Updated Dec 4, 2024. The definitive, chronological, and up-to-date guide on collecting X-Men Age of Krakoa, including X-Men flagship titles by Jonathan Hickman, Gerry Duggan, Kieron Gillen, & Al Ewing, in comic books via omnibuses, hardcovers, and trade paperback graphic novels. A part of Crushing Krisis’s Crushing Comics. Last updated December 2024 with titles scheduled for release through August 2025.
Comics mega-star Jonathan Hickman took over the X-Men franchise as both a writer and “Head of X” in July 2019, and since then nothing has been the same.
That’s not the only reason 2019 was a historic year for the X-Men. As a film media property, the rights to X-Men returned to the Marvel fold when Disney acquired FOX in March of 2019.
Certainly, this change to the licensing of Marvel’s Merry Mutants had an effect on the potential for massive comic plots to return to the somewhat languishing X-line. By many accounts, Hickman and his massive pitch for a massive shift in status quo for the X-Men had been around for some time in the X-Office during All-New All Different Marvel and RessurXion.
Even knowing a major change was coming to the X-line couldn’t prepare readers for what Jonathan Hickman had in store. He launched his era with a pair of intertwined mini-series – House of X and Powers of X, widely abbreviated as HOX and POX or HOXPOX – both filled with major bombshells of plot. Hickman revised the history of several characters in a major way that will forever color re-reads of classic material, and he used that change to set up an utterly shocking set of present day circumstances for the mutant race.
From the conclusion of HOXPOX, Marvel launched an initial line of six ongoing comics – a flagship X-Men title from Hickman, and five supporting books.
Marauders by Gerry Duggan was the most integrated with elements introduced by HOXPOX. Excalibur by Tini Howard used a newly-available character to spin new continuity about mutant magic. New Mutants by both Hickman and Ed Brisson examined the younger generation of mutants as evangelists to stray members of the mutant race. X-Force by Benjamin Percy looked at the security of the new world of mutants, both internally and externally. Fallen Angels by Bryan Edward Hill was the one fizzled launch book – it tried to integrate Kwannon into the new status quo, but stumbled along the way.
After the initial wave of books, early 2020 brought a new wave of ongoings and mini-series – as well as a replacement for the canceled Fallen Angels with Hellions by Zeb Wells following Kwannon’s continuing adventures. Notable, X-Factor by Leah Williams addressed one of the core concepts of Hickman’s new status quo for mutants.
Marvel Comics, along with most other publishers, paused their physical releases starting in late March of 2020 due to the global pandemic. This pushed back the first major event of the Hickman era to begin in September. X of Swords was a massive 22-part direct crossover through all of the ongoing books in the line pulled together plot threads from Hickman’s flagship as well as Howard’s Excalibur. It addressed virtually no plots outside of that, though it would certainly have an effect on all of the books coming out of the event.
After X of Swords, a third wave of new books launched in late 2020 and 2021, including one directly out of the event – Al Ewing’s S.W.O.R.D.. That wave of books largely concluded at the end of 2021 alongside the end of Hickman’s time on Krakoa with Inferno (2021).
Then, after a poorly-received band-aid event (X Lives/Deaths of Wolverine) to give the line time to reorient without Hickman, 2022 saw the launch of additional flagships in Kieron Gillen’s Immortal X-Men (focused on the Quiet Council) and Al Ewing’s X-Men Red (focused on Storm on Mars). Just a few months into both titles, they converged for the tightly-coordinated linewide Avengers / X-Men / Eternals: Judgment Day event, which was more than 50% written by Gillen on his own!
The line continued its three-flagship era into 2023, adding a number of five-issue limited series alongside the long-running Ben Percy titles of X-Force (2019) and Wolverine (2020). Then, halfway through 2023, the Hellfire Gala significantly altered the line and sent it into the “Fall of X” – again spawning a number of short-running limited series. After the first six months of Fall of X, the line moved on to its six month finale with the tightly-coordinated Fall of the House of X / Rise of the Powers of X.
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- 20 key background stories to prepare for The Age of Krakoa
- The Age of Krakoa in Oversize Hardcover
- The Age of Krakoa
- House of X & Powers of X (July – Oct 2019)
- Dawn of X (Oct 2019 – Sep 2020)
- Event: X of Swords (Oct 2020 – Nov 2020)
- Reign of X (November 2020 – December 2021)
- Event: Inferno & X Lives/Deaths of Wolverine
- Destiny of X (Jan 2022 – Mar 2023)
- Event: Sins of Sinister (Jan 2023 – Apr 2023)
- Before the Fall (Jan 2023 – Jun 2023)
- Fall of X (Jun 2023 – Dec 2024
- Fall of the House of X / Rise of the House of X (Jan 2024 – Jul 2024)
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20 key background stories for The Age of Krakoa
You can start reading this era from House of X and Powers of X with no preparation whatsoever. The twin series are powerful even if you’ve never read an X-Men comic book before, and they do not rely on specific references to old continuity.
However, Jonathan Hickman makes many, many references to X-Men continuity in House of X and Power of X, and drafts from a cast of dozens upon dozens of X-Men characters.
If you want a crash course of a preparatory read before diving in to the insanity of House of X (and, especially, Powers of X), here is a list of the 20 issues or stories you ought to review for background on the characters and concepts he’s leaning on the most.
This list can be considered a spoilers purely by the stories it includes, so you have to click to see it just to be safe!
Click to expand for a list of stories.The Age of Krakoa in oversize hardcover
Click to expand a list of all oversize hardcover collections of the Age of Krakoa.House of X (2019) #1-6 & Powers of X (2019) #1-6
The present day events of House of X and Powers of X begin an unspecified amount of time after the conclusion of Age of X-Man as well as Uncanny X-Men (2019).
In the Marvel Universe, House of X and Powers of X begin several months of story time after War of the Realms, in which several X-Men characters died. Invaders (2019) is wrapping up in this period, and references it in issue #9. It is unclear when it occurs in relation to Absolute Carnage.
The official reading order of these series – which is the same as the order of their original release – is HOX1, POX1, HOX2, POX2-3, HOX3-4, POX4, HOX5, POX5, HOX6, POX6.
House of X (2019) #1 Director’s Cut included the full script of the issue, as well as B&W and unlettered artwork. It is not collected.
There is a single page of Hickman X-Men story in Marvel Comics (2019) #1000, which works as a prologue to Dawn of X (and, with it, X of Swords).
[Marvel Unlimited: House of X, Powers of X, Marvel Comics #1000]
House of X / Powers of X
(2019 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302915704 / 2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302915711 / digital)
This book collects the conjoined House of X and Powers of X series, which are meant to be read together as they are presented in this volume. Collects House of X (2019) #1-6 and Powers of X (2019) #1-6.
House of X #2 (and, later, Powers of X #6) includes some major revelations about the continuity of one X-Men character in particular. Here’s a quick guide to what we learned (includes spoilers)
Click to expand for an explanation of the continuity from House of X #2.Powers of X contains a number of important flashback sequences to the history of X-Men and changes to continuity (or, at least, changes to how we understand it). Here’s a quick rundown of where they can be placed (includes spoilers):
Click to expand for an explanation of the flashbacks in Powers of X.Dawn of X (October 2019 – September 2020)
Dawn of X follows House of X and Powers of X, though there is not a specific indication of how much time has passed. All of the launch books start around the same time as each other.
In the Marvel Universe, this happens around the same time of Absolute Carnage and the end of Chip Zdarsky’s Invaders (2019).
Dawn of X in anthology collections by order of release
To take advantage of the immediate hype following House of X and Powers of X, Marvel’s initial release the Dawn of X line of comics was in a “monthly anthology” format similar to how lines of Manga are collected. This series of 16 volumes collects the complete X-line between HOXPOX and X of Swords with the exception of X-Men/FF!
The first six volumes each collected the corresponding issue of each of the six launch titles – for example, Volume 2 collected all of the #2 issues. However, beginning with Volume 7 the collected issues became more irregularly distributed as the line expanded.
Please note that the contents listed in many versions of solicit text and listings on online marketplaces are wrong! This is due to a combination of factors, including Marvel’s 2020 pandemic break in publishing, the one year delay of release of Children of the Atom, and varying release schedules and issue formats. When I have personally confirmed the correct contents of a volume, I’ve noted that below.
Also, note that while these collections attempt to smooth the reading order of these issues, this is not necessarily the full story chronology reading order, but more of a “modified release order” version of a reading order.
Click to expand for a list of Dawn of X Anthology collectionsDawn of X, Wave One Titles
All of these titles continue below in Reign of X, with the exception of Fallen Angels.
X-Men (2019) #1-12 by Jonathan Hickman, Leinil Francis Yu, et al
This series is the Hickman X-Men “world building” series. The first 12 issues were entirely composed of 1- and 2-shot stories that set up plots that would be continued elsewhere or picked up much later. [Marvel Unlimited]
Issues #10-11 are also included in an Empyre omnibus. See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Empyre for more information.
Note that issue #12 is specifically a prelude to X of Swords and so it is collected along with X of Swords below rather than with these individual collections.
as recollected in oversize hardcover…
X-Men by Jonathan Hickman Omnibus (2022 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302929985 / digital)
Collects X-Men (2019) #1-11, 16-21; Giant-Size X-Men: Jean Grey And Emma Frost (2020) #1; Giant-Size X-Men: Nightcrawler (2020) #1; Giant-Size X-Men: Magneto (2020) #1; Giant-Size X-Men: Fantomex (2020) #1; Giant-Size X-Men: Storm (2020) #1; and material from Incoming (2019) #1.
as recollected in paperback…
X-Men: Reign of X by Jonathan Hickman, Vol. 1
(2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302958435 / digital)
Collects X-Men (2019) #1-9, Giant-Size X-Men: Jean Grey and Emma Frost (2020) #1, and Giant-Size X-Men: Nightcrawler (2020) #1
X-Men: Reign of X by Jonathan Hickman, Vol. 2
(2025 paperback, ISBN 978-1302958442 / digital TBA)
Collects X-Men (2019) #10-12 & 16-21 (skipping X of Swords0, Giant-Size X-Men: Magneto (2020) #1, Giant-Size X-Men: Fantomex (2020) #1, and Giant-Size X-Men: Storm (2020) #1
as originally collected…
X-Men by Jonathan Hickman Vol. 1 (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302919818 / digital)
A series of episodic adventures featuring Cyclops, Xavier, Apocalypse, and more! Collects X-Men (2019) #1-6.
X-Men by Jonathan Hickman Vol. 2 (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302919825 / digital)
A series of 1- and 2-shot adventures, including a fight against the Brood and a tie-in to Empyre! Note that this does not collect issue #12, as it is contained in the X of Swords collection as a prelude. Collects X-Men (2019) #7-11.
Excalibur (2019) #1-12 by Tini Howard & Marcus To – See Guide to Excalibur
Excalibur is the home of mutant magic in Hickman X-Men. Tini Howard uses a cast of Betsy Braddock, Apocalypse, Rictor, Rogue, Gambit, and Jubilee to explore the connection between mutant powers and magic, including Otherworld and the Captain Britain Corp. [Marvel Unlimited]
Moreso than any other title in the line, this is the book that sets up the X of Swords event.
Fallen Angels (2019) #1-6 by Bryan Edward Hill & Szymon Kudranski – See Guide to Mister Sinister
Fallen Angels redefines Kwannon as she returns to her original body and searches for a place in a mutant society who knows her as Betsy Braddock’s imposter. It also expands on Sinister’s corner of Krakoa, though this would be a more prominent theme when it continued in Hellions in Wave 2. Wolverine/X-23 and Husk also co-star. [Marvel Unlimited]
Marauders (2019) #1-12 by Gerry Duggan et al
Marauders is anchored by Kate Pryde and Emma Frost and stars Iceman, Pyro, Storm, Bishop, Callisto, Sebastian Shaw, and more! Hickman himself is on-record saying that this is the book that initially tied most-tightly to the concepts introduced in HOXPOX, and at times it feels like the “main” X-Men away team of the period. [Marvel Unlimited]
in oversize hardcover…
by Gerry Duggan, Vol. 1 (2021 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302929756 / digital)
Collects Marauders (2019) #1-12
in paperback…
Marauders by Gerry Duggan Vol. 1 (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302919948 / digital)
Collects Marauders (2019) #1-6
Marauders by Gerry Duggan Vol. 2 (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302921477 / digital)
I have personally verified that this collects Marauders (2019) #7-12
New Mutants #1-12 by Jonathan Hickman, Ed Brisson, Rod Reis, Flaviano, et al – See Guide to New & Young X-Men
New Mutants tells the same story with two different casts and authors.
Hickman himself reunites the original team of Dani Moonstar, Rahne, Sunspot, Karma, Doug, Magma, Magik, and Warlock alongside Chamber and Mando for an adventure into space to share the good news of Krakoa with their friend Cannonball.
Meanwhile, on Earth Ed Brisson uses Armor, Glob Herman, and Boom Boom to spread the word to young mutants around the world – and, they’re eventually joined by Dani and Magik when Hickman’s arc is completed. [Marvel Unlimited]
X-Force (2019) #1-12 by Benjamin Percy & Joshua Cassara – See Guide to X-Force
X-Force is all about the security of the state of Krakoa, both in defending its borders and taking the fight to its enemies. The cast of Beast, Logan, Jean Grey, Quentin Quire, Domino, Sage, Forge, Colossus, and others form a combination FBI/CIA for Krakoa. The main plot of this book is intertwined with the concepts of both X-Men and Marauders, though it does not cross over with either title. [Marvel Unlimited]
FYI, this is sometimes labeled as a 2020 volume because, generally, Marvel books are dated two months ahead of their actual release date.
Dawn of X, Wave Two Titles
After the first arc of each of the six launch titles completed (and Fallen Angels ended), Marvel added an additional seven titles to the X-line. This includes X-Men / Fantastic Four and Juggernaut, neither of which was not reprinted in the Dawn of X trades, above. Also, while it is not part of the X-line, Gwenpool Strikes Back ends with a connection to the current Krakoan status quo.
Cable (2020) #1-4 by Gerry Duggan & Phil Noto – See Guide to Cable
This book explores the still relatively-new Teen Cable and his place in a world his older self had a hand in creating. [Marvel Unlimited]
Empyre: X-Men (2020) #1-4
The aftermath of HOXPOX combines with the major events of Empyre to create a particular challenge for mutants based on their grim history. Some of the focus members of the cast include Monet, Angel, Madrox, and Magik, though many other characters appear. [Marvel Unlimited]
This is the likely the last chronological X-Men story prior to Excalibur #12, X-Men #12, and X of Swords.
This series will also be included in a forthcoming Empyre omnibus. See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Empyre for more information.
Empyre: X-Men (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302925758 / digital)
Each current X-Men writer joins the fray in this jam-mini-series with multiple authors and characters from multiple books. Collects Empyre: X-Men (2020) #1-4.
Giant-Size X-Men (2020) [various] by Jonathan Hickman et al
A series of Giant Size X-Men one-shot explored a meta-narrative about Storm while also seeding future plots for several characters – most of all, Magneto – with a plot point that would become significant in Marauders after X of Swords.
Around the same time these issues were released, Marvel also released a special edition of Giant-Size X-Men: Tribute To Wein & Cockrum (2020) #1. This was an exact copy of the plot and script of the original Giant-Size X-Men (less a few offensive words), but with a different artist drawing every page or spread. This issue was not collected alongside these new Giant-Size issues. [Marvel Unlimited: Jean & Emma, Nightcrawler, Magneto, Fantomex, Storm]
Giant-Size X-Men by Jonathan Hickman Vol. 1 (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302925833 / digital)
A series of semi-connected one-shot giant-size issues, all written by Hickman with the exception of “Nightcrawler” by Alan Davis. Collects Giant-Size X-Men: Jean Grey and Emma Frost (2020) #1, Giant-Size X-Men: Nightcrawler (2020) #1, Giant-Size X-Men: Magneto (2020) #1, Giant-Size X-Men: Fantomex (2020) #1, Giant-Size X-Men: Storm (2020) #1
Hellions (2020) #1-4 by Zeb Wells & Stephen Segovia – See Guide to Mister Sinister
Hellions continues Mister Sinister’s corner of Krakoa and his alliance with Kwannon as he forms a disposable suicide squad of Havok, Greycrow (AKA Scalphunter), Wild Child, Empath, Nanny, and Orphan Maker to clean up his old messes. [Marvel Unlimited]
Juggernaut (2020) #1-5 by Fabian Nicieza & Ron Garney
While Juggernaut is not explicitly a Krakoan comic, Juggernaut was least seen in Uncanny X-Men (2019) and the end of the series does connect with current X-Men continuity. However, it is a non-essential read if you are following the core story of Krakoa. It is not entirely clear on if this occurs before or after X of Swords. [Marvel Unlimited]
Juggernaut (2021 paperback, ISBN 978-1302924508 / digital)
Collects Juggernaut (2020) #1-5
X-Factor (2020) #1-3 by Leah Williams, David Baldeon, & Israel Silva – See Guide to X-Factor
X-Factor is absolutely central to Hickman’s new mutant metaphor! Leah Williams assembles an investigative team of Polaris, Northstar, Rachel Summers, Prodigy, Eye-Boy, and Daken to confirm mutant deaths and the circumstances surrounding them.
This book plays with several dangling plot threads of the X-Men universe, including the Mojoverse and characters we haven’t seen since Academy X and Peter David’s X-Factor. [Marvel Unlimited]
X-Men / Fantastic Four (2020) #1-4 by Chip Zdarsky and Terry & Rachel Dodson
Chip Zdarsky’s mini-series deals with the intersectionality of being a mutant. What happens when being a mutant is just part of your identity – and, what happens when your family objects? Kitty Pryde is a feature player here, alongside Logan, Rogue, and several others. [Marvel Unlimited]
X-Men / Fantastic Four (2020) #1 Director’s Cut included the full script of the issue, as well as B&W and unlettered artwork. It is not collected.
X-Men/Fantastic Four: 4X (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1302920036 / digital)
Collects X-Men/Fantastic Four (2020) #1-4
Wolverine (2020) #1-5 by Benjamin Percy et al – See Guide to Wolverine
After over half a decade away, Wolverine returns to a new ongoing series! This series is tightly coordinated with X-Force, and it references and expands many of the plots from that title. [Marvel Unlimited]
Dawn of X, Other Appearances & References
- Gwenpool Strikes Back #5 – This series ends with a strong connection to Krakoa; to say more would spoil it! See Guide to Gwenpool
- Black Cat (2019) #9-10 – Felicia and Logan team up in Madripoor. See Guide to Black Cat
- Savage Avengers (2019) #0 (framing sequence only) – Dr. Strange meets Magik on the beach of Krakoa. See Guide to Conan.
- Deadpool (2019) #6 – Deadpool briefly visits Krakoa, encountering Storm, Wolverine, and other mutants. See Guide to Deadpool.
- Empyre Aftermath: Avengers (2020) – This teases some future X-Men status quo, particular via S.W.O.R.D.. See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Empyre
- Strange Academy (2020) – Features Magik as a regular guest star. See Guide to Doctor Strange
Event: X of Swords (September 2020 – November 2020)
X of Swords begins after issue #12 of all of the five remaining Dawn of X launch titles.
In the Marvel Universe, it starts shortly after Empyre and concludes prior to King in Black.
Want to jump right from HOXPOX to X of Swords? I recommend you read X-Men (2019) #2 & 12 and Excalibur #1-2 & 12 for a quick crash course, but really all of Excalibur leads up to the status quo of this event.
Note that at this time it is unclear whether the original content from a Free Comic Book Day: X of Swords story will be included in the collection below. Also, the X of Swords Handbook (2020) with new Handbook of the Marvel Universe entries for current X-Men characters does not appear to be collected at this time. [Marvel Unlimited: Creation, Stasis, Destruction, Handbook]
X of Swords (2021 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302927172 / 2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1302929978 / digital)
Collects (in reading order) the full 22 part X of Swords crossover, plus a single prelude issue from X-Men #12. I have confirmed this DOES NOT include the other prelude from Excalibur #12. Collects X of Swords (2020) Creation, Stasis, & Destruction, X-Men (2019) #12-15, Excalibur (2019) #13-15, Marauders (2019) #13-15, X-Force (2020) #13-14, New Mutants (2019) #13, Wolverine (2020) #6-7, Cable (2020) #5-6, Hellions (2020) #5-6, X-Factor (2020) #4
Reign of X (November 2020 – April 2022)
Reign of X immediate follows of X of Swords, starting less than a day later in some titles. In the Marvel Universe, this begins just prior to King in Black.
Reign of X in anthology collections
Marvel continued its “monthly anthology” format after X of Swords. First, they covered the period between X of Swords and the end of the Hellfire Gala with 14 “Reign of X” volumes. Then, from the closing scenes of Hellfire Gala to the end of Inferno is collected as “Trials of X.”
At a glance, this seems like a peculiar choice, since there wasn’t a major break in the line after The Hellfire Gala. However, if Marvel had continued with their “Reign of X” numbering they would have stretched to more than 25 volumes – and Marvel isn’t interested in marketing (or maintaining) volume numbers that high!
Please note that the contents listed in many versions of solicit text and listings on online marketplaces are wrong! This is due to variance in the release schedules of individual issues. Also, note that while these collections attempt to smooth the reading order of these issues, this is not necessarily the full story chronology reading order, but more of a “modified release order” version of a reading order.
Click to expand for a list of Reign of X Anthology collections Click to expand for a list of Trials of X Anthology collectionsReign of X, Continuing X-Titles
X-Men (2019) #16-21 by Jonathan Hickman et al
as recollected in oversize hardcover…
X-Men by Jonathan Hickman Omnibus (2022 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302929985 / digital)
Collects X-Men (2019) #1-11, 16-21; Giant-Size X-Men: Jean Grey And Emma Frost (2020) #1; Giant-Size X-Men: Nightcrawler (2020) #1; Giant-Size X-Men: Magneto (2020) #1; Giant-Size X-Men: Fantomex (2020) #1; Giant-Size X-Men: Storm (2020) #1; and material from Incoming (2019) #1.
as recollected in paperback…
X-Men: Reign of X by Jonathan Hickman, Vol. 1
(2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302958435 / digital)
Collects X-Men (2019) #1-9, Giant-Size X-Men: Jean Grey and Emma Frost (2020) #1, and Giant-Size X-Men: Nightcrawler (2020) #1
X-Men: Reign of X by Jonathan Hickman, Vol. 2
(2025 paperback, ISBN 978-1302958442 / digital TBA)
Collects X-Men (2019) #10-12 & 16-21 (skipping X of Swords0, Giant-Size X-Men: Magneto (2020) #1, Giant-Size X-Men: Fantomex (2020) #1, and Giant-Size X-Men: Storm (2020) #1
as originally collected…
X-Men by Jonathan Hickman Vol. 3 (2021 paperback, ISBN 978-1302924911 / digital)
A series of one-shot stories with the theme of a newly-formed X-Men team running throughout. Collects X-Men (2019) #16-20
X-Men: Hellfire Gala (2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1302931155 / digital)
Collects just the core of the Hellfire Gala issues from Marauders (2019) #21, X-Men (2019) #21, Planet-Size X-Men (2021) #1, S.W.O.R.D. (2020) #6, material from Classic X-Men (1986) #7.
Cable (2020) #6-12 by Gerry Duggan and Phil Noto – See Guide to Cable
This volume concludes, having told a single 12-issue story about Cable, his extended family, and his place in the world (and in time). [Marvel Unlimited]
Excalibur (2019) #16-26 by Tini Howard and Marcus To – See Guide to Excalibur
Free from the burden of setting up X of Swords, Excalibur digs in deeply to several long-standing continuity questions and character histories. [Marvel Unlimited]
Hellions (2020) #7-18 by Zeb Wells and Stephen Segovia – See Guide to Mister Sinister
Sinisters plots become even more twisted in the wake of X of Swords as he continues working to usurp Krakoa from within the Quiet Council, using his suicide squad to do the dirty work. [Marvel Unlimited]
Marauders (2019) #16-27 & King in Black: Marauders (2021) #1 by Gerry Duggan et al
in oversize hardcover…
by Gerry Duggan, Vol. 2 (2023 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302945213/ digital)
Collects Marauders (2019) #16-20 & 22-27 and King in Black: Marauders (2021) #1. The skipped issue is part of the 2021 Hellfire Gala.
in paperback…
Marauders by Gerry Duggan Vol. 3 (2021 paperback, ISBN 978-1302927189 / digital)
Collects Marauders (2019) 16-20, King in Black: Marauders (2021) 1.
X-Men: Hellfire Gala (2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1302931155 / digital)
Collects just the core of the Hellfire Gala issues from Marauders (2019) #21, X-Men (2019) #21, Planet-Size X-Men (2021) #1, S.W.O.R.D. (2020) #6, material from Classic X-Men (1986) #7.
Marauders by Gerry Duggan Vol. 4 (2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1302927196 / digital)
Collects Marauders (2019) #22-27
New Mutants (2019) #14-24 by Vita Ayala and Rod Reis – See Guide to New & Young X-Men
In the wake of X of Swords, Vita Ayala refocuses this title on both the original New Mutants and the youngest generation of mutants on Krakoa, including newer characters like No-Girl, Scout, and Cosmar. Both groups contend with the influence of the Shadow King. [Marvel Unlimited]
Wolverine (2020) #8-19 by Benjamin Percy et al – See Guide to Wolverine
X-Factor (2020) #5-10 by Leah Williams and David Baldeon – See Guide to X-Factor
X-Force (2020) #15-26 by Benjamin Percy and Joshua Cassara – See Guide to X-Force
Reign of X – New Titles
X-Men (2021) #1-9 by Gerry Duggan & Pepe Larraz
In the wake of the Hellfire Gala, Cyclops and Jean Grey reform a proper X-Men away team to live in the human world and show that mutants are more than a self-interested separatist group. [Marvel Unlimited]
X-Men by Gerry Duggan Vol. 1 (2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1302927233 / digital)
Collects X-Men (2021) #1-6
X-Men by Gerry Duggan Vol. 2 (2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1302927240 / digital)
Collects X-Men (2021) #7-12
Children of the Atom (2021) by Vita Ayala et al – See Guide to New & Young X-Men
Vita Ayala introduces a new team of non-mutants with little to do with Krakoa aside from their fandom. [Marvel Unlimited]
Devil’s Reign: X-Men (2022)
See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – Devil’s Reign for this Emma Frost solo series. [Marvel Unlimited]
Planet Size X-Men (2021) #1 by Gerry Duggan & Pepe Larraz
X-Men: Hellfire Gala Red Carpet Edition (2021 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302931568 / digital)
Collects the 10-issue Hellfire Gala sequence, which is not quite a direct crossover. Logan has some key plot points in these issues that send him on a new mission in his next arc. Collects Marauders (2019) #21, X-Force (2019) #20, Hellions (2020) #12, Excalibur (2019) #21, X-Men (2019) #21, Planet-Size X-Men (2021) #1, New Mutants (2019) #19, X-Corp (2021) #2, Wolverine (2020) #13, S.W.O.R.D. (2020) #6, Way of X (2021) #3, X-Factor (2020) #10, and material from Classic X-Men (1986) #7 and Hellfire Gala Guide (2021) #1.
X-Men: Hellfire Gala (2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1302931155 / digital)
Collects just the core of the Hellfire Gala issues from Marauders (2019) #21, X-Men (2019) #21, Planet-Size X-Men (2021) #1, S.W.O.R.D. (2020) #6, material from Classic X-Men (1986) #7
S.W.O.R.D. (2021) #1-11 [ongoing] by Al Ewing et al
In the wake of X of Swords, the X-Men go orbital as well as intergalactic with this title focused on their outpost in space and their colonization of other planets. [Marvel Unlimited]
#1-6: S.W.O.R.D. by Al Ewing, Vol. 1 (2021 paperback, ISBN 978-1302927516 / digital)
#7-11: S.W.O.R.D. by Al Ewing, Vol. 2 (2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1302931469 / digital)
Collects Cable Reloaded (2021) #1 and S.W.O.R.D. (2020) #7-11. Though this is part of The Last Annihilation event with Ewing’s Guardians of the Galaxy, the crossover issues are not necessary to understand the plot of this title.
Way of X (2021) #1-5 & X-Men: The Onslaught Revelation (2021) #1 by Simon Spurrier & Robert Quinn – See Guide to Legion
Simon Spurrier revisits his Legion by way of focusing on Nightcrawler and his quest to find a code for moral living in the Age of Krakoa. [Marvel Unlimited: Main Series, Onslaught Revelation]
Wolverine: Black, White & Blood (2021) – See Guide to Wolverine
An anthology title of three-color Logan stories from throughout his comics history. This contains only a few present-day tales in the Age of Krakoa. [Marvel Unlimited]
X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic (2021) #1-6 (Sep – Oct 2021)
X-Men Unlimited is a weekly digital comic available exclusively via the Marvel Unlimited app. [Marvel Unlimited]
X-Men: Latitude #1 – A single issue that collects the Hickman/Shalvey story from #1-6
X-Men: The Trial of Magneto (2021) #1-5 by Leah Williams – See Guide to X-Factor
An extension of Williams’ X-Factor investigating a shocking crime at the end of the Hellfire Gala. [Marvel Unlimited]
X-Corp (2021) #1-5 by Tini Howard et al
A glimpse of the corporate side of X-Men, starring Monet, Angel, Madrox, Trinary, and more. [Marvel Unlimited]
X-Corp (2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1302930202 / digital)
Reign of X, Other Appearances & References
- Savage Avengers (2019) #12-13, 14, 16 – Magik is part of the team
- King in Black (2020) #1-5 – The X-Men are active participants in this event, especially Cyclops, Wolverine, Storm, and Jean
- King in Black: Return of the Valkyries (2021) #1-4 – Dani Moonstar appears
- Savage Avengers (2019) #18 – Iceman, Bishop, and Callisto appear to briefly fight Deadpool and Conan
- Runaways (2017) #33-34 – Includes Wolverine and Pixie
- Strange Academy (2020) – Features Magik as a regular guest star
Events: Inferno & X Lives/Deaths of Wolverine
Inferno (2021) #1-4 by Jonathan Hickman, Stefano Caselli, & Valerio Schiti
Jonathan Hickman draws his era in the Age of Krakoa to a close with a series that introduces some startling developments into the plot of Moira MacTaggert. [Marvel Unlimited]
Inferno (2022 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302932817 / 2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1302932824 / digital)
X Lives of Wolverine / X Deaths of Wolverine (2022)
In the wake of Inferno, Benjamin Percy continues Moira’s story, referencing her connection to Wolverine established back in Powers of X. [Marvel Unlimited: Lives, Deaths]
X Lives of Wolverine (2022) #1-5 & X Deaths of Wolverine (2022) #1-5
(2022 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302931223 / 2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1302931230 / digital)
Destiny of X (April 2022 – March 2023)
“Destiny of X” was the official name for the full line of X-titles starting in January 2022 – following Inferno and concurrent-with-and-following X Lives/Deaths of Wolverine.
This period represented a shift in the line from having a single flagship in X-Men to a trio of flagships in X-Men by Gerry Duggan, Immortal X-Men by Kieron Gillen, and X-Men Red by Al Ewing. Duggan’s X-Men remained focused on the “away” team of X-Men in New York and how their actions reflected on Krakoa. Gillen’s Immortal X-Men kept a tight focus on the Quiet Council (and, in particular, Sinister), and Ewing’s X-Men Red followed the developments on Mars/Arrako (and, specifically, Magneto and Storm).
Halfway through 2022, all of those flagships (and several other titles) participated in the “Judgment Day” event. Over half of the 41 event issues were written by Gillen, so the event was incredibly tightly-coordinated and it reads extremely well! However, it also reads just fine without reading any of the main event, since both Immortal and Red do a great job of explaining their place in the event in their own single issues.
Destiny of X Events
Death of Doctor Strange: X-Men/Black Knight (2021) #1 – See Guide to Doctor Strange
A team-up between Cyclops & Jean’s X-Men away team and Black Knight by Simon Spurrier, who also wrote a preceding Black Knight mini-series. [Marvel Unlimited]
Hellfire Gala 2022
X-Men: Hellfire Gala – Immortal (2023 paperback, ISBN 978-1302952099 / digital)
Collects X-Men: Hellfire Gala (2022) #1, The Secret X-Men (2022) #1, X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic (2021) #50-55, X-Men: Hellfire Gala Confessional Strips, Amazing Spider-Man (2022) #9, and material from Free Comic Book Day 2022: Avengers/X-Men #1.
A.X.E.: Judgment Day (2022) #1-6 & Omega – See Guide to Marvel Universe Events – A.X.E.: Judgment Day
Marvel’s major mid-year event, which saw Gillen mashing up his runs on both Eternals and Immortal X-Men to have the Celestials pass judgment on all of Earth. [Marvel Unlimited: Main Series, Omega]
Dark Web (2022)
A mini-event crossover with Zeb Wells’s Amazing Spider-Man. See Guide to Spider-Man, Peter Parker (2018-Present Day) for more information. [Marvel Unlimited: Dark Web, Dark Web X-Men, Dark Web Ms. Marvel, Finale]
Dark Web (2023 paperback, ISBN 978-1302948603 / digital)
Collect Dark Web (2022) #1 & Finale, Amazing Spider-Man (2022) #15-18, Venom (2021) #14-15, Dark Web: X-Men (2022) #1-3, and Dark Web Ms. Marvel (2022) #1-2.
Dark Web Omnibus (2025 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302961152 / digital TBA)
Collects Dark Web (2022) #1, Amazing Spider-Man (2022) #14-18, Venom (2021) #13-16, Dark Web: X-Men (2022)# 1-3, Dark Web: Ms. Marvel (2022) #1-2, Dark Web Finale (2023) #1, Mary Jane & Black Cat (2022) #1-5, Gold Goblin (2022) #1-5, and Free Comic Book Day 2022: Spider-Man/Venom (Spider-Man story)
Destiny of X, Continuing X-Titles
X-Men (2021) #10-21 by Gerry Duggan, Pepe Larraz, et al
X-Men By Gerry Duggan Vol. 2 (2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1302927240 / digital)
Collects X-Men (2021) #7-12
X-Men By Gerry Duggan Vol. 3 (2023 paperback, ISBN 978-1302932503 / digital)
Collects X-Men (2021) #13-18
X-Men By Gerry Duggan Vol. 4 (2023 paperback, ISBN 978-1302947538 / digital)
Collects X-Men (2021) #19-24
New Mutants (2019) #25-33 – See Guide to New Mutants & Young X-Men
Wolverine (2020) #20-29 by Benjamin Percy et al – See Guide to Wolverine
X-Force (2020) #27-38 by Benjamin Percy – See Guide to X-Force
X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic (2021) #7-79
X-Men Unlimited is a weekly digital comic available exclusively via the Marvel Unlimited app. [Marvel Unlimited]
X-Men: Green (2022) #1-2 – A pair of issues that collect the Duggan/Laiso story from issues #7-12.
X-Men: Hellfire Gala – Immortal (2023 paperback, ISBN 978-1302952099 / digital)
Collects X-Men: Hellfire Gala (2022) #1, The Secret X-Men (2022) #1, X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic (2021) #50-55, X-Men: Hellfire Gala Confessional Strips, Amazing Spider-Man (2022) #9, and material from Free Comic Book Day 2022: Avengers/X-Men #1.
Destiny of X Titles – New Titles
Deadpool (2022) #1-10 (Nov 2022 – Aug 2023) by Alyssa Wong Martin Coccolo Neeraj Menon – See Guide to Deadpool
In a surprise twist, Deadpool was pulled back into the X-Men line with his late 2022 relaunch for the first time in over a decade! [Marvel Unlimited]
Knights of X (2022) #1-5 (Apr 2022 – Aug 2022) by Tini Howard & Bob Quinn – See Guide to Excalibur
Legion of X (2022) #1-10 (May 2022 – Feb 2023) by Si Spurrier & Jan Bazaldua – See Guide to Legion
Immortal X-Men (2022) #1-10 by Kieron Gillen & Lucas Werneck
Kieron Gillen pens one of a trio of X-Men flagship books. It focuses entirely the Quiet Council, with a strong focus on Sinister, Mystique, and Destiny. [Marvel Unlimited]
Immortal X-Men by Kieron Gillen, Vol. 1 (2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1302928018 / digital)
Collects Immortal X-Men (2022) #1-5
Immortal X-Men by Kieron Gillen, Vol. 2 (2023 paperback, ISBN 978-1302928025 / digital)
Collects Immortal X-Men (2022) #6-10
Marauders (2022) #1-10 by Steve Orlando & Eleonora Carlini
Steve Orlando relaunches the Marauders as a space-faring team. Kate Pryde leads a motley crew of Bishop, Tempo, Daken, Aurora, Somnus, and Cassandra Nova bring Krakoan diplomacy to the Shi’ar Empire with a (somewhat confusing) mission to lead them back to a lost generation of pre-historic mutants on Earth. [Marvel Unlimited: Annual, Main Series]
Marauders by Steve Orlando Vol. 1 (2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1302927202 / digital)
Collects Marauders (2022) #1-5 & Annual 1 (which preceded the ongoing) and Marvel’s Voices Pride (2021) #1 (Somnus story). These issues are also collected in Cosmic X-Men Omnibus (2025 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302964276 / digital TBA).
Marauders by Steve Orlando Vol. 2 (2023 paperback, ISBN 978-1302934880 / digital)
Collects Marauders (2022) #6-10 & X-Men: Before the Fall (2023) Mutant First Strike #1 [the solicit text does not list this additional issue, but I have confirmed it in a digital copy]
Midnight Suns (2022) #1-5 (Nov 2022 – Mar 2023)
Though not part of the Krakoa line of titles (and thus exempt from the anthology collections), this supernatural team book was anchored by Wolverine and Magik. [Marvel Unlimited]
Midnight Suns (2023 paperback, ISBN 978-1302947187 / digital)
Sabretooth (2022) #1-5 (Feb 2022 – July 2022) by Victor LaValle & Leonard Kirk – See Guide to Sabretooth
Sabretooth & the Exiles (2022) #1-5 (Nov 2022 – Mar 2023) by Victor LaValle, Leonard Kirk, & Rain Beredo – See Guide to Sabretooth
The Secret X-Men (2022) #1 (Feb 2022) by Tini Howard & Francesco Mobili
An uproarious one-shot following the exploits of the X-Men who did not win the Hellfire Gala X-Men vote in 2021. [Marvel Unlimited]
X-Men: Hellfire Gala – Immortal (2023 paperback, ISBN 978-1302952099 / digital)
Collects X-Men: Hellfire Gala (2022) #1, The Secret X-Men (2022) #1, X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic (2021) #50-55, X-Men: Hellfire Gala Confessional Strips, Amazing Spider-Man (2022) #9, and material from Free Comic Book Day 2022: Avengers/X-Men #1.
X-Men Red (2022) #1-10 (Apr 2022 – Jan 2023) by Al Ewing & Stefano Caselli
Al Ewing continues the themes and some of the cast of his SWORD onto the X-Men’s occupation of Mars in a third flagship title anchored by Storm and Magneto, with support from Cable and Sunspot. [Marvel Unlimited]
X-Men Red by Al Ewing, Vol. 1 (2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1302932831 / digital)
Collects X-Men Red (2022) #1-5
X-Men Red by Al Ewing, Vol. 2 (2023 paperback, ISBN 978-1302947521 / digital)
Collects X-Men Red (2023) #6-10
X-Men: Unforgiven (2023) #1
One of a series of one-shots of Marvel heroes fighting vampires. [Marvel Unlimited]
Unforgiven (2023 paperback, ISBN 978-1302946319 / digital)
Collecting Blade: Vampire Nation (2022) #1, Spider-man: Unforgiven (2023) #1, X-Men: Unforgiven (2023) #1, and Captain America: Unforgiven (2023) #1.
X-Terminators (2022) #1-5 (Sep 2022 – Jan 2023) by Leah Williams, Carlos Gómez, & Bryan Valenza
A silly, mature-readers take on vampire hunting starring Dazzler, Boom Boom, Wolverine, & Jubilee. [Marvel Unlimited]
X-Terminators (2023 paperback, ISBN 978-1302946999 / digital)
Event: Sins of Sinister (Jan – Apr 2023)
This event is in the style of Age of Apocalypse, with three of the line’s ongoing titles shifting to alternate-timeline versions (sortof) of the possible future of Krakoa for three months at the beginning of 2023. Each issue is one “Power of X” – so the first issues are 10 years into the future, the second issues 100 years, and the third issues 1,000 years. That allows Gillen, Ewing, and Spurrier to play with some hard sci-fi concepts we don’t typically see in X-Men comics – with a focus on Sinister and the ramifications of his actions (plus, some highlights for Storm, Destiny, Moira, and Mother Righteous).
This has several direct impacts on the main timeline of Marvel-616, but you could simply read the first and final issues to get the thrust of it. [Marvel Unlimited: Sins, Immoral, Nightcrawlers, Storm & The Brotherhood, Dominion]
Sins of Sinister (2023 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1302950828 / 2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302950835 / digital)
This collects the entire event in Sins of Sinister (2023) #1, Immoral X-Men (2023) #1-3 (from Gillen’s Immortal X-Men), Nightcrawlers (2023) #1-3 (from Spurrier’s Legion of X), Storm & the Brotherhood of Mutants (2023) #1-3 (from Ewing’s X-Men Red), and Sins of Sinister: Dominion (2023) #1.
Before the Fall (January 2023 – June 2023)
This is an unofficial period of titles that ran alongside Sins of Sinister and after the event, but before the 2023 Hellfire Gala – which kicks off “The Fall of X.”
It included all of the ongoing X-titles (Immortal, Wolverine, X-Force, X-Men, and Red), plus Deadpool, four new mini-series (Captain Britain, Bishop, New Mutants, & Rogue/Gambit), plus four “Before the Fall” one-shots.
- Betsy Braddock: Captain Britain (2023) #1-5 by Tini Howard & Vasco Georgiev – See Guide to Captain Britain
- Bishop: War College (2023) #1-5 (2023 paperback, ISBN 978-1302948054 / digital) by J. Holtham & Sean Damien Hill, which follows Bishop as he trains a cadre of young X-Men
- Deadpool (2022) #1-10 – See Guide to Deadpool. The final issue of this series was branded as “Fall of X”
- Immortal X-Men (2022) #11-13 by Kieron Gillen & Lucas Werneck
- Vol. 4 (2023 paperback, ISBN 978-1302951009 / digital), which also collects X-Men: Before the Fall – Sinister Four (2023) #1
- New Mutants: Lethal Legion (2023) #1-5 – Effectively a final arc of New Mutants (2019), continuing exactly from where it left off. See Guide to New Mutants & Young X-Men
- Rogue & Gambit (2023) #1-5 (2024 paperback, ISBN, 978-1302948061 / digital) by Stephanie Phillips Carlos Gómez
- Wolverine (2020) #30-35 by Benjamin Percy – See Guide to Wolverine
- X-Force (2019) #39-42 by Benjamin Percy – See Guide to X-Force
- X-Men (2021) #22-24 by Gerry Duggan
- X-Men By Gerry Duggan Vol. 4 (2023 paperback, ISBN 978-1302947538 / digital) – Collects X-Men (2021) #19-24
- X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic (2021) #80-99
- X-Men: Before the Fall (2023) One-Shots
- Heralds of Apocalypse – written by Al Ewing, collected below in X-Men Red Vol. 3
- Mutant First Strike – by Steve Orlando, Valentina Pinti, & Frank William, collected in the prior section with Marauders Vol. 2
- Sinister Four – by Kieron Gillen, Paco Medina, & Edgar Delgado – collected above in Immortal X-Men Vol. 3
- Sons of X – written by Si Spurrier, collected in the prior section with Legion of X Vol. 2
- X-Men Red (2022) #11-13 by Al Ewing
- Vol. 3 (2023 paperback, ISBN / digital) – Collects X-Men Red (2022) #11-13 and X-Men: Before the Fall – Heralds of Apocalypse (2023) #1
Plus, a pair of retcon series that are not a part of current Krakoa continuity – Storm (2023) #1-5 as Storm: Blowback (2023 paperback, ISBN 978-1302952532 / digital), which is set in her Mohawk era (and before she lost her powers), and X-23: Deadly Regenesis (2023) – See Guide to Wolverine, X-23.
Fall of X (June 2023 – December 2023)
The Fall of X era kicks off with a brutal Hellfire Gala that sees the X-Men’s enemies with the upper hand and the the mutants of Krakoa scattered across the Earth and the galaxy.
The Hellfire Gala 2023
- X-Men: Hellfire Gala – Fall 0f X (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302953034 / digital) – collects X-Men: Hellfire Gala 2023, Free Comic Book Day 2023: Avengers/X-Men (Avengers and X-Men stories), X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic (2021) #100-105, Invincible Iron Man (2022) #8, and the Hellfire Gala variant covers
Amazing Spider-Man (2022) Annual 1/2023 offers a brief street-level epilogue to the effects of the Gala, both for the Limbo Embassy in NYC and for Mary Jane Watson’s Aunt, who receives Krakoan drugs as a result of MJ’s participation in last year’s Gala. It’s not essential reading, but it’s nice to see some color about the major events on Krakoa trickle into the rest of the Marvel Universe.
Ongoing Series
- Immortal X-Men (2022) #14-18 by Kieron Gillen & Lucas Werneck
- Immortal X-Men by Kieron Gillen Vol. 4 (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302953423 / digital)
- Invincible Iron Man (2022) #1-12 – See Guide to Iron Man – Tony Stark. This Gerry Duggan series becomes a de facto X-book as it begins to co-star Emma Frost
- Wolverine (2020) #36-50 by Benjamin Percy – See Guide to Wolverine. Starting with issue #41, this title switched to bi-weekly release for a 10-part “Sabretooth War” arc tying in to the prior Sabretooth series and co-written by Victore LaValle. This resolves after the end of X-Force, but before the finale in Fall/Rise cycle below even though it was still being released alongside it.
- X-Force (2019) #43-50 by Benjamin Percy – See Guide to X-Force. This resolves after all of the initial Fall of X series, but before Wolverine (202)#41 and all of the other X-Men issues released in 2024 that are part of the Fall/Rise cycle, below.
- X-Men (2021) #25-29 by Gerry Duggan & Annual 1 by Paul Allor
- #25-29: X-Men by Gerry Duggan Vol. 5 (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302947545 / digital)
- Annual 1: Contest of Chaos (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302955038 / digital) – This annual is by Paul Allor. It is the penultimate chapter of the “Contest of Chaos” summer annual event and features Cyclops fighting Captain Marvel. Collects Spider-Man (2023) Annual 1, Iron Man Annual (2023) 1, Fantastic Four (2022) Annual 1, Moon Knight (2021) Annual 1(/2023), Spider-Gwen (2023) Annual 1, Venom (2021) Annual 1, X-Men (2021) Annual 1, and Avengers (2023) Annual 1.
- #30-25: This final run continues through the Fall of X period, below.
- X-Men Red (2022) #14-18 by Al Ewing
- X-Men Red by Al Ewing Vol. 4 (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302953430 / digital)
- X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic (2021) #100-120 by various, the first arc of which is collected with the Hellfire Gala, above
New Limited Series
- Alpha Flight (2023) #1-5 by Ed Brisson, Scott Godlewski, & Matt Milla, focusing on the human members of the team and how they react to the new mutant status quo affecting some of their longtime colleagues. See Guide to Alpha Flight.
- Astonishing Iceman (2023) #1-5 written by Steve Orlando & Vincenzo Carratú
- Astonishing Iceman: Out Cold (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302952495 / digital)
- Children of the Vault (2023) #1-5 by Deniz Camp, Luca Maresca, & Carlos Lopez, starring Cable & Bishop.
- Children of the Vault (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302952464 / digital)
- Dark X-Men (2023) #1-5 by Steve Foxe, Jonas Scharf, & Frank Martin, a team lead by Madelyne Pryor that includes Havok, Gambit, Emplate, and some other surprising choices.
- Dark X-Men: The Mercy Crown (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302952525 / digital)
- Jean Grey (2023) #1-5 written by Louise Simonson
- Jean Grey: Flames of Fear (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302952501 / digital)
- Ms. Marvel: New Mutant (2023) #1-4 written by Iman Vellani. This is a full-on X-Men title that ties extremely closely with the issues of X-Men (2021) in this period. See Guide to Ms. Marvel.
- Original X-Men (2023) #1 – A one-shot tale of the Silver Age team that spins off (in a way) into the Weapon X-Men (2024) alternate reality series. Thus, see Guide to Weapon X.
- Realm of X (2023) #1-4 by Torunn Grønbekk, which follows Magik & Dani Moonstar into Asgardian realms.
- Realm of X (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302952518 / digital)
- Uncanny Avengers (2023) #1-5 by Gerry Duggan, Javier Garron, & , which follows a new Unity Squad including Captain America, Rogue, Monet, Psylocke, Quicksilver, & Deadpool as they hunt Captain Krakoa. See Guide to Uncanny Avengers.
- Uncanny Spider-Man (2023) #1-5 by Si Spurrier & Lee Garbett, continuing his wild run on Nightcrawler.
- Uncanny Spider-Man. Also collects X-Men: Blue – Origins (2024) #1, the definitive final word on Nightcrawler’s origins as they relate to Mystique & Destiny. (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302952266 / digital)
Plus, a pair of retcon series that are not a part of current Krakoa continuity, Magneto (2023) (see Guide to Magneto) and X-Men: Days of Future Past – Doomsday (2023) #1-4 (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302952259 / digital).
Fall of the House of X / Rise of the Powers of X (January 2024 – June 2024)
Gerry Duggan and Kieron Gillen orchestrate a tightly-coordinated finale to the Age of Krakoa. Note that both X-Force and Wolverine ran during this period, but their plots explicitly end prior to the beginning of this final run of stories – so they are listed in the prior section.
While this era can be read as a single mega-thread of continuity, it can also be broken down into two halves – with a third vein of supporting books.
The Fall/Rise Omnibus
The entirety of this era’s story is collected in a single oversize volume!
Fall of the House of X / Rise of the Powers of X Omnibus (2025 oversize hardcover, ISBN TBA / digital TBA)
Collects Fall of the House of X (2024) #1-5, X-Men (2021) #30-35, Invincible Iron Man (2022) #13-20, Rise of the Powers of X (2024) #1-5, Dead X-Men (2024) #1-4, X-Men Forever (2024) #1-4, The Resurrection of Magneto (2024) #1-4, Cable (2024) #1-4, Avengers (2023) #12-13, Ms. Marvel: The Mutant Menace (2024) #1-4
The Fall of the House of X, by Gerry Duggan et al
- Fall of the House of X (2024) #1-5 by Gerry Duggan & Lucas Werneck – Collected together as Fall of the House of X / Rise of the Powers of X (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302956585 / digital), which also includes X-Men (2021) #35.
- X-Men (2021) #30-34: X-Men by Gerry Duggan Vol. 6 (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302957216 / digital) – Fall of the House of X makes absolutely no sense unless you read these issues, which alternate with Fall issues. Issue #35 is the finale of this entire period and is collected with the Fall/Rise paperback.
- Invincible Iron Man (2022) #13-20 – See Guide to Iron Man – Tony Stark. Fall of the House of X makes very little sense unless you also read this series, which has all of the actual conflict with FeiLong – none of which actually happens on-page in Fall of the House of X.
The Rise of the Powers of X, by Kieron Gillen et al
- Rise of the Powers of X (2024) #1-5 by Kieron Gillen & RB Silva – Collected as Fall of the House of X / Rise of the Powers of X (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302956585 / digital), which also will include X-Men (2021) #35.
- Dead X-Men (2024) #1-4 by Steve Foxe (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302957438 / digital) follows the exploits of the X-Men who died at the 2023 Hellfire Gala (this is revealed on the first cover!) as they go on a mission that links directly to revelations in issues #1-3 of Rise of Powers of X.
- X-Men Forever (2024) #1-4 – Immortal X-Men, Vol. 5: X-Men Forever (2024 paperback, ISBN 978-1302958015 / digital TBA) is a mini-series by Kieron Gillen that links Immortal X-Men to Fall & Rise by focusing on The While Hot Room, exploring the set-up of Rise of the Powers of X and showing scenes running parallel to Rise issues #3-5. It conclusions some major themes not only of Gillen’s Immortal run, but of his work on X-Men from 2010!
Other Titles
- The Resurrection of Magneto (2024) #1-4 by Al Ewing & Luciano Vecchio – See Guide to Magneto. This stands independently as an epilogue to X-Men Red, but its conclusion also feeds directly into issue #4 of Fall of the House of X.
- Cable (2024) #1-4 by Fabian Nicieza. See Guide to Cable for a mission that exists to the side of the main Fall of the House of X featuring both old man Cable and teen Cable!
- X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic (2021) #121-142, largely by Steve Orlando and Steve Foxe, this filled in various background plots for characters not featured in the main Rise/Fall stories.
- Avengers (2023) #12-13 – See Guide to Avengers (2010 – Present). Jed MacKay shows what Tony Stark gets up to with his other team, which also includes close friends of the X-Men Carol Danvers and Wanda Maximoff. As you can imagine, they aren’t too pleased with an attempt to drive mutants to extinction!
Somewhat unrelated to the main spine of the ending arc of Krakoa, some additional X series launched prior to the start of the new “From the Ashes” era:
- Ms. Marvel: The Mutant Menace (2024) #1-4 by Iman Vellani. See Guide to Ms. Marvel. While this loosely ties into the status quo of the finale of the Fall of X, it is a series of one-shot stories much more concerned with tying up loose ends in Kamala Khan’s continuity prior to her continuing into the subsequent “From the Ashes” period.
- Giant-Size X-Men (2024) #1 by Ann Nocenti. A one-shot story focused on Warren Worthington. It seems that this occurs wholly after the end of Krakoa and actually might be one of the first “From the Ashes” stories. Other Giant-Size issues have been collected alongside their ongoing series, but it seems clear that won’t be the case with this one. Perhaps it will be collected with “Heir of Apocalypse,” below, due to the Archangel focus.
- Weapon X-Men (2024) #1-4 by Christos Gage. See Guide to Weapon X. A series focusing on a team of alternate reality Wolverines, as assembled by an alternate-reality Phoenix. This does not relate to 616 continuity or tie in to Fall of X at all – it’s more of a tie-in to the Deadpool vs. Wolverine film!
Epilogue
- X-Men: Heir of Apocalypse (2024) #1-4 by Steve Foxe (2025 paperback, ISBN 978-1302958091 / digital TBA). An epilogue to Krakoa (and to X-Men (2021) #35, in specific) focused on who will take over Apocalypse’s role on Earth while he focuses on Arakko.
- X-Men: The Wedding Special (2024) #1 – This is actually Marvel’s 2024 Pride issue, sneakily branded as an X-Men one-shot. It features the previously unseen wedding of Mystique and Destiny, which was set up early in this era with Hickman’s iconic “Bring back my wife!” dialog for Raven. Despite this releasing just as the Krakoa era comes to a close, it was Kieron Gillen’s final X-Men issue and is spiritually a cheeky epilogue to his Immortal X-Men.
Continue to The Guide to X-Men: From the Ashes (2024 – Present)
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Fariha says
In 20 key background story, I would add Classic X-men 36 backup story with Proteus Saga for reasons 😉
Gabriel says
I was surprised that Mike Carey’s run introducing the Children of the Vault (X-Men vol.2 188-193) wasn’t considered as an important story to read before at least Hickman’s portion. Either way, thanks for the update!😊
krisis says
I definitely have to reconsider that Top 20 list now that we’re three years into things! At first it was explicitly just to prep for understanding HOXPOX. Since then, a few more stories have snuck through to feel more necessary (though, it remains a surprisingly slim list, overall). I’d perhaps also add some background about Colossus’s brother, as well.
T says
Thank you so so SO much for this wonderful an extensive list. I fell in love with the Krakoa era but had no space for floppies. This superb guide has been a miracle for me as I try to collect everything. I cannot thank you enough! (Though my wallet might disagree aha)
krisis says
You’re very welcome, T! Remember two things: You don’t have to read everything AND it’s all on Marvel Unlimited!
Richard says
It seems there won’t be an english language release for the destiny of x anthology collections.
krisis says
It’s such a bummer, Richard! I wish they at least would have put out a final volume to close out the open arcs in the final collection, like the Sabretooth mini. They hurt their future credibility and sales every time they abandon a line like they did here.
Nac Payne says
As a librarian doing their best to keep up with the various collected editions, this is a FANTASTIC guide. May all your streetlights turn green just as you approach the intersection.
krisis says
It is truly an HONOR to hear a librarian say that my site is helping them at all. You’ve made my day. If there’s anything I can ever do to better organize the pages to be of aid to you and your colleagues, I’d love to hear your suggestions.
Deena says
Just a heads-up: X-Men Forever isn’t a one-shot, it’s a four-issue mini.
krisis says
Thanks! I wasn’t sure from the way the solicit was phrased and should have poked into it further. I’ll update the page within the next week.
Wynne says
Hi, I was just wondering where the Giant-Size X-Men: Thunderbird one-shot and the X-Force Annual go in the reading order? I didn’t see them. I also didn’t see the Marvel’s Voices: X-Men one-shot or the three crossover mini-series (Curse of the Man-Thing, Ms. Marvel: Fists of Justice and Moon Girl: Endangered Species).
Brian L. says
Hello, first of all thank you for making these guides, they are incredibly helpful! my questions is can I get the two Trials of X paperbacks and understand the full story of Scarlet Witch’s resurection? Or would I be lost in Krakoa plots? I recently picked up the Scarlet Witch trade paper backs by Steve Orlando and just wanted some context to some of the comments of her return that are in that series. thanks so much!
Hunter says
I just want to thank you for this awesome guide. I’ve been wanting to get back into comics with all the Krakoa hype. Now that we’re moving into the next chapter, I was hoping there would be more simple omnibuses to collect. But I’ve started with HOXPOX for now! I’m so tempted to get Giant Sized X-Men for that cover alone, but I think I’m probably best going the online route until they get more proper omnibuses out. Any idea how long we might be looking at for that? Thanks again for this!
krisis says
Marvel hasn’t tipped their hand at all when it comes to omnibuses of the Krakoa era beyond the first Hickman omnibus (which doesn’t even extend to Inferno!). It’s a game of wait-and-see to know if they’ll collect the entire era Anthology-Style on one massive line or if they will group similar series together.
Hunter says
Guess time will tell!
Leo says
I am so delighted to have found your page. It has been a helpful tool while I restructure this winter’s reading list. Thank you so much.
Tom says
Hello Krisis,
I am so grateful for the Age of Krakoa guide you created. I stopped reading monthly Xmen comics and didn’t buy any Xmen graphic novels for a while. I was intimidated to jump back in because I didn’t know where to start. After seeing this list, I just ordered a ton a books and I’m back! Thanks very much!
Sincerely,
Tom B
krisis says
Tom, thank you so much for leaving me a comment. You are the reason I spend hours working on guides like this one! Comics shouldn’t be hard to understand or intimidating to get started with, but sometimes Marvel and DC just can’t help themselves. I hope you love all the books you ordered. – k