Marvel Shocker: X-Men Spinoff ‘Weapon X-Men’ Axed After Just5 Issues!

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In the first issue of Weapon X-Men, Deadpool commented, “It seems like a genuine team setup here. Fresh, diverse, and part of the same franchise.” The formidable squad, made up of the chatty mercenary Wade Wilson, metal-clawed mutant Wolverine, time-traveling soldier Cable, the psychically powerful Chamber, and resurrected Thunderbird, was touted by Deadpool as “the most legendary mutant task force in history.” He suggested they should name themselves the Weapon X-Men.

The Weapon X-Men may be remembered as one of the briefest-lived mutant task forces ever: According to X-Men group editor Tom Brevoort, Weapon X-Men will conclude with issue #5 in June.

Initially, Marvel Comics had planned to release an ongoing series titled “X-Men” penned by Joe Casey (known for his work on Ben 10) and illustrated by ChrisCross (Captain Marvel). This was set for November. However, recent solicitations from the publisher reveal that the series “Weapon X-Men” will instead be a five-issue limited series, with its fifth and final issue, “Weapon X-Men” #5, scheduled for June 2025.

Occasionally, a book is planned as an ongoing series, but unfortunately, there isn’t enough market support to make it happen. This is what happened with the Weapon X-Men title.”

Or, more colloquially:

“Sometimes, a book gets planned for a continuous run, but if the audience doesn’t show up to keep it going, that won’t be possible. Sadly, this was the fate of the Weapon X-Men series.

In a subsequent blog post published on April 6, the longtime Marvel editor explained the reasoning behind the unexpected cancellation of ‘Weapon X-Men’ by stating, “Historically, I haven’t seen many cases where a struggling comic title miraculously bounces back and becomes a commercial success. Consequently, your best opportunity to attract enough readers is with issue #1 at its launch. If you fail to do so, it’s not likely that you’ll be able to reverse the trend later on.

Brevoort stated, “I would have preferred for Weapon X-Men to continue, but I’m also certain that if sales are low now, they won’t be any less poor in issue 8, 12, or any other.

Instead of the first volume of “Weapon X-Men” by writer Christos Gage (Deadpool vs. Wolverine: Slash ‘Em Up) and artist Yildiray Cinar (X-Men Red), which gathered a team consisting entirely of Wolverine variants from various universes, Casey and Cross’ “Weapon X-Men” was advertised as the most formidable mutant squad ever put together.

After the Krakoa era of the X-Men ended, Marvel restarted the X-line last summer with two titles: “X-Men” by Jed MacKay and Ryan Stegman, and “Uncanny X-Men” by Gail Simone and David Marquez. The upcoming issues 10 of “NYX”, “X-Force”, and “X-Factor” will mark their conclusion. This means that “X-Men”, “Uncanny X-Men”, “Exceptional X-Men”, and “Deadpool/Wolverine” will remain as the continuing team books.

In the ashes of the past, I’ve found myself cheering for new number ones in my beloved series like Wolverine, Phoenix, Storm, Psylocke, Hellverine, Magik, and Laura Kinney: Wolverine. The post-Krakoa era has seen the launch of several mini-series, such as the four-issue Dazzler and the five-issue Sentinels, Mystique, and Cable: Love and Chrome, which will wrap up with their final issues on May 28.

Below, see the solicitations for the final three issues of Weapon X-Men:

Weapon X-Men #3

Clash on Hydra Island Awaits! The latest X-team encounters its initial test of fire! Baron Strucker, backed by his formidable super-army, aims to rule the world. Only Wolverine, Deadpool, Cable, Chamber, and Thunderbird stand against them in this epic battle that you won’t want to miss! Introducing a new character – Weapon Exile!

On sale: April 30

Weapon X-Men #4

Here Comes Back the Scarlet Ronin! As New York City is threatened by this colossal technological menace, designed for battles with enormous monsters until one falls, the only champions to challenge it are the most recent X-team: Weapon X-Men! Can they collaborate effectively without causing internal strife first? And who among them has already vanished without leave?

On sale: May 21

Weapon X-Men #5 (of 5)

The chase after Thunderbird propels the remaining Weapon X-Men through both space and time, returning them to a crucial juncture in history – a significant occurrence in the annals of the All-New, All-Different X-Men! However, it remains unclear if they can arrive on time to rectify the situation. This storyline unveils previously concealed truths for the first time ever! And you won’t believe who makes a surprise appearance as supporting characters!

On sale: June 18

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2025-04-07 04:41