X‑MEN: THE UNDERTOW #1 makes waves — Lifeguard questions a mutant future


In the aftermath of Krakoa’s collapse, Lifeguard wrestles with what the X‑Men’s ideal really means, while Beak and his family gather for a Thanksgiving that could reveal more than holiday drama. The first issue of X‑MEN: THE UNDERTOW offers a fresh, character‑driven lens on a shifting mutant landscape.
The new Marvel series X‑MEN: THE UNDERTOW arrives as the first issue of a brand‑new run, positioning itself at a crossroads for the mutant world. With Krakoa gone, the title invites readers to look at the X‑Men’s aspirations from a place where the world isn’t getting any kinder to their kind.
Lifeguard stands at the centre, forced to decide whether the dream of an inclusive mutant society still holds value when hostility grows faster than she can adapt. Meanwhile, Beak brings his quirky family into the mix for a holiday gathering, a scene that asks whether his heroic mask is genuine or simply a performance for those he protects.
Alex Paknadel’s writing blends introspection with the series’ trademark humor, and Diogenes Neves delivers art that feels both intimate and kinetic, capturing the tense emotions and the lighter family moments alike. The cover, rendered by Mike McKone, hints at the personal stakes while promising the classic X‑Men energy fans love.
If the premise intrigues you, you might also enjoy revisiting the fan‑favorite X‑MEN: FROM THE ASHES run, now available in a collected format for the first time. Those issues explore similar themes of rebuilding after loss, offering a satisfying complement to this new adventure.
Pick up X‑MEN: THE UNDERTOW #1 and see how the next chapter of mutant storytelling unfolds—there’s a lot more beneath the surface, and it’s worth the dip.
