Exceptional X-Men and the best 5 X-titles of September 2024

The X-Men usually have the best ongoing series in Marvel Comics. After the Fall of X, comic book fans wondered if Marvel’s Mightiest Mutants would continue to their legendary run. So far, it’s been just as good as the Krakoan era. It’s different, but the heart of the X-Men is still there.

These five X-titles prove this and they also happen to be the best of them in September of 2024.

Exceptional X-Men No. 1 (best of the month)

• Writer: Eve Ewing
• Artist: Carmen Carnero

Kitty Pryde wanted to live a normal life. She works at a bar, attempts to date, and plays with her roommate’s dog. Shocking to no one, Kitty jumps back into action when she sees a young mutant in danger. This leads to her having the first smile since the last Hellfire Gala.

I was worried that leaving the X-Men behind would stop her evolution. I should have known better. Eve Ewing (Black Panther and Ironheart) is an amazing writer who showcased the strengths of Kitty as a character.

Uncanny X-Men No. 2 and 3 (most emotional)

• Writer: Gail Simone
• Artist: David Marquez

Rogue, Gambit, Wolverine, and Jubilee meet the newest mutants on the scene, the Outliers (Jitter, Ransom, Deathdream, and Caico). In issue No. 3, you learn their tragic backstory. Most mutants have them, but there’s something different about these four.

I can’t think of a better person to help these mutants than Rogue, Gambit, Jubilee, Nightcrawler, and Wolverine. They’ve all been outcasts, abused by people they loved, made to feel weak.

We’re only three issues into Uncanny X-Men but Gail Simone and David Marquez are on the path to creating the most emotional X-Men titles. That says a lot considering what happened during the Fall of X. Nevertheless, here we are with amazing art and heartbreaking moments.

NYX No. 3 (most depth)

• Writers: Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing
• Artist: Francesco Mortarino

NYX is more than just a comic book about a group of mutants. Writers Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing show the world of mutants beyond the colorful spandex and adventures. You’re seeing what it’s like to be a mutant in a world and it isn't pretty.

There are all kinds of people who hate mutants for being who they are. This leads to violence up to and including death. Seeing Kamala Khan take up arms for mutants is special because she just learned she is one. It’s a testament to Ms. Marvel having the biggest heart in comics.

Wolverine No. 1 (best there is at what he does)

• Writer: Saladin Ahmed
• Artist: Martín Cóccolo

Wolverine tried to leave the world behind and live among the animals. As the phrase goes, “Every time I get out, they pull me right back in.” Logan is hunted by Cyber who quickly learns that he should have left Logan alone. Wolverine beats his former drill sergeant so badly that he runs away.

Later in the issue, a mysterious elder entity reveals itself. It's offended by adamantium and wants it gone. It’s already changed the metal in Cyber’s body. Logan could be next.

Phoenix No. 3 (biggest bad-@$$)

• Writer: Stephanie Phillips
• Artist: Alessandro Miracolo

Who’s more powerful than Jean Grey with the Phoenix Force? So far, no one. Jean beat the Black Order without breaking a sweat and told them to send Thanos next. That flex deserves all the respect in the universe. No one wants to fight the Mad Titan. Let alone call him out. Stephanie Phillips’ Phoenix continues to show that there’s nothing Jean can’t do.