This Is the Good Work
Last year I reviewed two amazing X-men series, namely, House of X and Powers of X. The two complementing titles flowed into one and followed Professor Charles Xavier and Magneto in their discovery of the mutant island Krakoa and their efforts in developing it into an autonomous nation-state for all mutant kind. The two series looked at establishing the foundation of the island, from its chain of command and laws to the development of its unique language, culture, and economic resources.
But creating something is one thing, maintaining it another, and while these two series set the stage, the next collection of series would track the nation-states progress, activities of its players and the relationship between mutant kind and the world as a whole.
Six series tackle the vastly unique aspects of individual mutants and their experiences on and off of the island and their respective activities in maintaining peaceful relations with the world while also defending Krakoa and other mutants. What follows is a brief look at each series:
Primarily following the work of Professor X and Magneto as they deal with the political relationship with other nations while also developing their territory and anticipating growing threats from anti-mutant groups. Along with this, the series also follows mutants tasked with personally protecting them, Cyclops being the most well known and senior amongst the others. The series also looks at Cyclops' life on the island with his rediscovered family.
Marauders focus on the exploits of young mutant Kitty Pryde, or Kate, as she prefers to be called. Kate is unique amongst the other mutants in so far as she is the only one that mysteriously cannot use the gates to Krakoa, or live on the island itself. In light of this, she uses her skills, leadership, and crew to rescue other mutants from all over the world. Acting like mutant pirates, Kate's crew consists of mutants such as Storm, Iceman, Pyro, and Bishop, to name a few, but is also heavily connected within an ongoing power struggle within a monarchical circle consisting of Emma Frost(The White Queen) and Sebastian Shaw (The Black King).
Excalibur looks at the impact that Krakoa has on alternate realities, in this case, the fine veil separating it from Avalon, set in ancient England during the time of King Arthur. Ruled by a power-hungry enchantress, Captain Britain and his sister are tasked with keeping order between the two realms. Helping with this endeavor include the mutants Rogue, Gambit, Jubilee and Apocalypse.
Seen as something of the military wing for Krakoa, the X-Force is primarily tasked with gathering valuable Intel and defending Krakoa from threats. Readers can look forward to following Wolverine, Kid Omega, Dominoe, Beast and Ms. Marvel in tracking a mysterious anti-mutant organization lead by a masked man with a Peacock tattoo.
The series looks at the new generation of mutants, those who did not have to face the struggles needed to establish the paradise they now call home. This leads to a natural desire for exploration and adventure, as the young mutants look for purpose both on and off the earth.
A comic that focuses on the black sheep of Krakoa, some mutants are out of place on this new utopian island, and find the lack of challenge and strife to be anything but desirable. For those who only know war, conflict is their only slice of paradise. Lead by the Japanese assassin, Psylocke, a group of mutants looking for battle join her to stop a deadly threat responsible for the deaths of many. Cable, X-23, Bling, Husk and Mister Sinister are some of the mutants you can look forward to seeing in this series.
Reading Order
Happy reading :).