Age of Arakko! | X-Men #14 Review | Krakin’ Krakoa
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- X-Men #14 is Chapter 12 in Marvel’s X of Swords event, and while it’s filled to the brim with potential, the Jonathan Hickman written issue is one of the most divisive works in his run, and a real test of the patience expected from readers as this 22 part mega crossover heads into the back half.
Today I’ll answer:
What is Genesis - Apocalypse Wife’s - Version of what happened to the Arakko mutants after they sealed off the demon hordes of Amenth?
What is SWORD’s connection to mutants and the X-Men?
What should we expect from Ewing and Schiti’s SWORD?
Theories and predictions for what’s to come in X-Men!
Spoilers for discussed comics may follow!
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Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Mahmud Asrar, Leinil Francis Yu
Colors: Sunny Gho
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Following the reveal in Stasis that Genesis and Annihilation are the same person, and leading the forces of Arakko and Amenth against Krakoa in Otherworld, Apocalypse and Genesis have a moment alone in the Starlight Citadel to catch up on what really happened with Genesis in Amenth.
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My name's Dave, and Comic Book Herald is a labor of love designed to help new, lapsed, and curious comic book readers explore and enjoy the wonderful world of comics. I've been developing reading orders, chronology guides, and detailed comics recommendations since late 2011. Comics can be confusing and intimidating; I try to help.
Honestly been waiting more patiently for this episode today. Than most people are waiting on Election Results. I've got my priorities in a very tight check I assure you. HaHa
One thing that brought my attention is that this issue reflected that the mutants of Arakko are literally (in terms of roles) a refletion of Krakoa Mutants. White Sword is the akkari equivalent to the Five and Redroot is akkari equivalent to Cypher, so I'm thinking that maybe the actions of Arakko mutants could be replicated by krakoan mutants. The summoners religion could be a parallel to Nightcrawlers future religion, the half mutants could be a reference a future mutant hybrids joining Krakoa (like Abigail Brand or Xandra Neramani) and like you say the demons of Ameth are a refletion of humans (and maybe the Homo Novissima too).
Something I can't stop thinking about is that Genesis might be a refletion of Moira, since we now that Moira is the real leader of Krakoa in the shadows. Both were Apocslypse lovers and now they give priority to their kind, the mutants, over everything. Could this mean that in the future Moira could make the same type of mistake that Genesis is making in regards to fight against the humans as Genesis did with the Ameth demons? If Genesis is a refletion of Moira could this mean that Apocalyspe fate could happen to Charles Xavier to? Who could Isca be a refletion of since she seems to influce her sister's drastic actions?
Edit: I was thinking, could Isca be a refletion of either Destiny or Mystique?
Dave.....is that you?
@@210SAi No. But maybe I kinda sounded like him wit my theories 😅
I would say Isca is like Omega Sentinel since she is with human side.
@@akadaniel01 Isca is with arakki mutants and with her sister Genesis. She told Genesis that the only way to win Ameth demons was by putting Annilation's mask, who is from Ameth.
I don't know you mate, but I like the way you think. This is exactly what I was think and then some. This maybe be the first event to foreshadow the finale of Hickmans run.
X-Men #15
We now interrupt the tournament to bring you The History of Arakko from the Horsemen's perspective
Lol if you're gonna run it into the ground, then go all the way!
Interrupt the Tournament????? Nothing has happened in this supposed Tournament except players arriving
Before that we’ll have an issue of one of the other titles where they tell the history of Arakko from White Sword’s perspective.
After this week there’s only 9 issues left and literally not a single battle yet......
I know right?! What're they going to cram the fights into the last issue? They should have had one fight in-between each issue. They could have had both Wolverine's fight, and Storms already! WTH?
It's going to be all talk until chapter 20, I bet
@@El_oh7199 It should be done Tournament of Power style lol Now THAT would be worth all the blah, blah stuff. Besides, wasn’t Cyclops and Jean hinting about something going on behind the scenes in the background??
These books are for me. I'm all for the talk. The smashing the colors together is fine, but that is the dessert to me.
I agree on your comment of the summoners and their twisted religion being the real enemies. This issue shows that Summoner went through the void BEFORE Genesis put on the Golden Helm. In X-Men 2 the data page talks about summoners and their loyalty is to Amemth.
That's not the only angle we need to learn about.
I know many are annoyed by the repeating story of Arakko into Amenth. But I don't think we've seen the last of that story. We need to learn of White Sword's side and why he sees Arakko as fallen.
Just found your channel, excellent analysis. Thanks and keep up the good work!
Good job pointing out that connection between the pure-blood mutant point and it's connection to the Vile (those hybrids). Also makes that point about Redroot being RECLAIMED from Amenth too. Maybe she was used for breeding or lived in captivity. That would explain her hesitation to go to war.
Atleast we got the answer why Redroot was labeled as "Pure Blood Mutant. Reclaimed from Amenth" . It was bc Amenth captured mutants and force them to breed with demons to make hybrids
The Amenthi endless demon horde seems super reminiscent to the technarch society...but Arrako embraced it.
Krakoa and Arakko is a bit of a Chekov's gun at this point and needs to be reformed again for all the talk of it, so I feel like the two becoming one under a New Moon still makes the most sense.
A white light that judges them sounds like Saturnyne in the Starlight Citadel.
And the red land sounds like blood spilled on the battlefield. Apocalypse will kill Genesis to prove he is strong enough to carry her vision.
You seriously think they’re going to completely retcon Apocalypse past by introducing his wife just to turn around and immediately kill her off? I’m not saying she won’t die but it’s not going to be by his hands.
@@210SAi Well, comics do often like to reset back to a certain status quo, so I always expect some of that, but to his credit, Hickman is often more inventive than that. That being said, there's been a tremendous amount of time humanizing a character we've always known to be brutal and about strength and survival at the cost of everything else. We've seen him feel a great depths of parental pride, love, guilt, regret, and sadness about his lost children and wife. It's pathos! What better way could there be to setup a death like that and have it have an emotional impact?
I love seeing all of this develop for his character, this is the most interesting Apocalypse has been for me in ages. And the new characters of his original horsemen children and wife are fantastic. Great designs and personalities. I'd like to see them more in the future. These developments remind me a lot of how relatable and humanized Thanos was in the MCU. This could all be seeds to setup something for the future there too.
This whole event has moved at a glacial pace. We’re past the halfway point and still no fighting.
Okay okay okay okay. I have a new fun idea for the What Is To Come section based on the last line "Make of that what you will."That could be hinting there's more than one way to look at it. The obvious is that Saturnyne judges the fight that separated the two nations forever. But I liked where you were going with Moira too. What if the "white light" is the phoenix judging Moira and the red land that sees them split forever is the M'kraan Crystal or the Phoenix's connection to the multiverse, hinting that Moira's 11th life is as the Phoenix.
So many other plot points that could have been highlighted in this issue without retelling the ones we know... so much more backstory that could have been touched on here
So you missed how you can't defeat with wearer of the Helm without being forced to become an elder god's avatar?
This basically told us that victory is impossible.
@@blackmanwithcomputer and if the helm is destroyed?
@@blackmanwithcomputer I think this might've told us the big story for Storm next year as well.
@@blackmanwithcomputer i missed that? When? Where? Ive known that since Summoner gave his version of events even though we had to wait for it to actually be said so i dont know what you mean
@@Kratos_God_of_50_BMG That doesn't seem to be an option. If the Helm is destroyed, what stops Amenth?
What is most interesting is that this much world building means that Arakko is going nowhere. We’ll be living with this world for a while.
I think that some of the data pages are actually a log from Moira about her previous lives that someone is reading. I believe what we’re reading is a plotted outcome of her previous lives and planning with Mags and Xavier. Or maybe it’s Sinister and what he knows from his database. I believe that those pages are a vital clue. The data pages look like they’re in women computer system. Where and who is cataloging it?
Always a Krakin’ Krakoa fan since getting into the leadup issues for this big event. I believe this story is similar but more defined as to how the Free Comic Book Day comic panels transform into in X of Swords: Creation. What Genesis faced is succumbing to the golden helm’s desires, not gaining what she intentionally wants to control as the helm wants to control everything it will fend off against. This has led to Genesis losing her voice of intention and now has to bond with the helm’s. Very symbiotic as to Eddie and Venom. This fits to the statement from Saturnyne’s tarot card forecast, “now a mocking echo-then silence.” The helm also creates out a driving thirst for domination in Genesis to conquer the planets including Earth after uniting Arakko with Krakoa. Another Saturnyne tarot card forecast to connect that with is “she has been wanting for something more”. These chapters are playing out more like scenes of a big epic movie with different tones, akin to Avengers: Endgame, but that’s just me saying that hehe. Funnily enough, AIPT Comics just covered what I was thinking with their article today lol.
"Only under a black moon will two become one. A white light will judge them, and a red land will see them split forever."
I initially thought this prophecy was about Krakoa + Arakko as well, but you're right, it doesn't seem to make sense that way.
It could possibly be about Apocalypse & Genesis. The black moon being the darkness surrounding this event which may bring them closer. The white light I'm not so sure of, but The White Sword is a good guess with him being the only one close to as strong as Genesis and having a beef with them being traitors. Then, the red land being the blood spilled from this conflict that sees them forever split from the death of either 1 or both of them.
I'm wondering if there's any other "two" that would fit this prophecy. 🤔
I thought the white light refer to saturnyne and starlight citadel
@@GarudaRyuu - Ya, that's possible too or even someone/something else 🤷♂️
@@BanksyMane I mean it's really vague like the other prophecy, but the "judge" part sounds like it's referring to Saturnyne
This will probably just end in a huge orgy. Peace in our time. No seriously, patience for a great writer who's earned it.
Hi. In reference to one mystery, I don't know if you noticed but the X of Swords Handbook lists one of Gorgon's affiliations as "Dawn of the White Light" (apparently a Hydra splinter). This may be the White Light that will judge them. This would also suggest that Gorgon's unseen Tarot card is Justice (the usual depiction of which would certainly fit Gorgon). Just a Thought.
I thought it was pretty clear, based off her characterization, that Genesis thought she could control the Helm of Annihilation. Obviously, in the end, it corrupted her mind.
While, overall kinda lacking (more character work and set up) this comic sets up a lose-lose situation. One of the most powerful mutants in all existence was nothing to Annihilation. That means whoever beats her, if even possible, must take the Helm.....and whoever takes the Helm seeks only the Annihilation of all things. Or dies.
Surprised you missed that part.
Why not just break the mask and be done with it?
@@210SAi It's possessed by a dark, elder god....so probably not.
@@blackmanwithcomputer I think that’s what will ultimately happen else whomever wins becomes the next Annihilation
I agree that this issue was... "hard to love" and only added a very small fraction of importance to the event. And yeah same, they should be working on the climax already (but Marauders 14 got it started at the end so thats nice)
ALSO COOL Annihilus-Annihilation Control stuff theory, I hope theyre connected. And I'm happy that you stopped poking on your storm/annihilation theory. Actually I was ready to say "Gretchen, stop trying to make storm-is-related-to-annihilation theory happen, it's not going to happen" buuut you didn't mention it so yeah. Just spilling my love-hate relationship with Krackin Krakoa
Agreed. I enjoyed it, but most of it was just rehashing what we knew, or at least what we predicted. I liked listening to Genesis, but... needs to pick up the pace (insert this week's Marauder's - so good!). I like all of the back story, but HoX/PoX really felt like it was driving forward at breakneck speed... I feel like this issue would have been better had it been released in the first 11 issues.
I think Genesis was upset because they showed weakness calling for help. She realized she needed to make them strong again.
I’m thinking that there is some reason they are repeating the tale with few differences each time. I think there is still a piece of the puzzle that we are missing and there will be a pay off before this is over. I really can’t believe that they are just stretching for the sake of stretching it. The event was going to be shorter and they expanded it for a reason, I don’t think just to sell more comics would be it. That wouldn’t be a smart move. I might be wrong, though...
Idyll's prophecy was very interesting to me. If a black moon refers to the start of a new lunar cycle, it makes sense that the new start would be Dawn of X, which definitely marks a new era for Krakoa. (At the same time, idk if black moons are present during the dawn, this might be stretching the metaphor a little far.) Saturnyne makes sense for the white light but I'm hoping it ends up being The White Sword since I feel like he's being set up for something big. And as we've seen, he may be on Arrako's side but he judges them pretty harshly.
I assumed "a red land" referred to blood on the ground, i.e. warfare will be what keeps the two lands separated forever. That makes sense to me given the fact that Genesis couldn't successfully fight a war against Annihilation, Saturnyne prevented the war between the two lands, and we're now so far into the event with relatively little bloodshed. If we're assuming that this is a prophecy instead of a warning, the lands meeting could be a reference to Cypher and Redroot, and them being forced to stay apart could be a reference to Krakoa/Arrako.
I'm still unclear why the Arakkii had to go to Amenth in the first place. It seemed like the Amenthi were defeated...
It didn't really bother me when they refused the art panels and the slow pace. I watched anime so it prepared me.
I think that X-men #14 works as a repeat because the parallels really work and I was starting to forget the arrako story. Whereas some people had to read through X-men #12 twice, this was my "second read." I have a much better sense of what happened now, and I really like that. I think the idea that Arrako is a mutant society built on war and sacrifice while Krakoa is a society built on hope, love, and optimism is really interesting and reflects the difference between Genesis and Apokolips really well. I love it for those deeper connections and parallels that few books really try to tell. On top of that, the slower nature of this issue, was balanced by the very different issue of Marauders.
I feel like this issue should have been Marauders 14 and that issue we should have gotten the rules for the tournament
I think the Helm's ability to control the Horde is why Genesis ultimately joined with Annihilation. Fighting the Horde on a daily basis for a century and preventing them from coming to Earth had to take a toll. I think, much like Apocalypse in this issue, she underestimated her ability to fight/resist the mask.
In a rather short time, I think Annihilation's parasitic nature has risen to the level of the symbiotes: whoever wears the mask has no desire but to conquer EVERYTHING in front of it and if the wearer is defeated the new host is just as driven. What if Storm (based on her card) becomes the new Annihilation? The best case scenario seems to be a Krakoan victory with one of its members having to stay in Amenth to keep Annihilation separate/caged from Earth.
So if apocalypse wins will he have to wear the helm of annihilation? That seems kind or interesting.
My problem with this issue was that the motivation for why Genesis and the horsemen turned evil was so weak. She was just possed and corrupted? and her kids went with it? i was expecting a bit more
What’s the alternative? Fight her and die or defeat her and be corrupted yourself.
No she wasn't possesed. She defeated Annilation previous owner hundreds of years ago. She said she got despered because many arakki mutants kept dying at Ameth demons every day and some started to get crazy, so she put Annilation's mask in order to finally stop Ameth demons.
It was a mistake for Genesis to do that? Yeah it was.
22 is significant in tarot numerology. There are 22 cards in the Major Arcana. Which makes me suspect there are two missing characters from the 20 featured in the story so far.
I assume the red land that will split them forever will be the battlefield that decides the tournament. Unfortunate since I hoped krakoa would be able to reunite and maybe we get an even larger mutant nation out of this event
I thought I was reading an Excalibur issue. Lets get this rumble on pleeeeaassssssee
You're not going to bring up what she said about white sword? What She said that his constant death and ressurections became like a religion him and he became like a stranger to his allies. I think that might be a foreshadow to Krakoa with the R.P. And Nightcrawlers religion and the fact they act differently to other heroes. I think this might be the first event because the last event might mirror what happened to Okkara.
I think Stasis just made a mistake on a editorial level. In X-Factor when they named the swords, it was Twilight Blade, not Midnight Blade.
As for Genesis donning the helm to try to stop the assault but going on with it? I got the impression she tried but the will of Annihiliation overwhelmed her.
Weird mistake, though! Good thing I read all those Midnight Blade comics about the Universals Inhumans :)
I feel post this event Apocalypse will start to show that old apocalypse alot of fans loved . I think the concept of Moira making Charles & others be different in this life along with the concept of dying in otherworld both preach you can be who you always were but also someone different. I day this to say That I can see that old apocalypse coming back but with this new Emphatic version steering this time.
Is no one else getting Dark Crystal vibes.
Nailed it
What’s that?
@@newjumpcityjosh9333 look it up! you've gotta watch dark crystal
13 of 22 w 10 rounds of combat that have yet to start
Genesis was basically corrupted or controlled by the helmet.
do we think Moira could have something to do with the annihilation helm? somehow
I thought this issue was good. The art was good and we got more character development which is great for the fights. I didn't care about Genesis until this issue. The past lovers creates a great emotional impact. Also the flashbacks are great because it gives it that cinematic/episodic feel of we're supposed to feel these moments that were recapped here. Also the parallels with Arrako and Krakoa are great. Arrako is a cautionary tale that the X-Men have to learn from or are doomed to repeat history of a failed nation.
Wolverine done messed up😂😂😮
Do you think this issue was originally planned or created out of worry people would get too confused by the story?
Can someone plse tell me why these 2 forces going to battle to the death in the first place?
In a perfect world they would make a animated series out of this dawn of x
agree with your review... artistically and narratively repetitive (for those who have been following HOX/POX and DOX) ... but when this gets bundled into a hardcover XOS book, will this chapter be necessary for those that pick up just that and haven't read anything else?
I wonder what became of Genesis in Moira's 9th life? This is out of left field but I wonder if Moria will try to replace Apocalypse with Genesis for the 10th life cycle.
The prophecy could be more of a warning:
"Only under a black moon will two become one. A white light will judge them, and a red land will see them split forever."
A 'red land' could mean "a land in war", so if they are fighting at the time of a dark moon and of the judgement, they will be split forever. Maybe the combat is the way being used to prevent the prophecy from coming to fruition.
Stasis and X-Men #14 should be one comic. This was a money grab from Marvel
I'm confused with the timeline. Was Genesis then around for Darwin?
Wasn't that who inspired Apocalypse? I could totes be wrong and don't feel like googling it now
Unlike many, I find Genesis really unlikable. I don't like how they are basically supplanting Apocalypse and making Genesis essentially the 'real' Apocalypse. Since Moira and Apocalypse rescued the original Horsemen in her 9th(?) life, would it be safe to assume that they had to slay Genesis/Annihilation to do that? Would that mean Moira (our version) knows about Amenth? Would Moira then hold the key to defeating Genesis?
Lemme.ask you this, @ComicBookHerald: What do you think of this so much non fighting in a sword battle event?
I answer this question in the Marauders #14 vid I did next! Short version: I don't actually mind the absence of literal fighting (I kinda expect it's coming!) so long as the story is pushing forward with new ideas, concepts, mysteries, or character development.
Having said that... I can't wait for Magik vs. Pogg
@@Comicbookherald I have high hopes for that match. Also, I'm looking forward to see young Cypher in action. He was so out of place in that party. It was relatable.
@@Comicbookherald I agree. It feels like a lot of events are just slamming action figures together and they usually turn me off. For the most part, I am loving the build. I guess some people that are only picking up the event for fighting and swords may be disappointed, but I've been following most of the titles from the start.
I was disappointed with this issue too.
To be honest the Krakoans should have just stayed home and let them come to them
So...summoners were birthed from the breeding of mutants with the demons, does that mean that War was with a demon to produce Summoner? In depictions the father just looked like a blue mutant.
@Robert Hughes I think arakko has their own type of summoners and amenth has theirs
S.W.O.R.D. will be the 10th Sword for the Xmen, led by Magneto and Broo. Only logical SWORD left, right?
There’s already 10 Swords and Gorgon has 2
@@210SAi Ok. Boom.. So, 9 people with 10 Swords vs 10 people with 10 swords. I like the latters chances lol. Putting my money on Arrako! lol
@@WolfWarner718 nearly half of the Sword bearers for the Arrako side aren’t even fully loyal to their cause. There’s going to more than just one of them switching sides or choosing not to fight before it’s all done.
I'm bored now, Excalibur has infected the whole X-Titles. I just wanna read Hellions now tbh
Also do artists get paid again for recycled art or is that, Marvel paid once and can do whatever they like kinda thing.
They could've at least had Asrar draw a different angle or something.
Typical Hickman but this was a little too much. I mean, he did the same thing in his Avengers run, “First there was nothing...everything dies.” This would have been much better if it was condensed to 10-12 issues.
Notification Squad!!!!
Now Mauraders on the other hand....
Definitely more action but still....6 issues left and no actual sword fights yet
@@210SAi we just finished chp 13.. we got 9 more issues to go and I believe it will set off in nexts weeks books, hopefully 🤪
Damn this issue was just pasting panels left right and Centre
This was certainly a bit of a letdown issue. If this didn't release with Marauders 14 it'd be even worse off.
Recycling most the art from X-Men 12 just, kinda sucks. It feels like you paid for the same book but with the speech bubbles. If most of Summoner's story was actually true (minus a few details) this issue could have just let us see those few details from her perspective. I was hoping we actually got to see Genesis fight the former possessor of Annihilation but it's the same exact panels. While I do find Genesis pretty interesting and I love how DoX has characterized Apocalypse thus far, I think for an event that's 14 issues in with not much happening is kinda killing the pace
You bring up such a good point about the Summoners and how they could be the real big bad, I'm almost expecting it now. I already can't stand Summoner himself, so if he has a whole group pulling the strings I'll be even more invested in my anger towards that judas
I think what Genesis' logic was for putting on the helm was she felt she was strong enough to fight the influence and bring peace? just a guess
Yeah for the first time in this event I did not like one of the issues.
Why is it none of Hickman's explanations make any sense? And why are his characters so idiotic?
Arakko is Palestine. Krakoa is Isreal. That's what they're setting up
That’s why writers seldom leave their comfort zone. People are always satisfied with the most obvious things.
Love u
Come on, come on, all this info should’ve been in the “Handbook” or “Stasis”
Start this goddamn tournament at once, Hickman, or I’ll start to think you’re a “filler-loving” writer.
This arc sucks. Waiting for X Men Legends!
Does anyone else find it completely wrong that Apocalypse has a wife? Not a good Apocalypse plot, weak writing.👎🏼👎🏼
Why is it strange that a man might have a wife when he’s lived for so long? Couldn’t he have been, say, curious to know what a woman was like for once in his existence.
Since “X-Factor” it’s established canon that Apocalypse is a very old mutant who experienced lots of different incarnations. The idea of his NEVER having been married sounds much less likely to me.