The X-Men franchise has gone through radical changes in the past few years. Compelling ideas such as the mutant nation of Krakoa, mutant resurrection, and other concepts have opened the door to countless story possibilities and garnered a dedicated fanbase. As these ideas are explored, the comics have progressed through this bold new era in different phases. These shifts in the meta-narrative have seen a variety of new comics and stories.
The latest phase for the X-Men comics is the ominous-sounding Fall of X that sees Marvel’s mutants on the brink of war. The comics will explore this from several directions as many long-stewing plot threads reach a conclusion.
Find out everything you need to know about this phase of X-Men comics. This extensive guide points out the comic books that are part of Fall of X and answers some of the questions you might have along the way.
Tables of Contents
- Updating…
- What is Fall of X?
- What should I read beforehand?
- What comics are part of Fall of X?
- Will there be more Fall of X titles?
Updating…
This is not the definitive guide on the Fall of X. Instead, it’s an evolving document. Marvel will introduce new comics through the phase; series already announced will get more information; and trade paperback collections will need to be added later. These will be added to the guide as they’re made available.
Like other guides on the site, this one will be updated regularly over the space of two years or more. I suggest bookmarking it so you can refer back to it over time.
What is Fall of X?
Fall of X is the fourth phase in the Krakoan Age of the X-Men comics. It’s not a comic book event, but several comics published from August 2023 onward under the same banner. While a part of it is marketing, allowing these comics to be grouped under a name, it also sees the next stage of the Krakoa era’s meta-narrative.
Story details are light at the moment. However, the name “Fall of X” and the above teaser image (referencing the classic Fall of the Mutants storyline) give a sense that everything built over the past few years could come crashing down.
Marvel has mentioned that plot threads from House of X/Powers of X will get a payoff. They didn’t mention specifics, but longtime readers can assume there will be a conclusion to long-brewing arcs like Orchis, Nimrod, and more.
Another characteristic of this phase is that – at least based on several launch titles – the X-Men comics will interact more with the wider Marvel Universe. Marvel has traditionally siloed the X-Men from the rest of the comics, opting to have fewer connections with them. Fall of X appears to buck this trend, overlapping with characters and concepts from Avengers, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Thor, Ghost Rider, and Alpha Flight.
What should I read beforehand?
If you’re brand new to the X-Men comics or haven’t read them in a while, you might wonder what background reading you should do. Below are a few reading recommendations that cover the larger Krakoa era meta-narrative.
Looking for background reading for a specific series? I’ll include those where I think it could be helpful in the title listings later.
House of X/Powers of X
Written by Jonathan Hickman. Art by Pepe Larraz and R.B Silva.
These duel miniseries are the foundation for the Krakoa era and introduce all the core concepts you’ll need to know. This includes the island nation of Krakoa, mutant resurrection, Orchis, and much more. While they have evolved throughout the Dawn of X, Reign of X, and Destiny of X phases, they’ll give you good starting knowledge.
Find out how to read House of X/Powers of X with this reading order.
X-Men: Before the Fall
X-Men: Before the Fall is several one-shots that help set up Fall of X. However, some of them act as a way to tie-up loose plot threads making them less of a good place to jump-on. Find more details about them below:
X-Men: Before The Fall – Sons of X
Written by Si Spurrier. Art by Phil Noto.
Sons of X ties up Legion of X and helps to set up plot points for Fall of X.
X-Men: Before The Fall – Heralds of Apocalypse
Written by Al Ewing. Art by Luca Pizzari.
Find out what Apocalypse has been up to since the conclusion of Swords of X.
X-Men: Before The Fall – Mutants First Strike
Written by Steve Orlando. Art by Valentina Pinti.
Mutants First Strike sees Jean Grey, Cyclops, and Bishop looking into a deadly mutant attack on a small town to discover a much deeper mystery.
X-Men: Before The Fall – Sinister Four
Written by Keiron Gillen. Art by Paco Medina.
Discover some of the fallout of Sins of Sinister and what’s next Sinister.
Free Comic Book Day 2023: Avengers/X-Men
Written by Gerry Duggan and Jonathan Hickman. Art by Joshua Cassara and Valerio Schiti.
Marvel gave readers a taste of what the new Uncanny Avengers series will be like as part of their Free Comic Book Day selection. You can read it for free online if you missed it. It also includes a preview of Jonathan Hickman and Valerio Schiti’s upcoming G.O.D.S. project.
Do you have to read everything?
No. You don’t have to read every comic part of Fall of X.
While Marvel would love it if you bought every comic, this publishing phase, like the previous ones, is written in a way where you don’t need to. Some comics may reference events of another series – usually if something major happens. However, each series focuses on its own stories, with its own tone and themes. Further to this, some comics will be more aligned with the overarching X-Men narrative. Others will go off in their own direction to explore concepts that are more tangential.
Note sure which ones you want to read? You could pick them up based on:
- The premise of the comic book series
- The writer(s) and artist(s) involved
- The characters featured
It’s your decision as to which Fall of X comics you decide to read. This guide has all of them listed in the next section for your convenience.
What comics are part of Fall of X?
The below section lists all of the comic book series that are part of Fall of X. Some of these are existing series, which have continued on from a previous phase, but many are new. By reading on, you’ll discover where to start reading these comics in the Fall of X phase, what they’re about, and plenty of other details. These are not listed in some strict reading order but are based on the launch date.
Hellfire Gala 2023
Written by Gerry Duggan. Art by Kris Anka, Joshua Cassara, Russell Dauterman, Adam Kubert, Pepe Larraz, R.B Silva, Luciano Vecchio, and others.
The 2023 edition of the Hellfire Gala is the official start of Fall of X. What happens in this one-shot has been intentionally left coy, both to shock readers and to avoid spoilers, but the events of it will send reverberations and help set up other X-Men comics.
Marvel has done a primer for those who are not up-to-date or need a refresher.
Also: It’s worth noting that Invincible Iron Man (2002 series) #8 ties into Hellfire Gala 2023. This comes out on the same day.
Hellfire Gala 2023 goes on sale 26th July.
X-Men #25
Written by Gerry Duggan. Art by Stefano Caselli.
X-Men is one of the flagship titles of the Fall of X phase and the one that’s closest to being a traditional superhero title. Following the Hellfire Gala, the team’s lineup will be shuffled with new members. This includes Kate Pryde, who’s going by the persona of “Shadowcat”.
X-Men #25 was published on 2nd August.
Astonishing Iceman #1 (of 5)
Written by Steve Orlando. Art by Vincenzo Carratù.
Since the 1990s, storylines have focused on how Iceman is an omega-level mutant that hasn’t used his gifts to the best of his ability. In Astonishing Iceman, readers will finally see him live up to his potential.
This solo series, spinning out of the Hellfire Club 2023 special, will feature a new base of operations, inventive uses of Iceman’s powers, and never-before-seen foes. These will all push Iceman to his limit and position him as one of the most powerful mutants. However, this will also have a dark side effect that could threaten his mission.
Astonishing Iceman #1 was published on August 2nd.
Immortal X-Men #14
Written by Kieron Gillen. Art by Lucas Werneck.
Immortal X-Men is a series that focuses on the mutant dramas of the Quiet Council, the decision-makers for mutantkind. The solicitation for this jumping-on point is light-on. However, it’s clear that things are not going well.
TO ME, MY NO ONE. In IMMORTAL X-MEN #14, witness the X-Men’s founder at his lowest. Xavier had a dream. Now he has nothing. He fell. He fell furthest.
Immortal X-Men #14 was published on 9th August.
Children of the Vault #1 (of 4)
Written by Deniz Camp. Art by Luca Maresca.
The Children of the Vault are a group of post-human villains who have used time displacement to fast-track evolution. They originally appeared in Mike Carey’s X-Men run in the mid-late 2000s but were brought back from obscurity by Jonathan Hickman for the Krakoa era.
We’ll see even more of them in this series, with Cable and Bishop deciding the best way to deal with these villains is to take them head-on.
For those who want to read up on the Children of the Vault should check out the following comics:
- X-Men (1991 series) #188-193
- X-Men: Legacy #238-241
- X-Men (2019 series) #5, #18-19
- X-Men (2021 series) #16-18
Children of the Vault #1 was published on 9th August.
Uncanny Avengers #1 (of 5)
Written by Gerry Duggan. Art by Javier Garron.
Uncanny Avengers is a team book consisting of members of the X-Men and Avengers to form the Avengers’ Unity Squad. Working together, they will try to figure out the identity of the new Captain Krakoa (formally an identity held by Cyclops) – who’s coordinating in false-flag attacks and leading an army into a new world war.
The team will include Captain America, Rogue, Deadpool, Quicksilver, Psylocke, and Penance.
Uncanny Avengers #1 was published on 16th August.
X-Men Red #14
Written by Al Ewing. Art by Yildiray Cinar.
As revealed in 2021’s Hellfire Gala that the X-Men had terraformed Mars. It’s now home to the Arraki, the ancestors of the mutants. X-Men Red explores the ins and outs of the planet. However, after a revelation in 2023’s Hellfire Gala special, it appears the planet is on the brink of a civil war.
X-Men Red #14 was published on 16th August.
Dark X-Men #1 (of 5)
Written by Steve Foxe. Art by Jonas Scharf.
The X-Men various villains were offered an amnesty when the island nation of Krakoa was established. While many have turned over a new leaf, some cannot let old habits die or see opportunities to put their questionable methods to good use. Madelyne Pryor is one of those who will lead a team of ex-villains to help out mutantkind.
The series will feature Madelyne Pryor, Havok, Archangel, Gambit, Azazel, Zero, Albert, and Emplate. It will also introduce Gimmick, a new character recently introduced in the Marvel’s Voices: Pride 2023 special.
Dark X-Men #1 was published on 18th August.
Alpha Flight #1 (of 5)
Written Ed Brisson. Art by Scott Godlewski.
Alpha Flight has had connections with the X-Men come and go over the years. At the moment, it appears the premier Canadian superhero team is connected to Marvel’s mutants – even if they happen to be against them during Fall of X. This, however, will have personal stakes as the team will face former mutant teammates and friends.
The series will feature regulars Guardian, Puck, Snowbird, and Shaman on the team and Aurora, Northstar, and Nemesis on the mutant side.
Alpha Flight #1 was published on 16th August.
X-Force #43
Written by Benjamin Percy. Art by Robert Gill.
In the Krakoan era of X-Men comics, X-Force has acted as the counter-intelligence agency for mutantkind, eliminating threats before they become a problem. Issue #43 sees a team shakeup led by Colossus and featuring Deadpool, Wolverine (Laura Kinney), Omega Red, Domino, and Black Tom Cassidy.
X-Force #43 was published on 23rd August.
Ghost Rider/Wolverine: Weapons of Vengeance
Written by Benjamin Percy. Art by Geoff Shaw.
Wolverine begins the Fall of X with a crossover with Ghost Rider, another series that’s penned by Wolverine scribe Benjamin Percy.
A demonic serial killer is targeting mutants and it will take the combined forces of Ghost Rider and Wolverine to stop them in this four-part crossover.
Check out our reading order checklist to find out how to read Ghost Rider/Wolverine: Weapons of Vengeance.
Ghost Rider/Wolverine: Weapons of Vengeance begins on 9th August and concludes in September.
Invincible Iron Man #9
Written by Gerry Duggan. Art by Juan Frigeri.
At first glance, Iron Man being part of the X-Men line may seem weird. However, the title has been moving that way since it was launched. Feilong, a member of Orchis and a primary villain in this Kraoka era, has taken over Stark Unlimited and is using Stark tech to build mutant-hunting sentinels. With that in mind and the fact it’s written by X-Men scribe Gerry Duggan, Tony Stark’s adventures look to be aligned with the X-Men for a little while.
Invincible Iron Man #9 will be the first issue in this new shift in the series, which will also see Tony Stark making a new alliance with Emma Frost.
This issue will also introduce a new stealth armour.
Invincible Iron Man #9 was published on 23rd August.
Deadpool #10
Written by Alyssa Wong. Art by Luigi Zagaria.
Deadpool joins the Fall of X phase of X-Men comics. However, it’ll be brief with this issue also being the final of this particular run.
This issue involves romance, secret societies, and glass arms.
Deadpool #10 was published on 23rd August.
Collected edition:
Deadpool by Alyssa Wong Volume 2
Collects: Deadpool (2022 series) #6-10
Jean Grey #1 (of 4)
Written by Louise Simonson. Art by Bernard Chang.
Using the shocking events of the 2023 Hellfire Gala as a backdrop, Jean Grey reflects on her past to help find the answers on how she save Krakoa in the present.
Marvel has brought back classic X-Men creators in recent years for nostalgia-driven stories set during a specific time in a character’s publication history. However, what sets this one apart is that it also ties into current events. This allows the series to be less of a nostalgia-fest for older readers and something that is more character-driven as a result.
Jean Grey #1 was published on 23rd August.
Realm of X #1 (of 4)
Written by Torunn Grønbekk. Art by Diógenes Neves.
Magik, Mirage, Marrow, Dust, and Typhoid Mary have found themselves stranded in the realm of Vanaheim – one of the ten realms seen in Thor comics. The unlikely group will need to band together if they will want to fulfil the local’s prophecy, survive the mysterious figure that’s amassing power on the outskirts of the realm, and get home in one piece.
Realm of X #1 was published on 23rd August.
Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant
Written by Iman Vellani and Sabir Pirzada. Art by Carlos Gómez and Adam Gorham.
After her shocking “death”, Ms. Marvel has been incorporated into the X-Men franchise. This series, co-written by Iman Vellani, the MCU’s Kamala Khan, will the explore her coming to grips with her new identity in a world where mutants are hated and feared.
Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant #1 was published on 30th August.
Uncanny Spider-Man #1 (of 5)
Written by Si Spurrier. Art by Lee Garbett.
There’s a new Spider-Man in New York City – Nightcrawler.
After barely escaping the event of the Hellfire Gala, Nightcrawler has relocated to New York City and given himself a new mission. Expect plenty of swashbuckling action as he faces Spidey’s rogues’ gallery and potentially finds love. There is also a long-simmering mystery around his mother Mystique that needs to be solved.
Uncanny Spider-Man #1 was published on 6th September.
Wolverine #37
Written by Benjamin Percy. Art by Juan Jose Ryp.
While the crossover with Ghost Rider (se above) was the first Wolverine story in the Fall of X phase, Wolverine #37 kicks it off proper by picking up on existing story threads. Wolverine will tour the Marvel Universe to hunt down three deadly Wolverine clones. Expect plenty of Marvel heroes in this story arc, with the Hulk appearing in this issue. Other heroes will include Captain America and Black Panther in subsequent issues.
Wolverine #37 was published on 20th September.
X-Men #26/Invincible Iron Man #10
Written by Gerry Duggan. Art by Stefano Caselli and Juan Frigeri.
This is a two-part crossover between X-Men and Invincible Iron Man that details the wedding of Emma Frost and Tony Stark.
Read X-Men #26 and then Invincible Iron Man #10 to get the full story.
X-Men #26 was published on 6th September and Invincible Iron Man #10 on 27th September.
X-Men Blue: Origins
Written by Si Spurrier. Art by Will Santos.
Nightcrawler’s background has been messy, with various writers adding details to it over the years. This one-shot promises to give the definite origin story for the character.
X-Men Blue: Origins will be a good companion to Uncanny Spider-Man, which also stars Nightcrawler.
X-Men Blue: Origins goes on sale 29th November, 2023.
Fall of the House of X/Rise of the Powers of X
Written by Gerry Duggan and Keiron Gillen. Art by Lucas Werneck and R.B Silva.
The entire Krakoa era is coming full circle. Where it began with House of X/Powers of X interconnected miniseries, it will end with Fall of the House of X/Rise of the Powers of X. Each will be the culmination of years of stories and conclude what Jonathan Hickman started back in 2019.
Both series will be five issues each and weave in with each other. Fall of the House of X will be set in the present day and will see the X-Men taking on Orchis. Rise of the Powers of X is set in a future where Orchis has won and Omega Sentinal and Nimrod are attempting to summon the binary god so they can find accession.
Fall of the House of X #1 goes on sale 3rd January 2024 and Rise of the Power of X #1 on 10th January 2024.
Resurrection of Magneto #1 (of 4)
Written by Al Ewing. Art by Luciano Vecchio.
Resurrection of Magneto is a four-part tie-in series to Fall of the House of X. This focuses on Storm, who’s on a quest to resurrect Magneto so he can fight alongside the mutants against Orchis.
Magneto died in the A.X.E.: Judgment Day event. However, due to circumstances, he cannot be brought back the Krakoan way. Storm is going to have to do it the hard way!
Resurrection of Magneto #1 goes on sale 25th January 2024.
Dead X-Men #1 (of 4)
Written by Steve Foxe. Art by Vincenzo Carratu, Bernard Chang, and Jonas Scharf.
Acting as a Fall of the House of X tie-in, this series sees a team of mutants sent by Professor X into the past to help shape the current war with Orchis. They will visit key moments that have shaped the Krakoa age, hoping to change them in their favour. We’ll see how that goes, as the X-Men don’t have the best track record when it comes to time-travel.
Marvel have intentionally kept the line-up of the team vague, promising to reveal it at a later date.
Dead X-Men #1 goes on sale 31st January.
Cable #1 (of 4)
Written by Fabian Ncezia. Art by Scott Eaton.
Another series that ties into Fall of the House of X. Old Cable and young Cable team-up to wage their own front against Orchis. At the same time, they’ll be facing a new threat known as Neocracy. Also, as it’s Cable, expect time-travel and big guns.
Writer Fabian Ncezia is no stranger to Cable, having written plenty of the character during the 1990s in the pages of X-Force and later on in the Cable & Deadpool series in the 2000s.
Cable #1 goes on sale 17th January.
New X-Men
Written and art by TBA.
We’ll find out more about what this series is in November. However, it’s worth noting that typeface used for the logo is the same one used for the classic mid-90s event Age of Apocalypse. It could also be something Marvel is teasing that will come after Fall of X.
Will there be more Fall of X titles?
It’s hard to tell if there will be anymore Fall of X titles. My feeling is that there won’t be as Fall of the House of X/Rise of the Powers of X is meant to be the ending of the Krakoa era of X-Men comics. Anything announced now will tie into those series.
There will be more X-Men comics in the future. However, they won’t be part of this publishing initiative.
Have your say!
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