X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided
Issue 174: Disillusion

Preview:

“I like to think that Father trusts us to carry on his legacy…minus the wars and mass extinctions, of course,” said Lorna.

“It’s not like he left us with nothing to build on,” said Alex, “We have a whole continent at our disposal along most of the world’s mutant population.”

“That alone wouldn’t impress, Father. Maintaining it and making it stable for future generations would go much further,” said Wanda.

“And you think we can do that with the Neo and the humans breathing down our neck?” said Frenzy.

“We’re going to move forward under the assumption that it’s possible,” said Wanda, “More importantly, we’re not going to shut ourselves off. We still have allies that we can lean on for support.”

“Are you talking about the X-men?” scoffed Pietro.

“Or more specifically a certain X-man with blue fur, a tail, and an exotic German accent that you seem to find so alluring?” said Lorna with a slight tease.

“I really hope you’re being sarcastic, Lorna,” groaned Pietro.

“Sarcastic or not, I learned a lot while I was with X-Force. I learned the most from Kurt and not in the way you’re probably thinking,” said Wanda, her voice shifting again as more emotions overwhelmed her.

“Still makes me sick to the very pit of my stomach,” grumbled Pietro.

“Above all, he taught me that having faith in a vision and taking action are two sides of the same coin. You can’t rely on one alone. You also can’t compromise one for the sake of the other. That was Magneto’s greatest mistake. Charles Xavier made that same mistake with the Mutant Monitoring Initiative. Now, we have a chance to learn from it and if this world is going to succeed, we damn well better.”

She had a strength in her tone that superseded the emotional strain. It was the kind of strength that commanded respect and leadership. Wanda had been away from the Brotherhood for a while. The influence that Kurt and the X-men had on her was apparent. As a result, she would have to earn the trust of every mutant and Neo on Asteroid M. Perhaps. It seemed daunting, but that was good for her. It would make her work that much harder to honor her father’s sacrifice.

“So what’s the next step, Wanda? Or should I call you Madam Maximoff now?” asked Frenzy dryly

“The next step is too far ahead to contemplate,” she said, “We need to focus on the present right now. That involves cleaning up City X, assembling resources, and establishing relationships with allies.”

“I hope those relationships don’t involve inviting Nightcrawler to join,” muttered Pietro.

“You can rest easy, Pietro. Kurt has some loose ends to resolve with the X-men. But he knows our door is open to him.”

“Speak for yourself,” he groaned, which earned a scold from Lorna.

“I know it’s not going to be popular. I may make myself a target as well. But we can’t let old rivalries get in our way anymore. We need to be loved, respected, and feared,” Wanda went on, “Xavier and his X-men are strong enough to keep the world in one piece. We need to show that we’re strong enough to make our new world a part of it.”

“Speaking of which, are we going to keep calling this new world Asteroid M?” asked Alex, “We’re not in space anymore. I think if we’re going to be viable, we need a name that’s not quite as loaded.”

Wanda continued to scrutinize the cityscape of this new world. Down below, the Brotherhood just pulled the body the rubble. It was a mutant who had died during the High Evolutionary’s attack. It appeared to be the body of a young mutant woman. The grim sight horrified many of the mutants that were getting medical treatment. It also further intensified their mistrust of the Neo, who looked indifferent to this death.

This was the atmosphere in which she would have to lead. It seemed so daunting. Asteroid M had a very morbid ambiance. She tried to imagine Kurt being by her side, lending the support he had given her throughout this whole crisis. She would need it and so much more to succeed in the way their people deserved.

“I’ve thought of that too, Alex,” said Wanda, “This isn’t the High Evolutionary’s world anymore. It isn’t Magneto’s either. It’s our world. That’s why from this day forward I’m calling this new mutant continent Avalon.”

“Avalon? Sounds like a Renaissance fair,” scoffed Frenzy.

“It’s actually a land from mythology. One father told me about while I was a child,” she explained, “It was a mythical land that housed King Auther’s sword, Excalibur. It was said to be a land that produced everything that was necessary for it’s inhabitants to survive.”

“Well technically that was true before all our Warlock technology was shut down,” Pietro pointed out, “We’ve still got hardware, but I doubt we can produce everything we need.”

“That’s not the point, Pietro. Avalon was special because it was a land that was only limited by the people that utilized it. We need to go beyond those limits for our people. Not just for the dangers we know we’ll face, but for the dangers that have yet to emerge.”

In the meantime I've refined my craft through fanfiction. I've written many stories, most of the X-men, on various sites. But none have been quite on this scale. X-men Supreme is my effort to make a true, genuine marvel universe that you would expect in a published comic. I'm treating it as if Marvel Comics themselves tasked me with writing this series. Think of it as another Ultimate universe, the same characters with a new and modern twist. As such, it'll be updated like a real comic. The updates will come bi-weekly and on Fridays. Also like a real comic, I accept criticism from readers and I hope everybody takes the time to provide feedback for each issue or just shoot me a message if you want to hear directly from me. I have many stories to tell and I hope to keep this series going a long time!

I hope you all enjoy X-men Supreme as much as you would enjoy any X-men comics. I look forward to this ambitious project and thank you for being a part of it.

Excelsior!

Disclaimer: X-men Supreme is a fan-created series. I do not own any of the characters. They are the property of Marvel Comics and Disney. This series fits under the doctrine of Title 17 section 107 of United States Copyright law whereby use of copyright material is permitted for personal use provided the use is not done for personal profit and acknowledges and credits the original creators. So to Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, this is for you. So please don't sue.

September 14th, 2018

Before I say anything about the latest issue, I want to make a quick announcement. After giving it plenty of thought, I’ve decided this issue will act as the last issue of the X-men Supreme fanfiction series, at least for now. That’s not to say that this is the definitive end of X-men Supreme. For now, assume that this fanfiction series will be on an extended hiatus. I cannot say whether it’ll be temporary or permanent, but I feel like the time has come to step away from this fanfiction series.

That said, I can say more definitively that this is the end of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided. The High Evolutionary has been defeated. Magneto made the ultimate sacrifice to save a world which he still believes mutants must dominate. His vision, even though it frequently clashed with Charles Xavier’s, is not dead. It is simply in the hands of a new generation led by his daughter, the Scarlet Witch. A world without Magneto is full of uncertainty, but plenty of promise as well.

The High Evolution arc wasn’t just an end to Magneto’s story. It was the culmination of a process that began in the earliest issues of X-men Supreme Volume 1: Mutant Revolution. For Magneto, the status of mutants was untenable. He was not about to let humanity oppress his kind. He saw what that sort of oppression led to and was going to cross any line to stop it, even if that put him at odds with the X-men. Throughout the course of X-men Supreme, Magneto has never abandoned that vision. Now, it must carry on without him.

The world he leaves behind is intact, but still vulnerable. Humans and mutants alike have been stripped of the defenses they once relied on, thanks to the events of Crimes Against Inhumanity. There’s also a new continent in the middle of the Pacific Ocean thanks to Magneto’s sacrifice. Unlike Genosha, though, this isn’t just another mutant haven. The mutants on what was once Asteroid M must share it with the former humans that the High Evolutionary mutated. Whether or not these individuals will share the values of the mutant race remains to be seen, but there are already ominous signs brewing.

In this new world, the Mutant Monitoring Initiative that drove so many conflicts throughout X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided is no more. Both General Grimshaw and President Kelly saw first-hand as this well-intentioned plan nearly destroyed the entire world. Charles Xavier thought that he could align his dreams of peace with this plan. He was wrong and it was only by breaking it that the X-men were able to help save the world. While his dream and President Kelly’s agenda are still shaken, they are not completely lost.

This is a time of reflection and reform. The world of X-men Supreme is still full of humans and mutants who long for peace. Time and again, they’ve seen renegade mutants like Magneto pursue violent confrontation. They’ve also seen deranged humans like Mr. Sinister use mutation to inflict mass death. There’s no shortage of hate, mistrust, and threats on both sides. For the sake of a better world, they must work together moving forward.

That’s the primary goal of the final issue of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided. The divisions that began in X-men Supreme Issue 148: New Divide must be mended. For Charles Xavier’s vision to remain intact, the X-men must be made whole again. While it’s impossible to go back to the way things were, it’s necessary to bring the team together once more. The same goes for the Scarlet Witch and the Brotherhood of Mutants. There are many deep scars that need to heal, but there are just as many opportunities to forge a new path.

As the X-men and the Brotherhood go about rebuilding their vision, General Grimshaw and President Kelly have some hard decisions to make as well. The nature of those decisions will set the tone for the future of humanity as well. Like mutants, there’s plenty of hope in that future. It’s just a matter of how they go about it. The same can be said for the X-men and Charles Xavier. There are still unresolved issues, but the key to moving forward all comes back to hope and that’s what this final issue will convey.

X-men Supreme Issue 174: Disillusion

As I said before, this issue marks the end for the X-men Supreme fanfiction series, at least for now. After a long, eventful journey that included uprisings, sewer-dwelling societies, cosmic forces, alien tyrants, long-lost fathers, and so much more, I’m ready to cap off the story of X-men Supreme for now. This vast world that I began developing in January 2010 has grown in ways I never imagined. I can honestly say I’m proud of how it has played out.

I feel like this is a good place to leave the mythos of this fanfiction series. I understand that some aspects of this final issue leave things open for another volume, but I’m not sure I have the energy to pursue it at this point. That may change at a later time. If I get enough feedback and support, I will certainly consider re-opening X-men Supreme for more stories. I may even add in a few tie-ins, be they one-shots or minis. For the moment, though, I intend to take a break from the world of X-men Supreme.

To all the wonderful people who have been following this fanfiction series and supporting it every step of the way, I sincerely thank you. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. I never could’ve taken X-men Supreme this far without you. I sincerely hope you have enjoyed this uncanny journey. Even as this fanfiction series ends, I’d still love to hear from you. Send me your feedback by contacting me or posting your comments. I’m still happy to chat.

Jack

September 7th, 2018

The biggest, most significant upheaval in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series is complete. The High Evolution arc concluded and so too did Magneto’s story. What began in X-men Supreme Issue 3: Competition effectively ended in X-men Supreme Issue 173: High Evolution Part 5. Magneto made his choice and his sacrifice. His vision for the mutant race is no longer his to pursue. That burden now falls upon the shoulders of his daughter, the Scarlet Witch, and a reunited Brotherhood of Mutants. While his vision will continue, Magneto’s story has ended.

Make no mistake. This is not a case where the fate of a character is left ambiguous, as is often the case in the X-men comics. I will confirm without ambiguity that Magneto is dead. He will not be returning in future issues of X-men Supreme. I never intended or wanted his story to drag out over time, constantly fluctuating between the role of villain and anti-hero. It’s an aspect of the X-men comics that I think is overdone. I had planned as far back as the Overlord arc to give Magneto a definitive end in this fanfiction series. That end is now here.

As such, the end of Magneto’s story represents a significant change for that of Charles Xavier and the X-men. After the world once again came to the brink of annihilation, one thing is clear. The X-men can no longer remain divided. The schism between Charles Xavier and Cyclops that unfolded in X-men Supreme Issue 148: New Divide cannot continue. The events of High Evolution and Crimes Against Inhumanity both show that the world needs a united X-men, now more than ever. As the dust settles from this latest conflict, and all the lost that came with it, a new era for the X-men will begin out of necessity.

What does this mean for Charles Xavier? What does it mean for the Mutant Monitoring Initiative that both General Grimshaw and President Kelly worked so hard to create? What does it mean for Captain Freeman? What does it mean for Cyclops, Wolverine, and X-Force? What does it mean for Jean Grey now that she has her Phoenix powers back? What does it mean for Issac and the impact that his death will have on those he influenced? These are just some of the loose ends that I intend to resolve in the final issue of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided.

It has been a tense, dramatic journey. When I began X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided, I knew I was taking a chance. Stories about divided X-men have been overdone in the comics in recent years. However, I felt like this was a story that needed to happen, if only to raise the stakes for Charles Xavier’s dream and the obstacles the X-men face. I didn’t intend for it to carry beyond this volume. The X-men were always going to reunite, but the scars left by the division will remain.

Nothing can be the same. Relationships will change. The very idea of what it means to be an X-man will change. Some parts of the process will be bittersweet. Some will be heartfelt and humbling. Some will reflect the losses and gains that come with any conflict. In the end, the X-men will continue doing what they’ve always done, fighting for a world that hates and fears them. It’s just a matter of how that fight will evolve in a world after Magneto’s sacrifice. That world will take shape in this final issue. As always, I’ve prepared a brief preview on this website and an extended preview on the X-men Supreme Official Blog.

I’m very proud of how far I’ve taken X-men Supreme over the past eight years. The end of Magneto’s story in the High Evolution arc is something I found very satisfying. I hope others feel the same way. However, I also crafted that ending with the idea that I may not continue X-men Supreme after X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided. While I do have ideas for more stories, the lack of feedback and energy have left me to consider whether it would be best to leave this fanfiction series where it stands.

I haven’t quite made my decision yet, but I’m already leaning in a particular direction. There’s a very real chance that the next issue of X-men Supreme could be the last. However, you can still influence that decision by providing comments and feedback. Either post them directly in the issue or contact me directly. I can’t guarantee that what you say will change my mind one way or another, but I will take them seriously as I render this critical decision. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

August 24th, 2018

It’s here. The final battle between the X-men and Magneto has arrived. What began in the first few issues of X-men Supreme Volume 1: Mutant Revolution is set to end in a battle that will leave no corner of this fanfiction series untouched. Since their first encounter in X-men Supreme issue 3: Competition, Magneto has been fighting for a vision that has put him at odds with the X-men at every turn. Whereas Charles Xavier seeks peace and understating, Magneto seeks domination and subjugation. As he said in the X-men First Class movie, peace was never an option. He has that same mindset in X-men Supreme and it has led them to this final battle in High Evolution.

I say it’s the final battle for reasons that I hope will make sense soon enough. Since the beginning of the High Evolution arc, I’ve made clear that Asteroid M is Magneto’s ultimate failsafe plan. Going all the way back to his initial plan for mutant domination in the Uprising arc, he always intended it to be a last resort. He and the High Evolutionary have been working behind the scenes, making every effort to ensure that such extremes weren’t necessary. Thanks to the efforts of Charles Xavier and his X-men, though, all those previous efforts failed. Magneto has no intention of letting this one slip by.

There will be no surrender. There will be no compromise. When all is said and done, Magneto’s story in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series will be complete. His journey, which I’ve been crafting from influences of every X-men medium, has been built on a mix of tragedy, treachery, and drive. The friendship and rivalry between him and Charles Xavier embodies the very soul of the X-men. Everything that makes the X-men heroes stems from this conflict. In the comics and movies, it has created a brutal cycle of triumph, pain, and loss. In the X-men Supreme fanfiction series, there will be no such cycle. That story will have an end.

In my opinion, it has to end in order for the journey of Charles Xavier and his X-men to move forward. It also has to end in order to resolve the ongoing schism between Xavier and Cyclops. X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided has been a testament to just how much the X-men struggle when they aren’t a coherent team. The X-men comics explored this too, but X-men Supreme made it more personal. X-men Supreme Issue 148: New Divide broke a lot of hearts as Cyclops quit the X-men to forge X-Force, believing that Xavier had lost his way in forging an alliance with General Grimshaw and President Kelly. The price of that schism has been rising ever since.

From Drug War to Crimes Against Inhumanity, the weaknesses of the X-men and X-Force reveal themselves at every turn. Neither Charles Xavier nor Cyclops can definitively say they were right at this point. Both have been vindicated in some areas and proven wrong in others. As a result, both teams found themselves in a position of weakness when Magneto struck. Now, with the High Evolutionary revealing his own tricks as well, they find themselves and the entire human race on the brink. The end is upon them. If Magneto triumphs, humanity is no more. This is truly it for the X-men and for Magneto. If you only read one issue of the X-men Supreme fanfiction series all year, make it this one. Trust me when I say the end will leave the X-men, mutants, and the entire human race forever changed.

X-men Supreme Issue 173: High Evolution Part 5

It’s amazing to think that the X-men Supreme fanfiction series has come so far. I knew when I began in X-men Supreme Volume 1: Mutant Revolution that I wanted Magneto’s story to have a definitive endpoint. I also wanted Charles Xavier and the rest of his X-men to undergo definitive changes as well. The X-men comics tend to go in cycles. I wanted this fanfiction series to evolve. I think the High Evolution arc represents the biggest evolution to date for X-men Supreme. Whether you’ve been following X-men comics for years or have just watched the movies, I wanted X-men Supreme to appeal to you. I sincerely hope that this issue and all the events that led to it are as satisfying as I hope.

I can confirm, at this point, that there will be one more issue of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided. I can’t necessarily confirm whether it will be the final issue of the X-men Supreme fanfiction series, as a whole. I certainly have ideas for more X-men Supreme stories and I understand that some plots have not yet been resolved. However, the lack of feedback with this series has made it difficult to justify all the time and effort I have put into it. Depending on what kind of response I get for this and the next issue, I may just end it. Until then, though, I urge everyone to take the time to send me your feedback on this and the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. Either post your comments directly in the issue or contact me directly. Either way is fine and I’m happy to chat X-men. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

August 17th, 2018

The final showdown of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided is upon us. Magneto’s ultimate endgame is here. Professor Charles Xavier, General Grimshaw, President Kelly, Captain Freeman, Cyclops, the Scarlet Witch, the X-men, and X-Force have been on a collision course. The High Evolution arc has just accelerated everything. They’re all past the point of no return. There’s no turning back. Magneto and the High Evolutionary are set to make their boldest move to date. When all is said and done, the X-men Supreme fanfiction series will never be the same.

I’ve tried to make major volume of X-men Supreme end with a bang in the best possible way. X-men Supreme Volume 1: Mutant Evolution had Uprising. X-men Supreme Volume 3: Ashes of Hope had the Phoenix Saga. Each final arc signaled a major upheaval coupled with a major transition for this fanfiction series. Sometimes, it ended on a high note, setting the stage for a new set of challenges. Other times, the end was solemn and bittersweet. For both X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths and X-men Supreme Volume 6: Liberation Decimation, the endgames were pretty bleak. I don’t deny that.

For a while now, Professor Xavier and his X-men have had more setbacks than victories. You could argue the same has been happening in the X-men comics for years. However, I haven’t taken this fanfiction series down these darker paths to create a sense of futility. I knew before I finished X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths how I wanted things to play out. I had the ending for X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided in mind when ended things with Dark Legacy. The culmination of that plan is about to play out in High Evolution.

That’s not to say that the ending will be a perfect victory for the X-men and all that is good. Every triumph, even from the X-men’s best moments in this fanfiction series, have come at a price. It’s just a matter of extent. Throughout X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided, there have been many events that have kept the X-men divided. The schism between Charles Xavier and Cyclops kept them from working together during the Drug War and Crimes Against Inhumanity arc. As a result, both teams struggled and suffered losses. On top of that, their inability to be the X-men they’ve always been left the world vulnerable to Magneto and the High Evolutionary.

It has made for a long, turbulent journey for the X-men. Charles Xavier has seen his dream falter, evolve, and almost disintegrate before his very eyes on multiple occasions. Once again, he and Magneto are in a bitter struggle for the future of mutants and humans alike. Once again, Magneto is poised to exterminate the human race for the sake of mutants. He and the High Evolutionary have left nothing to chance. This is the ultimate endgame for them. There’s no backup plan. There’s no fail-safe. Either they succeed or everyone perishes. That’s all there is to it. The stakes literally couldn’t be higher. As always, I’ve prepared a brief preview on this website and an extended preview on the X-men Supreme Official Blog.

I’m very excited to see the High Evolution arc conclude, along with the many stories that have led to this moment. I’ve been writing X-men Supreme for over eight years now and every arc seems more ambitious than the last. This one is, by far, the biggest one I’ve written since the Phoenix Saga. There have been so many twists and turns leading up to it. I hope the end result is as rewarding to read as it was to write.

At this point, after writing X-men Supreme for so long, I’ve had a chance to really develop and refine this fanfiction series. I write every issue with the intention of making it better than the last one. I feel as though I’ve come a long way since it began back in 2010. This world and these characters I love have evolved so much and they’ve helped remind me why I love X-men so much. The feedback I’ve gotten in that time has been incredible and I hope I get plenty more as I prepare to conclude this incredible arc. Please, if you can, take the time to send me feedback. Either contact me directly or post your comments in each issue. Either way is fine and I always appreciate constructive comments. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

August 3rd, 2018

In every battle that the X-men have won or lost, there is a defining moment that determined the outcome of the battle. There have been plenty of those moments throughout the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. In Uprising, it was the Scarlet Witch’s fateful decision to save Quicksilver that set the stage forMagneto’s defeat. In the Phoenix Saga, it was Cyclops’ death that turned Jean Grey against the Phoenix Force, allowing her to wrestle back control. Against the Mutant Liberation Front, it was Charles Xavier’s fateful decision to push himself that led to the defeat that forced him to step away from the X-men.

The High Evolution arc has already had plenty of moments for the X-men, X-Force, and every being on the planet, human and mutant alike. Magneto’s return has literally hit every corner of a world that Romulus rendered painfully vulnerable after the events of Crimes Against Inhumanity. The division between Cyclops and Professor Xavier began to crack. Even General Grimshaw and President Kelly showed their frustration, making clear that they cannot afford another defeat.

Since Magneto’s return, X-men Supreme has been racing towards another dramatic turning point that will further define this fanfiction series. There have only been a handful of those points to date, despite X-men Supreme spanning over 170 issues over an eight-year span. From Jean Grey embracing the power of the Phoenix Force to Sinister unleashing the Legacy Virus on the whole world, these are the moments that require the most time, energy, and awesome. The final showdown in High Evolution promises to deliver just such a moment.

Make no mistake. There will be losses. There will be casualties. Prices will be paid, hearts will be broken, and spirits will be crushed. Magneto and the High Evolutionary have made that unavoidable at this point. The lingering division between Charles Xavier and Cyclops made it distressingly easy, as well. It’s going to get bad, but at the same time, these are also the kinds of moments that bring out the best in the X-men. The comics, cartoons, and movies demonstrate that all the time. I hope to do the same here with this fanfiction series.

I’m excited and eager to see this moment unfold in X-men Supreme. It’s something I’ve been waiting to get to since Magneto’s departure after the Time Bomb arc. I’d always planned on bringing him back into the fold. I knew that when the time came, his actions would take the X-men, their allies, and their enemies to a defining point that will send shockwaves throughout this fanfiction series. The time for teasing is over. The moment that will subsequently define X-men Supreme’s past, present, and future has finally arrived.

X-men Supreme Issue 172: High Evolution Part 4

Having worked so hard to set up the events in this issue, I’m eager to hear the reactions. I have a feeling this issue will shock some, but not others who are familiar with the X-men’s resolve. They’ve been battling Magneto for over 50 years in comics, cartoons, movies, and assorted media. They always find a way to endure, even when they suffer terrible losses. It’s part of what makes them the iconic heroes they are. More than anything else, I want High Evolution to help define the breadth of that resolve.

Jack

July 27th, 2018

The first shots of Magneto’s last stand in X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided have been fired. The X-men, X-Force, and a very vulnerable world after the events of Crimes Against Inhumanity braced themselves for this moment. They all knew Magneto was capable of destruction on a global scale. Even after the events of Overlord and The Cambrian Explosion, he found way to step up that scale by bringing a new world in Asteroid M to the mix. Now, that world is about to take this fanfiction series into one of this most climactic moments.

It’s a moment that has been building since the final moments of Time Bomb. I’d always intended to bring Magneto back into the mix. He has been a guiding force in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series since its earliest days. Just like the X-men comics, he has a knack for bringing out the best and worst in Charles Xavier and his X-men. Without a doubt, they need their absolute best on all levels.

The division between Charles Xavier and Cyclops has put the whole vision of the X-men into question. It started as a simple disagreement on how to move forward after the devastation in X-men Supreme Volume 6: Liberation Decimation. Xavier believed that the X-men had to work with General Grimshaw and President Kelly. Cyclops believed that was a mistake that would come back to haunt them in a major way. This clash has unfolded in many ways. The Drug War arc hinted that Xavier’s approach may have merit, but the events of Crimes Against Inhumanity somewhat vindicated Cyclops’ concerns.

It’s still not clear which side is right, but Cyclops and Charles Xavier agree on one thing. Nobody can afford to be wrong when Magneto is involved. His return has forced the X-men and X-Force to unite, albeit under some very tenuous circumstances. On top of that, they have to rely on the cooperation of the Scarlet Witch, someone the X-men have clashed with before during her time with the Brotherhood of Mutants.

While she has been an ally in the past as the ruler of Genosha, the Scarlet Witch has shown many times that her loyalty and love for her father shows few limits. However, the growing relationship she has been developing with Nightcrawler since X-men Supreme Issue 158: Power Brokers has added a new complication. The presence of the High Evolutionary has added another. Magneto doesn’t just have overwhelming power and a vision for his kind to drive him. He has an entire world in Asteroid M.

I’ve said before that this is Magneto's last-ditch effort. This is his Hail Mary play to win the day for the entire mutant race. He’s left nothing to chance. He and the High Evolutionary have exerted immense control over Asteroid M and the inhabitants that were promised paradise. The X-men, X-Force, and the Scarlet Witch are in his domain. Any chance at stopping him is slim at best and he hasn’t even shown the full extent of his power. This may very well be the darkest hour in the history of the X-men Supreme fanfiction series, but it may help set the stage for its finest as well. As always, I’ve prepared a brief preview on this website and an extended preview on the X-men Supreme Official Blog.

Getting X-men Supreme to this point has been a long, tedious journey. I’ve seen Magneto go on a similar journey in the X-men comics. He’s someone who often walks the line between a hero and a villain, but he’s at his best when he taps into his villainous instincts to the utmost. It has made for some of the most powerful moments in the history of X-men. I hope to set up just such a moment in this fanfiction series, one that will complete the journey Magneto began back in X-men Supreme Volume 1: Mutant Revolution.

I want that culmination to be the biggest and best payoff it can possibly be. That’s why feedback and reviews at this point are more critical than ever. Regardless of whether you’re a Magneto fan, there’s no denying his influence on the X-men and the iconic moments he has helped forge. I want to create such a moment in this fanfiction series and I need to know I’m doing that right. Please, if you can, take the time to provide me your feedback and your comments. Either contact me directly or post them in previous issues. Either way is fine and I’d love to hear from you. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

July 13th, 2018

The X-men have a long list of iconic and memorable villains. I’ve utilized plenty in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series, including the lesser known ones like Mojo and Bastion. I even created one of my own in The Cambrian Explosion. However, for as long as the X-men are relevant, Magneto will always be the most compelling villain. He’s been a driving force of X-men Supreme since the earliest days of this fanfiction series. From their first encounter in X-men Supreme Issue 3: Competition to Magneto’s disappearance after the Time Bomb arc, his actions have guided the path of this fanfiction series.

That path is almost at its end. The High Evolution mark is set to be the kind of showdown that will determine whether the future of the X-men and the mutant race belongs to Magneto or Charles Xavier. I know that seems to happen with Magneto and the X-men every other week in the X-men comics. Believe me, I’m as aware of that as any X-men fan. That’s why I mean it when I say that this arc is an endgame of sorts for Magneto. What happens here will be definitive, more so than anything you’ll get in an X-men comic.

It’s the culmination of a story that has been folding since I began X-men Supreme back in 2010. From the moment Magneto founded the Brotherhood of Mutants, he has had a plan and a vision in mind. Like Charles Xavier, he sees the future of humans and mutants as a collision course, of sorts. There’s no avoiding it. There’s no getting around it. At some point, someone has to confront it. He knows what Xavier and the X-men want. He doesn’t believe that’s sufficient. That’s why he has teamed up with the High Evolutionary. Already, they’re putting themselves in a position to change the course of humans, mutants, and all life on Earth.

Together, he and the High Evolutionary have already done plenty to disrupt the current situation. They re-emerged at a time when the X-men are locked in a bitter divide between Charles Xavier and Cyclops. They’re also hitting at a time when nobody feels safe. Romulus decimated the world’s defenses in the Crimes Against Inhumanity arc. Neither President Kelly nor General Grimshaw feel like they have the answers anymore. They’re all reeling and Magneto is offering a way out.

However, as is often the case with Magneto, things are never as they seem. His vision almost always comes at a price, one much higher than anything Charles Xavier and his X-men are willing to pay. The nature of that price isn’t yet clear. So far, Magneto and the High Evolutionary have delivered on their promises, welcoming the entire mutant race and one million lucky humans into a new world they carved out of Asteroid M. From this world, they hope to start anew with a new race of mutants and mutated humans.

The only ones who is completely unconvinced of Magneto’s efforts are Charles Xavier and the Scarlet Witch. Knowing the stakes couldn’t be higher, the X-men and X-Force have put aside their differences and come together for this fateful mission. Given the extent of the divide and the mistakes they’ve made throughout X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided, they couldn’t be more vulnerable. Now, as the full extent of Magneto’s vision emerges, they’ll have to make some difficult decisions that will come at a price. The extent of that price will become very clear in this issue.

X-men Supreme Issue 171: High Evolution Part 3

This is the point in the High Evolution arc where the conflict erupts and the stage is set for the final confrontation. It’s the X-men versus Magneto, Charles Xavier against his old friend. It’s a classic clash, one that has come to define the X-men over the years. I hope to capture that spirit in this fateful story within X-men Supreme. However, expect a few twists and turns along the way. The outcome is probably not one anyone is expecting, aside from those who have come to know this fanfiction series well.

I’m making the extra effort to ensure that the High Evolution arc is the biggest high point to date in X-men Supreme. It’s by far one of the most ambitious stories I’ve told in this fanfiction series to date. That’s why it’s more critical that I get extra feedback here. This issue is the start of a much bigger clash that’s set to conclude very soon. I need to know that I’m doing it right so please take the time to post comments in the issue or contact me directly. Either way is fine and I’m always happy to chat. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

July 6th, 2018

These are desperate times for the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. Magneto is back with the mysterious High Evolutionary at his side. After disappearing at the conclusion of X-men Supreme Volume 4: Politics of Fear, he’s returned with both his sanity and his willingness to end the human/mutant conflict once and for all. Whether it’s in the X-men comics or a fanfiction series, this is and always has been Magneto’s ultimate endgame. He doesn’t just seek to confront the issue. He seeks to win it for all of mutant kind.

That has dire implications for Professor Xavier and his X-men. They’ve already had a taste of those implications through clashes in Uprising, Overlord, Kings and Tyrants, and the Cambrian Explosion. At every turn, Magneto has shown a willingness to take bold chances and sacrifice innocent lives. His drive to solidify mutants as the dominant species on the planet is without parallel. Since X-men Supreme began, this is what I’ve built around Magneto’s character.

From the earliest days of X-men Supreme Volume 1: Mutant Revolution, I’ve had an endgame in mind for Magneto. It has changed and evolved over the years as this fanfiction series has developed. I knew that at some point, Magneto would have a chance to either achieve his ultimate goal or suffer complete defeat. The plans he hatched from Uprising to the Cambrian Explosion were stages, of sorts. To him, they were supposed to make the process of mutant ascension easier. Charles Xavier and his X-men made sure they weren’t.

The plan he has in mind for High Evolution is on a very different level. It is, and always has been, his ultimate backup plan. This is Magneto’s final recourse if the rest of his plans didn’t pan out or didn’t achieve what he wanted. That means he has left nothing to chance. He’s done everything within his considerable power to prevent Xavier and his X-men from thwarting him. Don’t expect him to make mistakes this time.

If that weren’t bad enough, Magneto is striking at a time when the X-men are at their weakest. Since the beginning of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided, there has been a schism between Charles Xavier and Cyclops. While Xavier still leads the X-men under the Mutant Monitoring Initiative alongside General Grimshaw and President Kelly, Cyclops has formed his own team in X-Force. Their disagreement over the future of mutants have led to great upheavals, culminating in the recent attacks by Romulus in Crimes Against Inhumanity.

Those upheavals left the X-men and X-Force weakened. They also gave Magneto the perfect opportunity to send his message to an anxious, vulnerable world. Despite his past efforts to destroy the human race, many have heeded his calls. Many have jumped at the chance to join his ultimate plan to create a new world for mutants. One million lucky souls even managed to board transports that took them to this world, which he calls Asteroid M. The only price was that they had to become mutants.

However, Charles Xavier and his X-men know Magneto’s history better than anyone. They know that there’s always a higher price behind the promise. That price, combined with the unknowns surrounding the High Evolution, have created a situation that will push the X-men to their limits and beyond at the worst possible time. With the next issue, that time is just about to run out. As always, I’ve prepared a brief preview on this site and an extended preview on the X-men Supreme Official Blog.

The High Evolution arc is a culmination of a great many stories I’ve been developing over the course of the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. The X-men comics make numerous attempts at stories on that scale. Some never come to pass. Others have made for some of the greatest moments in the history of X-men. I want X-men Supreme to capture the spirit of the latter. That’s what I hope to do with this finals showdown between the X-men and Magneto.

Jack

June 22nd, 2018

Another monumental upheaval has descended upon the world of X-men Supreme. Magneto is back and he has the High Evolutionary as an ally. Charles Xavier and his X-men are still more divided than they’ve ever been. Every now and then, this fanfiction series undergoes some dramatic changes. I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that the High Evolution arc will bring the biggest changes to date.

It’s the culmination of a story I set out to tell after the events of X-men Supreme Issue 148: New Divide. I knew at the time that I was taking a chance. If you’ve been following the X-men comics, then you understand why my timing couldn’t have been worse. Just as the X-men are coming together again in the comics, I throw a huge schism into the mix within this fanfiction series. I would even argue it’s a bigger schism than the one Cyclops and Wolverine had in the comics. By making it between Cyclops and Charles Xavier, the emotions are that much higher and the choices are that much harder.

The division has caused so much tension and strain throughout X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided. It’s not just between Cyclops and Professor Xavier either. Jean Grey has to deal with her former lover opposing the X-men. Rogue has to deal with Nightcrawler and Mystique being on another team. Then, there’s the Scarlet Witch’s unexpected role. To say there has been plenty of tension would be a gross understatement.

It’s been building steadily through arcs like Drug War and Crimes Against Inhumanity. With every triumph and failure, the strain between the X-men and X-Force grows. Cyclops is feeling it. Charles Xavier is feeling it. President Kelly and General Grimshaw are feeling it too and they’re margin for error has effectively vanished. In other words, Magneto couldn’t have picked a better time to return to the world of X-men Supreme.

He returns to a world that is beleaguered and broken, especially after the events of Crimes Against Inhumanity. Nobody feels safe anymore. Humans and mutants alike are tired of all the conflict. Anyone offering a better way is bound to get attention and Magneto has shown many times before that he’s not afraid to make a statement. The High Evolution arc began with him announcing to the world his plans for Asteroid M. The impact of that announcement is just starting to unfold.

Beyond just acting as a culmination of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided, High Evolution is also Magneto’s ultimate endgame. He’s had a vision in place since X-men Supreme Volume 1: Mutant Revolution. Despite all the failures and mishaps along the way, from Uprising to the Cambrian Explosion, Magneto has never waned in his vision. He’s going to see it through this time. Humans and mutants alike are going to feel it and that begins in this issue.

X-men Supreme Issue 170: High Evolution Part 2

This is probably the most excited I’ve been about an arc I did my own version of the Phoenix Saga back during X-men Supreme Volume 3: Ashes of Hope. Building this fanfiction series in a way that allows me to tell stories on this scale gives me an opportunity to tell an X-men story that has a special impact. It’s not enough to just pit the X-men against Magneto again. It has to have real dramatic stakes and that’s what I’m hoping to achieve with High Evolution.

Jack

June 15th, 2018

One of the biggest appeals of the X-men, whether it’s comics, movies, or cartoons, is how their fight for peace and understanding a global impact beyond saving the world from invading aliens. Sure, the X-men deal with plenty of aliens and I’ve included that in this fanfiction series with arcs like Outer Limits, but some of the X-men’s most compelling struggles occur when humans and mutants alike are impacted. X-men Supreme has had plenty of conflicts like that, Dark Legacy probably being the most profound. However, High Evolution may end up being even greater.

X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided has just begun its final major arc. The culmination of the divide that began in X-men Supreme Issue 148: New Divide is starting to unfold. What started as a bitter disagreement between Charles Xavier and Cyclops has become a huge liability for both the X-men and X-Force. They’ve been clashing and arguing, leading to some pretty damaging results that played out in events like Drug War and Crimes Against Inhumanity. The potential damage this time, though, is unprecedented for this fanfiction series.

Magneto is back and he’s not alone. After an absence that began at the end of X-men Supreme Volume 4: Politics of Fear, the Master of Magnetism has returned alongside the mysterious Dr. Wyndham, whose name should be familiar to X-men and Marvel fans, alike. He’s brought with him the ultimate failsafe to ensure the survival and prosperity of the mutant race. He calls it Asteroid M, carved out of the same asteroid that almost doomed the whole world in the Overlord arc. It’s not just a safe haven like Genosha. It’s a whole new world for mutants.

However, Magneto has never been one to limit his vision. That vision fell short with Genosha. He has no intention of making the same mistakes as Asteroid M. This time, however, he’s not looking to wage total war on the human race. He claims his vision for humans and mutants has evolved. He’s now opening that vision to other humans, provided they evolve within this new world and not just in their thinking. It’s the kind of act that promises to complicate the efforts of the X-men, General Grimshaw, and President Kelly.

It certainly doesn’t help that the world is still in a very vulnerable state, due to the events of Crimes Against Inhumanity. The damage to global defense systems have left humans and mutants alike feeling unsafe. They can no longer trust their government or the X-men to protect them anymore. Now, here comes Magneto offering a chance to escape. Given their experience with him, though, expect Professor Xavier and his X-men to be skeptical, even in their divided state.

The situation is evolving and devolving. Expect it to get worse before it gets better. Like the final arcs of every other volume in this fanfiction series, I intend to leave the world X-men Supreme forever changed by the end of this arc. I’m not just talking about a resolution to the schism between Charles Xavier and Cyclops, either. There will be huge changes, heavy losses, and massive upheavals. Once again, I’ve provided a brief preview of some of those changes, as well as an extended preview on the X-men Supreme Official Blog.

One of the biggest challenges in developing X-men Supreme involves maintaining a commitment to world-building on the scale of the X-men comics. It hasn’t been easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. As a life-long X-men fan, I understand that it’s not enough to just focus on the many uncanny characters within the X-men. It’s important to treat the world they live in as a character as well. That’s what I try to do with this fanfiction series and it’ll be even more important with the High Evolution arc.

Jack

June 1st, 2018

Every volume of the X-men Supreme fanfiction series has a particulate theme that I build around a defined narrative. Before I even write the first issue, I establish how I want it to begin, how I want it to end, and what sort of major events I want to occur along the way. Sometimes that involves introducing new characters like Mojo, Sinister, and Stryfe. Sometimes that involves putting certain members of the X-men through a certain bit of drama, like I did with Wolverine and Mystique in X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths. The end goal is always to have it converge into a fitting culmination that takes this fanfiction series from one era to another.

That final goal is in sight for X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided. I set the tone of this in X-men Supreme Issue 149: Law Abiding Bind. That’s where I established to division between Professor Xavier’s X-men and Cyclops’ X-Force. The events of X-men Supreme Volume 6: Liberation Decimation drove a huge wedge into the X-men. Even after defeating the likes of Magneto, Sinister, and D’ken, they were torn apart by Xavier’s choice to pursue the Mutant Monitoring Initiative. I established that wedge with a particular endgame in mind.

Both Cyclops and Professor Xavier believed that the X-men had to change the way they operated after dealing with the Mutant Liberation Front. Xavier favored a more formal partnership with General Grimshaw and President Kelly. Cyclops favored keeping the X-men out of political entanglements. He argued that Professor Xavier, as smart as he is, wouldn’t be able to control how that entanglement would affect the X-men. Since he couldn’t convince his mentor, he quit the X-men and started X-Force. The fact that Wolverine agreed with him is pretty telling.

This division has incurred a heavy cost on both the X-men and X-Force. The events of Drug War and Crimes Against Inhumanity have left them wounded, vulnerable, and uncertain about the future of their respective visions. Neither Cyclops nor Charles Xavier can say who is right or who is wrong, but they won’t have the luxury of staying divided much longer. Magneto is back and he’s bringing his most ambitious plan to date. If the X-men and X-Force don’t unite, then they don’t stand a chance.

They know as well as everyone else, enemy and ally alike, that Magneto seeks revolution rather than peace. He has tried on multiple occasions during events like Uprising, Overlord, and the Cambrian Explosion to upend the established order for humans and mutants. He’s come very close to succeeding, but his repeated failures have only made him more desperate. Now, with the world more vulnerable than ever after Crimes Against Inhumanity, he’s ready to strike.

Magneto has already re-assembled his Brotherhood of Mutants, who have been fractured since his disappearance during the Time Bomb arc. He’s even revealed that he has reunited with his former mentor, Dr. Wyndham, to implement what he believes is the ultimate failsafe for the mutant race. He has turned Asteroid M, the same asteroid he almost used to destroy the world in Overlord, into a whole new world for mutants to inhabit. With Earth being a lost cause, he believes the future of the mutant race is in this world.

However, there’s more to Magneto’s plan than refuge, as is always the case. What he has in store for the X-men, X-Force, and the entire human race will completely upend the foundation of the X-men Supreme fanfiction series once more. It marks the beginning of the last arc of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided. Don’t expect Magneto to hold back this time. What he does will leave the X-men and the entire world forever changed.

X-men Supreme Issue 169: High Evolution Part 1

The last arc of a volume in X-men Supreme is always extra challenging, but extra rewarding as well. I’ve been developing this fanfiction series for over eight years now. It’s amazing to think that I’ve kept it going that long, but I remain as committed as ever to making it as awesome as possible. The moments I have planned for this final arc are sure to get X-men fans of all kinds excited, nervous, anxious, and everything in between. I hope to deliver on a story that I’ve been setting up for quite some time.

Jack

May 25th, 2018

The end is in sight. The final stages of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided are set. Every time I end a volume of this fanfiction series, I try to do so in a way that really reverberates for the X-men, their allies, their enemies, and everyone in between. That’s why I often reference arcs like Uprising, Overlord, and the Phoenix Saga. These were all huge turning points for the X-men, which went onto influence how this fanfiction series played out.

The final arc of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided will be no different. The overarching theme began with X-men Supreme Issue 148: New Divide. That was when Cyclops split with Charles Xavier, creating the divide between the X-men and X-Force. When I crafted that story, I did so with a definitive end in mind. This isn’t going to be one of those schisms that just lingers. The division that has been at the heart of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided will have a definitive end with definitive consequences.

Those consequences have been accumulating a lot lately. Going all the way back to Volatility Sensibility, Charles Xavier and his X-men are learning time and again that the Mutant Monitoring Initiative that helped foster peace came at a price. That price just keeps getting higher and higher as malevolent forces keep trying to exploit the flaws. Sometimes, it worked to their advantage, such as the battle against Sebastian Shaw in Drug War. However, it proved extremely detrimental against someone like Romulus in Crimes Against Inhumanity.

Now, Magneto has re-entered the picture and the X-men can’t afford to be vulnerable anymore. Every time Magneto has attacked, he’s triggered a massive upheaval that has forced Charles Xavier, the X-men, and mutants everywhere to adapt to harsher conditions. Events like Overlord and the Cambrian Explosion left deep scars, some of which never healed. Those efforts were ambitious, but they’re nothing compared to what Magneto has planned for this final arc.

In many ways, this was his plan of last resort. Since the very beginning, Magneto has had a simple goal. He seeks a world where mutants are dominant, safe, and free. If humans got in his way, then he wasn’t afraid to fight back. Unlike Charles Xavier, he believes peace is not possible. For mutants to survive and thrive, they must subvert humanity rather than coordinate with them. He tried to do that with Genosha, but it failed. He hopes to succeed with Asteroid M.

This is not going to be a localized battle with localized stakes. Don’t expect Magneto to simply try and succeed where he failed before. Asteroid M is going to be even more ambitious. What he does won’t just complicate things for Charles Xavier, the X-men, or X-Force. It’s going to send shockwaves throughout a world that is still recovering from the events of Crimes Against Inhumanity, but not in the way you think.

If there is a wild card in place here, it’s his old mentor, Dr. Edgar Wyndham. If you’re a lifelong X-men fan, you should know that name and why it’s so troubling. Professor Xavier and his X-men are about to know it well, as are many others. The first issue of this final arc of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided will set a high bar for high stakes. I can’t promise much without spoilers, but I can promise that what began in X-men Supreme Volume 1: Mutant Revolution will be completed by the end. As always, I’ve provided a brief preview on this site and an extended preview on the X-men Supreme Official Blog.

The last arc of a major volume in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series is always the most challenging, but often the most rewarding. If you’ve been following closely since the start of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided and even a little before that, you’ll appreciate the extent of that reward. Even if you haven’t been following this fanfiction series from the beginning, I have a feeling X-men fans will appreciate the breadth of what Magneto looks to accomplish here.

I’m going to do my best to ensure that the culmination of everything I’ve built with this fanfiction series pays off in a big way. The only way I know I’m doing it right is if I continue getting reviews and feedback. As always, I strongly encourage everyone to take the time to send me your comments. Either contact me directly or post them in each issue. I’m always happy to chat. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

May 11th, 2018

You don’t always need a prelude or a prequel to make a story great. The first X-men movie didn’t start from the beginning of the beginning. It hit the ground running, introducing Wolverine, Charles Xavier, Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Storm all at once. It was done well enough to kick-start the X-men as a movie franchise. I took a similar approach to the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. In that fateful first issue, X-men Supreme Issue 1: Generation X, I brought in a mature group of familiar X-men that helped lay the foundation for the future of this fanfiction series.

After 167 issues, I’ve done a lot to build atop that foundation. X-men Supreme has grown, evolved, and shifted considerably over the years, often through major arcs like Overlord, Outer Limits, The Phoenix Saga, and The Cambrian Explosion. I try to structure this fanfiction series around major turning points like that, putting the X-men in a position to make difficult choices and fight major battles that often come at a cost. I think the X-men pay a higher cost for their victories than most superhero teams. Even after seeing Avengers: Infinity War, I think their appeal and strength draws heavily from their willingness to pay that price.

During the events of Crimes Against Inhumanity, the X-men paid a higher price than usual. It certainly didn’t help that they’ve been a divided front, thanks to an ongoing schism between Charles Xavier and Cyclops. By not being united and fighting that battle together, the entire world incurred a heavy cost. Everyone is vulnerable now. The world’s defenses are damaged or destroyed. The X-men and X-Force are still divided. It’s the worst possible time for them to take on someone like Magneto.

It’s also the best time for someone like Magneto to make his move. He’s been missing since the events of Time Bomb, which capped off X-men Supreme Volume 4: Politics of Fear. However, he’s been hard at work behind the scenes as the X-men battled the Mutant Liberation Front and found themselves divided over the Mutant Monitoring Initiative. While his mental stability was in question, Magneto’s ambition has never changed. He remains as intent as ever to protect the future of the mutant race. He failed in his efforts with Uprising, Overlord, and The Cambrian Explosion. He has no intention of failing this time.

I’ve been working my way towards Magneto’s ultimate vision for quite some time now. The plot that’s about unfold has been in the works since the end of the Time Bomb arc. I’ve had an over-arching plan for Magneto, one that will once again demonstrate why he’s such an iconic villain and character for the X-men. This issue is very much a prequel, of sorts, to that story. It’s not in the same mold as X-men First Class, but it’s critical to the overall breadth of the story.

Magneto is already making his moves, as are those close to him. The remnants of the Brotherhood of Mutants, as well as the former citizens of Genosha, have been desperate since the passage of the Mutant Monitoring Initiative. Magneto’s return couldn’t have come at a better time, but he didn’t come alone. The full scope of his plan, as well as the hidden forces behind it, are about to be revealed in a way that will set the stage for the final arc of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided.

X-men Supreme Issue 168: Uncivil Disobedience

For those who have been following Magneto’s story and this fanfiction series, as a whole, this issue will set the stage for what I hope will be one of the most powerful moments to date for X-men Supreme. So many things have been building towards this moment. I’ve been working hard, setting it up so that it’s in a position for memorable, satisfying conclusion. Even after all the memorable moments I’ve crafted in this fanfiction series to date, I want to top them all with this one.

Jack

May 4th, 2018

The clock is ticking for the X-men and X-Force. X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided is about to enter the final countdown to the culmination of all the divisions, agendas, secrets, and subversion. What began in X-men Supreme Issue 148: New Divide will reach a definitive end when all is said and done. When that moment arrives, this fanfiction series will be in a bold new place. Charles Xavier, Cyclops, Wolverine, President Kelly, General Grimshaw, Magneto, and every other character who has played a part in this event will see their efforts pay off and/or falter.

These are the moments in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series that get me extra excited. Every volume of this fanfiction series, going back to X-men Supreme Volume 1: Mutant Revolution, begins with a major culmination in mind. I never start a new volume without a good idea of where the big moments will be for the X-men, their enemies, and the world as a whole. I make it a point to build towards those moments, whether it’s with dramatic arcs like Sinister Intent or even some more light-hearted arcs like Impossible Odds. Ideally, they all help contribute to the moment I’m trying to build.

Building such a moment in X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided has been extra difficult, especially at a time when plenty of X-men fans have been burned out on superhero civil wars and schisms between characters like Cyclops and Wolverine. While I can’t always plan around what happens in the X-men comics, I try to make sure this fanfiction series does something to set itself apart. In this case, it means establishing the schism between Cyclops and Charles Xavier.

From the very beginning of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided, this has been the driving force behind these tense times for this fanfiction series. On one side, we have Charles Xavier, who believes in working with the likes of General Grimshaw and President Kelly to promote a more secure peace between mutants and humans. On the other side, we have Cyclops, who believes that working within a system that has already proven itself to be corrupt with programs like Weapon X will only result in disaster. At one point, Xavier’s side seem vindicated when they took down Sebastian Shaw in the Drug War arc. Then, Cyclops’ side got some vindication after the destruction wrought by White Cell in Crimes Against Inhumanity.

So far, it’s hard to say which side is right and which is wrong. The impact of recent events has cast doubt on both sides and with the prospect of Magneto returning for the first time since the end of X-men Supreme Volume 4: Politics of Fear, nobody has the luxury of being wrong again. Something has to give. Either X-Force has to join up with Charles Xavier’s X-men or the X-men have to resort to Cyclops’ less-than-legal tactics. It’s a tough situation for both sides, but one that’s about to become more urgent.

I’ve already mapped out the last major arc of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided. Parts of the foundation were already laid in the events of X-men Supreme Issue 167: Uncivil Disobedience. The true scope and scale of with the X-men and X-Force face is about to become clearer as Magneto hatches a plan that has been brewing behind the scenes for quite some time. I’m treating the next issue as a prelude of sorts, one that will prepare the X-men and X-Force for some very hard decisions. As always, I’ve prepared a brief preview on this site and an extended preview on the X-men Supreme Official Blog.

For the X-men fans still burned out on schisms and superhero civil wars from the comics, I urge you to hang in there. I intend for there to be a major payoff for X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided. That payoff, though, requires me to play the long game and take a few risks. I know I’ve already taken plenty, going all the way back to how I ended things in X-men Supreme Volume 6: Liberation Decimation. Rest assured, I wouldn’t have taken that chance if I didn’t think the payoff would be worth it.

With the end of another volume of the X-men Supreme fanfiction series once again in sight, it’s more critical than ever that I continue to get feedback. These are tense times for many beloved X-men characters, some more than others. I know some fans of certain characters have been anxious. I want to hear from those fans and every other type of X-men fan, as well. Please, in the name of making the payoff of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided as big as possible, send me your feedback. Either post comments directly in the issue or contact me directly. Either way is fine and I’m always happy to chat. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

April 20th, 2018

When the X-men are divided, their enemies are emboldened. Over 50 years of X-men comics have proven that time and again. The same factors apply to the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. The divide between the X-men and X-Force that began in X-men Supreme Issue 148: New Divide put Professor Charles Xavier’s dream in state of grave uncertainty. The X-men have dealt with aliens, cosmic forces, and mutant terrorist groups. They’ve never dealt with a division like this.

Since the beginning of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided, Charles Xavier and Cyclops have been at an untenable impasse. When Xavier chose to join forces with President Kelly in General Grimshaw under the Mutant Monitoring Initiative, the former leader of the X-men saw that as crossing a line that cannot be uncrossed. That fateful decision sent this fanfiction series down a tenuous path, one that has done more than just divided the X-men. Hearts have been broken, relationships have been shattered, and the trust that Charles Xavier once had with his X-men is now uncertain.

In light of so much uncertainty, especially after the destruction wrought in the Crimes Against Inhumanity arc, it was only a matter of time before someone came along to exploit the division. In the history of this fanfiction series and the X-men comics, few are better at exploiting such misfortune than Magneto. Events like Uprising, Overlord, and the Cambrian Explosion are all examples of Magneto demonstrating just how dangerous he can be when the X-men are vulnerable. Given the wounded state of both the X-men and X-Force, the timing couldn’t be better for him to strike.

He already made his presence known in X-men Supreme Issue 166: Trial By Fire. Even though Magneto has been largely absent since the Time Bomb arc, he’s been staying busy. I knew from the conclusion of X-men Supreme Volume 4: Politics of Fear that Magneto was going to show up again. It was just a matter of finding the right moment in this fanfiction series for him to maximize his impact. Well, that moment is almost upon us.

Magneto’s return coincides with a lot of lingering issues between the X-men and X-Force. Both Cyclops and Charles Xavier are feeling a lot of doubt after the events of Crimes Against Inhumanity. Nobody is certain of how right or wrong they are anymore. Throw in a chaotic world with devious opportunists like Black Tom Cassidy and it’s a perfect catalyst for conflict. That conflict is about to erupt in a big way and it may tear the X-men apart even more.

The stage is almost set for the culmination of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided. The division between the X-men and X-Force has made it possible. The course of events from Crimes Against Inhumanity and going all the way back to the Cambrian Explosion have been leading up to this event. It involves a few familiar threats, as well as a few names from X-men lore that have yet to show up in this fanfiction series. It promises to push Charles Xavier, Cyclops, and everyone else in the X-men to the brink and beyond. The true cost of the division between X-men and X-Force will start to become clear in this issue.

X-men Supreme Issue 167: Uncivil Disobedience

I know it’s always a risk to build a story around X-men fighting X-men. There have been plenty of stories like that in recent years within the X-men comics. Throughout the course of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided, I’ve worked hard to differentiate the divisions in the comics from those in this fanfiction series. My goal has always been to make the division between Charles Xavier and Cyclops feel dramatic and meaningful.

Jack

April 13th, 2018

It seems that every time a superhero team undergoes a major schism or divide in the comics, there comes a point where both sides eventually clash with one another. The X-men Supreme fanfiction series is similar in many respects. As soon as I set up the division between Charles Xavier and Cyclops back in X-men Supreme Issue 148: New Divide, I essentially set the stage for their respective teams to clash at some point. Well, as X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided nears its culmination, that clash is almost here.

The division between Charles Xavier and Cyclops is not born out of outrage or hatred. It’s nothing like the schism we saw in the X-men comics with Cyclops and Wolverine. Their divide centers on the vision for what the X-men should be and how they should go about helping mutants in a world that hates and fears them. It’s one of the most fundamental components of the X-men’s story, going all the way back to the days of Uncanny X-men with Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. I’ve always tried to make that the focal point of X-men Supreme, going all the way back to X-men Supreme Volume 1: Mutant Revolution.

Even with that most basic guiding tenant for the X-men, there are many complications. Everything leading up to the events of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided was a confluence of complications. From Magneto’s destructive actions during events like Overlord and the Cambrian Explosion to mutant uprisings in District X and terror attacks by the Mutant Liberation front, the X-men dealt with a lot of tough battles. Eventually, those in positions of power, like President Kelly and General Grimshaw, had enough. The X-men had to change their approach or someone else would change it for them.

It led Charles Xavier to make a hard choice to form the Mutant Monitoring Initiative, which required the X-men to work with the government and operate under government scrutiny. Xavier believed that he could make that arrangement work. Cyclops felt otherwise, believing that there would be an unseen cost that neither Xavier nor the rest of the X-men could foresee. That cost played out in a major way in the Crimes Against Inhumanity arc. It left deep scars on both teams and the future of the Mutant Monitoring Initiative is in question.

In such a tense environment with so much uncertainty, it’s only a matter of time before someone tries to take advantage of the X-men’s vulnerability. In X-men Supreme Issue 166: Trial By Fire, Magneto reared his head again and the prospects of another attack has everyone on edge. Xavier’s X-men and Cyclops’ team, X-Force, have to make a move. This time, however, they won’t be able to avoid one another. The collision course I set up in X-men Supreme Issue 148: New Divide is about to happen.

This isn’t just going to be a pivotal moment for X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided. This is going to be a defining moment for Charles Xavier, Cyclops, and the dream they both proport to fight for. Hearts will be strained. Scars will be left. It’s not entirely certain whether the X-men will ever be truly whole again, but there’s no avoiding it. The X-men and X-Force are about to finally clash. As always, I’ve prepared a preview on this site and an extended preview on the X-men Supreme Official Blog.

Throughout the history of this fanfiction series, I’ve played the long game, setting up big moment and steadily building towards them. Whether it’s with a major arc or a particular moment within a particular issue, I make it a point to maximize the drama and impact of that moment. I knew that the X-men and X-Force were going to clash at some point in X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided. I had this moment in the story mapped out in my head before I wrote the first issue. Now, it’s finally happening and I want it to strike all the right chords with X-men fans.

In my effort to make these kinds of moments the most rewarding parts of X-men Supreme, it’s important that I continue to get comments and feedback. These are tense, volatile times for this fanfiction series. It’s going to get even more tense as the series nears another climactic clash. I need to know that I’m utilizing that tension in all the right ways. That’s where readers and commenters come in. Please, if you can, take the time to leave a review or provide feedback. Either contact me directly or post your comments in each issue. Either way is fine and I’m always happy to chat. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

March 30th, 2018

When writing the X-men Supreme fanfiction series, or anything else for that matter, I have small, but critical rule about major character moments. The most defining moments may happen in big events, but the most meaningful moments happen in the aftermath. That’s why I often emphasize the aftermath of big events like Uprising, Overlord, the Phoenix Saga, and Dark Legacy. It’s in these moments where some of the most meaningful moments happen.

X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided was built on such aftermath, to some extent. Pretty much the entire narrative of X-men Supreme Volume 6: Liberation Decimation was built around a series of defining moments between the X-men and the Mutant Liberation Front. There were some pretty defining moments with Polaris, Charles Xavier, and the Scarlet Witch. It’s from those moments, though, that the Mutant Monitoring Initiative emerged. It wasn’t just a reaction. It was a huge shift for the character development in this fanfiction series.

It's for that same reason that the aftermath of the recently-concluded Crimes Against Inhumanity arc will include some incredibly meaningful moments, some of which will lead directly into the final culmination of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided. After what happened with Romulus, everyone is vulnerable. Charles Xavier’s X-men are reeling after a breakdown in the relationship between President Kelly and General Grimshaw. Cyclops’ X-Force are still healing, physically and mentally, from their ordeal. It’s a dangerous situation that some are already looking to exploit.

Beyond the danger, though, the overall spirits of both the X-men and X-Force are deeply damaged. There have been more than a few low points throughout X-men Supreme, from Dark Legacy to the Cambrian Explosion. Few are as personal as this. The whole divide that began in X-men Supreme Issue 148: New Divide is fueled by the fundamental division between Charles Xavier and Cyclops. That divide is about to take their characters and their teams into uncharted territory.

That’s why the aftermath of Crimes Against Inhumanity is more critical than most. X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided has shaken up, shattered, and strained the X-men in ways that even the biggest schisms in the comics never attempted. This isn’t just a disagreement in philosophy. Charles Xavier and Cyclops are actively battling against one another. Now, in their wounded state, they’re both at an impasse. What sort of decisions will they make in response?

Since Crimes Against Inhumanity, it’s too early for any of those decisions at the moment. However, the aftermath to this event is going to be more jarring than the others that came before it. If you’ve been following those moments for the past several volumes of this fanfiction series, you’ll see what I mean in this latest issue. The world of the X-men and X-Force is on the brink and the aftermath of Crimes Against Inhumanity is about to give it a violent nudge.

X-men Supreme Issue 166: Trial By Fire

There’s still plenty of upheavals to come in X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided. The biggest moments are yet to come. This fanfiction series is about to take a bold leap, using some familiar names that X-men fans and general Marvel fans should recognize. Like every other volume of this fanfiction series, I intend to build towards a truly epic conclusion and the road to that conclusion starts now.

To ensure that climax is as epic as it deserves to be, I still need feedback. X-men Supreme still has room to grow. There are still plenty of opportunities for awesome moments that X-men fans of all kinds can appreciate. That’s why I urge everyone to take the time to leave reviews and post feedback. Either post it directly into the issue or contact me directly. Either way is fine and I’m always happy to chat. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

March 23rd, 2018

Whenever a major, Earth-shaking event unfolds in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series, I take supreme satisfaction, if that’s not too fitting a word, in how it reshapes the narrative. When I started this fanfiction series, I didn’t just want every issue to involve the X-men fighting Sentinels, Magneto, Mr. Sinister, and men like Robert Kelly. I wanted the story to have a sense of direction. I wanted to do the same world-building that has helped make the X-men comics what they are. Part of that process involves building a story around the aftermath of a major event, which can be satisfying in its own right.

The Crimes Against Inhumanity arc was a huge game changer for X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided. This arc was the culmination of numerous tensions that had been building since X-men Supreme Issue 149: Law Abiding Bind demonstrated the strengths, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities of the Mutant Monitoring Initiative. On paper, Charles Xavier’s intent was good. He wanted the X-men to work alongside President Kelly and General Grimshaw to improve the standing of mutants while also gaining valuable allies. It came with risks, but after the damage the Mutant Liberation Front did in X-men Supreme Volume 6: Liberation Decimation, it was a risk he had to take.

It may have paid off at first in arcs like Drug War and Unholy Man, but Romulus effectively changed the cost structure of the Mutant Monitoring Initiative. In many respects, Crimes Against Inhumanity was a worst-case scenario for both Charles Xavier and X-Force. It was one of those conflicts where everything that could’ve been used against the X-men was thrown at them. The divisions the Mutant Monitoring Initiative had created finally caught up to them. The X-men weren’t in a position to do their job. X-Force didn’t have the resources or manpower to end the conflict sooner. As a result, Romulus did untold damage.

That damage goes beyond the X-men and X-Force, though. Unlike Magneto, he didn’t just target mutants with his ultimate plan. He literally attacked the entire world, striking every major defense system he could. From big national armies to local police forces, he used the legacy of Weapon X to wage a war to end all wars. The fact he came so close to succeeding has left everyone, human and mutant alike, in a state of uncertainty and fear.

The aftermath of every major event usually brings added upheavals. It’s one thing to stop the damage. It’s quite another to adapt to the world that emerges. Charles Xavier must now confront a world where the Mutant Monitoring Initiative was exposed and his X-men were unable to do the job. Cyclops and X-Force have to confront the harsh truths that Romulus exposed in his effort to end all war. In both cases, the X-men Supreme fanfiction series faces a new host of challenges and it’s not going to take long for someone to exploit their vulnerabilities.

That’s exactly what the next couple of issues deal with. Many major events in X-men Supreme, going back to Uprising and Overlord, create a situation in which someone exploits the aftermath. The impact of Crimes Against Inhumanity will be no different and the names of those who do the exploiting should be very familiar. Some are fairly new. Others have done plenty of damage to the X-men in the past. In any case, the aftermath will set the stage for the next major conflict. As always, I’ve prepared a brief preview on this site and an extended preview on the X-men Supreme Official Blog.

This fanfiction series is entering uncharted territory, as it so often does after a major event. Certain characters are going to undergo major changes. I know X-men fans are somewhat sensitive to change, especially given how the X-men comics have handled them poorly in the past. I hope to avoid those mistakes with this fanfiction series, but the aftermath of an event like Crimes Against Inhumanity will bring more than a few big moments.

That’s why it’s so critical that I continue getting feedback for this and the rest of this fanfiction series. Please, in the interest of making X-men Supreme as awesome as it can be, take the time to review. Either contact me directly or send post your comments directly in the issue. Either way is fine and I’m always happy to chat. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

March 9th, 2018

This is it. Time has run out. The world is no longer on the brink. It’s at the brink. The world of X-men Supreme is poised for another major turning point. These are kinds of moments that have helped shape and define this fanfiction series. Arcs like Overlord, the Phoenix Saga, Natural Disorder, Dark Legacy, and the Cambrian Explosion have contained such moments, which carry ripples into the future of this fanfiction series. The conclusion of the Crimes Against Inhumanity arc will have more than a few ripples.

The secrets of White Cell are exposed. Romulus, the founder of White Cell and the father of Wolverine, is on a mission to end all conflict by controlling the most powerful fighting force in the world. The X-men, X-Force, and every other defense force on the planet armed with anything more than a baseball bat is a target. This isn’t about winning a war for Romulus. It goes beyond any conflict the X-men have ever faced, as well as anything Charles Xavier ever envisioned. It either has to end here, but not without a price. In the world of X-men Supreme, every resolution has a price.

There have been times when that price has been painfully high. The events of the Cambrian Explosion cost Magneto his sanity. The events of Natural Disorder cost Polaris her life. For the X-men, it has always been a matter of coming together and fighting to ensure that price isn’t too high. In X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided, they weren’t able to come together. In fact, the events of the Drug War arc ensured that the X-men would not be able to rally together like they have in previous conflicts. That means the price they’re about to pay with Crimes Against Inhumanity will run much deeper.

The tension is already there. Charles Xavier, President Kelly, and General Grimshaw came together after the events of X-men Supreme Issue 148: New Divide with the sincere hope that the Mutant Monitoring Initiative would vastly improve relations between humans and mutants. The events of X-men Supreme Issue 149: Law Abiding Bind even explored some of those improvements. In the short-term, Xavier’s efforts bore fruit. Even before he could expand those efforts, though, Romulus was poised to take advantage of it.

He’s had centuries to plan. He’s been operating behind the scenes since White Cell was introduced way back in X-men Supreme Volume 2: War Powers. His hopes, his vision, and his personal war to end war is finally set to culminate. The X-men, X-Force, and even unexpected allies in Fantomex and Deadpool are all that’s left. The stakes aren’t just high. They’re personal. This is Wolverine’s father, X-23’s grandfather, and Mystique’s mysterious mentor. When all is said and done, there will be scars. There will be upheavals. The course of this fanfiction series will be on a very different path.

X-men Supreme Issue 165: Crimes Against Inhumanity Part 4

This arc is one of those arcs that I hope helps define the X-men Supreme fanfiction series for all the right reasons. It took a long time to build towards. I got the idea way back when I was writing X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths. I spent a lot of time and energy guiding the story to this point, setting everything up for a big payoff. I try to make every issue of this fanfiction series awesome, but I try to make arcs like this feel extra meaningful.

The conclusion of Crimes Against Inhumanity will have all sorts of ramifications. Some of those ramifications will set the stage for the home stretch of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided. There is, indeed, another conflict brewing and it’s one that I’ve also been building towards. However, I cannot get to that payoff without making every issue in between count. That’s why it’s critical to get feedback for every issue, especially the conclusions of major arcs like this. I implore you, the reader, more than usual to take the time to review this issue and all others. I can’t know whether or not these issues are sufficiently awesome without feedback. Either contact me directly or post your comments directly in the issue. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

March 2nd, 2018

Throughout the history of Marvel Comics and the X-men Supreme fanfiction series, there have been incidents where it’s painfully clear that nothing can ever be the same again. It’s one thing to just stop Dr. Doom from taking over the world, prevent the Brotherhood of Mutants from crashing a Dazzler concert, or thwart one of Mr. Sinister’s experiments. Winning those battles doesn’t involve much aftermath. The world basically continues as it is.

Then, there are events like Secret Wars, House of M, Overlord, and the election of President Robert Kelly in which there’s no undoing the upheaval. Things are going to change in a major way. There’s no way around it. There have been many such moments in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series, the events of X-men Supreme Issue 148: New Divide being the most recent. That moment, which set the stage for X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided, split the X-men into two teams, one led by Charles Xavier and one led by Cyclops. That division has left the world vulnerable.

It was only a matter of time before someone attacked that vulnerability. Sebastian Shaw tried and failed during the events of the Drug War arc, but that conflict only set the stage for a much bigger battle with Romulus, the father of Wolverine and the leader of White Cell. As a villain, he has a somewhat shaky history in the X-men comics. In this fanfiction series, however, his efforts and his vision promise to shake the X-men, X-Force, and everything in between to their core.

The Crimes Against Inhumanity arc will likely be another one of those critical turning points for the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. It’s one of those moments where nothing can be the same again. There’s no going back. There’s no undoing the damage that Romulus did. Going all the way back to X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths, I’ve been setting up Romulus’ plan. He’s been silently working behind the scenes, manipulating the Wolverine, Weapon X, the X-men, and the governments of the world to carry out his vision. That vision is dangerously close to being realized.

It has already claimed casualties, as we saw in the Unholy Man arc. It promises to claim many more as Romulus’ armies of Weapon X drones roam the world, destroying every major defense system more advanced that a spear. He’s not just trying to win the conflict with humans, mutants, and the X-men. He’s trying to end all conflict, but on his terms. It’s the vision of a dangerous man who has shown a willingness to torment his own children to see it through. The clock is ticking and the final showdown for that vision is set to unfold.

Make no mistake. The world of X-men Supreme will never be the same after this. Characters like Mystique, Wolverine, X-23, Cyclops, Charles Xavier, and so many more will face some hard challenges and harder questions in this final battle. What happens to them and what happens to Romulus will shape the course of this fanfiction series for a long time to come. As always, I’ve prepared a brief preview on this website and an extended preview on the X-men Supreme Official Blog.

It's moments like this with X-men Supreme that I find uniquely satisfying. There have been only a handful of big battles like this where I take my time to set up a huge, game-changing battle like this. It’s not something I want to force or rush. It’s one of those things that deserves time, energy, and just the right kind of emotional payoff. That’s what I believe will make this fanfiction series as awesome as it deserves to be.

I intend to make an extra effort to ensure the conclusion of the Crimes Against Inhumanity arc matches or exceeds the other moments I’ve crafted within this fanfiction series to date. I want this moment to enrich X-men Supreme to new levels. To do that, I need plenty of feedback. I know there has been another surge in spam lately. I am doing what I can to temper that, but I will still sift through as much of it as I can to find that feedback. Either contact me directly or post your comments directly in the issues. Either way is fine and I appreciate any support you can offer. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

February 16th, 2018

The X-men have a long list of colorful, powerful, and sometimes eccentric villains. Characters like Mojo check every one of those boxes and then some, as I’ve highlighted on the X-men Supreme fanfiction series during the Impossible Odds arc. At least with Mojo, there ways to navigate that long list of eclectic skills. The X-men usually find a way, even when they’re divided like they have been throughout X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided. Then, Romulus came along and both X-men and X-Force are tested to their very limits.

How do you stop a villain who is so old, so experienced, and so cunning that there’s pretty much nothing the X-men, X-Force, and even non-allies like Deadpool and Fantomex can do to get the jump on him? How do you thwart someone who has been alive for centuries and has spent many years manipulating the lives of Wolverine, X-23, and even X-men allies like Thunderbird? This is not a man who can be easily outwitted. This also isn’t someone who leaves himself vulnerable, as Magneto and Sinister have done on more than one occasion.

Romulus presents the X-men and X-Force with a challenge like no other. It’s a challenge I’ve been setting up since X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths. Even though the X-men have a long history of iconic villains, from Magneto to Mojo, a big part of what makes them iconic is putting them in situations that maximize their potential. The X-men comics have many of those moments. While I can’t hope to recreate stories like God Loves, Man Kills or the Morlock Massacre, I can try to capture that same spirit with stories like the Phoenix Saga and District X.

With Romulus, it’s a bit trickier because the X-men comics weren’t exactly kind to him. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that he’s one of those characters the comics just failed to make work. I always thought Romulus had the potential to be a truly iconic villain for Wolverine, right up there with Sabretooth. That didn’t happen, though. That’s why I’m using the X-men Supreme fanfiction series to give Romulus another chance. The Crimes Against Inhumanity arc is a moment that has been a long time coming. It’ll give Romulus that chance and I intend to make the most of it.

The situation will have to get worse before it gets better, though. The X-men and X-Force are both working from a position of weakness. X-Force managed to get themselves captured while the X-men are struggling to gain support from General Grimshaw and President Kelly, even after their successes in the Drug War arc. As a result, none were in a position to stop Romulus when he launched his attack throughout the world, using the legacy of Weapon X as the catalyst for his army.

That attack is happening. All over the world, creatures bred from the legacy of Wolverine, X-23, and the Weapon X project that has plagued the X-men since X-men Supreme Volume 1: Mutant Revolution are attacking anyone and everyone who tries to make war. Romulus is setting himself up to be the sole source of war in the world of X-men Supreme. That’s not a world the X-men or X-Force want to see, but time is running out for them to stop it. Like other major arcs in this fanfiction series, there will be casualties in Crimes Against Inhumanity. Another one is about to unfold in the pages of this game-changing arc.

X-men Supreme Issue 164: Crimes Against Inhumanity Part 3

I won’t pretend that this arc in X-men Supreme will make Romulus the kind of iconic X-men villain I believe he could’ve been. My goal for this, and every other X-men character I use in this fanfiction series, is to make him a compelling character in his own right. He may never get this chance in the X-men comics. That’s why I want to make Romulus’ chance count in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series.

I know he’s a controversial character, even among die-hard X-men fans. I know Crimes Against Inhumanity probably won’t win him any new fans. However, I still want to know that I’ve been handling him well. I genuinely want Romulus to be the kind of X-men villain that X-men fans can appreciate. To do that, I need feedback. This is a critical point in the arc and feedback is that much more critical. So please take the time to review in whatever way you can. Either contact me directly or post your comment directly in the issue. Either way is fine and I’m always happy to chat. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

February 9th, 2018

The most compelling villains are the ones with a vision. Part of what makes villains like Magneto so intriguing is the understanding that he doesn’t just do what he does, taking over entire countries or holding the world hostage with an asteroid attack, for personal gain. He genuinely believes that his vision for the world will do the most good for mutants, the X-men, and everyone who has been oppressed. Given some of the things that have happened to him in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series, can you really blame him for having such a vision?

Magneto may be missing for the moment in this fanfiction series, but the X-men have plenty of other threats to deal with. In fact, Magneto’s absence hasn’t reduced the amount of threats. It has just opened the doors for others. The Mutant Liberation Front did a lot of damage in X-men Supreme Volume 6: Liberation Decimation. In many respects, they helped set the stage for the eventual division between the X-men and X-Force that began in X-men Supreme Issue 148: New Divide. However, even with all these threats, neither the X-men nor X-Force could know that there was another threat looming behind the scenes, seeking a vision of his own.

For those who know Romulus only through the X-men comics, that vision may seem strange. I don’t deny that I really changed things up for Romulus in this fanfiction series. For certain characters, that’s somewhat unavoidable. Someone like Magneto is already iconic and established. You can’t change too much about him and expect him to be the same character. With Romulus, however, there’s not nearly as much history or too many iconic moments that undermine his persona. In fact, more than a few X-men fans that I know have called Romulus a failed character.

Maybe that’s the case for the X-men comics. For X-men Supreme, though, one character’s failure is an opportunity for this fanfiction series. I’ve had a plan for Romulus since the latter part of X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths. No part of that plan involved following the similar path the comics did with Romulus. Other than a role for a few key moments of Wolverine’s life, there was never much vision for Romulus. His connection to the X-men, Wolverine, and everyone in between just never got fleshed out. Most importantly, though, his character never had much a vision.

That’s not the case in X-men Supreme. In the first few issues of Crimes Against Inhumanity, I’ve established that Romulus isn’t just someone who has been manipulating Wolverine all his life and run the mysterious organization, White Cell, which I introduced way back in X-men Supreme Volume 2: War Powers. He’s a very old man with a very ambitious vision. He’s a warrior who only knows how to fight wars.

All that fighting, though, has left him broken and hallow. He’s ready to stop fighting. He’s ready to end it all and he’s willing to use Wolverine, his own son, to do it. It’s a bold vision that seems so impossible to most, but with White Cell, X-Force, and centuries of experience, Romulus is in a position to do it. He has already showed the power of his army in the Unholy Man arc. Now, he’s ready for a much larger attack. As always, I’ve prepared a preview of that attack here on this website and a more extended preview on the X-men Supreme Official Blog.

Bringing controversial characters like Romulus into X-men Supreme is always tricky. Twisting the history, connections, and backstories of other more established characters is even trickier. I’ve already done plenty of that with characters like Mystique. Chances are I’ll be doing plenty more of it as this fanfiction series continues to evolve. I know that carries risks for X-men fans, but I’m willing to take those risks in order to make X-men Supreme as awesome as I want it to be. In order to ensure those risks are paying off, though, I need feedback. Please take the time to tell me what you think of how I’ve been handling the tweaks to X-men Supreme. Either contact me directly or post your comments in each issue. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

January 26th, 2018

When I started the X-men Supreme fanfiction series back in 2010, I did so with the intent on either avoiding some of the mistakes I’d seen in the X-men comics over the years or improving on certain concepts that I thought had been negated. Being a lifelong X-men fan myself, there are no shortage of things that I didn’t care for in the comics. Issues like the relationship between Wolverine and Jean Grey, the way Charles Xavier became paralyzed, and the handling of characters like Madelyn Pryor had always bothered me. I’ve done my best to use those elements in X-men Supreme and make them better.

I understand that it’s debatable on how successful I’ve been in those efforts. I’ve heard from those who’ve said X-men Supreme fixed major problems with certain characters. People really seem to like how I handled the Phoenix Saga in this fanfiction series, as well as how I turned Toad into a more menacing villain in X-men Supreme Volume 6: Liberation Decimation. Not every effort has been a success, though. Some readers didn’t care for how I’ve handled Mystique, especially after the events of X-men Supreme Issue 120: Sinister Revelations. Others have had concerns about the direction I’ve taken characters like Psylocke, Gambit, and Rogue.

Most of those concerns haven’t been all that outrageous and I don’t think I’ve driven too many readers away with how I’ve handled the more sensitive details in this fanfiction series. However, I imagine that hasn’t made X-men fans any less anxious in finding out that Romulus is now a major player in X-men Supreme. I’ve been planning to bring him into this fanfiction series since X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths. As soon as I mapped out his story, I knew I was taking a chance. X-men fans, especially Wolverine fans, have some pretty strong opinions on this character. That’s why I’m being especially careful with the ongoing Crimes Against Inhumanity arc.

In the X-men comics, Romulus was one of those characters who seemed to exist solely to complicate Wolverine’s already-complicated history. I didn’t really care for him, personally. He always seemed like a background character or a plot device for Wolverine and the much more interesting Daken. His role with Wolverine always seemed so contrived and shallow. Add a bland and generic personality on top of it and he’s a character that X-men fans rightly resent.

I wanted to avoid that in X-men Supreme. This fanfiction series already took bold chances, turning Toad of all characters into a menacing villain who nearly defeated the X-men in the Natural Disorder arc. For Romulus, I knew I needed to take even more chances. Some of those have already played out. Beyond the revelation that Romulus is Wolverine’s father, I made him a prominent influence in Wolverine’s life, including the parts he doesn’t remember.

In that sense, he’s similar to the X-men comics. However, his connection runs much deeper in X-men Supreme. Romulus is already the visionary behind White Cell, an organization unique to this fanfiction series that has been influencing the X-men since X-men Supreme Volume 2: War Powers. Through him, White Cell played a part setting the stage for the division between the X-men that occurred in X-men Supreme Issue 148: New Divide. That made the X-men, Wolverine, and the world as a whole vulnerable. Now, he’s ready to exploit that vulnerability and he’s going to use the legacy of Weapon X to do it.

More than anything else, the Crimes Against Inhumanity arc will establish Romulus as someone poised to exploit Wolverine’s legacy and the legacy of Weapon X. In doing so, he’s poised to reveal the weaknesses that have been brewing since the divide between Charles Xavier’s X-men and Cyclops’ X-Force. It’ll establish him as the kind of menace he never got to be in the X-men comics and while it may not salvage his character there, it’ll ensure he leaves an undeniable mark on this fanfiction series.

X-men Supreme Issue 163: Crimes Against Inhumanity Part 2

Jack

January 19th, 2018

When it comes to messy family drama, the X-men have more than their share with some characters having more than others. Throughout the history of the X-men comics, characters like Cyclops, Wolverine, Nightcrawler, and even Charles Xavier have shown just how messy these family affairs can be. I’ve made an effort to capture those throughout the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. Early on, it was Mystique’s constant clashes with Nightcrawler and Rogue that set the standard for family drama. I like to think that since then, this fanfiction series has escalated those conflicts on multiple fronts.

Among X-men fans, it’s often debatable whether Cyclops or Wolverine has the craziest family drama. In the X-men comics, Cyclops would probably win that debate more often than not. In X-men Supreme, however, I think recent events have given Wolverine the edge in the family chaos department. I’ve been complicating Wolverine’s family for quite some time, going all the way back to X-men Supreme Issue 21: Chasing a Memory. Those complications only really began escalating when I brought X-23 into the mix with the Time Bomb arc. It gained even more complexity after he learned about his connection to Mystique in X-men Supreme Issue 120: Sinister Revelations. From there, Wolverine has steadily been developing a sense of family.

Having a sense of family, though, hasn’t tempered Wolverine’s propensity to get into messy fights. That happens to him regardless of any family ties. It has throughout his history in the X-men comics and this fanfiction series. However, family ties add give even more weight to those conflicts, especially when they end up affecting the other X-men. Before the Crimes Against Inhumanity arc, Wolverine was pretty good about keeping those personal conflicts from affecting the team. Even his clash with Lady Deathstrike in The Lotus and the Warrior only had a minimal impact on the X-men, as a whole. That is not the case now that his father, Romulus, has entered the picture.

While he’s a controversial, if not infamous, character in the X-men comics, he’s one of those characters who always finds a way to frustrate or complicate Wolverine’s story. He’s also one of those characters who has never had a chance to maximize his potential. I always felt that Marvel mishandled him whenever he showed up and I wanted to do something different with the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. With Crimes Against Inhumanity, Romulus isn’t just a master manipulator for the sake of it. He has genuine motivations to go along with his powerful ties to Wolverine.

I’d always intended to bring Romulus into the mix somehow in X-men Supreme. My plans for doing so didn’t really take shape until after the revelations with Wolverine and Mystique took place during the Dark Legacy arc in X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths. I’ve been steadily guiding this fanfiction series towards a major clash with Romulus ever since, one that also incorporates the plot involving White Cell, which I introduced all the way back in X-men Supreme Volume 2: War Powers. These connections are all starting to finally converge and that convergence will shake the X-men Supreme fanfiction series to its core.

How it does this and how Romulus will leave his mark is still unfolding. The Crimes Against Inhumanity arc is just beginning and is poised to be the biggest of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided to date. Whether you’re a fan of Wolverine or still despise Romulus for whatever reason, I intend to make the payoff both satisfying and revealing. The direction of both the X-men and X-Force will be very different when all is said and done. As always, I’ve prepared a brief preview of the next issue in this arc here on this site and an extended preview on the X-men Supreme Official Blog.

This arc is far from over and will likely span a couple more issues. In that time, I hope to win over those who were disappointed or dismissive of Romulus after his shortcomings in the X-men comics. X-men Supreme gives me opportunities to take concepts that didn’t work in the X-men comics and make them work in this fanfiction series. I see it as a challenge and one that will help make X-men Supreme awesome. In order to ensure I’m meeting those challenges, it’s critical that I continue to get feedback. Either contact me directly with your comments or post them directly in the issue. Either way is fine and I’d love to chat. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

January 5th, 2018

I hope everyone had a supremely awesome New Year. I certainly did and I’m looking forward to making 2018 another awesome leap for the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. Every year, I’ve tried to raise the bar in terms of quality and vision. Given that this fanfiction series has been going on since 2010, that gets more challenging year after year. I think I’m up for it in 2018 and I’m ready to hit the ground running with the biggest arc since the big split that occurred in X-men Supreme Issue 148: New Divide.

I keep referencing that issue for a reason. It’s not just because that’s the issue when Charles Xavier and Cyclops began the bitter dispute that fractured the team between the X-men and X-Force. It’s not just over the fundamental issues that have emerged with Xavier’s effort in pursuing the Mutant Monitoring Initiative, which is still at the heart of the divide. This split is important because by dividing the X-men, the entire world of X-men Supreme is more vulnerable. It really was only a matter of time before someone took advantage of it.

Throughout this fanfiction series, the X-men have struggled to deal with powerful foes, even while at full strength. They barely overcame the Mutant Liberation Front in the Natural Disorder arc and struggled just as much against the ancient Cambrian within the Cambrian Explosion. Now, they’re up against a threat that has been operating behind the scenes since the events of X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths and even a little bit before that. I’ve been dropping hints, many of which involve Wolverine and Mystique’s mysterious past, and the events of Drug War offered the first major strike.

Most seasoned X-men fans, especially the Wolverine fans, recognized Daken when he showed up in the battle against Sebastian Shaw. As the colorful, albeit devious son of Wolverine, his history in the X-men comics is a complicated, fluid one and not just because of his flexible sexual preferences. Daken is not like his father in that he is willing to cross lines that Wolverine won’t. While I intend to tweak some elements of Daken’s origins in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series, I intend to preserve those critical elements, much of which will reveal themselves in the next arc.

This arc will shake the foundations of the entire mission for the X-men and X-Force. Both Cyclops and Charles Xavier will find their visions tested in ways they never expected. They’ll also learn the hard way that a divided X-men makes for a dangerous world. It’s a hard lesson that the X-men seem to learn every other month in the X-men comics. The X-men Supreme fanfiction series will be no different. Both the nature of the threat and the impact it’ll incur will strike Xavier, the dream, and everything in between.

The arc is entitled Crimes Against Inhumanity. It’s one of those core arcs that will help mark an important turning point in X-men Supreme. Those arcs are a challenge to craft, but make for some of the most satisfying moments in this fanfiction series. From the Phoenix Saga to Overlord to Outer Limits, I put extra effort into making these arcs more awesome and I hope it shows. It starts with this issue and it’s one that I hope X-men fans, especially Wolverine fans, really appreciate.

X-men Supreme Issue 162: Crimes Against Inhumanity Part 1

As always, arcs like this especially important in terms of maintaining the quality of X-men Supreme. In my effort to make 2018 another step forward for this fanfiction series, I want to make Crimes Against Inhumanity an important milestone. This year is already set to be a big year for the X-men with the return of Jean Grey and Wolverine in the comics, as well as the release of three X-men movies. I know X-men Supreme will never have that kind of profile, but I still want to match the effort.

In order to do that, I need to keep getting regular feedback from the wonderful people who have supported X-men Supreme since its inception in 2010. You guys are wonderful and I can’t thank you enough for all your support. I know it has been a long, arduous road for this fanfiction series and it’s only going to get trickier in 2018. I want those challenges to make X-men Supreme more awesome. That’s why it’s vital that I continue to get regular feedback. Either post your comments directly in the issue or contact me directly. Either way is fine and I’m always happy to chat. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

December 29th, 2017

I hope everyone had fun and supremely enjoyable holiday. I also hope you worked up an appetite for more X-men Supreme in 2018. Yes, I know there are just a few days left of 2017, but this fanfiction series is already poised to move forward. That’s saying something, given all the huge upheavals in X-men Supreme over the past year. The disillusion of the X-men in X-men Supreme Issue 148: New Divide might very well be the most traumatic event the team have experienced in this fanfiction series and that’s including their encounter with Deadpool.

At the heart of the division is the Mutant Monitoring Initiative, the bold partnership that Charles Xavier formed with General Grimshaw and President Kelly after their clash with the Mutant Liberation Front. For once, they weren’t just dealing with someone like Magneto trying to subdue humanity through force, as he did in The Cambrian Explosion and Overlord. Even Sinister, who attempted to wipe out humans and mutants alike in Dark Legacy, wasn’t as daunting. X-men Supreme Volume 6: Liberation Decimation put the X-men in a unique position.

The Mutant Liberation Front turned the X-men’s battle into a struggle of ideas and after what happened in arcs like Proactive Regression and Natural Disorder, it became clear that Charles Xavier is losing that battle. His hopes for peace and understanding clash directly with new tactics meant to render humanity helpless, rather than subdued. Even though the X-men managed to stop the likes of Toad and Stryfe, the damage was done.

Now, as X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided has unfolded, Charles Xavier and his divided X-men attempt to regain the trust of the public and the authorities. So far, their efforts have had mixed results. Despite chaotic destruction in Volatility Sensibility, the X-men and the policies of the Mutant Monitoring Initiative helped them take down Sebastian Shaw in the Drug War arc. On paper, it was a major victory. Behind the scenes, though, it showed a new vulnerability that has been festering for quite some time.

A divided X-men, as we’ve seen in the X-men comics with events like Schism, is often a bad combination for everyone involved. Whether it’s Charles Xavier, Cyclops, Storm, or Doop leading the X-men, a lack of unity often opens the door for a devious enemy to strike. That time has come and this latest arc of the X-men Supreme fanfiction series will pit the X-men against a powerful enemy that X-men fans should recognize. That enemy has yet to make their debut in X-men Supreme, but it’s one I’ve been planning for quite some time.

This next arc will trigger a major shift in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. It’ll also hit the X-men and X-Force at their most vulnerable. Charles Xavier, Cyclops, Wolverine, and so many more. The wounds left by this arc will be deep and the impacts will send X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided on a collision course that will leave nobody unaffected. It starts with the next issue and as always, I’ve prepared a brief preview on this website and an extended preview on the X-men Supreme Official Blog.

There’s a lot of upheaval going on in X-men Supreme and the X-men comics. Both Jean Grey and Wolverine are set to return from the dead in the pages of Marvel comics. There are a total of three X-men movies se tot debut in 2018 as well. Between that and the pending merge between Disney and Fox, things are looking up for the X-men. I hope to build on that with the X-men Supreme fanfiction series.

I can’t make X-men Supreme as prominent as a major movie or comics relaunch, but I like to think I can channel the same spirit that will make X-men great in 2018. To ensure I channel enough, it’s critical that I continue to get feedback from the wonderful readers of this fanfiction series. Either post your comments directly in each issue or contact me directly. Either way is fine and I’m always happy to chat X-men. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

December 15th, 2017

Certain moments have enormous ripple effects on a narrative, especially one is big and ambitious as the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. The same can be said about the X-men comics. Events like Avengers vs. X-men, the Phoenix Saga, and Inferno all had major impacts that still echo within later events. Sometimes it’s a good thing, as with events like the Phoenix Saga. Events like Avengers vs. X-men, however, are a bit more controversial. In general, I try to leave that sort of ambiguity out of X-men Supreme, but I make it a point to craft the kind of moments that have that far-reaching effect.

Going all the way back to moments like the one that played out in X-men Supreme Issue 21: Chasing A Memory, where Wolverine first learned about his history with a woman he loved named Rose, the impacts played out in many ways down the line. When I originally outlined that plot in X-men Supreme Volume 1: Mutant Revolution, I didn’t intend to reveal many issues later in X-men Supreme Issue 120: Sinister Revelations that Rose was actually Mystique. It’s just one of those plots that came to me as I plotted this series.

Moments like that, which came to define this fanfiction series in unexpected ways, make some of the most rewarding results in the end. X-men Supreme has had its share of elaborate plots, from Magneto’s first attack on Genosha during the Uprising arc to General Grimshaw’s mutant agenda that began in X-men Supreme Volume 4: Politics of Fear. Within those plots, though, are the moments that create the ripples that give this fanfiction series that special impact.

Given the ongoing conflicts in X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided, finding time for those moments is difficult. Between the mishaps in the Volatility Sensibility arc and the Drug War arc, as well as the ongoing divide between the X-men and X-Force, there doesn’t seem to be enough time to squeeze one in. Personally, I take that as a challenge and like Deadpool at a taco eating contest, I jump at that chance.

So far, X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided has established that the Mutant Monitoring Initiative has benefits and drawbacks. Charles Xavier’s bold gamble to work directly with President Kelly and General Grimshaw has paid dividends, the biggest being the arrest and imprisonment of Sebastian Shaw after the Drug War arc. However, the aftermath of that triumph has revealed some unintended consequences, which tends to happen a lot when working for governments. Some of those consequences go beyond the initiative, though.

In this divided state, with the X-men and X-Force being at odds, a new threat that has been brewing since the end of X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths is ready to strike. I know I’ve been very vague about that threat. A major clue showed up in Drug War with Daken, the long lost son of Wolverine. However, he’s only part of the threat. The force pulling all the strings has a name and it’s about to come out soon. Those strings will finally start to reveal themselves in this issue, which acts as a prelude to the biggest upheaval that a divided X-men can possibly face.

X-men Supreme Issue 161: Capital Corruption

There’s a lot riding on events of this issue and the arc that spins out of it. X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided will start descending towards its inevitable conclusion and like the others that came before it, this fanfiction series will undergo a dramatic change. Just look at what happened at the end of X-men Supreme Volume 6: Liberation Decimation. The X-men actually fractured, tearing friends, family, and lovers apart. Now, imagine an upheaval like that in the X-men’s divided state. I’ll let X-men fans ponder that over the holidays.

Jack

December 8th, 2017

Certain plots take a great deal of patience and build-up. It’s easy to forget, sometimes, that the original Phoenix Saga that played out in the pages of Uncanny X-men unfolded over the course of three dozen issues. That kind of story is hard to tell today, whether it’s with X-men or any other comic book characters. That hasn’t stopped me from trying with the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. Since its inception with X-men Supreme Volume 1: Mutant Revolution, I’ve taken my time to develop stories in what I hope is a sufficiently awesome manner.

I don’t claim to be as skilled as Chris Claremont, but I’ve made a concerted effort to develop the various plots of X-men Supreme in a way that has a solid payoff. Events like Overlord, the Outer Limits, and even the X-men Supreme version of the Phoenix Saga unfolded over the course of multiple volumes of this fanfiction series. Some stories had the seeds planted very early on in a very specific way.

The best example of this happened in the Overlord arc in X-men Supreme Volume 2: War Powers. In that event, there was a telling moment between Wolverine and Mystique that hinted at a deeper connection between the two. It wasn’t until much later in X-men Supreme Issue 120: Sinister Revelations when Sinister revealed that Mystique was actually Rose, one of Wolverine’s former lovers from before he joined Weapon X. That moment took a long time to build, even with the major hints I dropped in arcs like the Cambrian Explosion. I like to think that kind of build made the culmination that much more satisfying.

Now, the X-men Supreme fanfiction series is about to reach another moment. Coincidentally, this one also involves the mysterious pasts of Wolverine and Mystique. When I revealed their connection at the end of X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths, I did so with a much larger plan in mind. I had every intention of making their shared history part of a much larger story, one that incorporates a conflict involving a character that Wolverine fans should recognize. Developing that story has taken time, especially after the events of X-men Supreme Issue 148: New Divide. All that build and energy is finally about to culminate.

The events of the Drug War arc acted as the first shots in a much larger conflict. That story may have been centered around Sebastian Shaw and the emergence of Mutant Growth Hormone, but it also revealed the presence of other powerful forces that threaten more than the X-men and the Mutant Monitoring Initiative. Wolverine definitely sensed that threat and it took the form of someone that X-men fans should recognize as a major complication. It’s hard enough working against the X-men with Cyclops as a member of X-Force. Once again, Wolverine’s mysterious past will come back to haunt the X-men in a big way.

The biggest arc to date in X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided is starting to take shape. This is one of those stories that will leave scars. Like Dark Legacy or the Cambrian Explosion, this story will leave a powerful impact on the X-men, X-Force, and everyone in between. It all starts with a prelude of sorts, one that will add some very personal stakes to Wolverine, X-Force, and many others. I’ve prepared a brief preview of that prelude here on this website, as well as an extended preview on the X-men Supreme Official Blog.

I get that it’s difficult to be patient these days with the X-men. However, it can and does pay off. Most recently, Marvel finally announced the return of Jean Grey after nearly 14 years of being dead. While I don’t intend to make readers of the X-men Supreme fanfiction series wait quite that long, I still want to reward the patience of those who have supported X-men Supreme throughout its development.

To ensure that reward is truly worthy, it’s still important that I continue to get feedback. Even if you’re just impatient and want more clues as to what lies ahead for X-men Supreme, I still want to hear from you. Please contact me directly with your comments or post them directly in the various issues. Either way is fine and I’m always happy to chat. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

November 24th, 2017

It’s Black Friday and I’m sure most people out there are still digesting their Thanksgiving dinner. I know I am. I also hope everyone is still hungry for another major turning point in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. Those tend to happen a lot when Reverend William Stryker is involved. Since he showed up in the District X arc, he has been a recurring threat for the X-men. Fueled by hatred and religious zealotry, Styrker has put Charles Xavier and his team in a lot of tough positions. However, this latest predicament may be the hardest and have the most implications for the course of this fanfiction series.

For a time, Reverend Stryker was dealing with various setbacks. At one point, he was a key advisor to President Robert Kelly. He wielded a great deal of influence, which he hoped to channel into his anti-mutant agenda. Then, General Grimshaw entered the picture in X-men Supreme Issue 75: Renegade. His approach to Charles Xavier, the X-men, and mutants hasn’t been the same. However, his influence eventually superseded that of Reverend Stryker. General Grimshaw’s position was only further strengthened at the end of X-men Supreme Issue 148: New Divide with the implementation of the Mutant Monitoring Initiative.

Reverend Stryker may have taken a major hit, in terms of influence, but his religious zeal never faltered. It was only a matter of time before he became an issue in this fanfiction series. There’s a reason why he constantly confounds the X-men in both the comics and movies. It’s not enough that he’s determined. He believes that he is divinely ordained to take on mutants. He isn’t afraid to put himself out there and attack. Unfortunately, this time the attack found him.

In the first issue of the Unholy Man arc, it’s revealed that Reverend Stryker and his Purfiers endured a sudden and devastating attack. An unknown threat composed of operatives who appeared to wield mutant powers struck in the middle of the sermon, killing dozens of Stryker’s militant followers. It wasn’t much of a fight. It was a true massacre. The X-men only arrived after the devastation and after Styrker took his outrage out on Father Ryan Hansen, another religious man who has been an ally to mutants.

The mysterious threat remains at large, but Stryker is prepared to take his anger out on the X-men. What happened to him and why marks a pivotal moment for the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. To date, the X-men have faced a number of threats to the Mutant Monitoring Initiative and not just from X-Force, the team founded by Cyclops and Wolverine to oppose the initiative. They’ve dealt with dangerous mutants and the return of Sebastian Shaw. However, the they now face is unlike anything they’ve ever dealt with.

It’s a threat that I’ve been building since X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths. It’s one I’ve been eager to bring into this fanfiction series for quite some time. This threat should be familiar to those who have followed the X-men comics. It involves some controversial characters that I’m sure will cause some reservations. I would urge those who feel that way to bear with me because I intend to make those characters awesome in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. First, though, the X-men need to get through the events of Unholy Man with their spirits intact.

X-men Supreme Issue 160: Unholy Man Part 2

I’m very excited for the future of this fanfiction series. X-men Supreme has incorporated a long list of iconic X-men and Marvel characters into the story. Some are easier to utilize than others because they’re so closely tied to the X-men. Others are a bit lesser known and controversial. I understand that not every character in the history of the X-men mythos is beloved. Some are downright despised. That makes bringing them into X-men Supreme and making them awesome all the more challenging.

I intend to rise to that challenge. I want to make every character that shows up in this fanfiction series as awesome as possible. To do that, I need feedback from the passionate X-men fans who help make them awesome. This latest issue helps set the stage and it’s only going to escalate from here on out. So please, as always, I urge you to take the time to review. Either contact me directly or post your comments directly in the issue. Either way is fine and I’m always happy to chat. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

November 17th, 2017

Desperate times call for desperate measures, but sometimes those measures can be foolish, extreme, and downright cruel. The X-men have found themselves in many situations like that over the course of the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. From cosmic battles against the Phoenix Force to the global crisis with the Cambrian, the X-men are no strangers to desperation. They’ve often found a way to beat the odds against the likes of Magneto, Sinister, and the Mutant Liberation Front without resorting to extremes or cruelty. Reverend William Stryker does not share that kind of reservation.

The ongoing Unholy Man arc has put Reverend Stryker in a dangerous, albeit tragic position. He has been a major source of conflict for the X-men ever since his arrival in the District X arc back in X-men Supreme Volume 3: Ashes of Hope. He embodies the worst kind of religious zealotry, painting his bigotry and hatred of mutants as some sort of holy crusade. That kind of religious extremism has all sorts of painful parallels in the real world. Those are the kinds of parallels that help X-men resonate, as a story. Like real life, unfortunately, that zealotry has led to serious atrocities.

For reasons not yet clear, Reverend Stryker attacked and seriously wounded Father Ryan Hansen. Like Stryker, Father Hansen is a man of great faith and one of the few original characters in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series, alongside the likes of Captain Freeman and General Grimshaw. However, he stands in stark contrast to Reverend Stryker. Since his arrival in X-men Supreme Issue 111: Divine Intervention, he has become a close ally of the X-men. Instead of hatred and bigotry, his faith inspires hope and love between humans and mutants. While it has resonated with some mutants, including X-men like Rogue, it has only provoked men like Reverend Stryker.

His attack on Father Hansen hasn’t just hit the X-men on a personal, spiritual level. It has also revealed another looming crisis in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. It’s one that I’ve actually been building towards since the events of X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truths. The events of Unholy Man simply represent the first shot, of sorts. In the attack that decimated Reverend Stryker’s Purifier army, this unnamed threat has made its presence known to this fanfiction series. The identity and goal of that threat is one that should inspire a mix of reactions among X-men fans. It’s also going to test the X-men, right down to their souls.

Since the beginning of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided, I’ve charted a course for the X-men and their rivals in X-Force. The ongoing dissention surrounding the Mutant Monitoring Initiative remains unresolved and promises to get more heated. Charles Xavier still believes he is doing the right thing. Cyclops and Wolverine still believe they’re doing the right thing as well with X-Force. They’re about to encounter a threat that will test their beliefs and the conclusion of the Unholy Man arc is just the beginning. As always, I’ve prepared a brief preview here on this website and an extended preview on the X-men Supreme Official Blog.

There are plenty of upheavals to come in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. Expect plenty of action, drama, and strain. Hearts will be broken and mended. Spirits will be crushed and strengthened. The X-men are at their best when they face overwhelming odds and dramatic conflicts that test more than their strength. I intend to embody that struggle in this fanfiction series and make it as awesome as possible.

Jack

November 3rd, 2017

Things in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series are getting more and more complicated lately. Ever since the events of X-men Supreme Issue 148: New Divide, the stakes have changed. It’s not enough for the X-men to just be heroes anymore. They can’t just thwart the likes of Magneto, Sinister, and the Mutant Liberation Front and hope that it inspires peace. In a controversial move, Charles Xavier dared to upend his dream to team up with the likes of President Kelly and General Grimshaw in a partnership that he calls the Mutant Monitoring Initiative. That effort has taken this fanfiction series in a very different direction. Compared to previous eras, X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided may very well be the most dramatic to date.

It’s not just because Xavier’s divisions divided the team, driving Cyclops and Wolverine to quit the X-men and form X-Force. He’s taking a huge risk in hopes of putting the X-men in a better position. Throughout this fanfiction series, Xavier has made his share of mistakes. Some of them nearly cost him his life, so much so that he had to leave the X-men briefly during X-men Supreme Volume 6: Liberation Decimation. It’s understandable that he would want to make up for those mistakes and do better by his X-men. However, even the best of intentions can have unexpected consequences.

Some of those consequences have already bitten the X-men in major ways. By sparing Magneto in the events of Uprising, they only set the stage for his return in the Overlord arc. By pushing his psychic powers beyond their limit in the Dark Legacy arc to cure the Legacy Virus, Charles Xavier developed a debilitating addiction to pain pills that nearly cost him and his X-men their lives in the events of X-men Supreme Issue 127: Terror Sell. These difficult moments all act as reminders that even dreamers like Charles Xavier are still human and the X-men are still vulnerable.

That vulnerability is about to manifest in a very different way. It involves an ally who is unique to the X-men Supreme fanfiction series, namely that of Father Hansen. Like General Grimshaw or Captain Freeman, I’ve been careful to make every original character in X-men Supreme an important contributor. I realize that X-men fans read this fanfiction series for X-men, not unknown characters who have never appeared in the X-men comics.

However, I wanted Father Hansen to play a different role for the X-men. Since his introduction in X-men Supreme Issue 111: Divine Intervention, I’ve treated him as the antithesis of the zealous Reverend William Stryker. While Stryker uses his religion to justify his hatred of mutants, Father Hansen uses that same religion to celebrate them. It’s reflective of real life in that people use their faith to justify opposing sides of an issue. That opposition can cause major conflicts and that’s exactly what is set to play out in the latest arc of X-men Supreme. It’s a culmination of a conflict between two men of faith, as well as choices that Charles Xavier and his X-men have made thus far. It’s sure to test the faith of everyone involved.

X-men Supreme Issue 159: Unholy Man Part 1

Between the events going on in the X-men comics and the events in X-men Supreme, the themes and circumstances couldn’t be different and not just because I’ve yet to resort to time travel in my fanfiction series. I started X-men Supreme in hopes of creating an alternate outlet for X-men fans. Part of that effort involves taking characters in new directions and creating a few new characters entirely. There’s a lot that goes into making this fanfiction series awesome and I want every issue to contribute to that effort.

That’s why I always urge everyone to take the time to post feedback. X-men Supreme is an ever-evolving saga. I try to treat it with the same care as I would if Marvel gave me control over a real X-men comic. I need to know I’m handling them correctly because I’m an X-men fan too. As such, I want to hear from other X-men fans as well. Either contact me directly or post your comments directly in the issue. I’m making progress against the spammers, but I still prefer contacting me directly for now. Thanks to all those who have supported this fanfiction series from the beginning. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

October 27th, 2017

In ever medium of X-men, the team deals with a wide variety of enemies, some more eccentric than others. Those enemies include other mutants like Magneto’s Brotherhood of Mutants, humans like Reverend William Stryker, mad scientists like Sinister, killer robots like the Sentinels, and even uniquely deranged figures like Mojo. I’ve tried to incorporate as many as I can throughout X-men Supreme. I like to think this fanfiction series has done plenty to accommodate those iconic villains, even the weird ones like Mojo.

However, certain villains bring more drama to the X-men mythos than others and I want to crank up that drama in X-men Supreme. While some of the X-men’s villains leave their mark by being powerful and imposing, others present a different challenge. It’s one thing to take on Magneto and Juggernaut. It’s quite another to fight an enemy that hits the X-men with ideas that directly oppose Charles Xavier’s dream. More often than not, those threats come from humans and not other mutants.

Going all the way back to events in X-men Supreme Volume 1: Mutant Revolution, the X-men have faced anti-mutant sentiment from men like Robert Kelly. While his attitudes towards mutants became more tempered after being elected President of the United States in X-men Supreme Issue 71: Election Day, others are incapable of that kind of reform. When pushed to extremes, they’ll cross lines that even men like Magneto won’t attempt.

That’s where Reverend William Stryker comes in. Beyond being a recurring villain in the X-men movies, he’s established himself as the leading voice in anti-mutant zealotry in X-men Supreme. Beginning in X-men Supreme Issue 51: Stirring Outrage, Reverend Stryker has gone to great lengths to try and spark anti-mutant hostilities. He often does it under the guise of religion, not unlike real extremists. However, his resources and his willingness to use them are what makes him such a dangerous enemy to the X-men.

For a time, the danger posed by Reverend Stryker seemed to be a low priority. Between the Mutant Liberation Front and the Mutant Monitoring Initiative that followed, his efforts have been overshadowed in recent times. That’s about to change in a major way that will shake the X-men to their core. Stryker already found himself falling out of favor, thanks to the rising influence of General Grimshaw. However, desperation and frustration will make dangerous men do horrible things.

That’s why his return is going to present a great deal of trouble for the X-men. What he does and why he does it will act as a catalyst for the next major conflict in this fanfiction series. X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided, has been steadily escalating the tensions. It’s not just between the X-men and X-Force either. Charles Xavier’s dream is about to take on a very profound complication and Reverend William Stryker is going to be the catalyst. As always, I’ve prepared a brief preview on this website and an extended preview on the X-men Supreme Official Blog.

After the Volatility Sensibility and Drug War arc, X-men Supreme is poised to step up the pace of the action. This fanfiction series is set to enter dangerous new territory that will challenge the X-men like never before while also introducing some familiar threats to X-men fans. At a time when the X-men comics are revisiting old threats as well, I think the timing couldn’t be better.

I still want X-men Supreme to be as awesome as it can possibly be. I’ve been working on this fanfiction series for over seven years now and I still think it has room to improve. I can’t do that without feedback from the wonderful people who take the time to read this fanfiction series. Please continue to do so by contacting me directly or posting comments in each chapter. Either way is fine and I do take feedback very seriously. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

October 13th, 2017

These are exciting times for the X-men, both in the pages of Marvel Comics and within the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. I just returned from the New York Comic Con and, needless to say, I saw a lot of amazing things there. I even sat in on an X-men panel and got a glimpse of what the comics have in store. Between the return of Wolverine, the resurrection of Jean Grey, and the return of Charles Xavier, there’s a lot to get excited about. I hope to mirror that excitement in X-men Supreme.

That’s going to be difficult since I’ve resisted the urge to kill off so many iconic characters. It has happened, at times, such as in the Natural Disorder arc and at the end of Overlord. In my experience, there are more opportunities to explore great characters when they’re alive. I like to think I’ve done plenty of that in this fanfiction series, especially since X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided has put so many major characters in such difficult positions.

The X-men, still led by Charles Xavier, are trying to make their new partnership with President Kelly and General Grimshaw work. The results have been mixed thus far. The events of Volatility Sensibility cast doubt on the X-men’s ability to handle dangerous mutants alongside the government. The results in the Drug War arc proved more promising, so much so Charles Xavier could claim victory over Sebastian Shaw, a long-time enemy of the X-men who had been tormenting his team since the Phoenix Saga.

Over with X-Force, being led by Cyclops after he left the team, the situation is a lot more tenuous. They were failed where Xavier and his X-men succeeded in taking down Sebastian Shaw in the Drug War arc. Lacking both the resources and government support of the X-men, Cyclops and his team face a much tougher challenge. However, they remain convinced that Charles Xavier made a mistake by pursuing the Mutant Monitoring Initiative. In Cyclops’ mind, it’s only a matter of time before it comes back to haunt them all. As X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided unfolds, he’ll find out just how right or wrong he is.

While X-Force is recovering from their less-than-stellar performance in the Drug War arc, there’s another conflict that has been brewing since the end of X-men Supreme Volume 6: Liberation Decimation. While X-Force is operating out of Nova Roma, they’re also helping a displaced Scarlet Witch, who had been separated from the rest of the Brotherhood of Mutants after the events of the Proactive Regression arc. Her presence with X-Force has not gone unnoticed, especially by Nightcrawler. Both he and the Scarlet Witch have been developing an unusual bond since their encounter. Now, a new complication is about to enter the picture.

The conflict between the X-men and X-Force is going to be the primary catalyst for the story that unfolds in X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided. What happens with the Scarlet Witch, what happens with the Mutant Monitoring Initiative, and what happens with X-Force is all connected. There’s a big upheaval brewing in this fanfiction series, one that will become more and more apparent as the next few issues unfold. There are forces, agendas, and characters who have yet to debut in X-men Supreme that will change the course of this fanfiction series. This latest issue is just a step in that process.

X-men Supreme Issue 158: Power Brokers

These are exciting times for X-men fans, both for this fanfiction series and the X-men comics. So many iconic characters are returning. There are incredible stories unfolding in both the comics and in X-men Supreme. In the past, I’ve written this fanfictions as a reprieve, of sorts, for X-men fans who feel disillusioned by the events of the X-men comics. Well, now the situation in the comics is improving. However, that doesn’t mean that I’m not as committed to making X-men Supreme as awesome as it can be. Now, I want this fanfiction series to complement the X-men comics as much as possible.

In order to maximize X-men Supreme and the impact of this fanfiction series, I still need feedback from readers. I’ve made some progress in limiting the spam, but I can still receive emails and I can still sift through comments. So please, if you can, take the time to review this fanfiction series. Either post your comments directly in the issue or contact me directly. Either way is fine and every bit of feedback helps. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

October 6th, 2017

The end of every major arc in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series tends to set the stage for the next one. The same thing occurs in the X-men comics. In the same way events like House of M set up the Messiah Trilogy, events like Uprising set up Overlord. I try to go into every arc with the intent of expanding and enhancing X-men Supreme, both in terms of the bigger picture and in terms of the characters involved.

The recent Drug War arc involved a potent mix of major conflicts and critical character moments. It wasn’t just about Sebastian Shaw attempting to build his influence and take advantage of the recent failures of Charles Xavier’s Mutant Monitoring Initiative. It was also about the X-men’s ongoing struggles to carry out Xavier’s dream when they’re so divided, having been split between Xavier’s new vision with the initiative and Cyclops’ opposition with X-Force. Both sides endured plenty of personal struggles, some more than others.

However, the biggest development in the Drug War arc came in the form of a character I’ve been planning to debut in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series at some point in Daken. I’ve actually been looking for an opportunity to bring Daken into the picture as far bac as X-men Supreme Volume 4: Politics of Fear. Given the news of his upcoming return to the X-men comics, I feel the time is right for him to make his presence felt in this fanfiction series. He certainly got off to a promising start by betraying Sebastian Shaw.

Being the son of Wolverine is bound to come with a little baggage. In the X-men comics, it has gotten him into some pretty messy situations. It even got him killed for a while, which is somewhat typical of most X-men characters. Expect similar baggage in X-men Supreme, but also expect a slightly different origins. Like Sage, Thunderbird, and Bishop, there are some considerable differences between the versions in the X-men comics and those in this fanfiction series. Even with those differences, though, expect Daken to retain most of his quirks. Those who read X-men comics know what I’m talking about.

Beyond Daken’s debut, the Drug War arc brought a mixed bag of confrontations and progressions for X-men Supreme. While Sebastian Shaw was defeated and mutant growth hormone production was ceased, certain parts of that conflict remain unresolved. Charles Xavier and his X-men have regained some favor with President Kelly and General Grimshaw. X-Force is reeling, but not devastated by their recent setbacks. The situation is still tense and ripe for exploitation. With Daken in the picture, expect that to escalate very soon.

There are plenty of conflicts still brewing for the X-men and X-Force alike. A few have been escalating since the end of X-men Supreme Volume 6: Liberation Decimation. Both Charles Xavier and Cyclops have major challenges ahead of them, some more immediate than others. One of those more immediate challenges is about to attack them in the most literal sense of the word. After the battle against Shaw, the timing couldn’t be worse. As always, I’ve prepared a brief preview here and an extended preview on the X-men Supreme Official Blog.

These are tense and divided times for the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. At a time when the X-men comics are going in a different direction, even bringing back a few familiar faces from the dead, I’m determined to show that X-men Supreme can still deliver. These divisions have a purpose and that purpose will become clearer as this fanfiction series unfolds. As X-men fans follow the events in the comics, I hope X-men Supreme can continue to supplement the awesome.

Jack

September 22nd, 2017

Sometimes, heroes like the X-men have to overcome bad situations in order to defeat a powerful foe. They’ve done it many times before throughout the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. They took down D’ken in the Outer Limits arc, Sinister in The Good, The Bad, and the Sinister, and Magneto in both Overlord and Uprising. Like all great heroes, the X-men find ways to rise to the occasion. Then, there are other times when the situations don’t just negatively affect them. They affect their enemies as well.

In the Drug War arc, the X-men are facing an enemy in Sebastian Shaw who leaves nothing to chance. After getting defeated, and impaled by Wolverine, in the Phoenix Saga, he’s a lot more cautious these days when it comes to fighting the X-men. Despite uncovering his plot in X-men Supreme Issue 154: Reaching Out with Mutant Growth Hormone, the X-men were already way behind the curve by the time they mobilized. Some of that is due to the X-men being divided after the events of X-men Supreme Issue 148: New Divide. Most of it, though, has more to do with Shaw’s cunning.

Right up into the previous issue of the Drug War arc, he seemed to have both the X-men and X-Force defeated. He even managed to turn Jubilee, who Sage tried to send in as a spy, into an enemy by dosing her with MGH. Between her and his allies in the Wyngarde sisters, he seems to have all the cards. Charles Xavier, Generation Grimshaw, and President Kelly can’t stop. Cyclops and his covert team, X-Force, can’t stop him. He had every opportunity to take this fanfiction series down a dark new road.

Then, the situation turned. A figure that X-men fans should recognize well, especially Wolverine fans, showed up and turned the tide against Shaw. His name is Daken. Who he is in the X-men comics is somewhat different than what he is in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series, but there’s one key similarity. When he shows up, situations get messy and sometimes in a very literal way. That’s what the X-men, X-Force, and Sebastian Shaw are about to face.

His arrival is not as random as it seems. Daken is actually part of a plot that I’ve had brewing in the background for quite some time, going all the way back to events in X-men Supreme Volume 5: Dark Truth. He’s part of a story that can only have the biggest possible impact when Charles Xavier, Wolverine, and the X-men are at their most divided. The conclusion of the Drug War arc will set the stage. It will also add a major complication to the ongoing efforts of X-Force and the X-men. It’s hard enough dealing with the Mutant Monitoring Initiative when they just have corrupt businessmen like Sebastian Shaw to deal with. It’s quite another when they’re dealing with forces that involve Daken.

Wolverine’s son, the rise of Mutant Growth Hormone, and the impact it will have on the X-men and X-Force alike are just starting to unfold. The situation isn’t just going to get more complicated. It’s going to get personal. The Drug War arc won’t just mark a turning point. It’ll act as a catalyst for a much larger conflict that’s been waiting to pounce. The scope of that conflict should become somewhat clearer at the end of the issue.

X-men Supreme Issue 157: Drug War Part 3

So far, X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided has two arcs under its belt. Volatility Sensibility and Drug War each tested the divided X-men in ways they’ve yet to experience in this fanfiction series. It’s a different set of conflicts, even compared to those in the X-men comics. While X-men Supreme may be going in different directions, my commitment to making it awesome remains the same.

As always, I encourage everyone to provide feedback so I can be certain that this fanfiction series is sufficiently awesome. I especially need that feedback after a major arc like this. With Daken arriving soon, that level of awesome needs to be there. Either contact me directly or try to post it in the comments section. Either is fine. All support I get for X-men Supreme is supremely appreciated, regardless of how positive or negative it is. Thank you very much to all those who have taken the time to provide feedback. From the bottom of my hearts, I appreciate that. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

September 15th, 2017

It’s one thing for the X-men to battle a cunning enemy like Sebastian Shaw when they’re at full strength. It’s quite another when they have to fight that battle when divided. X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided began by establishing the extent of that division. This fanfiction series took a fateful turn in X-men Supreme Issue 148: New Divide. The team that had been united against the likes of Sinister, Magneto, and the entire Shi’ar Empire is fractured. Charles Xavier’s bold, but controversial efforts with the Mutant Monitoring Initiative triggered it. Now, both the X-men and X-Force are feeling the full impact.

The struggles in Volatility Sensibility were just a precursor. Sebastian Shaw, who has done plenty to leave his mark on this fanfiction series going back to the Phoenix Saga, is taking full advantage in the divisions of the X-men and the reservations many still have with the Mutant Monitoring Initiative. One mutant, Beak, already fell victim to his influence in X-men Supreme Issue 153: Revolting Youth. Now, Jubilee and the Five Lights, characters that some X-men fans remember well, take it a step further.

The Drug War arc is the first real instance where Charles Xavier and his X-men deal with one of their major enemies exploiting the situation created by the Mutant Monitoring Initiative. It was only a matter of time. Bold actions always triggers bolder reactions. The X-men experienced that after the election of President Kelly and the arrival of General Grimshaw. However, they’ve never encountered a battle like this. What happens may very well determine the fate of the initiative, the X-men, and mutants, as a whole.

There have already been plenty of complications, some of which will have a major influence on future events within this fanfiction series. If you read the end of X-men Supreme Issue 156: Drug War Part 2, you already know what and who I’m talking about. It has already disrupted Sebastian Shaw’s plans. It’s about to disrupt much more than that. Jubilee and the Five Lights are still under his influence. Chimera still has X-Force pinned down. There’s still the issue of Mutant Growth Hormone. Like dangerous drugs in the real world, it’s a problem that can’t be uncreated.

There’s only one issue left in the Drug War arc. It’s the biggest arc in X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided to date. It’ll also mark the first turning point in the struggle between the X-men and X-Force. If you want to know where this fanfiction series is heading, this is an issue you don’t want to miss. As always, I’ve prepared a preview on this website and an extended preview on the X-men Supreme Official Blog.

There’s a lot I want to accomplish with the Drug War arc. The big reveal at the end of X-men Supreme Issue 156: Drug War Part 2 has already set the stage for the next major upheaval in this fanfiction series. Given the events and twists of the recent X-men comics, I think the timing is perfect. Some of that wasn’t planned, on my part, but I have tweaked some of those plans accordingly for reasons I hope will become obvious.

X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided is the most ambitious entry of this fanfiction series to date. I knew before I wrote the first issue that I was going to be upsetting some X-men fans with my decisions. I’ve heard some of those concerns in the feedback that I’ve gotten. To those readers, I urge you to trust my vision. There is a payoff and it will come. Even before that point, though, I need plenty of feedback to ensure that payoff is as awesome as it can possibly be. Either contact me directly with your comments or ignore the spam and post your comments directly in the issue. Either way is fine, but contacting me will probably be more efficient for now. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

September 1st, 2017

When it comes to humans and mutants, there are few ways to make some things easier and infinite ways to make everything harder. The X-men seem to learn this every week in the comics. They learn those lessons just as often in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. Magneto has certainly made the X-men’s efforts difficult in arcs like Uprising and Overlord, creating plenty of fear and hatred to undermine the peace and understanding that Charles Xavier is trying to promote. At least Magneto has a dream of his own. Some of the X-men’s foes are far more selfish and far more devious.

That describes Sebastian Shaw to the letter. He’s already made quite a mark in the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. When he wasn’t busy corrupting the Phoenix Force in the Phoenix Saga, his son was laying the groundwork for programs like Weapon Plus. Despite being severely wounded by Wolverine, he managed to make a comeback in the Dark Legacy arc. Now, he’s ready to exploit the divisions in X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided. Being a ruthless businessman, he’s found his opportunity in Mutant Growth Hormone.

What X-Factor discovered in X-men Supreme Issue 153: Revolting Youth was just the tip of the iceberg. This potent drug, which has its roots in the X-men comics, has the potential to create more complications than even Magneto could’ve inspired. This doesn’t just augment mutant powers. It can take ordinary mutants like Beak, who have no interest in taking a side with Magneto or Charles Xavier, and turn them into monsters. In terms of making things harder for the X-men at a time when they’re so divided, Shaw’s timing and cunning couldn’t be worse.

He’s already exploiting the X-men’s divisions. The Drug War arc has established that, like the X-men comics, Sebastian Shaw has a great many resources and manpower at his disposal in this fanfiction series. He’s poised produce vast quantities of MGH. How this serves his agenda has yet to be revealed, but the X-men and X-Force can’t afford to find that out the hard way. They need to stop him. Unfortunately, the circumstances in X-men Supreme are not in their favor.

Being divided and desperate, the X-men took a bold chance and sent Jubilee to infiltrate Sebastian Shaw’s operation. Along the way, she met a young group of mutants that X-men fans should recognize from Generation Hope. In the comics, they were the Five Lights. In the X-men Supreme fanfiction series, they are just five mutants who seek better opportunities than the ones laid out to them by the Mutant Monitoring Initiative. Their desperation is Sebastian Shaw’s gain.

Both the X-men and X-Force are now on the front lines, but after the events of Volatility Sensibility, the margin for error is painfully small. Both teams have already struggled to operate on their own and have shown no ability to set aside their differences, even in the face of a threat like Sebastian Shaw. Failure at this point will make for some dire consequences for the future of X-men Supreme. That future is already bleak as the battle in Drug War is set to escalate.

X-men Supreme Issue 156: Drug War Part 2

This is going to be a messy battle for the X-men and X-Force, alike. These are messy times for the X-men Supreme fanfiction series, as a whole. I know that’s very different from what’s going on in the X-men comics right now. Believe me, I didn’t plan it that way when I laid out the story for X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided. I get that many X-men fans are tired of schisms and civil wars. However, I still want to make this fanfiction series feel relevant, even as events in the X-men comics change.

As always, that means your feedback and comments are critical. Please, if you can, take the time to review this issue and any others that you’ve been following. Every bit of feedback helps and every bit of criticism helps ensure that X-men Supreme is as awesome as it deserves to be. Either post your comments directly in the issue or contact me directly. Please don’t mind the spam in the comments section. It may just be easier to contact me for now. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

August 25th, 2017

Just how bad can things get for the X-men before it gets to be too much? That’s a trick question, by the way, and one I’ve tried to answer on multiple occasions throughout the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. I’ve put the X-men in many overwhelming situations, from clashes with cosmic forces to battles against Magneto to tolerating Deadpool. My point is it takes a lot to overwhelm the X-men. Say what you will about Charles Xavier and his methods, but he’s very good at preparing his team for the worst.

That’s what makes the current conflict in the Drug War arc so exciting. Xavier has prepared his X-men for a lot of conflicts, but he’s never had to deal with a team that’s divided, under-confident, and frustrated. Cyclops and Wolverine, once his most ardent champions, have left the X-men to form X-Force. That leaves the X-men in the weakest condition, from a team standpoint, that they’ve ever been in this fanfiction series. Their struggles were painfully apparent in the Volatility Sensibility arc. Now, the stakes are much higher in Drug War.

That’s because Sebastian Shaw knows how to exploit an opportunity. He did it before in the Phoenix Saga and in Dark Legacy. He’s certainly capable of doing it again, especially when there’s a profit to be made. His latest venture involves a volatile substance called Mutant Growth Hormone, also known as Kick. X-men fans who follow the comics remember how dangerous this stuff was when it first showed up. It’s going to be even more dangerous here in X-men Supreme. X-Factor already got a taste in X-men Supreme Issue 153: Revolting Youth. Now, both the X-men and X-Force are about to see just how bad it can get.

It may very well be the situation that finally overwhelms the X-men. It’s one thing to take on the Phoenix Force or Mr. Sinister. At least in those conflicts, the team was united. The X-men could rely on each other and make each other stronger. They don’t have that now. That’s one of the underlying themes of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided. We’ve seen so many instances where the X-men’s strength as a team carries them through a conflict. What happens when they don’t have that strength? How do they overcome a situation when they’re divided, overwhelmed, and lacking the team cohesion that makes them so strong?

They’re about to learn the hard way just how important that team cohesion is. At the moment, Captain Freeman is the leader of the X-men, but he’s made clear already that he’s not Cyclops. When I first brought him into the X-men Supreme fanfiction series back in X-men Supreme Issue 75: Renegade, I made it clear that he’s not much for teamwork. Now, under the orders of General Grimshaw, he’s tasked with carrying the X-men through this clash with Sebastian Shaw. Given his less-than-perfect history with the X-men, expect plenty of chaos. It could be the kind of situation that finally breaks the X-men. As always, I’ve prepared a preview here on this site and an extended preview on the X-men Supreme Official Blog.

These are, indeed, dark times for the X-men within this fanfiction series. It’s going to flesh out some of the less-than-heroic qualities of certain characters. I have gotten some feedback from fans who are concerned about those characters. I understand those concerns. I share them. That’s why I want to assure all the X-men fans out there that I am still committed to making every character in X-men Supreme as awesome as they can be. X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided will help contribute to that effort in the end. It may not seem like that now, but that is my intent and my goal.

I understand there will still be concerns. To those loyal X-men fans, I ask for patience and a little faith. I’ve been developing this fanfiction series over the course of seven years. I want to it go get more awesome with each issue. That’s why feedback and support is still vital. Even if you’re concerned or upset, I want to hear from you. Either contact me directly or post comments in the comments section. Just ignore the spam. I’m always happy to chat. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack

August 11th, 2017

At this point in X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided, it would be redundant for me to say that a storm is brewing. I think it’s safe to say that the storm has already arrived on the shores of this fanfiction series. The winds are picking up, the skies are getting darker, and it has nothing to do with Storm being in a bad mood. The warnings I established in X-men Supreme Issue 149: Law Abiding Bind are not just warnings anymore. The danger is here and the X-men being divided is not going to help.

In Volatility Sensibility, the first arc of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided, we saw how much Charles Xavier and his X-men struggled. Cyclops and Wolverine are no longer with the team. Instead, the X-men had to be led by Captain Jack Freeman, with whom they’ve had a tenuous relationship since his introduction into this fanfiction series back in X-men Supreme Issue 75: Renegade. Unfortunately, he’s the only one that General Grimshaw trusts enough to lead the X-men. He’s a soldier, a Green Beret, and a mutant. However, he’s no X-men and it showed in their inability to deal with Nitro.

Now, with that less-than-successful effort still fresh in their memories, the X-men face a much greater threat. Sebastian Shaw has already done plenty to make his presence felt in this fanfiction series, going all the way back to the Phoenix Saga. Since his return at the end of the Dark Legacy arc, he’s been hard at work plotting his return to prominence. Even after being stabbed by Wolverine, the former Black King’s ambitions are still as big as ever.

The X-men, as well as their rivals in X-Force, already got a taste of what Shaw has been up to since his return. Like any ruthless businessman, he’s looking to exploit the impact that the Mutant Monitoring Initiative has had on the world of X-men Supreme. It doesn’t take the mind of Charles Xavier to see how much danger a man like Shaw can cause. Thanks to the efforts of X-Factor, they now know that he’s the one responsible for the appearance of Mutant Growth Hormone, the powerful drug that can turn ordinary mutants like Beak into major threats.

Shaw already has the aid of the granddaughters of Jason Wynegarde, a man who has also caused the X-men plenty of pain throughout this fanfiction series, in maximizing the impact of Mutant Growth Hormone. Considering how much the X-men struggled with Nitro in Volatility Sensibility, who didn’t even have access to a drug like that, Charles Xavier and his team have plenty to worry about. Their alliance with General Grimshaw and President Kelly is already in a tenuous state. Someone like Shaw could do more than just undermine the Mutant Monitoring Initiative. He could utterly destroy it and so much more.

It’s a storm that promises to do plenty of damage for the X-men, X-Force, and every other mutant in this fanfiction series. I’ve spent the early parts of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided establishing the challenges that Charles Xavier, General Grimshaw, and President Kelly are facing with the Mutant Monitoring Initiative. The threat posed by Shaw in this arc will be, by far, their greatest challenge to date. There will be damage, as there often is whenever Shaw is involved. The extent of that damage and whether it can be repaired remains to be seen. That’s why it’s safe to say that this arc, Drug War, will shape the course of this fanfiction series for the rest of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided.

X-men Supreme Issue 155: Drug War Part 1

This second major arc is going to really raise the stakes of X-men Supreme. I know I’ve done plenty of that since this fanfiction series began, but I’ve never done it when the X-men are this divided. X-men fans have seen those kinds of divisions play out in the X-men comics for decades, but they’ve never seen it play out in a fanfiction series like this.

Jack

August 4th, 2017

One of the biggest challenges in writing X-men is finding ways to apply their struggle for peace and understanding to the real world. I imagine it’s a struggle that the writers at Marvel also feel. From Chris Claremont to Joss Whedon, how do you develop the X-men in a way that makes their struggle feel relevant to that of other minorities? It has been a challenge throughout the X-men Supreme fanfiction series. There are times that challenge becomes secondary because the X-men do occasionally deal with cosmic elements like the Phoenix Force or the Shi’ar. There’s just no real-world parallel to the events in an arc like Starcrossed.

While I’ve done more than my share of cosmic arcs in this fanfiction series, going all the way back to X-men Supreme Issue 46: Paradise Mystery and the Phoenix Saga, I still make an effort to build the X-men’s struggle around conflicts that feel real. One of the greatest appeals of the X-men is how their struggles parallel that of real minorities, be it race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. The X-men were created in the early days of the Civil Rights movement. The case could be made that their struggle is more important now than it has ever been.

That struggle has gained a host of new complications since the beginning of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided. On one hand, Charles Xavier is being wholly pragmatic about how the X-men further their efforts at peace and understanding. He’s working with the authorities rather than against them, teaming up with President Kelly and General Grimshaw on the Mutant Monitoring Initiative. His intentions are good, as they often are. However, working with the government, especially when the President has a history of opposing the X-men, comes with significant risks.

That, in many respects, is why some of the X-men’s most loyal members, namely Cyclops and Wolverine, chose to break away from their mentor’s plan. They formed X-Force because they felt that peace and understanding can’t be imposed from the top down. It needs to be built from the bottom up. They’ve already shown Professor Xavier and the X-men, who are now led by Captain Freeman, how those efforts can be complicated. The Volatility Sensibility arc had them struggle to deal with a single mutant. What does that mean for them when they face a more daunting enemy?

Well, that enemy has arrived. Sebastian Shaw, who has already made his presence felt in his fanfiction series, is back. The events of Dark Legacy put him in a position to regain what the X-men took from him during the Phoenix Saga. With his son now out of the way and the Inner Circle disbanded, he’s ready to rebuild his power. He’s even enlisted help from familiar names in the Wyngarde sisters, whose ties to Jason Wyngarde can only mean trouble.

X-men Supreme Issue 154: Reaching Out revealed that Shaw is the one behind Kick, the mutant-enhancing drug that has already made its presence felt with X-Factor. However, his agenda is just beginning. Both the X-men and X-Force know better than anyone that Sebastian Shaw is not someone to take lightly. Between his history with the Inner Circle and his connections to Sage and Weapon Plus, he can only bring trouble. He will also bring a daunting, not to mention relevant, challenge to the X-men Supreme fanfiction series in its next major arc, Drug War. As always, I’ve prepared a brief preview here and an extended preview on the X-men Supreme Official Blog.

Jack

July 21st, 2017

Since I began X-men Supreme, I’ve often made an effort to make sure that this fanfiction series stands out in a meaningful way, compared to the ongoing X-men comics. While the X-men were facing yet another extinction plot or another sterilization story, I had them traveling to visit the Shi’ar in the Starcrossed arc. When Jean Grey was dead and the Phoenix Force was just a ploy to get the X-men and Avengers to fight, I was overhauled the concept in the X-men Supreme version of the Phoenix Saga.

Every now and then, however, X-men Supreme lines up with the X-men comics in a peculiar way. When the second Wolverine movie came out a few years ago, it coincided with my Lotus and the Warrior arc during X-men Supreme Volume 4: Politics of Fear. That kind of synergy isn’t always possible. I couldn’t really do anything for the release of X-men Apocalypse or the Logan movie. However, I try to make use of those opportunities when I get a chance.

That leads me to the awkward situation that X-men Supreme faces now, at least compared to the X-men comics. At the moment, this fanfiction series has the X-men working directly with President Kelly and General Grimshaw in an unprecedented partnership between humans and mutants. After the events of X-men Supreme Volume 6: Liberation Decimation, Charles Xavier made the difficult decision to overhaul the X-men, as well as his dream, and team up with the government in what he called the Mutant Monitoring Initiative.

This decision left the X-men deeply divided. After the decision was made in X-men Supreme Issue 148: New Divide, Cyclops and Wolverine quit the team and formed X-Force. This division is the primary driving force of X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided. Conversely, the X-men are in a very different place in the comics. Many of them are currently freedom fighters, of sorts, standing against an oppressive world led by Hydra within the pages of Secret Empire. It’s not just different from what’s going on in this fanfiction series. It’s the complete opposite.

Now, I didn’t plan it this way. I laid out the plot for X-men Supreme Volume 7: United and Divided long before I even knew about Secret Empire. However, things just played out that way. The X-men are working for the government in one series and against it in another. It’s a strange confluence of circumstanced between X-men Supreme and the comics, but it’s one I still want to maximize.

At the moment, the X-men and X-Force are dealing with the aftermath of Volatility Sensibility. They struggled to help a single innocent mutant in Nitro. Now, thanks to the efforts of their friends in X-Factor, they know there’s a larger threat on the horizon from a familiar enemy in Sebastian Shaw. If they struggled with Nitro, what hope do they have against Sebastian Shaw? It’s a tense situation, one that will set the stage for the next major clash. It begins here, but make no mistake. It’s a prelude to a much larger storm.

X-men Supreme Issue 154: Reaching Out

I know not every X-men fan likes what’s going on in the X-men comics right now. One of the reasons I began this fanfiction series was to give something for those dissatisfied fans to enjoy until the storm passes. That makes the current situation somewhat awkward. Some of the dynamics in X-men Supreme might not appeal to certain X-men fans, many of whom were already burned out on schisms and team divisions. I totally understand that. Like the comics, though, there is a larger plan in place. I hope to develop that plan in as awesome a manner as possible. As such, it’s critical that I continue to get feedback, despite spammers making a mess of my comments section. Either post your feedback in the comments section or, better yet, contact me directly. I’m always happy to hear from readers and from X-men fans. Until next time, take care and best wishes. Xcelsior!

Jack