The new year has begun and the trend of amazing X-Men comic books continues. While it may be difficult (and pricey) to keep up with all of them, it’s worth it if you can: The X-Men always are.
This month, Marvel’s Mightiest Mutants had a couple of No. 1s, some action-packed issues, and enough emotional moments to keep readers happy.
There has been plenty to enjoy! Out of the plethora of X-titles, the following seven are the best of the month.
Magik No. 1 (best X-title of the month)
- Writer: Ashley Allen
- Artist: Germán Peralta
This was a comic book I’ve been waiting for since Ashley Allen wrote X-Men: Blood Hunt: Magik No. 1. Not only was it good, it exceeded expectations. The main villain was revealed, new characters were introduced, and there was a focus on Illyana Rasputin’s magic. People forget that she’s more than a mutant and it looks like this series will be a reminder.
This was so much more than the best X-title of the month. It was one of the best comic books of January 2025 period.
Uncanny X-Men No. 9
- Writer: Gail Simone
- Artist: Andrei Bressan
Gail Simone’s Uncanny X-Men remains a rollercoaster of emotions in every issue. This time, issue No. 9 starts with the adults talking about mentoring the Outliers leading to deep conversations between them. Then there are the sweet moments between the younger mutants showing the characters’ bonding and possibly falling in love.
Unfortunately, your heart is ripped out in the end. I won’t spoil what happens, but be prepared.
Ultimate Wolverine No. 1
- Writer: Christopher Condon
- Artist: Alessandro Cappuccio
Ultimate Wolverine’s life is starting as tragically as his Earth-616 counterpart’s. He’s being brainwashed, abused, and forced to attack and kill people he cares about. What makes this worse is we’re seeing it in real-time instead of in a flashback.
As sad as it is for Logan (who’s the Winter Soldier in this universe), it’s great for readers. Christopher Condon's writing combined with Alessandro Cappuccio's art shows that Ultimate Wolverine is a potential masterpiece.
If you’re enjoying my current run on MYSTIQUE you should check out OLD DOG, my noirish espionage series at @ImageComics
— Declan Shalvey: OLD DOG/THUNDER CAT (@declanshalvey) December 3, 2024
[REDACT ONE] is available from all great stores that sell graphic novels & other booksellers. With 136 pages of action storytelling at only $10, you can’t lose. pic.twitter.com/nTNg2i8v4z
Mystique No. 4
- Writer: Declan Shalvey
- Artist: Declan Shalvey
Declan Shalvey doing double duty as the writer and artist hasn’t stopped him from creating a fun spy comic book. And like any undercover adventure, there was a major reveal at the end. It was a perfect penultimate issue that will leave your jaw dropped.
There’s no way this is the last time we see Declan Shalvey creating a series starring Mystique. This mini-series has shown that he understands the characters and has a creative way of showing the extent of Raven’s abilities.
Exceptional X-Men No. 5
- Writer: Eve Ewing
- Artist: Carmen Carnero
Eve Ewing’s Exceptional X-Men isn’t all about the action. It’s an emotional series. For example, Thao (codename: Melee) reacts with anger after finding out that Kitty Pryde killed people (that happens in Gerry Duggan's X-Men No. 25). While she judges Kitty, Thao learns later that everyone makes mistakes when they’re angry and their loved ones are hurt.
The focal point of this series has been the personalities of the young mutants (Melee, Bronze, and Axo). It’s helping to establish them to become something greater. Eventually, they will become future heroes and villains. When that happens, readers can go back to Exceptional X-Men to see how the groundwork was laid.
NYX No. 7
- Writers: Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing
- Artist: Enid Balam
This team of mutants is different than the others. They aren’t going into every encounter expecting a fight and that’s a good thing. However, when Synch came looking for one with Prodigy, he got it. But it wasn’t just a physical fight. Prodigy won with words, understanding, and kindness.
This writer sincerely hopes you’re reading NYX especially if you’re a fan of the X-Men. It’s a reminder that Marvel’s Mightiest Mutants are more than their powers. They’re freedom fighters.
Storm No. 4
- Writer: Murewa Ayodele
- Artist: Lucas Werneck
Everything that the reactive team of writer Murewa Ayodele and artist Lucas Werneck are doing with Storm should be studied for future creators. This has become more than a story about one of Marvel’s strongest heroes. We’re seeing her ascend into something cosmic. Or, as the being who's been watching her said, the Eternal Storm.
This writer doesn’t know what that means, but he can’t wait to find out.
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