Exceptional X-Men

Last updated
Exceptional X-Men
Exceptional X-Men issue one.jpg
The cover to Exceptional X-Men #1, with art by Carmen Carnero and colors by Nolan Woodard.
Publication information
Publisher Marvel Comics
ScheduleMonthly
Format Ongoing series
Genre Superhero
Publication dateSeptember 2024 – present
Main character(s) Kitty Pryde
Emma Frost
Axo
Bronze
Melee
Iceman
Creative team
Written by Eve Ewing
Artist(s)Carmen Carnero
Letterer(s) Joe Sabino
Colorist(s) Nolan Woodard
Editor(s) Tom Brevoort

Exceptional X-Men is an American superhero comic book series published by Marvel Comics. The series focuses on Kitty Pryde and Emma Frost as they adapt to life after the Krakoan Age and try to mentor three new mutants, Axo, Melee, and Bronze.

Contents

The ongoing series is written by Eve Ewing with art by Carmen Carnero. The first issue was released in September 2024 as part of the X-Men: From the Ashes publishing initiative which relaunched the X-Men line.

Publication history

In March 2024, the X-Men: From the Ashes initiative was announced, with three core titles: X-Men by Jed MacKay and Ryan Stegman, Uncanny X-Men by Gail Simone and David Marquez, and Exceptional X-Men by Eve Ewing and Carmen Carnero. [1] [2] [3] The book would be centered around Kitty Pryde and Emma Frost mentoring three new mutants after the fall of Krakoa. Per Ewing: "Longtime fans of Kitty Pryde can count on the kinds of adventures you expect from her as a classic favorite, while I hope new and old readers alike will get to love this all-new team of young mutants. Kitty, the one-time kid sister figure of the X-Men, has to reckon with her own memories—good and bad—of being a child of Xavier as she navigates a role as leader and mentor for a new generation of mutants who are trying to make their way in a time of crisis." [4]

In May 2024, more information was revealed, including the main cover. [5] Per Carmen Carnero: "The story Eve brought up really hooked me from the beginning. I found it very interesting to see Kitty away from the X-Men and trying to live a normal life in Chicago, but finding herself with young mutants who have to deal with this post-Krakoa world and Emma's plans."

In September 2024, Marvel released more information about the three new mutants, Bronze, Axo, and Melee, [6] [7] [8] as well as a trailer for the new series that revealed Iceman would be an incoming main character. [9] [10]

Plot summary

Katherine "Kitty" Pryde is working as a bartendar at Lulu's Tavern in Chicago, trying to forget about her actions during the Fall of X. While trying to go on a date with a woman named Nina, Kitty ends up saving the life of a young mutant named Trista Marshall (who can turn her skin and hair into a bronze-like metal). Emma Frost telepathically notices this and resolves to get involved. In a special bonus page, Bobby Drake gets on a flight to Chicago. [11] Later on, as Kitty and Nina have their first date at a high school baseball game, a fight breaks out involving two more young mutants, Thao Tran (who can turn invisible and intangible) and Alex Luna (whose skin changes color and causes people nearby to confess their secrets and vulnerabilities). Kitty helps them escape and then helps Thao when she gets stuck with her powers. She gives them Trista's phone number so that they can connect, but when all three show up at her apartment, Emma Frost also arrives and mind controls them to follow her. [12] Kitty gets Emma to stop mind controlling them by fighting her, but Kitty's roommate arrives home to stop them fighting any further. A conversation between all of them results in deciding that they will co-mentor the three new mutants at a nearby dance studio. During their first class, Trista tells Thao and Alex that she thought up new code names for them: Bronze for Trista, Melee for Thao, and Axo for Alex. Emma arrives to give them their new X-Men uniforms, which Kitty objects to, but they are both interrupted by the arrival of Iceman. [13]

Reception

AiPT gave the first issue an 8.5 out of 10 and wrote, "The book is funny, sweet, and airy – there is no expositional burden, only straightforward emotional grounding and driving action." [14] The Beat stated it was "easily the best of the From The Ashes X-title of the trio." [15] But Why Tho? gave the first issue five stars and wrote, "a beautiful book in both art and writing, with a genuine heart and growing towards something crazier." [16]

AiPT gave the second issue a 9 out of 10 and wrote that it's "another home run issue, further showing that this teen-focused X-Men book has all the DNA of classic X-Men greatness." [17] Graphic Policy gave it an 8 out of 10 and wrote that it "continues to be a delightful slice of life title." [18] The Comic Spot wrote that it "continues its trend of being a serious, yet fun series." [19]

ComicWatch gave the third issue an 8.8 out of 10. [20] Graphic Policy gave it an 8.5 out of 10 and wrote "[w]ith its small, tightknit cast and lack of missions/fight for the sake of fights, Exceptional X-Men is a breath of fresh air in the mutant/superhero space." [21] AiPT gave it a 7.5 out of 10 and wrote that it "delivers a satisfying mix of heartfelt character dynamics, genuine conflict, and compelling teenage mutant drama," but that the "pacing feels uneven." [22]

ScreenRant commented on the fact that Kitty Pryde was finally able to be canonically bisexual and go on dates with women. "It is very exciting that Kitty Pryde's queerness was cemented on-panel in the first issue of this new series (thank you, Eve Ewing!), since she has such a long history of queer subtext, especially during the beloved Claremont era. Hopefully, Kitty's newest era post-Krakoa will give her time and space to explore her sexuality and potentially even get into a relationship with a woman, a development that would interest fans everywhere." [23]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">X-Men</span> Comic book superhero team

The X-Men are a superhero team in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the team first appeared in The X-Men #1. Although initially cancelled in 1970 due to low sales, following its 1975 revival and subsequent direction under writer Chris Claremont, it became one of Marvel's most recognizable and successful franchises. They have appeared in numerous books, television shows, 20th Century Fox's X-Men films, and video games. The X-Men title may refer to the superhero team itself, the eponymous comic series, or the broader franchise, which includes various solo titles and team books, such as the New Mutants, Excalibur, and X-Force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Magneto (Marvel Comics)</span> Fictional character appearing in Marvel Comics publications and related media

Magneto is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly in association with the X-Men. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The X-Men #1 as an adversary of the X-Men.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kitty Pryde</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Katherine Anne "Kitty" Pryde is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly in association with the X-Men. The character first appeared in The Uncanny X-Men #129 and was co-created by writer-artist John Byrne and writer Chris Claremont. A mutant, Pryde possesses a "phasing" ability that allows her to pass through objects, hence she is intangible while using this ability. This power also disrupts any electrical field she passes through, and lets her simulate levitation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emma Frost</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Emma Grace Frost is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist/co-writer John Byrne, the character first appeared in The Uncanny X-Men #129. She belongs to a subspecies of humans called mutants who are born with superhuman abilities. Her mutation grants her high-level telepathic abilities and the power to turn into organic diamond. Emma Frost has evolved from a supervillain and foe of the X-Men to becoming a superhero and one of the team's most central members and leaders. The character has also been known as the White Queen and the Black King at various points in her history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marauders (comics)</span> Group of fictional characters

The Marauders refers to one of two teams of fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The original Marauders team included mutant warriors and assassins employed by the X-Men's enemy Mister Sinister, a mad scientist villain often intent on creating a perfect race of superhumans. At different times, the Marauders have been tasked by Sinister to perform kidnappings, assassinations, mass murder, or simply fight Sinister's enemies. At different times, Marauders have been killed in combat, but often Mr. Sinister later uses his cloning technology to re-create them. This team of Marauders has appeared in many different stories of the X-Men franchise, as well as stories featuring other Marvel Comics heroes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Callisto (comics)</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Callisto is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Paul Smith, the character first appeared in The Uncanny X-Men #169. She belongs to a subspecies of humans known as mutants, who are born with superhuman abilities. She is also known under the codename White Knight.

Cassandra Nova Xavier is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, most commonly in association with the X-Men. Created by writer Grant Morrison and artist Frank Quitely, the character first appeared in New X-Men #114. She is a mummudrai, a parasitic life form born bodiless on the astral plane.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rockslide (character)</span> Comics character

Rockslide is a fictional mutant superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character has been depicted as a member of the X-Men, and a student in the Xavier Institute and a member of the former Hellions squad therein. After M-Day, he was one of only 28 students to retain his powers. He is best friends with Julian Keller (Hellion) and is extremely close to and protective of Cessily Kincaid (Mercury). Despite his earlier appearances as a stereotypical bully, he has evolved into a good-natured and fiercely protective friend to most of the school's students.

X-Men: Deadly Genesis is a comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics from 2006. The series was written by Ed Brubaker with interior art done by Trevor Hairsine and covers by Marc Silvestri. Starring the X-Men, this series celebrates the 30th anniversary of Giant-Size X-Men #1. The plot deals with the X-Men looking for Professor Charles Xavier, who went missing after House of M, as well as their conflict with a new and incredibly powerful mutant.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Krakoa</span> Fictional living island appearing in Marvel Comics

Krakoa is a fictional living island appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. It first appeared in Giant-Size X-Men #1 and was created by Len Wein and Dave Cockrum. Initially depicted as an antagonist, Krakoa has since grown into a sentient habitat for the mutant nation that shares its name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">S.W.O.R.D.</span> Fictional comic book agency

S.W.O.R.D. is a fictional counterterrorism and intelligence agency appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Its purpose is to deal with extraterrestrial threats to world security and is the space-based counterpart of S.H.I.E.L.D., which deals with local threats to the world.

<i>X-Men</i> (comic book) Ongoing American comic book series

X-Men is an ongoing American comic book series featuring the titular team of superheroes, published by Marvel Comics, beginning in September 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jimmy Hudson</span> Comics character

Jimmy Hudson is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character appears in the Ultimate Marvel universe and is the son of Ultimate Wolverine. After the Secret Wars, he is now a resident in the Marvel Prime Universe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dawn of X</span> Comics event

"Dawn of X" is a 2019 relaunch of the X-Men line of comic books published by Marvel Comics in the wake of the twin miniseries House of X and Powers of X and is the first phase of the Krakoan Age. This initiative culminated in the crossover event X of Swords, which was followed by a sequel relaunch named "Reign of X" in December 2020.

<i>House of X</i> and <i>Powers of X</i> Comic books

House of X and Powers of X are two 2019 comic book miniseries published by Marvel Comics featuring the X-Men by writer Jonathan Hickman and artists Pepe Larraz, R. B. Silva, and Marte Gracia. Both books are part of a crossover storyline within the Marvel Universe that lead to the "Dawn of X" relaunch and started the Krakoan Age.

<i>Marauders</i> (comic book) Ongoing Marvel Comics since 2019

Marauders was the title of two ongoing comic book series starring the X-Men published by Marvel Comics beginning in 2019 during the Krakoan Age.

<i>Hellfire Gala</i> 2021 Marvel Comics storyline

"Hellfire Gala" was initially a 12-part X-Men comic book storyline published by Marvel Comics in June 2021. It is the first storyline featured in the "Reign of X" relaunch after the "X of Swords" storyline. Krakoa opens its gates to non-mutants to celebrate mutant culture at an evening party. The gala unveiled the new team of X-Men and showcased the terraforming of Mars into Planet Arrako.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">X-Men: From the Ashes</span> Comics event

X-Men: From the Ashes is a 2024 relaunch of the X-Men line of comic books published by Marvel Comics that follows the end of the "Krakoan Age" storyline.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Krakoan Age</span> Four part X-Men publishing initiative from 2019 to 2024

The Krakoan Age was a series of X-Men storylines published by Marvel Comics from 2019 to 2024. The Krakoan Age began with the Jonathan Hickman limited series House of X and Powers of X and it consists of four major publishing initiatives: Dawn of X, Reign of X, Destiny of X and Fall of X. These phases were interspersed with crossover and event storylines. The Krakoan Age spans "more than 500 issues of X-Men comic books" published "across more than 80 different series". The subsequent publishing initiative, X-Men: From the Ashes, relaunched the X-Men line in a post-Krakoan Age.

<i>Resurrection of Magneto</i> Marvel Comics limited series

Resurrection of Magneto is a four-issue comic book limited series written by Al Ewing and drawn by Luciano Vecchio, published by Marvel Comics in 2024 and starring Storm and Magneto. It was part of the Fall of X storyline during the Krakoan Age of the X-Men.

References

  1. ↑ "The Future of the X-Men Revealed". www.marvel.com. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  2. ↑ Chiu-Tabet, Christopher (2024-03-14). "Marvel Unveils Initial 'X-Men: From the Ashes' Series". Multiversity Comics. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  3. ↑ Gebel, Dustin (2024-03-15). "The X-Men Rise From the Ashes and Spread Out in First Look at Post-Krakoa Titles". Comic Watch. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  4. ↑ Dar, Taimur (2024-05-09). "New generation of mutants arrive in EXCEPTIONAL X-MEN". The Beat. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  5. ↑ "Kitty Pryde and Emma Frost Keep the Next Generation of Mutantkind Alive in 'Exceptional X-Men'". www.marvel.com. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  6. ↑ Brooke, David (2024-07-16). "Meet three of the 'Exceptional X-Men' ahead of their September 2024 debut". AiPT. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  7. ↑ Schlesinger, Alex (2024-07-17). "X-Men Officially Reveals Codenames & Powers of 2024's New Mutant Students". ScreenRant. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  8. ↑ Adams, Tim (2024-07-16). "Exceptional X-Men Reveals Character Descriptions for New Mutants Axo, Bronze, and Melee". ComicBook.com. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  9. ↑ "Kitty Pryde and Emma Frost Guide the Next Generation of Mutantkind in the 'Exceptional X-Men' #1 Trailer". www.marvel.com. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  10. ↑ Brooke, David (2024-09-04). "Iceman joins the 'Exceptional X-Men' in new issue #1 trailer". AiPT. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  11. ↑ Ewing, Eve (2024-09-04). Exceptional X-Men #1. Marvel Comics.
  12. ↑ Ewing, Eve (2024-10-09). Exceptional X-Men #1. Marvel Comics.
  13. ↑ Ewing, Eve (2024-11-20). Exceptional X-Men #3. Marvel Comics.
  14. ↑ Moon, Colin (2024-09-04). "Exceptional X-Men #1 review". AiPT. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  15. ↑ Q, Beau (2024-09-04). "The Marvel Rundown: EXCEPTIONAL X-MEN #1 leads by example". The Beat. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  16. ↑ Tucker, William (2024-09-04). "Exceptional X-Men (2024) #1 Review". But Who Tho?. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  17. ↑ Brooke, David (2024-10-09). "Exceptional X-Men #2 review". AiPT. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  18. ↑ Dalton, Logan (2024-10-13). "Mini Reviews: Sentinels, Exceptional X-Men, Ultimates, Public Domain, and Action Comics". Graphic Policy. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  19. ↑ Wright, Theodis (2024-10-09). "Mutantkind Refuses To Leave Kitty Alone In This Review Of Exceptional X-Men #2". The Comic Book Spot. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  20. ↑ Radtz, B. (2024-11-20). "Exceptional X-Men #3: HEY TEACHERS! LEAVE THEM KIDS ALONE!". Comic Watch. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  21. ↑ Dalton, Logan (2024-11-24). "Mini Reviews: Exceptional X-Men, The Power Fantasy, Godzilla Rivals: SpaceGodzilla vs. King Ghidorah, The Question: All Along the Watchtower". Graphic Policy. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  22. ↑ Brooke, David (2024-11-20). "Exceptional X-Men #3 review". AiPT. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
  23. ↑ Schlesinger, Alex (2024-09-29). "X-Men's Kitty Pryde Is Finally Being Allowed To Explore Her Sexuality". ScreenRant. Retrieved 2024-12-13.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.