This summer, Marvel Comics will relaunch the X-Men line of comics, bringing an end to the Krakoa era. We're still not sure what that means for the heroes but have to believe endless resurrections are off the table as the team is likely brought back in line with how they've previously been portrayed on the page.
Bleeding Cool was the first to report on these plans and has now revealed that there will be at least two new X-Men teams led by Rogue and Kate Pryde.
This is confirmed by a leaked page the site has shared from tomorrow's Women of Marvel #1 one-shot, and it looks like Rogue's team will include Wolverine, Gambit, and Nightcrawler, with the heroes all back in classic costumes (which, unsurprisingly, bear a striking resemblance to those they'll don in X-Men '97).
As for Kate's team, there's Emma Frost and, beyond that, we don't currently know.
Also of note is the fact Storm is shown addressing a group of people in what looks like a political setting; could the Marvel Universe get a mutant President in 2024? Despite her African roots, the hero was born in New York, so we can't discount the possibility.
Talking on his Robservations With Rob Liefeld podcast last month, the Deadpool co-creator revealed that Marvel approached Jim Lee about leaving DC last Spring because they wanted him to illustrate a new X-Men series. He'd have also been enlisted to shape the franchise moving forward and we'd be shocked if he wasn't eyed for some sort of executive role to boot.
Lee declined, of course, but this suggests we'll see some top-level talent involved with this fresh start for the X-Men. The Krakoa era has delivered some memorable moments but quickly became convoluted and left fans craving some classic X-Men action.
Stay tuned for updates.
WOMEN OF MARVEL #1
Written by GAIL SIMONE, CELESTE BRONFMAN, ERIC SCHULTZ
Art by NAO FUJI
Cover by CARMEN CARNERO
CELEBRATING THE MIGHTY WOMEN OF MARVEL! Because they worked hard for this and they deserve it! But who you callin' "doll"?! Marvel's most powerful heroines take center stage in an anthology that will inspire, empower and motivate fans from all walks of life! Whether it's the Boss of Space pummeling back an alien invasion or the Scarlet Witch weaving a magical protection, the women of Marvel have got your back. Featuring a story by industry legend Gail Simone and more to come!