In this issue, the X-Men discover the arrival of a new superpowered being—one they believe might be the most dangerous mutant they’ve ever encountered. The team springs into action, determined to find this mysterious individual before anyone else. However, the Stranger (as he calls himself) infiltrates Magneto’s hideout before the X-Men can locate him.

Magneto seizes the opportunity to make a recruiting pitch, demonstrating his own powers in an attempt to impress the Stranger. Mastermind performs a demonstration of his abilities as well, to which the Stranger responds by showcasing his overwhelming might—turning Mastermind into a stone statue. When the X-Men arrive and engage the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants in battle, the Stranger orchestrates a quick exit for himself, Magneto, and Toad.

Meanwhile, during the fight, the X-Men incapacitate Quicksilver, leaving him and Scarlet Witch behind when the others escape. The siblings take this moment to proclaim their independence from Magneto’s schemes. However, they also reject the idea of joining the X-Men, instead choosing to return to their European homeland to seek a life free from the constant adventure and conflict that has defined their existence thus far.

In the story’s climax, the X-Men track Magneto and the Stranger, only to uncover the truth about this powerful newcomer. The Stranger is not a mutant at all—in fact, he’s not even from Earth. His ultimate intent is revealed: to take Magneto and Toad back to his home planet. This marks the end of the issue and seemingly closes the chapter on the X-Men’s battles with Magneto and the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, at least for now.

Story

As comic book stories go, this one is fun and engaging. Page by page, it’s an enjoyable read that ties up several narrative threads we’ve followed so far, leaving the team ready for a new chapter. For a time, at least, it seems the X-Men will be without Magneto and the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants as their primary antagonists.

Characters & Development

Magneto’s removal from the narrative feels dramatic, almost akin to a symbolic death—a classic comic book trope for a supervillain’s “final defeat.” While the story frames his departure as final, seasoned readers know that nothing in comics stays final for long.

What stands out, however, is the development of Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch. Their decision to leave Magneto and the Brotherhood has been hinted at many times before, but here, it finally comes to fruition. They break free of their bonds to Magneto, setting off to forge their own path. While their chosen path is one of neutrality and normality for now, we all know they’ll return—and when they do, it will be as heroes rather than villains. This evolution has been brewing since their introduction, making this issue a pivotal moment for both characters.

Originality & Continuity

Powerful aliens are nothing new to comics, and Marvel has introduced a fair share of them. However, the Stranger represents something fresh for the X-Men. His powers are initially undefined and appear omnipotent, which makes him a fascinating and unpredictable antagonist—or perhaps something else entirely.

Artwork

Jack Kirby’s work shines in this issue, tying everything together to elevate the story from good to great. From the lighthearted antics of the teenage heroes at home to the tense search through city streets and the explosive combat with the Brotherhood, Kirby’s art defines the tone and energy of early X-Men adventures. It’s easy to see how Kirby’s influence has shaped the X-Men over their first 11 issues, setting the foundation for their evolution.

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This issue is a thoroughly enjoyable read and a must for anyone invested in the early X-Men. It serves as a fitting capstone to the team’s first chapter, bidding farewell to two pivotal characters—Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch—who are headed toward distinctive fame in their own right. At the same time, it seemingly closes the book on the rest of the Brotherhood, freeing the X-Men to embark on all-new, all-different adventures.

So, those are my thoughts on X-Men #11! Do you see this issue as a capstone to the series’ early run? If so, what are your impressions of the first 11 issues as a whole?