Storm and Magneto Fight For Mars in X-Men Red First Look

Marvel Comics have finally released more information about their upcoming series X-Men Red, written by the legendary Al Ewing (The Immortal Hulk), which will focus on Storm and Magneto fighting for the new mutant planet Arakko. The Red Planet, now home to the otherworldly mutants of the island of Arakko, is finally learning how to live in peace, and they are going to need the help of their Regent to fight for their rights and their place in the cosmos, while Krakoa needs to deal with, “…the promise and the threat that Arakko represents to the Marvel Universe.”

Marvel first teased the new X-Men Red team when they announced the launch of several new X-Men titles following the explosive finale of Inferno, which will lead into the mutants’ new Destiny of X era. Much of the Reign of X era has focused on the mutants’ terraforming of Mars, rebranding the planet as Arakko, and officially claiming the planet as the central power of the entire Sol System. Joining Ororo and Magneto on their mission to protect the newly terraformed Mars will be the popular former New Mutant, Sunspot, while they deal with the political maneuvering of S.W.O.R.D.’s Abigail Brand and the Great Ring, the leaders of Arakko.

In the announcement revealing more information about X-Men Red – written by Al Ewing with art by Stefano Caselli (S.W.O.R.D., Inferno) – Marvel promises to dive deep into the political and cultural aspects of creating an entirely new planet for mutants to thrive in, while asking the question, “Does Arakko need the X-Men to save it?” Marvel has shared that:

“X-Men Red will see mutantkind divided over what’s next for Arakko. Major players like Storm, Magneto, Sunspot, Abigail Brand, the mutants of the Great Ring, and many more all have different hopes—and fears—regarding Arakko’s uncertain future. A place of mystery, strength, and endless conflict, Arakko needs something more than just a team of heroes to defend it. Who will rise to the challenge?”

The X-Men have never been a particularly Earth-bound group of heroes, often traveling the cosmos to fight against evil, but their creation of Arakko has brought the stars even closer to them. Krakoa’s dealings with Orchis, Feilong, the Shi’Ar, and others have made it so that keeping Arakko as the central voice of the Sol System is paramount to the mutants continued ascension and rule.

Recent stories in S.W.O.R.D. have revolved around Storm being named Regent of Arakko, debuting with an iconic new outfit, and needing to fight for her place on the Great Ring. At the same time, Abigail Brand, director of S.W.O.R.D., has continued her politically-motivated manipulations. With a now-broken Magneto, after the events of Trial of Magneto and Inferno, unsure of his place on Krakoa, will he be able to find a new team alongside Storm and Sunspot? The Arakkan mutants have known war and conflict for centuries, so their adjustment to living a life of peace will not come easy, no thanks to their leaders who have been stoking the flames of conflict. Marvel’s announcement promises that X-Men Red will involve political intrigue, high drama, and intense battles, as Brand teams up with a (always) unstable Vulcan, and the mysterious Cable hides his own secrets about Arakko.

With the brutal conclusion of Inferno shaking up the Quiet Council’s governance on Krakoa, and multiple threats against the mutants coming at them from all sides, keeping Arakko as a haven for all mutants is becoming increasingly important. Caselli had this to say when talking about the new direction for mutants… “Let me just say this: keep an eye on Storm…oh guys…Storm….” If that isn’t enough to get fans excited for this brave new chapter in mutant history, check out Ewing’s recent X-Men Red inspired Spotify playlist he created for fans. Make sure to pick up X-Men Red #1 when it drops on April 6th to see how Storm and Magneto of the X-Men work together to keep Arakko from imploding.

Source: Marvel

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