Now that mutants have claimed Mars as their latest stronghold, it seems as though all of the planet’s inhabitants have their own ideas about its future. And this spring, these differences will come to a head in yet another new X-Men series. Marvel has shared the first details for X-Men Red, which pits rival factions against each other in a fight for the soul of their new homeworld. Check out the first issue’s cover below.
The series picks up after the events of last year’s Planet-Size X-Men. That one-shot memorably had Magneto bring several Omega-level mutants to Mars and terraform the planet into what’s now called Arakko. Since then, these mutants have worked tirelessly reshape the environment into a paradise. Leading the charge is Storm, who occupies a position of influence on Arakko’s ruling council. But she feels the planet needs “something greater than a queen,” and she meets resistance from the likes of Abigail Brand, Vulcan, Cable, and more.
X-Men Red comes from writer Al Ewing (Immortal Hulk) and artist Stefano Caselli (Inferno). Russell Dauterman is handling the series’ covers and also designed a new costume for Storm. According to Marvel’s announcement, the first issue will ask, “Who can save the red planet?” and set up Abigail’s mysterious plans for Arakko. Meanwhile, issue #2 will ask, “Who can tame the red planet?” and bring Magneto and Sunspot into play.
RELATED: Larry Hama’s Wolverine: Patch Miniseries Takes Logan Back To Madripoor
“Mutantkind terraformed Mars, bringing a dead world back to life and changing the Marvel Universe forever,” said Ewing. “Mars is now Planet Arakko, home to an ancient mutant society that spent thousands of years facing war, imprisonment and pain – and home to Storm, who won a place of power on their ruling council. Now Arakko has a chance to find peace at last and forge their own path to the future… but there are those who’d rather see them fenced in and subjugated. Does Mars really need X-Men to save it – or can the mutants of Arakko fight for themselves? Storm’s not the only one who’s asking… and the answers are in X-Men Red.”
“After being part of Hickman’s work on the X-Men titles, I couldn’t imagine getting a greater opportunity,” added Caselli. “I was wrong! In my dream checklist, there was teaming up with Al Ewing, who is to me one of the most creative and funny writers out there. And now I can work with him on X Men Red! I’m really putting all of myself in this title since I’m sure me and Al can leave a remarkable series in the X-Men universe. Working on Al’s script is a pure joy, I’m like a kid on a rollercoaster: emotions, adrenaline and a sense of wonder is what I feel everyday sitting on my drawing desk. I’m just sorry I can’t talk more about it but I’m more than sure readers will be happy and hooked from the starting point! Let me just say this: keep an eye on Storm…oh guys…Storm….”
X-Men Red #1 hits comic shops on April 6. You can also view Dauterman’s cover for the second issue (due on April 27) below.
Are you excited to read the new series later this year? Let us know in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: House of X/Powers of X
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
