Marvel Teases Future of the X-Men
After a brief delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Marvel's Free Comic Book Day issues are [...]
![x men x of swords tarot 1 x men x of swords tarot 1](https://media.comicbook.com/2020/07/x-men-x-of-swords-tarot-1-1229635.jpeg?auto=webp&width=750&height=1136&crop=750:1136,smart)
The first card is "Judgment", which features Apocalypse and the High Summoner of Arakko standing over an ominous gorge. The card is proclaimed to represent "an irrevocable change" and that "surrendering to rebirth is the only path ahead."
Given the status quo established in "Dawn of X", that's certainly an interesting distinction, especially considering the X-Men's ability to die and be reborn thanks to Krakoan technology. Could the card mean a literal rebirth for a character like Apocalypse, or something more esoteric?
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The second card is the "Four of Wands", which appears to show the original Four Horsemen of Apocalypse engaged in a fiery battle. The card usually hints at a community "coming together" to celebrate an achievement, but the issue clarifies that it also involves "a baptism of blood".
There's undoubtedly an aesthetic similarity between the original Four Horsemen (who were originally teased in Marvel Comics #1000) and the Swordbearers of Arakko, which makes this page - and the battle it teases - all the more intriguing.
![x men x of swords tarot 3 x men x of swords tarot 3](https://media.comicbook.com/2020/07/x-men-x-of-swords-tarot-3-1229633.jpeg?auto=webp&width=750&height=1111&crop=750:1111,smart)
The third card is "The Hanged Man", a card that usually symbolizes some form of self-sacrifice. The card itself shows Apocalypse leading a surprising team of X-Men - including Beast, Havok, Polaris, Angel, and even Glob - into some form of battle. Opal wonders aloud if any of the X-Men can "be trusted to throw themselves onto the pyre of change".
The answer to that question is anyone's guess at this point, although the idea of Apocalypse leading a ragtag team of mutants in his crusade is certainly intriguing.
![x men x of swords tarot 4 x men x of swords tarot 4](https://media.comicbook.com/2020/07/x-men-x-of-swords-tarot-4-1229632.jpeg?auto=webp&width=750&height=1125&crop=750:1125,smart)
Next is the Eight of Cups, which traditionally signifies a time of transition and self-improvement, even if it means walking away from someone else. This particular card - which, according to Opal, signifies "disillusionment" and "abandonment" - shows two halves of a face, one of whom is the "classified" masked member of the Swordbearers of Arakko.
The notion of "the harmonious lifting of voices" turning into "a mocking echo" could potentially hint at this classified person's identity, and whether or not they're someone who previously had standing in the world of mutants, or some other force altogether.
![x men x of swords tarot 5 x men x of swords tarot 5](https://media.comicbook.com/2020/07/x-men-x-of-swords-tarot-5-1229631.jpeg?auto=webp&width=750&height=1130&crop=750:1130,smart)
And finally, we have the "Ten of Swords" (just in case you were still wondering how to pronounce the event's name). The page shows Apocalypse, Cable, Wolverine, Magik, Captain Britain, and more wielding various blades, while standing over a fiery scene. As Opal puts it, the card signifies betrayal at the hands of "those you would show your back".
That certainly seems to hint at someone in mutantdom being significantly betrayed - although who or how that will end up playing out is obviously a mystery. Still, the idea of "a sunset" coming over the "Dawn of X" definitely indicates that the peaceful world of Krakoa is in for an awakening.
What do you think about the latest clues surrounding the "X of Swords" crossover event? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
"X of Swords" will officially kick off in September.