The Next Big X-Men Event Could Be a Call Back to the Greatest X-Run Ever

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The X-Men are at the center of a new Marvel Comics event called DNX. This story continues from the recent X-Men series (Vol. 7), where the mutants battled a dangerous group called 3K. 3K is led by the enigmatic Chairman and includes villains like Cassandra Nova, and is composed of both humans and mutants altered by a special virus. While the previous storyline, “Age of Revelation,” didn’t resonate with fans, it did reveal a shocking twist: the true leader of 3K is the original Beast, who seemingly died after turning to villainy during the Krakoa era. DNX focuses on the Beast and 3K’s plan to unleash the virus – a version obtained from the future – and the X-Men and Fantastic Four teaming up to stop them.

Beast’s appearance has evolved significantly over time, most recently changing from his classic blue fur to white. He looks great and more animalistic, but this isn’t the first time he’s been depicted with white fur. Twenty-two years ago, a similar change happened during a pivotal storyline in X-Men history. That previous transformation had a compelling explanation, and it could be central to understanding the current events in DNX and potentially redeeming a founding member of the X-Men.

There’s a Sublime Reason Behind the First Time Beast Turned White

Grant Morrison’s run on New X-Men, lasting 40 issues, is considered a high point for the series. During that time, Morrison introduced two key villains: Cassandra Nova and John Sublime. While Nova has received more focus, Sublime was a particularly compelling antagonist who ultimately became the central threat. He was initially presented as a human obsessed with dissecting mutants, hoping to transfer their abilities to his U-Men – a group he believed represented the future of humanity.

Though the X-Men thought they had won against him, this enemy was far more complex than they realized, a truth revealed in the final issue, “Here Comes Tomorrow.” He wasn’t a human, but an ancient, evolving lifeform that had existed on Earth for billions of years. Driven by a hatred of both humans and mutants, he created a drug called Kick to amplify mutant abilities while secretly controlling those who used it. His goal was to ignite a devastating war that would wipe out both sides. He even managed to take control of the Beast, turning him into a dangerous servant and nearly destroying the world. Ultimately, he sought the Phoenix Egg, hoping to harness its immense power and achieve ultimate evolution. He was defeated, and a reborn Jean Grey, wielding the Phoenix Force, was forced to reset everything by destroying the entire timeline.

For years, Marvel has been developing the Beast character, often taking him down increasingly dark paths. His shift towards villainy felt somewhat logical, considering the difficult situations he’d faced. However, many fans disliked how easily he began killing, especially since he previously criticized Cyclops and Wolverine for similar actions within X-Force. The current story arc, DNX, might explain that Hank McCoy isn’t fully responsible for his actions, suggesting that Sublime is actually controlling him.

Hank’s sudden white fur is a significant hint about what’s happening. While it’s possible he simply dyed his fur, it likely foreshadows a bigger reveal. Considering editor Tom Brevoort’s fondness for Grant Morrison’s work on New X-Men, and how much of that style has already appeared in this current X-Men series, this change could be connected to that history. If Beast is secretly being controlled by Sublime, it would explain his recent troubling behavior and allow him to eventually return to his heroic self, resolving a difficult period in his life.

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2026-05-09 18:11