Writer: Alex Paknadel
Art: Diogenes Neves, Arthur Hesli, VC’s Clayton Cowles, and Martin Coccolo
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price:$6.99
Reviewed by: Anonymous
Release Date: January 22nd, 2025
In the wake of the fall of Krakoa, the X-Men are forever changed. As Jean Grey prepares to take her place among the stars, she and Cyclops share a last night together, only to discover a hidden mystery that threatens to pull them apart. Meanwhile, what was supposed to be a mundane article about Charles Xavier’s monstrous acts during the war turns into something far stranger for journalist Sally Floyd. Can the X-Men survive the shadows lurking in their pasts, or will their new era begin in tragedy? Collecting X-MEN: FROM THE ASHES INFINITY COMICS #1-6 for the first time in print!
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read the X-Men: Xavier’s Secret #1 Review.
THE DISPATCH
X-Men: Xavier’s Secret #1, collecting the X-MEN: FROM THE ASHES INFINITY COMICS #1-6, delves into the lingering consequences of Krakoa’s fall and unearths a dark secret from Charles Xavier’s past. This issue serves as a bridge between eras, exploring the emotional fallout for the X-Men while setting up new mysteries and conflicts.
The central focus on Jean Grey and Cyclops provides a poignant emotional core. Their “last night together” before Jean’s departure is handled with sensitivity, highlighting the deep bond they share while acknowledging the uncertainty of their future. This personal drama is effectively juxtaposed with the unfolding mystery surrounding Xavier’s past.
The introduction of journalist Sally Floyd provides a compelling outsider perspective. Her investigation into Xavier’s wartime activities quickly takes a strange and unsettling turn, drawing her into a web of secrets that threaten to shake the foundations of the X-Men’s history. This subplot adds a layer of intrigue and suspense, promising to uncover uncomfortable truths about the team’s founder.
The artwork translates well to the print format. The visual storytelling is clear and effective, capturing the emotional weight of the characters’ interactions and the unsettling nature of the mystery.
While the issue is primarily focused on setting up the overarching storyline, it does so effectively. The pacing is well-managed, balancing character moments with intriguing plot developments. The cliffhanger ending leaves readers eager to uncover the truth behind Xavier’s secret.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, X-Men: Xavier’s Secret #1 is a strong start to a new storyline that explores the lingering consequences of Krakoa’s fall and unearths a dark secret from the X-Men’s past. It’s a must-read for fans of the X-Men and those interested in character-driven stories with a strong mystery element.