Yesterday's X-Men: Hellfire Gala #1 laid the groundwork for the next era of X-Men storytelling in a one-shot that was packed with surprises, including a vicious attack by former X-Men ally Moira MacTaggert and the world’s devastating response to mutant resurrection. Those developments will now lead directly into the upcoming crossover event A.X.E.: Judgement Day.
However, amidst all the drama from writer Gerry Duggan and artists Kris Anka, Russell Dauterman, Matteo Lolli, and C.F. Villa was the long-awaited reveal of the new X-Men lineup!
The winner of the second annual X-Men Vote, which saw fans cast their votes earlier this year, was Firestar! The fiery super hero hasn’t always had the best relationship with her fellow mutants and is sure to shake things up as Gerry Duggan’s X-Men title enters its second year.
Also joining the roster alongside remaining members Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Synch will be Iceman, Havok, Forge, and Magik. With the Eternals waging war against mutantkind, the new lineup will jump right into action in next month’s X-Men #13, an A.X.E.: Judgement Day tie-in issue.
Featuring a grand-scale battle against the Hex, newly-awakened and mega-powerful Eternals, X-Men #13 will be drawn by artist C.F. Villa (Black Cat) who comes aboard as the series' new rotating main artist alongside fellow superstar Joshua Cassara (X-Force).
"Firestar didn't see the X-Men coming but I'm thrilled that she's here because commencing with X-Men: Hellfire Gala # 1 and moving on, her story is exactly what the X-Men will need this year," Duggan says. "If your favorite didn't win -- don't despair. Every character mentioned is a page from the handbook on the way up. Hope you enjoy year two. Viva Krakoa!"
Below, you can check out two newly revealed X-Men #13 covers by Martin Coccolo, a special design variant featuring Firestar’s new costume by Pepe Larraz, and the first of Russell Dauterman’s new trading card variant covers that will highlight the team’s new members. There's also some interior art by C.F. Villain. The issue goes on sale on August 17.