Charles Xavier has officially "retired" from leading the X-Men, and in fact has fled Earth entirely, but not before telling his former students it is time for a new version of the franchise's iconic school to open, as a place where young, vulnerable mutants can go for protection and training. However, the question now is: who will take up Profesor X's mantle?

Written by Gail Simone and Murewa Ayodele, X-Manhunt Omega #1 signals the end of an era for the X-Men. In an interview with AIPT hyping the issue, Simone said this when asked if Xavier was serious about his suggestion to Cyclops to build a new school just before he parted ways. As the author teased:

Oh, he definitely meant it. But the question is, who would take that mantle?

With Xavier's departure, the team now faces a pivotal decision regarding their future leadership. With Simone teasing the mystery behind who the leader of this new school will be, we're left to wonder the potential options.

Xavier’s Departure Is The Catalyst For Change, As The X-Men Franchise Takes Its Next Steps

The Final Days Of Xavier's Leadership

Charles Xavier has always been more than just a founding member of the X-Men; he's been a foundation for mutant liberation. Without him, mutantkind would be a scattered group of pariahs in an ever-hostile world. Even though Marvel has been showing his darker side as of late, his departure from the team after the end of X-Manhunt Omega is not only a profound loss, but also a perfect opportunity for new leadership to rise. It also features Xavier directly asking, if not outright challenging, "his" X-Men to pick up where he left off.

The dramatic events of X-Manhunt Omega #1 set the stage for Xavier's exit from the X-Men. Following a surgery performed by Lilandra to remove a tumor, Xavier has a moment of clarity and reflects on his leadership. Confronting Cyclops in an astral projection, Xavier its his inability to continue leading the X-Men and expresses regret for not being the man he once was. In his final words, Xavier urges Cyclops to rebuild the school, marking a clear shift in the direction of the X-Men. His departure, while unexpected, becomes a turning point for the team’s future.

Xavier's departure leaves the X-Men shaken, especially Cyclops, who is visibly affected by how Xavier dismisses him. The challenge now lies in how the X-Men will move forward without their guiding force. Cyclops, though initially unsure of his role, has always been a strong leader in his own right. His growing disillusionment with Xavier’s methods and the team's dependence on him presents a unique opportunity for growth and change. Still, he is far from the only viable option to take over the Professor's mantle.

Cyclops Is The Logical Choice To Open The Next Generation Version Of Xavier's School

The Veteran X-Men Leader

Cyclops is an icon and remains the most logical choice for the X-Men’s leadership. Scott Summers has long been Xavier’s right-hand man, embodying many of the same ideals that Xavier once promoted. However, with Xavier’s departure, Cyclops is freed from the shadow of his mentor and now has the opportunity to carve out his own path for the X-Men. Cyclops' leadership is rooted in grounded experience and pragmatism, making him by far the most equipped to guide the X-Men through a turbulent new era.

No longer tethered to Xavier’s ideals, Cyclops can now forge a new direction for the team, one that may break from the past but still honor the X-Men’s core mission.

Cyclops' evolution as a leader has been evident throughout the years, and his time as a military leader and strategist has prepared him for this moment. His shift from loyal lieutenant to independent commander will be crucial in shaping the future of the X-Men. No longer tethered to Xavier’s ideals, Cyclops can now forge a new direction for the team, one that may break from the past but still honor the X-Men’s core mission. His growth as a character makes him the most natural successor to lead the X-Men into their next phase.

Dani Moonstar Is A Natural Leader And A Fan-Favorite X-Men Hero

A Teacher With Multiple Life Experiences

As Xavier steps aside, Dani Moonstar, also known as Mirage, rises as a strong contender for leadership within the X-Men. Dani has consistently showcased her leadership skills throughout her career, particularly during her time with the New Mutants; the countless lives she has lived and the learned experiences she has from them make her a natural candidate for guiding a new generation of mutants. Whether in battle or in times of peace, Moonstar has always demonstrated the traits of a strong, level-headed leader who inspires loyalty and respect from her team.

In addition to her experience as a warrior, Moonstar has proven herself as an exceptional teacher, particularly in her time on Krakoa. Despite not possessing the same superpowers as many of her peers, Dani has consistently demonstrated that leadership is not just about raw power but about strategy, empathy, and guidance. Her time teaching on Krakoa has solidified her as a mentor to younger mutants, offering wisdom from her own diverse life experiences. As someone who has led both as a hero and a teacher, Dani Moonstar would bring strength, intellect, and comion to a new school for the X-Men.

Synch Is The Empathetic Visionary The X-Men Franchise Needs

From Rookie To Rising Star

Everett Thomas, better known as Synch, has emerged as one of the most compelling candidates for leadership within the X-Men. His growth during the Krakoa era has turned him into a fan favorite, showcasing his immense potential as both a fighter and a strategist. Synch’s ability to replicate the powers of other mutants gives him a unique tactical advantage, allowing him to adapt to nearly any situation. This adaptability, coupled with his impressive rise from a lesser-known mutant to a powerful X-Men member, positions him as a natural leader in the evolving X-Men universe.

Having witnessed his growth from a young and often overlooked mutant to a key figure in the X-Men’s fight for mutantkind’s survival, it’s clear that Synch's potential to lead is undeniable.

With Xavier’s influence on the team diminishing, Synch stands out as a strong contender to take the reins. His powers grant him natural empathy and understanding of the mutants he would lead, making him an ideal fit for leadership. Having witnessed his growth from a young and often overlooked mutant to a key figure in the X-Men’s fight for mutantkind’s survival, it’s clear that Synch's potential to lead is undeniable. His evolution into a seasoned leader reflects the future of the X-Men, one that will thrive without relying solely on past ideologies.

The Future of the X-Men Is Here, As A New Chapter In Franchise History Begins

Looking At What Lies Ahead For Marvel's Mutants

Xavier’s departure marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for the X-Men. The team is poised for a transformation that will redefine their place in the world. The shifting dynamics within the team, coupled with the growing diversity of perspectives on mutant survival and integration, signal a new era of storytelling. As the X-Men navigate this uncharted territory, their future is in the hands of this new leader, and that's a lot of weight to carry.

With Xavier gone, the X-Men are free to explore new narratives and leadership possibilities. Cyclops, Moonstar, and Synch are just a few of the potential leaders who could steer the team into this brave new world. As the X-Men adapt to their new reality, it’s clear that the stories to come will be more intense and dynamic than ever before. Marvel's next chapter of the X-Men’s journey is just beginning, and the team is ready to redefine what it means to be a mutant in a changing world.

X-Manhunt Omega #1 is available now from Marvel Comics.

Source: AIPT "X-Men Monday #291"

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  X-Men

  Movie(s)

  X-Men (2000), X2, X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), X-Men: First Class (2011), The Wolverine (2013), X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), Deadpool (2016), X-Men: Apocalypse (2016), Logan (2017), Deadpool 2 (2018), Dark Phoenix (2019), The New Mutants, Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

  First Film

  X-Men (2000)

  TV Show(s)

  X-Men: Pryde of the X-Men, X-Men (1992), X-Men: Evolution (2000), Wolverine and the X-Men (2008), Marvel Anime: Wolverine, Marvel Anime: X-Men, Legion (2017), The Gifted (2017), X-Men '97 (2024)

  Character(s)

  Professor X, Cyclops, Iceman, Beast, Angel, Phoenix, Wolverine, Gambit, Rogue, Storm, Jubilee, Morph, Nightcrawler, Havok, Banshee, Colossus, Magneto, Psylocke, Juggernaut, Cable, X-23

  Video Game(s)

  X-Men: Children of the Atom (1994), Marvel Super Heroes (1995), X-Men vs. Street Fighter (1996), Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter (1997), Marvel vs. Capcom (1998), X-Men: Mutant Academy (2000), Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes (2000), X-Men: Mutant Academy 2 (2001), X-Men: Next Dimension (2002), Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (2011), Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (2011), X-Men Legends (2005), X-Men Legends 2: Rise of Apocalypse (2005), X2: Wolverine's Revenge (2003), X-Men (1993), X-Men 2: Clone Wars (1995), X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse (1994)

  Comic Release Date

  213035,212968

  The X-Men franchise, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, centers on mutants with extraordinary abilities. Led by the powerful telepath Professor Charles Xavier, they battle discrimination and villainous mutants threatening humanity. The series explores themes of diversity and acceptance through a blend of action, drama, and complex characters, spanning comics, animated series, and blockbuster films.

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• Marvel

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