The From the Ashes era of X-Men finds the Mutant heroes struggling to rebuild following the Fall of Krakoa. The challenges of finding acceptance in a world that hates and fears them remain. However, new enemies have arisen following the defeat of the anti-Mutant group Orchis. X-Men #5 reveals that one of these new threats has a familiar face at its helm.
The current X-Men series by Jed MacKay and Ryan Stegman introduced a sinister group known as 3K. The organization is led by four enigmatic figures, dubbed The Zealot, The Doctor, The Means, and The Chairman. The goals of 3K are unclear, but their advanced science has somehow allowed them to awaken Mutant powers in grown adults. Thus far, their campaign has resulted in considerable property damage and public panic regarding Mutants.
X-Men #5 finds Psylocke and Kid Omega joining forces to take a deep dive into the mind of one of the new Mutants. It is their hope that they can find some clue as to who is creating these new Mutants and why. The good news is they are ultimately successful and identify one of the minds behind 3K. The bad news is this confirmation just drives home how difficult the fight ahead will be.
Cassandra Nova is behind new X-Men threat
After stumbling into a psychic trap, Psylocke and Kid Omega confirm the name of their new enemy and Cassandra Nova’s involvement with 3K. The evil twin of Professor X, Cassandra Nova is now best known as the villain of Deadpool and Wolverine. She possesses amazing telepathic powers on par with her brother’s, but can also alter the DNA of other people.
Physically, Cassandra Nova would seem to be The Zealot shown in the first shadowy glimpse of 3K’s leaders. Her powers would also, potentially, allow her to awaken the latent X-gene in grown adults. The biggest question, however, is how she escaped being trapped in the prehistoric past of Earth, following her last appearance in 2023’s Marauders (Vol. 2) #10.
X-Men #5 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
