In the exhilarating new crossover event titled ‘Raid on Graymalkin’, Rogue has officially designated the codename for her group of mutant heroes. Marvel comics currently feature three major X-Men teams: Cyclops’ squad in X-Men, Rogue’s ensemble in Uncanny X-Men, and Kitty Pryde’s faction in Exceptional X-Men. However, it’s essential to note that these titles merely serve as a means for Marvel to distinguish its series rather than self-identifiers for each team.
In a sneak peek of Uncanny X-Men #7, written by Gail Simone and illustrated by Edgar Salazar, David Marquez, Victor Olazaba, Matthew Wilson, and Clayton Cowles, a tense exchange unfolds between Rogue and Cyclops regarding their planned assault on Graymalkin Prison. This facility, notorious as a mutant holding center, has been established on the grounds of the previous Xavier School. As Cyclops implores Rogue to refrain from joining the mission, she remains resolute, determined to lead her team into the fray.
Utilizing the Eye of Agamotto, which he has only recently acquired, Gambit teleports the team into battle. In this high-stakes moment, Rogue champions their assault as “the first charge of the Louisiana X-Men.” This moniker, chosen by Rogue, underscores her belief that her team is equally a part of X-Men legacy as Cyclops’ unit, despite their contrasting strategies toward mutant heroism.
Rogue Names Her Team the Louisiana X-Men
Meanwhile, Rogue’s New Mutant Students Are the Outliers
As part of the fresh ‘From the Ashes’ storyline, Marvel is redefining the status quo among its mutant heroes. With the fall of the mutant nation of Krakoa, tensions are rising among friendships and alliances, prompting various teams to rally around remaining leaders. Notably, Rogue, who once battled her teammates as a former villain, emerges as a prominent leader in this new era, alongside Cyclops.
Rogue’s team operates from Louisiana, a state intertwined with her and Gambit’s personal histories. Currently, they focus on training a group of young heroes known as the Outliers, comprising Calico, Deathdream, Jitter, and Ransom. These mutants, having been overlooked in previous iterations of the X-Men, carry compelling backstories that prevented them from becoming part of the Xavier school.
With two Outliers captured and taken to Graymalkin Prison, Rogue is determined to take a stand rather than remain inactive.
The ‘From the Ashes’ era transforms the definition of an X-Man, as the teams now lack a centralized leader who defines tactical decisions and missions.
Rogue’s Chosen Name Makes a Vital Point About Her Team
The X-Men Follow the West Coast Avengers’ Lead
With teams such as X-Force and X-Factor actively participating in the Marvel Universe, Rogue’s retention of the X-Men title for her team is pivotal. By declaring her squad as a legitimate part of the X-Men, Rogue signals her commitment to Xavier’s dream, asserting that her team stands equal with Cyclops’ roster in Alaska. This dynamic is significant, especially as the Raid on Graymalkin story arc threatens to create a rift between Rogue and Cyclops, establishing a rivalry that will gain greater significance if both teams identify themselves as X-Men.
Mirroring the historical division of the Avengers into East Coast and West Coast teams, the relationship between the X-Men and Uncanny X-Men reclaims a similar narrative. The establishment of the Louisiana X-Men and Alaskan X-Men (in addition to Kitty Pryde’s Illinois X-Men) highlights a central theme of the ‘From the Ashes’ era: Marvel’s mutant heroes no longer function as one cohesive entity, but rather as distinct, loosely connected factions.
Cyclops and Rogue’s budding animosity injects a fascinating layer into the intricate structure of multiple X-Men teams dispersed throughout the United States.
X-Men’s New Era Has Changed How Marvel Defines the Mutant Team
X-Men’s Heroes Are No Longer Xavier’s Students
Historically, the X-Men were based at Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, and for the last several years, the majority of mutant teams were centered around the island of Krakoa. Now, with friendships showing signs of stress and alliances breaking apart, the ‘From the Ashes’ storyline heralds a more distributed community of mutant heroism.
The situation is further complicated by the prevalent disdain for Professor X among many mutants, who view him as a betrayer after his allegiance with the anti-mutant group Orchis. While Cyclops and Rogue fight to uphold Xavier’s vision, the absence of a cohesive philosophical figure has led to a splintering of what it means to be an X-Man. Different interpretations of the ‘X-Men’ label by various heroes are emerging, symbolizing Rogue’s community in Louisiana and Cyclops’ aggressive Alaskan team, which aims to compel the U.S. government to respect mutant rights.
As the narrative unfolds, it will be compelling to watch how the very definition of ‘X-Men‘ continues to evolve, especially in light of the escalating conflict between Cyclops and Rogue, which is poised to deepen the divisions between their respective teams.
Uncanny X-Men #7 will be available from Marvel Comics on December 11.
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