Two of the three flagship X-Men titles will cross over this winter in a story called “Raid on Graymalkin.” The crossover will run through X-Men #8-9 by Jed MacKay and Ryan Stegman, and Uncanny X-Men #7-8 by Gail Simone, David Marquez and Javier Garron.
“It’s been an exciting time being part of the launch of the line of X-titles, but now we’re really getting into it- our first crossover!” MacKay said. “’Raid on Graymalkin’ is going to push the X-Men of both Alaska and Louisiana to their breaking points and set the tone for the future, and it’s been great to work with a legend like Gail in bringing it to life!”
If you’ve been following both titles, you know there’s some tension brewing between Cyclops and his crew of soldiers, who live in Alaska, and Rogue and her family of mutants, who reside in Louisiana. That tension will come to a head as both teams decide it’s time to do something about Graymalkin Prison, the former site of Professor Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters in New York, where mutants are being held by Dr. Corina Ellis, including Professor X.
“Writing in the X-World has been one of the most fun and rewarding experiences of my career,” Simone said. “Best characters, best art team, best editors and best fellow creators, particularly Jed Mackay, who is just an idea machine. We’ve been throwing ideas back and forth nearly every day since we all started putting together the bones of what the X-Verse would be like, and I think it helps tremendously that we like and respect each other’s work.”
Here are more details on the crossover, courtesy of Marvel.com:
The X-Men’s school has been transformed into a brutal penitentiary for mutants by the callous Dr. Corina Ellis, and her prize inmate is none other than Professor X himself! But after his actions during Krakoa’s fall, is Professor X worth saving? And who or what is the secret weapon that Ellis is confident will protect Graymalkin against any attack? Find out in this four-part mutant milestone that solidifies the X-Men’s post-Krakoan world!
And here’s what to expect from each issue:
X-Men #8
by Jed MacKay and Ryan Stegman
With one of their own incarcerated, the X-Men move on Graymalkin Prison in order to free their teammate. But it’s not just one team – in Alaska, Cyclops’ X-Men scramble a rescue mission, while in Louisiana, Rogue’s X-Men move to strike out on their own sortie. Doctrinal rivals each with their own objective, will these two fractious teams find themselves at cross-purposes? After all…an “X” is made by two lines crossing.
Uncanny X-Men #7
by Gail Simone and David Marquez
The raid continues as two conflicting teams of X-Men come to a crossroads at Graymalkin Prison. As if the Perimeter protocols and the prison’s mutant “Trustees” weren’t enough, team leaders Rogue and Cyclops find themselves at war over the uncertain legacy of Charles Xavier!
X-MEN #9
by Jed MacKay and Ryan Stegman
Rogue and Cyclops come to blows as emotions come to a head, pitting the two groups of X-Men against one another in a place where their only chance for survival is to stand together. Xavier’s dream lies shattered – and broken edges always draw blood.
UNCANNY X-MEN #8
by Gail Simone and Javier Garron
The explosive saga ends here, with Rogue and Cyclops on opposite ends of the mutant struggle, perhaps forever! Are they honoring Xavier’s legacy or destroying it? Do they choose loyalty or the law? An all-out action issue that will affect both teams (and the entire mutant community) with devastating results! Featuring guest artist Javier Garrón!
“I hope that this is a precursor to more short crossovers,” Simone said. “We love the idea of doing something impactful, where it feels punchy and fast-paced, with some genuine, lasting effects. You can still just read X-Men or Uncanny X-Men and follow the story, but you’ll get a bigger, richer picture if you get both. As always, we have the welcome mat out for newbies and long-time readers alike!”
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