10 Best X-Men Stories of the 2020s

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In the 2020s, the X-Men experienced an intriguing journey that began with the introduction of the Krakoa Era towards the end of 2019. This period marked a significant rise in popularity for the X-Men comics, making them the talk of the town in the comic industry during 2020. The team’s success was so monumental that they single-handedly kept Marvel afloat during challenging Covid times and delivered the first major crossover of the Krakoa Era.

Jonathan Hickman’s return to the X-Men series revitalized their cool factor and sparked a talented team of writers and artists who produced captivating stories. Fans adored Hickman and his team, but unbeknownst to many, the groundwork for the decline in quality during the Krakoa Era was being laid. As Hickman departed from the books in 2022, things took a turn for the worse. Although there were still some excellent X-Men stories, the initial enthusiasm seemed to fade away. The Krakoa Era ended disastrously, and Marvel decided to revisit their past with the “From the Ashes” publishing initiative.

In the 2020s, the X-Men series was a mixed bag, boasting some exceptional tales alongside less impressive ones. It’s been a rollercoaster for X-Men fans – exciting at times, disappointing at others, particularly post-2022. Yet, amidst the ups and downs, there were some truly mind-blowing X-Men comics that left readers spellbound. The following ten X-Men stories from this era stand out as the best of the best, offering unforgettable reading experiences to fans.

10) Planet-Size X-Men #1

Following Hickman’s departure from the X-Men series, Gerry Duggan assumed control of the main title, “X-Men.” While I find Duggan’s run on X-Men to be disappointing compared to Chuck Austen’s, I won’t be following any current X-Men series like “X-Men” (Vol. 6) or “Fall of the House of X.” However, Duggan did pen one exceptional X-Men story, and that’s “Planet-Size X-Men” #1, co-written with artist Pepe Larraz. This standalone issue marked the conclusion of the first Hellfire Gala. Throughout the Hellfire Gala issues, the Krakoans hinted at the spectacular events that would conclude the Gala, and “Planet-Size X-Men” #1 reveals exactly what those events were. A coalition of Omega mutants, hailing from both Krakoa and Arakko, unite to transform Mars, granting it increased gravity and an atmosphere. This comic reads as if Hickman himself wrote it, making for a captivating read. The art by Pepe Larraz is exceptional; his fame during the Krakoa Era is well-deserved, and this book showcases why. It’s unfortunate that Duggan didn’t maintain this level of quality throughout his X-Men run, as this story truly delivers.

9) Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 6) #6

During the “From the Ashes” era of the X-Men, things haven’t been particularly impressive. According to group editor Tom Brevoort, the mutants are mainly being rehashed from past stories. However, one standout X-Men title during this period is Uncanny X-Men, penned by Gail Simone. This comic employs a narrative style similar to Chris Claremont’s and offers fresh X-Men adventures. Notably, it introduces four of the most captivating new mutants yet, known as the Outliers. The Outliers make their debut in Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 6) #6, a collaboration between Simone and guest artist Javier Garron. In this issue, the Outliers attend high school and develop relationships with both each other and the established X-Men team. This narrative style harks back to classic X-Men storytelling and is sure to spark interest in the Outliers.

8) “Sins of Sinister”

The Krakoan period was particularly beneficial for Mister Sinister, as he regained relevance after years in the shadows, even being featured in one of the most remarkable stories during this era – “Sins of Sinister”. This narrative saw Sinister’s rise to prominence, which started with his scheming portrayed in “Hellions” and “Immortal X-Men”. The story reveals that Sinister had a master plan for the mutant nation of Krakoa, and his DNA library was instrumental in Krakoan resurrection.

With this power, Sinister manipulated the resurrection process, gaining control over the revived mutants. He then used this ability to eliminate various adversaries of both mutants and humans, ultimately leading to Krakoa’s global conquest. The tale takes a turn reminiscent of “Age of Apocalypse”, showcasing the world Sinister created in “Immoral X-Men”, featuring Storm and the Brotherhood of Mutants, as well as “Nightcrawlers”. These titles replaced “Immortal X-Men”, “X-Men Red”, and “Legion of X” during this period.

This alternate universe X-Men saga was exactly what readers craved, taking them on an exciting journey. Not only does it offer a fresh perspective, but it also signals the end of the Krakoa Era. It is arguably the last truly outstanding story of this period, and it’s highly recommended that you read it.

7) Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 6) #1-4

In a new volume of Uncanny X-Men titled “Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 6)”, the narrative begins with a four-issue storyline named “Red Wave”. Following Krakoa’s fall, the X-Men find themselves dispersed across various locations. The once iconic X-Mansion has been transformed into a detention center for mutants known as Greymalkin, under government control. Cyclops leads several X-Men to Alaska, but not all team members are content with being Cyclops’s soldiers.

Rogue, Gambit, Wolverine, Nightcrawler, and Jubilee form an alliance after receiving a grim prophecy about the mutant race from a Norse dragon. This revelation sends them on a journey to New Orleans and encounters with the Outliers, four young mutants who hold the fate of their kind in their hands.

Meanwhile, the warden of Greymalkin has her sights set on capturing these new mutants, dispatching the formidable Sarah Gaunt to eliminate the X-Men. Issues #1-4 of Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 6), penned by Simone and illustrated by David Marquez, are nothing short of impressive. The story exudes an atmosphere reminiscent of the Outback era while still carving its unique identity. This revival of the X-Men series showcases them at their finest.

6) X-Men Red #1-18

The upcoming list will feature two outstanding series from the Krakoa Era due to their exceptional quality, making it challenging to reduce them. One of these is “X-Men Red,” penned by Al Ewing and illustrated by Stefano Caselli, Madibek Musabekov, Jacopo Camagni, and Yildray Cinar. In “X-Men Red,” Storm, Magneto, and Sunspot, mistrusting the Quiet Council of Krakoa and the Great Circle of Arakko, form an alliance with the Arakkii known as the Fisher King, calling themselves the Brotherhood. The series unfolds with complex mutant politics, thrilling cosmic escapades, a conflict against a Krakoan traitor, and the reappearance of Apocalypse’s wife and children on Arakko. “X-Men Red” expertly develops the dynamic between Storm and Magneto, keeping readers at the edge of their seats throughout its course. It stands out as one of the bright spots during the later phases of the Krakoa Era, demonstrating that even after Hickman’s departure, there was still much to appreciate.

5) Immortal X-Men #1-18

The departure of Hickman was a significant setback, but luckily for readers, Kieron Gillen stepped in to provide another perspective on the X-Men. Gillen’s work, titled Immortal X-Men, is an 18-issue series collaborated with artists Lucas Werneck, Michele Bandini, Paco Medina, and Juan Jose Ryp. The narrative primarily revolves around the Quiet Council – composed of Xavier, Hope Summers, Mystique, Destiny, Emma Frost, Sebastian Shaw, Kate Pryde, Nightcrawler, Exodus, Colossus, Storm, and Mister Sinister – as they navigate the internal politics within their group to maintain Krakoa’s unity. The series is a remarkable display of character development, with most issues delving into the thoughts and secrets of individual characters. It’s an exceptional read. Although Duggan’s X-Men series sold better, Gillen’s work served as the heart of the main stories from the last two years of the Krakoa Era. If the subsequent phases of the post-Hickman Krakoa Era had been as compelling as this one, we would be in a more engaging X-Men timeline today.

4) X-Men (Vol. 5) #4

During the onset of the Krakoa Era, Hickman’s X-Men series served as a captivating focal point. In the initial stages, X-Men (Vol. 5) featured standalone issues that transported readers across Krakoa, with Cyclops as the lead character, working alongside various mutants in each issue. Although every installment was unique, one of the more notable from the early days was X-Men (Vol. 5) #4 by Hickman and Leinil Yu. In this particular issue, Cyclops and Gorgon were tasked with securing an economics conference attended by Xavier, Magneto, and Apocalypse. Although there’s a secondary plot involving an attack on the conference, the highlight of the comic is undeniably the conference itself. The overarching arrogance displayed by Xavier, Magneto, and Apocalypse in their interactions with world governments is astonishing, providing ample entertainment as they alternately belittle and praise the humans present. This exchange is filled with memorable moments that stand out among the highlights of the Krakoa Era.

3) X-Men (Vol. 5) #5 and #18-19

In simpler terms, the fifth volume of Hickman’s X-Men series at Marvel has its share of highs and lows. However, there are standout issues, particularly numbers 5, 18, and 19, which are part of a thrilling three-part story. This story commences in issue 5, where Wolverine II, Synch, and Darwin are sent into the Vault, a space containing technology that created advanced beings known as the Children of the Vault. The subsequent issues 18 and 19 detail their harrowing journey within this strange realm, where time moves differently, and they face enemies capable of adapting to any threats they encounter. These three issues are considered the finest moments of Hickman’s X-Men (Vol. 5), offering a captivating blend of science fiction, stunning artwork, and mind-blowing plot twists.

2) Inferno

As a die-hard comics enthusiast, I can’t help but express my admiration for the climactic four-issue miniseries, “Inferno,” penned by the brilliant Jonathan Hickman during his tenure as X’s head honcho. Accompanied by the artistic brilliance of Valerio Schiti, R.B. Silva, and Stefano Caselli, this thrilling tale unfolds.

The narrative revolves around Mystique, a character who’s had enough of being manipulated by Xavier and Magneto, taking charge of her own fate in a move that carries an intended pun. In her quest for justice, she summons the one individual Xavier and Magneto once denied her, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation.

Meanwhile, Moira MacTaggert continues to operate under a veil of secrecy, while the Orchis Initiative readies its latest assault against mutantkind, with their new Nimrod standing ready. “Inferno” is nothing short of exceptional from start to finish, offering the kind of intrigue that Hickman excelled at during the Krakoa Era, with a dash of alternate future madness thrown in for good measure.

The miniseries also delves into the origins of Orchis and showcases one of the coolest battles in the Krakoa Era – a fierce clash between Magneto, Xavier, Omega Sentinel, and Nimrod. This comic is nothing if not wild, and while some might not appreciate its impact on the Krakoa Era, it’s undeniably top-notch Hickman storytelling.

1) Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 6) #13-16

In comparison to “From the Ashes,” Simone’s “Uncanny X-Men” stands out as a remarkable high point. With David Marquez on art, readers are treated to exceptional narratives. While “From the Ashes” is merely average, it makes “Uncanny X-Men” shine even brighter; however, this series would be a top X-Men book in any era. A prime example of this excellence is “Uncanny X-Men” (Vol. 6) issues #13-16, titled “Dark Artery.” This storyline unfolds as the Outliers venture into the catacombs beneath Haven House, X-Men’s New Orleans base, uncovering a secret dating back to the early 20th century. Simultaneously, Gambit discovers the grim fate linked to his Left Eye of Agamotto possession before the X-Men launch a search for their students. Simone masterfully intertwines mutant history with the real-world history of oppression in the United States, leading the story into unexpected directions. True to her word, Simone delivers Southern Gothic horror in this book, reaching its zenith here. With multiple layers of plot and exceptional X-Men writing, “Uncanny X-Men” offers everything a fan could desire and more. Moreover, Marquez’s artwork is outstanding, making it the best X-Men art of the 2020s in my opinion.

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2025-08-07 21:26