by Kevin Gaussoin, Editor-in-Chief

Sure, the X-books have complemented each other since the early days of there being more than one X-book at a time (So, 1982?) but never moreso than since the dawn of “The Krakoan Age” (2019 to present). Now the mutant paradise Krakoa has been fouled by Mister Sinister’s clones, Colossus’ brother, the global mutant-hating organization Orchis, and the rest of the usual cast of opportunist haters like Nimrod. So now since the truly effed-up events of the 2023 Hellfire Gala (go read it if you haven’t), the remaining mutants from Marvel Earth are either off world or in hiding. This sounds bad for our heroes, anti-heroes, and allied mutant would-be villains, but this week, things might be turning around. 

This week I couldn’t decide which of these to review, as they’re all good and important to the overall Fall of X story, so please enjoy some brief spoiler-free reviews of the Fall of X comics for October 4, 2023…

Official Description:
Immortal X-Men #16 “Apocalypse When”
Xavier holds a lone vigil among the ruins of Krakoa. Selene and Shaw, both of whom sold out their mutant brethren in favor of their own interests, have aligned with Orchis and are circling the island, seeking to plunder the once prosperous mutant nation. Meanwhile, Exodus, Hope and Destiny are stranded in a desert — but where they are and where they’re headed, they do not know. The only certainty is that they must keep moving forward and continue to protect the thousands of mutant refugees who follow them — including Mother Righteous, who they recently rescued from a pack of feral Wolverines. In thanks for their help, Mother Righteous has led them to an oasis: the Atlantic Krakoa! But while the mutants are overjoyed at this much needed respite, there are still monsters lurking in the desert…

I know, I know, “a pack of feral Wolverines”? What happened to Hickman’s beautiful writing for Krakoan age? As eye-rollingly absurd as some components are, this story really seems to be turning back around. So what is with this endless desert that our mutants are wandering? It’s clearly not Arakko/Mars, so where are they? After what only seems like forty years, we finally learn where they’ve been this whole time, and this story just got hot. How hot?

Rating:
ComicsOnline gives Immortal X-Men #16 4/5 revelations. 

Official Description:
X-Force #45 “A Slip of the Pen”
X-Force is in disarray. For some time, Colossus has been in the thrall of his brother, Mikhail, forced to do his bidding via the power of the Chronicler. At the Hellfire Gala, Colossus was forced to betray his team, leading Wolverine, Omega Red and Quentin Quire into Mikhail’s extradimensional prison. Deadpool, defying orders, wandered off. Domino discovered Colossus’ ploy in the nick of time and was able to warn Sage and Black Tom to avoid capture. Now, in a world where Orchis has outlawed mutants, the remnants of X-Force are attempting to rescue their teammates. A mysterious ring Domino recovered from an associate of Mikhail may hold the key. But Mikhail has a new plan in motion…

We’ve watched Chronicler write Colossus’ story under the thumb of Mikhail. Mikhail’s new plan is to start using Chronicler to infiltrate Orchis. “Perfect,” thinks Chronicler, and begins to write his way out. 

As with all the X-books over the past five years or so, X-Force has been the best version of itself of all time. X-Force has taken what were often cheap flat characters in unending overmuscled sexy action poses and gotten various lineups of the band back together with greater depth of character than ever before. I mean, not always, because Deadpool, but overall. And besides, we love Deadpool even when he is a caricature of himself. Which is not right now. Mostly. That pool scene was weird.

This issue features Doctor Strange (please also read GODS this week) and what looks to be a nifty blacklight cover. 

Rating:
ComicsOnline gives X-Force #45 3/5 trips to the Doctor. 

Official Description:
X-Men #27 “Road Trip”
In the wake of the devastating Orchis attack at the Hellfire Gala that resulted in the disappearance of thousands of mutants, Synch and Talon have stepped up to lead what remains of the X-Men. Joined by Ms. Marvel, whose mutant status was only recently discovered, Rasputin IV, a sinister mutant-chimera from the future, and Kate Pryde, adopting her former moniker as Shadowkat, their mission is to save every mutant that they can — no matter what it takes.

Have you been reading Fantastic Four? Do you love Ms. Marvel? Do you think that a warrior chimera mutant from the future might lack diplomacy skills required to ask the FF for important intel? Are you of the mind that even though Phil Noto is one of modern comics’ greatest artists he may seem to not like drawing The Thing? I think you are right on all counts. 

This issue also has some great scenes with Juggernaut and Firestar and ends with just the right amount of tension. You’re gonna be eager for the next issue.

Rating:
ComicsOnline gives X-Men #27 4/5 stretchy high-fives.

That’s your Fall of X X-books for this week. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did. Next week’s Fall of X reportedly features X-Men Red and Wolverine. and those have been excellent as well. See you then!

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