Free Comic Book Day continues with a series of excellent adventures from our favorite publishers. Next up, we take a look an advance look at Avengers/X-Men #1 – FCBD 2023 from Marvel. The “Fall of X” is coming, and this special one-shot will give readers a first-look as to what lies ahead for our favorite mutants during/after the upcoming Hellfire Gala. 

Writers: Gerry Duggan & Jonathan Hickman

Artists: Joshua Cassara, Javier Garron, & Valerio Schiti 
Colorists: by Marte Gracia & Morry Hollowell 

Lettering: VC’s Travis Lanham & Clayton Cowels

 

The first of the stories in this release features a teaser for the Hellfire Gala and the impending threat of Fall of X. When security is breached at the NYC Treehouse on the same night as the Hellfire Gala, Cyclops quickly steps in to stop the mysterious threat. Despite his best efforts, the Captain Krakoa uniform is stolen, setting up a fateful set of events that will cause more pain and heartache for our heroes. Who is the new Captain Krakoa, and what does he intend to do next?! This particular story will continue in the upcoming X-Men: Hellfire Gala #1.

 

The second adventure features Captain America and Rogue. While responding to an emergency at the Capitol building, Steve finds himself the surprising target of an assassination attempt from Orchis agents. With a little help from Rogue, he successfully survives the experience and attempts to learn more about the attack. Meanwhile, readers are introduced to the newly enhanced Sentinels, which have been outfitted with Stark Technology. This story will continue with the launch of a new Uncanny Avengers series!

 

The last of the teasers is quite brief, but features Dr. Stephen Strange observing a vivid explosion in the distance. Strange is conversing with a cloaked stranger standing with his back towards the readers, explaining his concern about the evils of the world. Despite his best efforts, it is an endless battle that drags on. Strange provides the other party with an ominous looking book and states the good behind his intentions. The mystery man is revealed to be a character named Wyn, who will play a role in the new Jonathan Hickman series G.O.D.S.. The teaser promises to feature a story that incorporates the crossroads of magic and science, opening up a new cosmic journey in the Marvel Universe.

 

Avengers/X-Men #1 – FCBD 2023 successfully accomplished its goal of getting readers hyped for the upcoming changes in the status quo for Avengers and X-Men stories arcs. The first two character driven stories were particularly interesting, and I loved the classic costume choices for Cyclops and Rogue in these particular adventures. The X-Men titles have been some of the most consistently engaging titles since House of X-Men/Powers of X, and I am hopeful that the Fall of X doesn’t mean the end of the Krakoan Age for the mutants. I am also excited to see the return of Uncanny Avengers, as the Cap/Rogue dynamic was handled perfectly in this issue. Although it was a short teaser, G.O.D.S. has piqued my interest as well, as Hickman sure knows how to craft intriguing characters. The creative teams these three short stories really brought their A-game and X-game (we want to be considerate of our mutant brothers and sisters). Cassara, Garron, & Schiti did some truly wonderful work on the visuals throughout the FCBD issue, and I look forward to seeing their work in the main titles as these stories continue. 

 

Rating:

ComicsOnline gives Avengers/X-Men #1 – FCBD 2023 – 5/5 tales from the not-so-distant future!

 

…

 

Stay tuned to ComicsOnline for more comic book reviews, news, exclusive interviews, and everything geek pop culture!