Marvel Comics is getting closer to the Fall of X as Jean Grey leaves the X-Men, Forge makes a deal, and the Red Queen’s death is foretold.
The X-Men march closer to the 2023 Hellfire Gala. Unbeknownst to them, they’re closing in on the Fall of X as well. A series where Orchis will send mutants all over the world during their annual (and possibly final) Hellfire Gala, Orchis’ access to Magik’s powers could be how they’ll make sure the X-Men are unable to regroup.
In X-Men No. 23, Orchis put tiny machines inside of Magik. In the recent issue, No. 24, Magik couldn’t properly teleport. She thinks it’s because she was taking Sunfire to Otherworld. It was really Orchis disrupting her powers.
It looks like Orchis’ focus is making sure that the mutants can’t come together after they attack the Hellfire Gala. It’s easy to see since X-Men No. 24 begins by focusing on teleporters. First, Kid Cable was taken out. Then, Moira MacTaggert made it a point to say that Manifold needed to be taken off the board. Without teleporters, it’ll make it difficult for mutants to organize. Especially if Orchis destroys Krakoa or occupies it.
These are only some of the things that happened in X-Men No. 24 that show what the future holds. Here are three other important moments from this issue.
Forge makes a deal
In Marvel Comics, there’s a space casino where the richest and most deplorable beings bet on the lives of others and the fate of planets. Way back in the beginning of this run (X-Men No. 12), Jean Grey, Rogue, and Wolverine (Laura) put those gamblers in their places. Fast forward to No. 24, the X-Men are back to relax. Instead, they’re met by Pogg Ur-Pogg (that’s really his name) robbing the casino. After defeating him, Forge makes a deal with him. Forge will give him mutant metal, Mysterium. However, Forge said that he’ll be asking him for a favor in the future.
In X-Men No. 23, Forge was arrogant while fighting the new Iron Man Sentinel. A mistake, he said, is weighing heavily on his head. This writer believes that Forge saw potential in Pogg Ur-Pogg’s design. If the mutants are going to fight new Sentinels, they’ll have to think outside of the box. And there’s no armor design more “out of the box” than Pogg Ur-Pogg.
Orchis has a plan for everything they’ve seen from mutants. However, they haven’t seen Pogg Ur-Pogg or any of the other Swordbearers of Arakko. Don’t be shocked when Forge shows up with a fleet of mutants in Pogg Ur-Poggs suits to counter Orchis’ Sentinels.
Jean Grey leaves the X-Men
Back in May, Marvel Comics announced that Jean Grey would be leaving the X-Men. While this isn’t a new report, Jean confirmed as much during their mental meeting with Cyclops.
Jean explained her feelings to Cyclops and her husband didn’t understand what she was saying. After that, Jean kissed Cyclops. As Jean was flying away, she explained that she was serious about leaving the team. She also invited Cyclops to join her. She said, “If you’re not on the team after the Gala, and you want to, then… come find me.”
Jean hasn’t been happy with the state of Krakoa or her husband in a long time. Her relationship with Cyclops took a hit while they were fighting the Brood (X-Men Nos. 19-21). It doesn’t help that the decisions made by the Quiet Council have ruined her thoughts on Krakoa. Hopefully, Jean’s next adventure helps bring mutants together again. Otherwise, the mutants may not have a hope of defeating Orchis.
Jean Grey is one of the most powerful beings in the universe. Even Orchis can’t adjust to the things she can do with her telekinesis. More than that, she inspires everyone she’s around. Both will be needed during Fall of X. Look for her to be the beacon that brings the mutants together.
The Red Queen Dies
While Destiny is talking to her adopted daughter, Rogue, she tells her about a vision she had. One of the things she said was, “I see kings clashing in white, black after the death of the Red Queen.” If you don’t know, the current Red Queen is Kate Pryde (read Marauders No. 2 by Gerry Duggan for that story). If Destiny is referring to Kate in her vision, it must be metaphorical, because Marvel has reported a new look for Kate Pryde as she joins the X-Men.
Kate Pryde hasn’t been an X-Man in a few years. She also hasn’t used her skills as a ninja in a while either. Both are coming back in X-Men No. 25 (which comes after the 2023 Hellfire Gala). The ninja in her is coming back as Marvel.com reveals:
"“The Fall of X begins in July’s shocking X-Men: Hellfire Gala No. 1 one-shot, danger, conspiracy, and sacrifice threatens to shatter everything mutant-kind accomplished on Krakoa.”"
If this writer had to guess, Sebastian Shaw is at the top of the conspiracy. He’d definitely work with Orchis if it benefits him. He’s worked with beings of Hell. Robots trying to kill humanity aren’t much better. If that’s the case, Shaw could end up falling to Shadowcat’s blade.
Kate’s been looking for an excuse to kill him since Gerry Duggan’s Marauders. After the Hellfire Gala, she may get her chance.
Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow for more Marvel Comics news as it comes out.
What do you think is next for the X-Men in Marvel Comics?