By Allison Senecal - So, you have a brave new world. Now what do you do with it? This is the question facing the X-Men at Marvel Comics. This summer, writer Jonathan Hickman and artists Pepe Larraz and R.B. Silva with colorist Marte Garcia basically overhauled the X-Men line with the 12-weeks straight mostly alternating mini-series, House of X and Powers of X, easily the biggest thing in superhero comics all year. 

Some of what I’m writing here today will still be pure speculation, as House of X and Powers of X have yet to wrap (and won’t for another 3 weeks), but using the information we do have, let’s get y’all ready for DAWN OF X. This line-wide relaunch is promising to be a bold new direction, spear-headed by writer Jonathan Hickman himself, and it features the creative chops of some fan-favorite Marvel veterans like Gerry Duggan, as well as newer faces such as Tini Howard (fresh off signing Marvel exclusive).

In today’s get hyped, I’m going to look at the six new series that make up the Dawn of X relaunch, and, of course, why we should all be very excited about each of them! 

X-Men by Jonathan Hickman and Leinil Francis Yu 

Oh? The Summers brothers on the cover? All (for now) of the Summers brothers on the cover? Rachel, is that you? If you’re a big Summers family fan like moi, that’s enough to get you pick this baby up, but Hickman has said this will be a launchpad for other series, arcs, and concepts...so expect a somewhat rotating cast. I do hope the Summerseses get to stick around (either here or elsewhere), but I love the idea of a more nebulous flagship. Cyclops, Magneto, Polaris, and Storm are set to feature in the debut issue, so really who knows what this book will look like. Still, it’s the new X-Men flagship title, and Hickman is penning it, which is reason enough to look forward to this one. The cherry on top is Yu getting to give Cyclops that sexy Captain America treatment. 

First Issue Drops: October 16, 2019

Marauders by Gerry Duggan and Matteo Lolli

I don’t remember the last time I saw Emma, Ororo, and Kitty together, but this should be spicy as heck, and that’s before you add Pyro (of the St. John variety). The Hellfire Trading Company? What’s up with that? The mission statement is still a big mystery, but the roster and teases we’ve seen so far have already sold me. Kitty has a broken nose and is double-wielding a sword and dagger (and kneecapping Orchis grunts). Emma has new gloves. Bishop is just here to have a good time. Lolli’s art is always super fun and a fantastic fit for this. I’ve loved a lot of Duggan’s work too, so I’m hoping this is bombastic. 

First Issue Drops: October 23, 2019

Excalibur by Tini Howard and Marcus To 

Right off the bat, Betsy Braddock is now Captain Britain, so pick this up for her alone. We’ll get that the details on that and more, including, according to Howard, the story behind mutant magic. This is a really eclectic team, with Apocalypse (yes, that one) joining Cap, Rictor, Jubilee, Rogue, and Gambit. Rictor is an interesting choice (and a mutant who could use some positive exposure), and I’m looking forward to seeing how Howard will utilize him. Marcus To is on art, and he’s a personal favorite, especially for the way that he nails character moments (and good butts). The Otherworld and Morgan le Fay will feature early on, so expect a ton of fun. I’m very curious how this series in particular will fit with the new Krakoa status quo, since nothing really jumps out. 

First Issue Drops: October 30, 2019

New Mutants by Jonathan Hickman, Ed Brisson, and Rod Reis 

I can not imagine a more inspired artist choice for a New Mutants relaunch than Rod &$%#ing Reis. WOW. The classic team, led by Dani Moonstar, are all here with Chamber and Mondo added for some Generation X flavor. Looks like the kids are headed to spaaaaaaaaaaace for some quality time with the Starjammers and maybe a conflict or two with Gladiator. Oh, and ostensibly to find Cannonball and tell him about the new mutant state. Magik’s boob window is gone. Sunspot and Wolfsbane are alive. Hickman is writing the first arc, which makes me think this is either laying some extremely important groundwork or he just really missed writing Sam and Bobby. Hickman taking a close personal interest in my absolute favorite Marvel team: a dream come true at this point. 

First Issue Drops: November 6, 2019

X-Force by Benjamin Percy and Joshua Cassara 

X-Force may be the first of the new series we have a fairly clear mission statement for (per House of X #5). Is this going to be the team that tracks recently dead mutants and hunts down their killers? Very possible. Cassara is a supremely underrated artist and his work can have a real visceral action feel depending on the colorist, so I’m looking forward to seeing what he does with this. Hopefully Percy is motivated and focused with this project, because when he’s on, he’s on, and I think the new tech angle here will suit him well. Seeing Jean on an X-Force team is maybe the most interesting thing here, as well as the inclusion of Sage, which I love. I’m also intrigued by how well they’ll get on with Domino, if they do at all. Colossus is here too! And while I’m hoping to see Beast in a more diplomatic capacity, this is a good place for him. Should be a fun one, and a different X-Force than we’re used to seeing. 

First Issue Drops: November 6, 2019

Fallen Angels by Bryan Edward Hill and Szymon Kudranski 

Finally, I have an inkling that Fallen Angels is where the mutants who push back against the new Krakoan nation are going to...fall. Kwannon, X-23, and young Cable could certainly all have very good reasons to not be gung-ho about cloning and husk-filling. I was immediately ecstatic to see Kwannon somewhere and not just shunted aside once Betsy was back to her own body. Hill should be a great fit for her, as he’s done a stellar job writing some stabby ladies in Batman and the Outsiders over at DC. I know it’s close to X-treason nowadays, but I’ll be happy to see Laura sans Gabby for a bit as well. Kudranski looks like he’s leveled up his artwork, if early previews are any indication. Some of the panels have been downright horror-esque, so I am definitely curious about this book’s direction. 

First Issue Drops: November 13, 2019

Well, there you have it. Six really good-looking books so far, and more to come, with possible announcements from New York Comic Con. Open those wallets folks, and thank your new gods, because the future of the X-line is bright. 

Allison buys books professionally and comics unprofessionally. You can find her chaotic neutral Twitter feed at @maliciousglee.