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Jonathan Hickman X-Men Reading Order – The Age of Krakoa

Welcome to Part 6 of our ongoing effort to compile a comprehensive X-Men Reading Order through the lens of collected editions. If you’re just joining us, you can start from the beginning with Part 1: The Silver Age & Chris Claremont (1963–1991), then follow through Part 2: Age of Apocalypse & Onslaught (1991–2001), Part 3: From the Grant Morrison Era to Civil War, Part 4: The Road to Avengers vs. X-Men, Part 5: Marvel NOW to ResurrXion, and Part.7: The Second Age of the X-Men of Krakoa.

After the Age of X-Man event, Marvel set out to redefine the X-Men for a new era and entrusted writer Jonathan Hickman to lead the charge. He began with the groundbreaking House of X / Powers of X miniseries, which reimagined the X-Men’s place in the Marvel Universe with a bold new premise.

In this story, Professor X unveils the island nation of Krakoa, a sovereign mutant homeland offering humanity miraculous scientific advancements in exchange for recognition. “While you slept, the world changed,” the story begins. Xavier’s dream of peaceful coexistence is over. In its place rises a new vision, one that spans centuries and ambitions to challenge not just human prejudice, but the inevitability of machine-dominated futures.

Following this successful relaunch, Marvel expanded the line under the banners of Dawn of X and later Reign of X, introducing a wave of interconnected series, new mutant teams, political intrigue, and existential threats, all orbiting the fragile promise of the Krakoan dream.

X-Men: Dawn of X Reading Order

The following reading order is divided into three parts: first, a guide to the Dawn of X collected editions, which interweave multiple series into one reading experience; second, a breakdown of each individual series in collected edition format, most of which can be enjoyed independently; and finally, an issue-by-issue reading order for those who want to track the broader Krakoan timeline. While most series follow their own paths, key crossover events like X of Swords, Inferno, and The X of Lives and Deaths of Wolverine bring the line together in significant ways.

Dawn of X Omnibus Collection

  • X-Men: Age of Krakoa – Dawn of X Omnibus Vol. 1 (coming soon)
    Collects X-Men (2019) #1-7, X-Force (2019) #1-8, Marauders (2019) #1-8, Excalibur (2019) #1-8, Fallen Angels (2019) #1-6, New Mutants (2019) #1-7, Wolverine (2020) #2-3, Giant Size X-Men: Jean Grey And Emma Frost And Material From Wolverine (2020) #1.

Al Ewing’s stories are all collected in one omnibus. The comics in that book are not limited to that era, though:

  • X-Men by Al Ewing Omnibus (coming soon)
    Collects S.W.O.R.D. (2020) #1-11; X-Men Red (2022) #1-15, #16 (A story), #17-18; Storm & the Brotherhood of Mutants (2023) #1-3; Resurrection of Magneto (2023) #1-4; Cable Reloaded (2021) #1; X-Men: Before the Fall – Heralds of Apocalypse (2023) #1; Marvel’s Voices: X-Men (2023) #1.

Dawn of X Collected Editions

  • House of X/Powers of X
    Collects House of X #1-6, Powers of X #1-6.
  • Dawn of X Volume 1
    Collects X-Men #1, Marauders #1, Excalibur #1, New Mutants #1, X-Force #1, Fallen Angels #1.
  • Dawn of X Volume 2
    Collects X-Men #2, Marauders #2, Excalibur #2, New Mutants #2, X-Force #2, Fallen Angels #2.
  • Dawn of X Volume 3
    Collects X-Men #3, Marauders #3, Excalibur #3, New Mutants #3, X-Force #3, Fallen Angels #3.
  • Dawn of X Volume 4
    Collects X-Men #4, Marauders #4, Excalibur #4, New Mutants #4, X-Force #4, Fallen Angels #4.
  • Dawn of X Volume 5
    Collects X-Men #5, Marauders #5, Excalibur #5, New Mutants #5, X-Force #5, Fallen Angels #5.
  • Dawn of X Volume 6
    Collects X-Men #6, Marauders #6, Excalibur #6, New Mutants #6, X-Force #6, Fallen Angels #6.
  • Dawn of X Volume 7
    Collects X-Men #7, Marauders #7, New Mutants #7, Excalibur #7–8, material from Wolverine #1.
  • Dawn of X Volume 8
    Collects Marauders #8, Wolverine #2–3, X-Force #7–8, Giant-Size X-Men: Jean Grey and Emma Frost #1.
  • Dawn of X Volume 9
    Collects New Mutants #8, Marauders #9, Cable #1, X-Men #8–9, X-Force #9.
  • Dawn of X Volume 10
    Collects X-Force #10, Excalibur #9, Giant Size X-Men: Nightcrawler #1, Hellions #1, New Mutants #9.
  • Dawn of X Volume 11
    Collects Excalibur #10, New Mutants #10–11, Hellions #2–3 material from Wolverine #1.
  • Dawn of X Volume 12
    Collects Hellions #4, Marauders #10, X-Factor #1, Giant-Size X-Men: Magneto #1, Cable #2.
  • Dawn of X Volume 13
    Collects Cable #3–4, X-Men #10, Empyre: X-Men #1–2.
  • Dawn of X Volume 14
    Collects Empyre: X-Men #3–4, X-Men #11, Wolverine #4, X-Factor #2.
  • Dawn of X Volume 15
    Collects Marauders #11–12, X-Factor #3, Wolverine #5, New Mutants #12, Giant-Size X-Men: Fantomex.
  • Dawn of X Volume 16
    Collects X-Force #11–12, Giant-Size X-Men: Storm #1, Excalibur #11–12.
  • X of Swords
    Collects X-Men #12, X of Swords: Creation #1, X-Factor #4, Wolverine #6, X-Force #13, Marauders #13, Hellions #5, New Mutants #13, Cable #5, Excalibur #13, X-Men #13, X of Swords: Stasis #1, X-Men #14, Marauders #14, Marauders #15, Excalibur #14, Wolverine #7, X-Force #14, Hellions #6, Cable #6, Excalibur #15, X-Men #15, X of Swords: Destruction #1.

The Krakoa Era In Order: The Multiple Series of the Dawn of X

After the success of House of X / Powers of X, Marvel launched a wave of ongoing titles under the banner of Dawn of X, each exploring different aspects of life on Krakoa—from political intrigue and covert operations to mutant magic and space diplomacy. While these series were released side by side and occasionally intersect, most tell largely self-contained stories. This section breaks down the core books of the era, showing how each series fits into the larger tapestry of the Krakoa era.

Hickman’s X-Men

With the newly founded mutant nation of Krakoa opening the door to limitless possibilities, mutantkind finally stands empowered—but not without consequence. As the world struggles to adapt to this new status quo, the X-Men take on the role of Krakoa’s champions, defenders, and sometimes enforcers, facing threats from both within and beyond their new utopia.

  • X-Men by Jonathan Hickman Omnibus
    Collects X-Men (2019) #1-11, 16-21; Giant-Size X-Men: Jean Grey And Emma Frost (2020) #1; Giant-Size X-Men: Nightcrawler (2020) #1; Giant-Size X-Men: Magneto (2020) #1; Giant-Size X-Men: Fantomex (2020) #1; Giant-Size X-Men: Storm (2020) #1; material from Incoming (2019) #1.

Those stories were previously made available in the following trade paperbacks:

There’s also a new collection dedicated to the Jonathan X-Men series:

Marauders by Gerry Duggan

Mutantkind has begun a glorious new era on Krakoa, but some nations’ human authorities are preventing mutants from escaping to this new homeland. Funded by Emma Frost and the Hellfire Trading Company, and led by Captain Kate Pryde, the Marauders sail the seas on behalf of Krakoa, rescuing mutants who can’t reach the island and smuggling Krakoan medicines into hostile nations. Mixing pirate adventure with political intrigue, this series dives into international tensions and the darker side of mutant diplomacy.

Excalibur by Tini Howard

When Krakoa’s gates begin connecting to the magical realm of Otherworld, Excalibur forms to navigate the intersection of mutantdom and mysticism. With Betsy Braddock taking up the mantle of Captain Britain, this series explores mutant magic, prophecy, and the rise of mutantkind as a magical power.

New Mutants

Splitting time between Earth and space, New Mutants reunites classic characters like Dani Moonstar, Magik, and Wolfsbane while introducing new dynamics with Krakoa’s younger generation. Whether on intergalactic rescue missions or navigating Krakoan society, this series reflects the challenges of growth in a new era.

X-Force by Benjamin Percy

As Krakoa’s covert intelligence and black-ops team, X-Force handles threats that can’t be dealt with openly. With Beast pulling the strings and Wolverine, Domino, and Quentin Quire on the front lines, this morally gray series explores the cost of security in a mutant nation.

Wolverine by Benjamin Percy

Wolverine has been through a lot. He’s been a loner. He’s been a killer. He’s been a hero. He’s been an Avenger. He’s been to hell and back. Now, as the nation of Krakoa brings together all mutantkind, can he finally be…happy? With his family altogether and safe, Logan has everything he ever wanted…and everything to lose. But he’s never been one to back down from a fight – not even a combined assault from Lady Deathstrike, Sabretooth, and Dr. Cornelius. Yet the fearsome Flower Cartel might have enlisted his worst and greatest foe: Wolverine himself!

Other X-series

A short-lived spin-off focused on Psylocke (Kwannon), Fallen Angels follows her as she rejects Krakoan society to pursue a personal vendetta tied to her past. Joined by X-23 and Cable, the series explores identity, trauma, and disconnection from the mutant collective.

Krakoa’s misfits and troublemakers get a chance at redemption—or at least containment—in Hellions. Under the dubious guidance of Mister Sinister, this darkly comedic series features a chaotic lineup including Psylocke, Empath, Havok, and Orphan-Maker as they tackle missions no one else will touch.

Dawn of X Reading Order: Issue by Issue

House of X/Power of X reading order

  • House of X #1
  • Powers of X #1
  • House of X #2
  • Powers of X #2
  • Powers of X #3
  • House of X #3
  • House of X #4
  • Powers of X #4
  • House of X #5
  • Powers of X #5
  • House of X #6
  • Powers of X #6 (of 6)

Dawn of X

  • X-Men #1
  • X-Men #6
  • Excalibur #1-6
  • New Mutants #1-4
  • New Mutants #6
  • Marauders #1
  • Incoming #1 “Bar Sinister”
  • X-Men/Fantastic Four #1-4
  • X-Force #1
  • Fallen Angels #1-4
  • Marauders #2-3
  • New Mutants #8
  • X-Men #2
  • Marvel Comics #1000 “The First Horsemen”
  • X-Men #3
  • New Mutants #5
  • New Mutants #7
  • New Mutants #9-11
  • X-Force #2-3
  • X-Men #4
  • X-Force #4-5
  • Fallen Angels #5-6
  • Hellions #1-4
  • X-Force #6
  • Marauders #4-6
  • Cable #1
  • X-Men #8-9
  • X-Men #5
  • Giant-Size X-Men #1: Jean Grey & Emma Frost
  • Marauders #7
  • Giant-Size X-Men #3: Magneto
  • Marauders #8
  • X-Force #7-8
  • Excalibur #7-8
  • X-Force #9-10
  • X-Factor #1
  • Wolverine #1-3
  • Cable #2-4
  • Marauders #9-12
  • Giant-Size X-Men #2: Nightcrawler
  • New Mutants #12
  • Marvel’s Voices #1 “The Race”
  • Giant-Size X-Men #4: Fantomex
  • Giant-Size X-Men #5: Storm
  • X-Men #7
  • X-Men #10
  • Empyre: X-Men #1-4 (see Empyre Reading Order)
  • X-Men #11
  • Wolverine #4-5
  • X-Factor #2-3
  • X-Force #11-12
  • X-Force #15-16
  • Excalibur #9-12
  • X-Men #12

note: Giant-Size X-Men: Tribute To Wein & Cockrum (2020) #1 was published during the X of Swords event, but was not connected to the rest of the Krakoa era.

X of Swords (event)

X of Swords is the first major crossover event of the Krakoan era. When the lost mutant island of Arakko and its sword-wielding champions threaten Krakoa, the X-Men are drawn into a brutal tournament in the mystical realm of Otherworld. To defend their nation, ten mutants must each claim a legendary blade and prepare for battle—but nothing in this contest is what it seems. Go to the X of Swords reading order for more information.

  • X of Swords Hardcover
    X of Swords: Creation #1, X of Swords: Stasis #1, X of Swords: Destruction #1, X-Men #12-14, Excalibur #12-14, Marauders #13, X-Force #13, New Mutants #13, Wolverine #6, Cable #5, Hellions #5, X-Factor #4, X of Swords: Storm #1.
  • X of Swords: Creation #1
  • X-Factor #4
  • Wolverine #6
  • X-Force #13
  • Marauders #13
  • Hellions #5
  • New Mutants #13
  • Cable #5
  • Excalibur #13
  • X-Men #13
  • X of Swords: Stasis #1
  • X-Men #14
  • Marauders #14
  • Marauders #15
  • Excalibur #14
  • Wolverine #7
  • X-Force #14
  • Hellions #6
  • Cable #6
  • X-Men #15
  • Excalibur #15
  • X of Swords: Destruction #1

X-Men Hickman

Reign of X Reading Order

Following the explosive events of X of Swords, the Krakoan era enters a new phase with Reign of X. Mutantkind is no longer just surviving, they are expanding their influence across Earth, Otherworld, and beyond. New threats emerge, old enemies resurface, and hidden agendas come to light as the X-Men, Quiet Council, and various mutant factions navigate the fragile balance of power on and off Krakoa.

Reign of X Collected Editions

Just like Dawn of X, the Reign of X collected editions interweave multiple series into a single reading experience. However, the stories become more distinct and self-contained, making it easier to follow your favorite titles individually while still keeping an eye on the bigger picture.

  • Reign of X Volume 1
    Collects S.W.O.R.D. #1, X-Men #16, X-Factor #5, Hellions #7-8
  • Reign of X Volume 2
    Collects New Mutants #14, Marauders #16, Excalibur #16, X-Force #15-16. X-Men #17
  • Reign of X Volume 3
    Collects Marauders #17, New Mutants #15, Cable #7, Wolverine #8-9
  • Reign of X Volume 4
    Collects Wolverine #10, Excalibur #17, X-Factor #6, Cable #8, Children of the Atom #1
  • Reign of X Volume 5
    Collects Excalibur #18-19, S.W.O.R.D. #2-3, King in Black: Marauders #1.
  • Reign of X Volume 6
    Collects S.W.O.R.D. #4, X-Men #18-19, Marauders #18-19, X-Force #17.
  • Reign of X Volume 7
    Collects X-Force #18-19, Children of the Atom #2, New Mutants #16-17, Cable #9.
  • Reign of X Volume 8
    Collects Cable #10, Children of the Atom #3, Excalibur #20, X-Men #20, Hellions #9-10.
  • Reign of X Volume 9
    Collects Hellions #11, Wolverine #11-12, New Mutants #18, S.W.O.R.D. #5, X-Factor #7.
  • Reign of X Volume 10
    Collects X-Factor #8-9, X-Corp #1, Marauders #20, Way of X #1.
  • Reign of X Volume 11
    Collects Way of X #2, Cable #11-12, Children of the Atom #4-5.
  • Reign of X Volume 12
    Collects Marauders #21, ‘X-Force #20, Hellions #12, Excalibur #21, X-Men #21.
  • Reign of X Volume 13
    Collects Planet-Size X-Men (2021) #1, X-Corp #2, New Mutants #19, Wolverine #13, S.W.O.R.D. #6.
  • Reign of X Volume 14
    Collects X-Factor #10, Way of X #3, Children of the Atom #6, Marauders #22, X-Men #1.
  • Trials of X Vol. 1
    Collects X-Men: The Trial of Magneto #1-2, S.W.O.R.D #7, New Mutants #20-21, Marauders #23.
  • Trials of X Vol. 2
    Collects Cable: Reloaded #1, X-Men: Trial of Magneto #3-5, Wolverine (2020) #14.
  • Trials of X Vol. 3
    Collects Wolverine (2020) #15-16, Excalibur (2019) #22, X-Men (2021) #2, and Hellions #13-14.
  • Trials of X Vol. 4
    Collects Hellions (2020) #15, X-Force (2019) #21-22, S.W.O.R.D. (2020) #8, Way of X #4-5.
  • Trials of X Vol. 5
    Collects X-Men: The Onslaught Revelation (2021) #1, X-Men (2021) #3, Excalibur (2019) #23, X-Corp (2021) #3-4.
  • Trials of X Vol. 6
    Collects X-Corp (2021) #5, Marauders (2019) #24-25, X-Force (2019) #23-24, Excalibur (2019) #24.
  • Trials of X Vol. 7
    Collects X-Men (2021) #4, New Mutants (2019) #22-23, Wolverine (2020) #17-18.
  • Trials of X Vol. 8
    Collects Excalibur (2019) #25, X-Men (2021) #5, X-Force (2019) #25-26, S.W.O.R.D. (2020) #9
  • Trials of X Vol. 9
    Collects S.W.O.R.D. (2020) #10-11, Wolverine (2020) #19, Marauders (2019) #26 and Hellions #16-17.
  • Trials of X Vol. 10
    Collects Hellions #18, Excalibur (2019) #26, Marauders (2019) #27, New Mutants (2019) #24 and X-Men (2021) #6.
  • Trials of X Vol. 11
    Collects X-Men (2021) #7, The Secret X-Men #1, Sabretooth (2022) #1, Devil’s Reign: X-Men #1-2.

  • Trials of X Vol. 12
    Collects Devil’s Reign: X-Men #3, X-Men (2021) #8, Sabretooth (2022) #2-3, and Marauders Annual #1

The Krakoa Era In Order: The Multiple Series of the Reign of X

Now fully integrated into Krakoa’s political and strategic framework, the X-Men become Krakoa’s public face to the world, though not always with clear authority or unity. As threats evolve, the team takes on missions that challenge their ideals and test the limits of the Krakoan dream, with new team dynamics and growing tensions beneath the surface.

Under the leadership of Abigail Brand, S.W.O.R.D. returns as Krakoa’s official space program and diplomatic corps. Operating from the Peak orbital station, the team manages cosmic alliances, galactic threats, and interstellar strategy, positioning mutantkind as a rising power not just on Earth, but across the universe.

Children Of The Atom follows a group of teenage heroes who idolize the X-Men and start fighting crime while mimicking mutant powers, except they’re not mutants.

In Way of X, Nightcrawler sets out to define a mutant spirituality in a society that has conquered death, but what does faith mean when resurrection is guaranteed?

With Krakoa’s economy booming thanks to its pharmaceutical dominance, X-Corp follows Monet St. Croix and Warren Worthington III as they try to turn mutantkind’s corporate arm into a global powerhouse. But boardrooms can be as cutthroat as battlefields, and mutantkind’s financial future hangs in the balance.

After a shocking event that took place during the Hellfire Gala, the mutant nation is thrown into crisis. As suspicions turn toward Magneto, the X-Men and X-Factor investigate the crime.

In Inferno, Jonathan Hickman’s final contribution to the Krakoan era, Mystique sets her long-burning plan into motion to resurrect her wife, Destiny. The fragile power balance within the Quiet Council begins to unravel. With long-hidden truths about Moira MacTaggert, Orchis, and the future of mutantkind exposed, Inferno reshapes the foundation of Krakoa and paves the way for a new era.

X-Men Hickman

Reign of X Reading Order: Issue by Issue

  • S.W.O.R.D. #1
  • Excalibur #16
  • Hellions #7-8
  • X-Factor #5
  • X-Men #16
  • Cable #7-8
  • New Mutants #14
  • Marauders #16
  • Wolverine #8-10
  • X-Factor #6-9
  • New Mutants #15-17
  • Marauders #17
  • S.W.O.R.D. #2-4 (King in Black tie-ins)
  • King in Black: Marauders #1 (King in Black tie-ins)
  • Excalibur #17-20
  • Hellions #9-11
  • X-Men #17
  • Marauders #18-19
  • Children of the Atom #1-3
  • Cable #9
  • X-Force #17
  • Juggernaut #1-5
  • X-Force #18-19
  • Wolverine #11-12
  • X-Men #18-19
  • Cable #10-12
  • New Mutants #18
  • X-Men #20
  • X-Corp #1
  • S.W.O.R.D. #5
  • Children of the Atom #4-5 (takes place during the Hellfire Gala, but are not officially tie-ins to the event)
  • Way of X #1-2
  • Marauders #20

X-Men Hellfire Gala 2021

A one-night event, the Hellfire Gala invites the world to Krakoa for an evening of mutant diplomacy, fashion, and fireworks. But beneath the glamour lies tension, secrets, and a dramatic vote that changes the future of the X-Men team—and mutant relations with humanity.

Go to the Hellfire Gala reading order for more information.

  • X-Men: Hellfire Gala Red Carpet Edition
    Collects X-Men #21, Marauders #21, Excalibur #21, X-Force #20, New Mutants #19, X-Factor #10, Hellions #12, S.W.O.R.D. #6, Way of X #3, X-Corp #2, Wolverine #13, Planet-Size X-Men (2021) #1.
  • Marauders #21
  • X-Force #20
  • Hellions #12
  • Excalibur #21
  • X-Men #21
  • Planet Size X-Men #1
  • New Mutants #19
  • X-Corp #2
  • Wolverine #13
  • S.W.O.R.D. #6
  • Way of X #3
  • X-Factor #10
  • Children of the Atom #6
  • S.W.O.R.D. #7 (part of The Last Annihilation crossover)
  • Cable: Reloaded #1 (part of The Last Annihilation crossover)
  • New Mutants #20-23
  • Marauders #22
  • The Trial of Magneto #1
  • Marauders #23
  • X-Men #1
  • Wolverine #14-16
  • The Trial of Magneto #2-4
  • Inferno #1
  • Hellions #13-16
  • S.W.O.R.D. #8
  • Hellions #17-18
  • The Trial of Magneto #5
  • New Mutants #24
  • X-Men #2
  • X-Force #21-22
  • Excalibur #22
  • Way of X #4-5
  • X-Men: The Onslaught Revelation #1
  • X-Corp #3-5
  • Excalibur #23
  • X-Force #23-24
  • Marauders #24-25
  • X-Men #3
  • Excalibur #24-25
  • X-Men #4
  • S.W.O.R.D. #9-11
  • X-Men #5
  • Wolverine #17-18
  • X-Men #6-8
  • Devil’s Reign: X-Men #1-3 (see Devil’s Reign Reading Order)
  • Inferno #2
  • X-Force #25-26
  • Marauders #26
  • Excalibur #26
  • Wolverine #19
  • Inferno #3-4
  • Marauders #27
  • Marauders Annual #1
  • X-Men #9
  • X-Force Annual #1

Following The X-Men After Reign of X

With the Inferno event bringing the Reign of X era to a dramatic close, a new chapter began: the Destiny of X. The story of Krakoa continues—this time without Jonathan Hickman at the helm.

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2 thoughts on “Jonathan Hickman X-Men Reading Order – The Age of Krakoa”

  1. Sreyam Roy
    Reply

    Hey Fabien, thanks a lot for this awesome reading order. Highly appreciate the painstaking time and effort you have put into making this. Loved it!!!

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