X-Men: Dawn of X Omnibus Review – Hickman’s Mutant Revolution Begins

The landscape of Marvel’s mutant universe underwent a significant shift, spearheaded by Jonathan Hickman. Following years of storylines described as “insipid,” and coinciding with a period where film rights were held by Fox, the X-Men franchise experienced a resurgence with Dinastía de X / Potencias de X. Hickman, previously lauded for his work on Fantastic Four and The Avengers, brought a new vision to the mutant world, supported by artists Pepe Larraz and R.B. Silvia, centered around the possibilities presented by the island of Krakoa.

A New Era for Mutants

Panini has recently released Amanecer de X, a Marvel Omnibus collecting the initial installments of Hickman’s X-Men run. This compilation includes tie-ins to the X-men / Cuatro Fantásticos miniseries and storylines connected to the Empyre event. Notably, some elements within these issues pay homage to the video game Plants vs Zombies.

Did You Know? The island of Krakoa operates under its own set of rules and norms, a concept previously explored with Genosha and Utopía, but uniquely enabled by the island’s living capabilities.

The stories feature familiar faces like Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Wolverine, but with expanded roles. The mutant race now possesses its own nation, and a global “indulto” has led to the inclusion of former villains – Magneto, Apocalypse, and Exodus – within this new framework. However, the narrative remains rooted in superhero tropes, with both new and returning enemies poised to challenge Krakoa’s existence. Internal threats, such as Mystique and Mister Sinister, also suggest potential fractures within the mutant nation.

The Scope of the Collection

The Amanecer de X Omnibus focuses specifically on Hickman’s contributions to the initial mutant storylines, including X-men and Nuevos Mutantes. The collection does not include issues from other concurrent titles like Merodeadores, X-Force, or Infernales, which some consider to be highlights of the Krakoa era, and which sometimes diverge from the main franchise direction.

Expert Insight: The focus on Hickman’s core titles within this omnibus suggests a deliberate curatorial choice, potentially aimed at presenting a concentrated vision of the Krakoa revolution’s genesis. However, omitting related series could limit a reader’s comprehensive understanding of the broader narrative landscape.

Despite this focused approach, the collection delivers elements of science fiction, fantasy, compelling characters, and a sense of wonder. It also reintroduces forgotten aspects of mutant mythology, such as the Children of the Vault and the Summers’ third brother, Vulcan. The omnibus is likely to appeal most to fans of Hickman’s work.

What Lies Ahead?

Given the presence of untrustworthy figures like Mystique and Mister Sinister within Krakoa, internal conflicts and betrayals could emerge, threatening the stability of the mutant nation. The continued existence of external enemies also suggests ongoing challenges to Krakoa’s sovereignty. Further collections from Panini focusing on titles like Merodeadores, X-Force, and Infernales could provide a more complete picture of the Krakoa era.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Krakoa?

Krakoa is a living island that serves as the nation for the mutant race, operating under its own rules and norms.

Who are some of the villains now working with the mutants?

Magneto, Apocalypse, and Exodus are among the former villains who are now part of the mutant project on Krakoa.

Which titles are included in the Amanecer de X Omnibus?

The omnibus includes the first issues of Jonathan Hickman’s runs on X-men and Nuevos Mutantes, along with tie-ins to X-men / Cuatro Fantásticos and the Empyre event.

Considering the complex dynamics at play within Krakoa, and the inclusion of former adversaries, what kind of long-term impact do you foresee for the mutant community?