo's protests. The other Externals have also been locked up in stasis chambers where they relive an endless cycle of their worst nightmares.

Most of the X-Corps disband, while Strong Guy heads back to the floating island. Mirage and Sunspot talk and reflect on what their next move should be now that the threat of the Externals and the war against Orchis are over. Sunspot explains that Madrox and Layla are staying on the island with their son because it's their home. However, Cerebra stayed in Nova Roma to catalog all the mutants killed by Selene. Rictor and Shatterstar have taken a break to spend some time together. Betsy reunited with Rachel. The Proudstar brothers went back to Camp Gozhoo to rebuild their village. Sunspot admits he has no idea what to do next. Mirage leaves for a meeting with Karma and Wolfsbane. Meanwhile, Cannonball arrives at the floating island and reunites with Sunspot. The two hug and share a moment of friendship. The future is unlimited.

The Krakoan Era is officially over for Miss Betsy Braddock!

X-Men Unlimited Infinity #141 Spoilers

Spoilers: Selene and Dani engage in a fierce one-on-one battle, with Selene boasting about her impending ascension to becoming a true External High Lord and dismissing Dani as insignificant. Despite Dani's best efforts, Selene easily catches and breaks her arrows. Meanwhile, the rest of the team, including James, Betsy, Rictor, and Shatterstar, are retreating, acknowledging that Dani is buying them time. They encounter and eliminate two zombie Orchis goons, with Betsy noting the persistent threat of Selene's zombie soldiers. Madrox appears, revealing that he and his duplicates have taken care of the remaining enemies.

Magma is eager to fight Selene but is reminded by Betsy that she and Khora are vital to the mission's success. Betsy coordinates with Roberto, who is ready with X-Corps Island and a team including Layla, Trinary, and Wiz-Kid. Layla expresses concern about testing new tech on Selene, but Roberto trusts his team.

The fight between Selene and Dani continues, with Selene attempting to drown Dani, who retaliates by striking Selene with her bow and stabbing her with an arrow. Betsy emphasizes the importance of isolating the battlefield to protect Nova Roma and the rescued mutants. A mutant circuit involving Magma, Rictor, and Khora is initiated to isolate Selene's palace.

As Dani prepares to leave through a portal with Shatterstar's help, she reveals that the fight was a setup for Selene's downfall. The mutant in the Cerebro-like helmet is revealed to be Cipher, whose abilities were used to hide X-Corps Island, thanks to Trinary's programming. Dani taunts Selene, implying that traditional methods can't kill a witch like her, as she disappears through the portal, leaving Selene in disbelief.

X-Men Unlimited Infinity #140 Spoilers

Spoilers: Selene's ascension is nearly complete as she grows in size and rises covered in blood. Every drop of blood that drips from Selene transforms into a creature. Betsy warns X-Corps that they need to buy time for Mirage's team to work. Betsy, Rictor, Shatterstar, Thunderbird, and Warpath group together to face the blood drones.

Meanwhile, Mirage's team (Magma, Cerebra, Khora, Velocidade, and Escapade) rushes to stop Selene. Mirage notes that Selene is holding Tempo prisoner in her grasp and that her ascension won't be completed if they rescue Tempo. Escapade and Velocidade manage to rescue Tempo. Magma seizes the opportunity to hit Selene with her lava. Mirage observes that Selene is using the full strength of her mutant powers to complete the ascension; Cerebra then intervenes and makes her X-gene disobey her. Selene loses her giant, bloody form and becomes enraged at having her ritual interrupted. Mirage points her arrow at her and says it's time to settle the score.

X-Men Unlimited Infinity #139 Spoilers

Spoilers: Selene walks through a pool of blood in her chamber, engaging in conversation and taunting Tempo, who is restrained on a large piece of bone. Tempo's powers have dramatically accelerated the External ascension process within just a few days. An explosion erupts from the top of Selene's palace tower. Mirage reaches out to the prisoners and calls for reinforcements: Magma, Escapade, Velocidade, and Khora of the Burning Heart.

Magma melts through the walls to liberate the prisoners. However, Dani warns that if the shackles were enchanted to suppress powers, simply breaking them won't suffice. After a power-boosting circuit between Cerebra and Khora, everyone's powers are restored. Despite this, Nova Roma remains besieged by undead guards. Madrox confronts the guards, multiplying into hundreds.

Betsy, Shatterstar, Rictor, Warpath, and Thunderbird hasten towards the palace, but their progress halts abruptly as Warpath gestures upwards. They behold Selene's near completion of ascension, witnessing her emerge from the palace, towering in size and drenched in blood.

X-Men Unlimited Infinity #138 Spoilers

Spoilers: Outside Nova Roma, Saul, in his dragon form, grabs Captain Britain and takes flight. Meanwhile, Rictor and Shatterstar keep fighting against Absalom and Nicodemus. Inside Nova Roma, Mirage leaves Thunderbird to deal with Crule as she heads towards the cells where Selene keeps the mutants imprisoned. Mirage encounters Cerebra and warns that more allies are arriving to join them. Thunderbird and Crule engage in a brutal and fierce yet balanced fight. When Crule gains the upper hand, Warpath shows up and chops off Crule's arm, freeing his brother. Despite Crule's contempt, he decides to face them both, but he's no match for the Proudstar brothers and ends up defeated. Shatterstar and Rictor join the Proudstars in Nova Roma, assessing the losses: with Crule, Absalom, and Nicodemus defeated, Gideon and Burke handled by Sunspot, and Apocalypse and Candra out of the picture, only Saul remains. Betsy continues riding Saul, soaring through the air, and orders him to land. With no choice, Betsy uses her psychic knife on Saul, knocking him out until he falls unconscious to the ground. Betsy informs Mirage that the Externals have been defeated and it's time to bring in the strike team.

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.

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.

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.

X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic #133 Spoilers

Spoilers: Thunderbird and Captain Britain discuss strategy while examining a map of Nova Roma. However, Gideon successfully disables the floating island's thrusters, causing it to plummet toward the ocean. Betsy contacts Dani telepathically, learning that although Trinary and Wiz-Kid expelled Gideon from the system, the thrusters are still failing. Dani warns that if the island hits the ocean, it could break apart. Betsy then asks Rictor to use his geokinetic abilities to prevent the crash. With time running out, Rictor summons earth from deep below the ocean, rising to catch the falling base.

Betsy inquires about the extent of the system damage, and the Madrox dupes inform her that they can repair it, but it will take time. Dani consoles Taki, who blames himself for Gideon's success. Trinary reveals that they managed to counter Gideon's hack during the battle and can trace his digital trail to find his operation. Sunspot overhears and enters the room, eager to confront Gideon. However, he is exhausted and depleted from boosting the island's thrusters, leaving him unable to take immediate action.

Dani expresses concern for Sunspot's condition and advises him to rest. Sunspot believes this is the opportune moment to retaliate against Gideon, who expects them to be weak and inactive. Dani suggests assembling a squad with Cipher and Magma, but Sunspot rejects the idea, opting to enlist the help of someone outside of X-Corps Island. He reveals that he has been accumulating resources and knows the perfect individual to assist them in bringing Gideon down.

In a penthouse atop a skyscraper in Chicago, Gideon converses with Burke, expressing his preference for high-rise living over Selene's choice of ruling from Nova Roma. Burke experiences a precognitive vision of violence involving metal and blood. As he describes it, their conversation is interrupted by the appearance of Solem.

X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic #131 Spoilers

Spoilers: At the External Stronghold in Nova Roma, Cerebra, Tulkas, and Somnus are imprisoned, tasked with caring for mutant children. Suddenly, zombie Orchis troops throw a Jamie Madrox dupe into their cell. In a flashback, Dani discusses the plan with Jamie Madrox, with the latter emphasizing the need for more intel to stop Selene's ritual. Jamie Prime prepares his dupe for a mission by injecting him with a needle and syringe, requesting Betsy to induce psychic sleeping time before the injection. Additionally, Betsy installs subliminal pain nullifiers to alleviate any discomfort. Layla suggests using technology against the Externals' psychic defenses. With Wiz-Kid and Trinary's help, they implant a camera in the dupe's eyes to gather intel. Multiplying the dupes, they hope one will be captured by Selene's Orchis forces. The plan succeeds as two zombies seize a dupe.

Returning to the present, Jamie's dupe instructs Somnus and Cerebra to smile for the camera, knowing they're being watched by the X-Corps team. Thunderbird expresses relief at seeing the Camp Gozhoo children alive and praises their resilience, eager to rescue them and confront the Externals. Somnus and Cerebra inform X-Corps of the Externals' plan to gather mutants for Selene's ritual, revealing the existence of multiple cells like theirs. Determined to disrupt Selene's plans, Jamie's dupe volunteers to be chosen as the next sacrifice, successfully drawing the attention of Orchis goons. As he is carried away, he braces himself for what lies ahead, motivated by his commitment to Layla and Davey.

In Selene's chamber, surrounded by a gruesome scene of death and blood, the zombie Orchis goons present Madrox to her. Delighted by his presence, Selene prepares to feed on him. However, the attention shifts to a figure tied to the ceiling above Selene, revealed to be Tempo. Betsy realizes that Selene needs to manipulate time, using Tempo to achieve her ascension. Despite their revelation, the X-Corps team faces a new challenge as the camera feed is corrupted, prompting Trinary's alarm. Suddenly, Gideon appears on the monitor, taunting them with the Externals' ability to breach their systems, reminding them of the game they're playing.

X-Men Monday #242 – Steve Foxe, Steve Orlando, and Phillip Sevy Talk ‘X-Men Unlimited’

AiPT!: From Sunfire and Firestar to Thunderbird and Captain Britain, everybody’s getting time to shine in a scrolling format. So, it was only fair that X-Fans got to check in with Steve Orlando and Steve Foxe — along with Phillip Sevy, the artist on several of X-Men Unlimited‘s chapters — and ask about Rictor, Shatterstar, and other fan-favorites.

AIPT: Betsy Braddock came out swinging in X-Men Unlimited with a voice that’s more certain and powerful than we’ve seen recently. Would you say all the events happening in the U.K. and the world have brought out the “gives no *****” Betts? And how much fun is writing her this way?

Orlando: I definitely think the events in the U.K. and the world, in general, have put Betsy in an imperative position. But it’s been a blast to watch her flex her power and agency. And as a special note, it’s been an asset having some fellow X-Writers on speed dial to ensure Betsy’s British lingo is as on-point as possible.

Foxe: I think our Betsy follows pretty closely on the heels of the transformative work Tini Howard did on the character across Excalibur, Knights of X, and Betsy Braddock: Captain Britain. Betsy, in whatever form, has been a nuanced and quite spicy character for decades, and Tini helped establish Betsy as a leading lady for a new era. Fall of X pushed a lot of characters to their limits, and Betsy – who not only has responsibilities toward mutantkind, but to the United Kingdom as a symbolic crusader – really got a raw deal trying to tolerate the antics of Orchis and the British government. She’s been enormous fun to write and a huge asset to the cast dynamic.

AIPT: Phil, I’ve loved your rendition of Betsy Braddock. Not only has that helmet never looked cooler, but I feel like every time we see her, she’s accompanied by crackling psychic energy (whether around her head, fist, or sword.) What do you love about illustrating Betsy?

Sevy: I’ve tried to use the helmet in a way that illustrates her power. When her helmet is off, she’s Betsy and she’s a bit more vulnerable. She’s showing you her face and what she looks like. I draw her a bit more feminine in those scenes. When her helmet is on, it’s go time. I use that as a reason to draw her more aggressive and masculine. She’s in battle and at war.

As a character, I very much connect with how Betsy’s identity is internal, and her external representation isn’t always reflective of who she is — so trying to show different sides of her (feminine, masculine, soft, aggressive, etc.) in how I depict her is the fun challenge. And also, I came into X-Men with the Jim Lee Psylocke design — so it was psychic knives and all that. So when I got a chance to draw her impaling Absalom’s head with her dagger, I was like “9-year-old me is SO happy right now.”

AIPT: Phil, you’re drawing so many different characters throughout this X-Men Unlimited arc. As an artist, is that an exciting challenge? An intimidating one?

Sevy: With this book, since there are so many characters that come at you so fast, I haven’t had as much time — but there are basic shortcuts that you can use to capture a character. Thunderbird — big guy, cocky, aggressive. Shatterstar — lithe, flirty, agile. Betsy — powerful, annoyed, a presence. Etc. Keeping costume details correct when you’re drawing a gaggle of characters can be really hard. Thankfully I have a giant reference folder I have open constantly.

X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic #129 Spoilers

Spoilers: On the night of the Hellfire Gala, Sunspot assembles key mutants on X-Corps Island, including Jamie Madrox, Layla Miller, Trinary, and Wiz-Kid, to form a new initiative. Sunspot envisions changing the world's perception of mutants, outlining a plan for X-Corps Island to provide global relief while the X-Men confront Orchis. However, a sudden psychic intrusion from Xavier causes the team to surrender, leaving them disoriented. Distraught over the loss of his dupes, Jamie discusses the grim news with Layla, emphasizing the need for help in a world unaware of their plan. Layla urges Sunspot to stay, citing the island's importance, but Roberto decides to return to Arakko, promising to come back and fulfill their mission.

In the present, Layla, Thunderbird, Betsy, and Dani venture into the core of X-Corps Island, facing challenges with losing altitude and periodic landings for Roberto's hour-long recharge. Trinary works tirelessly to evade Orchis' sensors during this critical time. Roberto, appearing fatigued yet claiming to feel better than ever, emerges from his chamber in casual attire. Dani assists him, expressing concern for his overextension. Roberto, informed of the involvement of Crule and the Externals in the mutants' disappearances, vows to confront them. Betsy clarifies that Selene, not Orchis, orchestrated the disappearances using her homunculi soldiers, escalating the urgency of their mission.

Layla reflects on the temporal insignificance of existential conflicts for immortals and highlights Selene's corrupt tendencies. She reveals that Selene, orchestrating conflicts between Krakoa and Orchis, employs her fellow Externals as convenient tools. The specifics of Selene's mysterious Ascension remain unknown. When Dani queries Roberto about Apocalypse's potential involvement, he dismisses it, emphasizing Apocalypse's recent positive actions. Roberto, aware of the Externals' distrust for Selene, expresses confidence in a particular mutant to uncover the immortal holdout. The scene shifts to New Orleans, where an Assassins Guild member confronts Mr. Cornillion, accusing him of crossing investment partners. Mr. Cornillion, actually Feint (Carmen Cruz) in disguise, reveals her true form, and Gambit intervenes, inquiring about finding his old friend Candra.

X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic #128 Spoilers

Spoilers: After the explosion at the Young Mutant Containment Facility in London, Betsy, Shatterstar, and Rictor find themselves engulfed in flames. The aftermath of the explosion caused by Nicodemus leaves Rictor with burns, and Shatterstar plans to teleport them to safety. However, their escape is interrupted when a firefighter accuses them of causing the fire, triggering a tense encounter with the police. Betsy uses her telekinetic abilities to deflect bullets, and in the face of hostility, they decide to bid farewell to Britain.

Upon their arrival at X-Corps’ floating island HQ, Layla Miller and Multiple Man tend to Rictor’s injuries. Meanwhile, Betsy shares with the rest of X-Corps that she has discovered they are facing the Externals, a group indifferent to both mutants and humans. She emphasizes that this lack of concern from their adversaries means that the upcoming conflict is bound to be brutal.

At the same time, in Nova Roma, Crule's sadistic actions terrorize prisoners, setting the stage for Selene's grand plan. In the presence of the Externals, including Nicodemus and Gideon, Selene discusses the process of ascension, emphasizing their detachment from mortal concerns. She dismisses mortal structures like Krakoa and Orchis as mere game boards in the immortals' grand play, teasing a power awaiting them—a power meant exclusively for the Externals.

X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic #127 Spoilers

Spoilers: In the confrontation between Captain Britain, Shatterstar, Rictor, and the Externals, Nicodemus expresses disdain for his challengers. Absalom reminisces about being used to construct the External Gate. A fiery clash ensues as the heroes dodge Nicodemus's blast. Rictor decides to take on Nicodemus alone, citing their past encounter.

Betsy and Shatterstar engage Absalom in combat, with Absalom revealing bone shards akin to Marrow. Betsy and Shatterstar attack him simultaneously. During the skirmish, Absalom discloses that he and the Externals serve Selene, prompting shock from Betsy. Shatterstar intervenes, allowing Betsy to position herself behind Absalom. Betsy manifests her psychic knife – the focused totality of her telepathic powers –, attempting to induce despair in Absalom's mind.

However, Absalom counters with a nihilistic philosophy, using bones to break free from Betsy's psychic grip. Shatterstar responds brutally by impaling Absalom in the face with a sword. Betsy, displaying ferocity, suggests leaving the sword in. She delves into Absalom's mind to understand Selene's agenda. As Rictor attempts to restrain the Externals, Nicodemus holds them at bay and summons fire pillars. Despite Betsy's plea to stop, Nicodemus asserts that the children are already gone, signaling their departure.

The confrontation concludes with Absalom, wounded but defiant, claiming he doesn't need eyes to deal with the heroes. Nicodemus, declaring their departure, hints at ominous events calling mortals to hell. The situation remains tense as the Externals prepare to leave, leaving the heroes with unanswered questions and a sense of impending doom.