Welcome, X-fans, to the last spooky edition of X-Men Monday at AIPT 2024!
And what a year it’s been for Marvel’s merry mutants. We said goodbye to Krakoa and watched the X-Men rise from the ashes into an entirely new and entirely different era.
X-Men Monday was not subject to the same changes that Cyclops, Storm, Rogue, Wolverine, and the rest of the X-Men went through. It was time to say goodbye to X-Men senior editor Jordan D. White and welcome back X’s conductor. Tom Brevoort. Changing the X Guard gave us the chance to chat with countless first-time guests, including Jed McKay, Ryan Stegman, Gail Simone, and Murewa Ayodele. Here’s a visual look at these and other conversations over the past year.
But these creators weren’t the only factor in 2024’s X-Men Monday’s success. This column wouldn’t mean much without you, dear reader. So for our final X-Men Monday of the year, we’re spotlighting your favorite things about the From the Ashes era thus far. And to be honest, the results of the 2024 X-Men Monday survey seem to reflect the X era with that particular name.
So without further ado, here are the winners (and second and third place) based on 2,094 X-Fan responses.
Favorite ongoing X series
Phoenix – 47.8% (999 votes)Uncanny X-Men – 17.5% (366 votes)X Force – 12.8% (268 votes)
AIPT: Stephanie, how do you feel knowing that X-Men Monday readers voted Phoenix as their favorite of the ongoing X-series in 2024?
Stephanie Phillips: Hmm, what?! Thank you, Jean fans. That’s a really impressive turnout, but it’s also what I expected from one of the most loyal and passionate fan bases in comics. Jean’s fans are truly amazing. Thank you very much everyone.
Provided by Marvel Comics
AIPT: They certainly (Phoenix) are a force to be reckoned with! What did you enjoy most about writing this series and interacting with your loyal fans?
Stephanie: I was really looking forward to playing in the cosmic sandbox of the Marvel Universe. I didn’t spend much time here, but it’s vast, amazing and overwhelming all at once. I also got to know more about my fans and their incredible passion, which fuels Gene’s story to write. That really turned out to be one of the best parts of writing this book.
AIPT: Phoenix #6 ended with Captain Marvel, Sif, and Rocket Raccoon joining Jean and Nova. Any teases about what happens next?
Stephanie: In the next issue, we’ll show you how the team can work together while explaining why Thanos is such a dangerous enemy. Thanos isn’t really someone you can drop. He is always two steps ahead of everyone on the board and on the battlefield I think Jean can defeat Thanos, which I also think Thanos does We need to find another way to counter it. I also think the ending of next issue might be one of my favorite cliffhangers…I’m really excited to see how the fans react to it.
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AIPT: And Tom, do you have any reaction to the ongoing Top 3 X-series that X-MEN Monday readers voted for?
Tom Brevoort: There are definitely a lot of Jean Gray fans who are very passionate and very vocal. I have been hearing from them regularly since I took over this line. So it’s no wonder Phoenix received three times as many votes as its closest competitor.
Favorite X-Mini series
Sentinel – 47.1% (900 votes) Mystique – 22.7% (434 votes) Dazzler – 20.8% (398 votes)
AIPT: Alex, how does it make you know that X-Men Monday readers voted Sentinel as their favorite X-mini series of 2024?
Alex Paknadel: I’m happy! When I was asked to pitch for the Sentinels, it was very clear to me that it was going to be a big swing book for this line. People are (understandably) very protective of the X-Men, and mutants more generally (myself included). So we’re thrilled to have earned the trust of X-Men Monday readers with what we hope is a compelling and nuanced story. I’ve loved the X-Men for as long as I can remember, so this is a dream show for me. Thank you very much for accepting me. Really. It means the world to me.
Provided by Marvel Comics
AIPT: Do you have any teases for the final issue of Sentinels?
Alex: Well, it’s pretty clear by now that there’s a troubling secret behind the creation of our Sentinels. We’ll dig into it, and I can promise you it’s consequential and in the best of X tradition. You don’t need to be a continuity expert to know what’s going on. This is a book for everyone. But if that’s your thing, I think/hope you’ll find something you’ll enjoy there. And when it comes to the team itself, Sentinels #3 sees deep rifts already starting to appear. These will escalate to quite dangerous levels. In the words of the great Sue Sylvester, “I’m going to create an environment so toxic that no one wants to be a part of that club.”
AIPT: Tom, any reaction to seeing so many X fans cite the mutant-hunting cyborg mini-series as their favorite X mini-series of the year?
Tom: Well, my hope is that we can do something fun and unexpected with Sentinels so that fans can get past the seemingly shocking title and concept of the series and find a unique story underneath. It is to become. This is all a testament to the hard work that Alex Pachnadel, Justin Mason, and editor Darren Shan have put in here.
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Favorite X character
Phoenix – 47.7% (998 votes) Captain Britain (Betsy Braddock) – 12.6% (263 votes) Gambit – 6.7% (140 votes)
AIPT: Stephanie, what do you think resonates so strongly with so many X-fans about Jean Grey?
Stephanie: Jean represents the core of what makes the X-Men so fascinating: humanity surrounded by immense power and struggling with identity, morality, and control. She is a character who carries the weight of duality: strength and weakness, hope and destruction. Gene is essentially a very relatable character, as he is someone who wants to do the right thing, but is often faced with impossible choices.
Provided by Marvel Comics
AIPT: So what’s your favorite thing about getting inside Gene’s ever-fascinating Omega-level brain?
Stephanie: I love exploring the depth of her character. Jean is more than just a telepath or telekinesis, she is someone who exists in multiple dimensions at the same time, experiencing the physical world, the mental landscape of those around her, and the infinite possibilities of her own powers. It creates a fascinating interplay between her inner strength and the immense vulnerability that comes with being open to everything and everyone. She’s completely different than any character I’ve ever written, and I love the challenge of getting into her mindset.
AIPT: Tom, what do you think of your top three characters?
Tom: Again, this day is supported by the efforts of Jean Grey’s fans to raise their voices. They don’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk more than other X-character advocates.
Provided by Marvel Comics
Breakout X Characters of 2024
Adani – 42.2% (842 votes)Bronze – 10.4% (208 votes)Krakoan – 6.7% (133 votes)
AIPT: Stephanie, how does it feel to see Adani, such a new character, holding such a commanding lead over its competitors?
Stephanie: That’s so cool… Adani was created to help hold a mirror up to Jean. Jan may see himself in Adani, but Adani also does not see himself reflected in Jan. I was really interested in giving Jean that tension. Every time Gene thinks he understands Adani and his motives, Adani surprises Gene. I was excited to write that dynamic and I’m really excited that the fans are welcoming Adani as well.
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AIPT: What’s next for Adani on the Phoenix page?
Stephanie: Power! That’s what matters to Adani…power as freedom from a universe that has always let her down. How this issue is resolved between Jan and Adani will be central to future developments.
AIPT: Tom, your X-Office has created a record number of new characters, did you have any reaction when you looked at the top three?
Tom: I might have expected Bronze to be the favorite, but I never expected Adani to outperform her. Never underestimate the passion of Jean Gray’s fan base. Stephanie Phillips, Alessandro Miracolo, and Associate Editor Annalize Bissa deserve all the credit here.
AIPT: And are there any hints as to what the new year has in store for Julian, as Hellion fans have found a way to place his new alter ego very high in a category packed with brand new characters? mosquito?
Tom: Julian will continue to be a key player for NYX. He is featured prominently in issues 8 and 9.
Provided by Marvel Comics
Favorite X Couples/X Romances of 2024
Phoenix and Cyclops – 52.9% (1,097 votes) Rogue and Gambit – 28.3% (587 votes) Psylocke and Greyclaw – 7.6% (157 votes)
AIPT: The romance between Cyclops and Phoenix has been a part of comic book readers’ lives since the 1960s. Stephanie, in your opinion, what is it about these two that will resonate so strongly with our readers?
Stephanie: The honeymoon phase of a relationship gives way to a strong friendship that can weather all kinds of storms. Scott and Gene have certainly weathered those storms and remain strong because of it. I think there’s something very real about the journey their romance took, especially considering its longevity. Perfection doesn’t exist, but finding a partner who will work through imperfections with you is exactly what Scott and Gene have for each other.
Provided by Marvel Comics
AIPT: Any teases about what’s to come for the lovers in the pages of Phoenix?
Stephanie: I wanted the relationship between Jean and Scott to remain strong throughout the story I told, but at the end of the day, this is Jean’s story and this mission that she’s on is unique to her. I feel it’s important to stay focused. As we saw in previous issues, she talks to Scott mentally, but Gene has to figure out what’s going on himself.
AIPT: Tom, what do you think about Scott and Gene taking first place?
Tom: This is pretty much in line with my expectations, but I didn’t expect Scott and Jean to take the top spot. Once again, die-hard Jean Gray fans are making their presence felt.
Provided by Marvel Comics
AIPT: And you, X-fans, are the winners! I’m sure you will accept the results and congratulate other readers. But before you ring in the new year, why not take an exclusive peek at the year ahead, courtesy of our friends at Marvel?
Let’s start the festivities with your favorite X-couples…
Provided by Marvel Comics
Provided by Marvel Comics
Provided by Marvel Comics
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Provided by Marvel Comics
Provided by Marvel Comics
Until next time, X fans, have a special time. And Happy New Year!
