Outliers Are the Best New Mutants Marvel Will Keep Forever

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The latest status quo for the X-Men is called “From the Ashes,” which focuses on three main books: X-Men, Uncanny X-Men, and Exceptional X-Men. The first two titles were expected given the ’90s influence of “From the Ashes,” as they were the flagship X-Men comics during that decade of extremity. However, the newcomer among them, Exceptional X-Men, serves as a training book, where Emma Frost and Kitty Pryde mentor three new mutants – Axo, Bronze, and Melee – in mastering their powers and embodying the X-Men philosophy. Meanwhile, Uncanny X-Men will introduce a group of young mutants called the Outliers, made up of Jitter, Ransom, Deathdream, Calico, and Ember. The original X-Men members, Rogue, Gambit, Wolverine, Jubilee, and Nightcrawler, will also take the Outliers under their wing, teaching them to harness their powers and become the next generation of X-Men.

In my perspective, both the Exceptional kids and the Outliers appear quite similar in terms of their roles within the X-Men universe. Much like the flagship X-Men books, they’re all about a team that takes in new mutants – in this case, younger ones. For the X-Men, training young mutants is a recurring theme throughout their history, making it a common plot for the current X-Men books that are taking a “back to basics” approach.

However, I must admit that the Exceptional kids, compared to the Outliers, don’t seem as captivating or promising. The X-Men appear to have a bright future with the former group, while the latter seems to be on a path towards obscurity.

The Outliers Are the Perfect Group of New Young Mutants

The Outliers and the Exceptional kids differ significantly. The Outliers appear as a distinct entity, having been seen initially as a band of mutants traveling together post-Krakoa. They exhibited camaraderie from the start and their abilities were potent enough to challenge the X-Men. Their powers are intriguing; for instance, Jitter can excel at anything for a minute, Ransom has a black hole for a heart and superhuman strength and invulnerability, Deathdream communicates with the deceased and summons spirit armies, while Calico could bestow her horse with any power she imagined. These abilities are fascinating even before we delve into the Endling prophecy, where Rogue, Gambit, and Wolverine learn from the Norse dragon Sadurag that one of the Outliers will bring about the extinction of mutantkind. Readers have witnessed their independent handling of perilous situations, such as the Sentinel Hounds dispatched by Graymalkin Prison. The Outliers display a strong bond and an intriguing dynamic, with each member finding their role within the group. Ransom serves as the leader, safeguarding everyone; Jitter is the apprehensive one, Deathdream is the enigmatic goth kid with nonsensical statements, and Calico is both fearful of her own potential and other things (like Ember, but I’m not giving away spoilers). The Outliers are an engaging group of mutants.

Currently, the so-called “Exceptional” children possess their unique qualities, but they lack the depth and intrigue as characters compared to others. The Outliers, on the other hand, are bound together by shared tragedies, which adds an air of mystery and suggests a deeper backstory. This setup is quite compelling, and it’s no surprise given the long-standing reputation of Uncanny X-Men writer Gail Simone for crafting exceptional team books. She has always excelled at developing fresh characters that surpass their initial appeal. The Outliers are a testament to her skills, as she’s introduced four captivating new characters, each with distinct traits that give the Outliers a personality beyond simply aspiring to be X-Men.

In comparison, the Interesting plotlines surrounding the Outliers far outnumber those of the Exceptional children. So far, the most notable event involving an Exceptional child is Mister Sinister tricking one into assisting him. Otherwise, they are primarily just the latest group of young mutants. Conversely, the Outliers offer a rich tapestry of engaging storylines. In essence, while there’s nothing inherently wrong with the Exceptional children, the Outliers simply outshine them and are likely to have lasting appeal that the Exceptional children may not possess.

The Outliers Are Going to be Perfect Future X-Men

In the Marvel Universe, particularly among the X-Men, newly emerging mutants often face challenging circumstances. However, contrary to popular belief, it’s not just the New Mutants team that has been highlighted for over a decade; this distinction also applies to them as they were the third batch of students at Xavier Institute. Notable characters like Cannonball, Sunspot, Boom Boom, Warpath, Shatterstar, and Rictor gained prominence and popularity because of their extended screen time.

However, what about other groups such as Generation X, the New X-Men, or Hope’s Lights? While some mutants from these groups did receive attention, they don’t seem to have the same level of popularity as the New Mutants class. This trend is quite common when it comes to new mutants in the Marvel Universe. It appears that characters who debuted after the ’90s struggle to maintain their presence within the X-Men team.

Introducing two fresh sets of young mutants as both “Unusual” and “Extraordinary,” Marvel is making another effort to produce X-Men characters who resonate with readers. If I were to wager on which group would endure, I’d stake all my money on the Outliers. They boast a more compelling ensemble of young mutants, with powers and personalities that outshine their peers. There’s potential for the “Extraordinary” kids to astound us, but they don’t possess the talents that the Outliers offer.

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2025-06-01 23:10