X of Swords
2020The first major crossover of the Krakoan era, X of Swords pits ten mutant champions of Krakoa against ten swordbearers of Arakko in a tournament ordained by Saturnyne in Otherworld. When Apocalypse discovers that Arakko — the lost half of Krakoa, torn away millennia ago — has been conquered by demonic forces, the X-Men must gather ten legendary blades to answer the challenge. But the contest is not what anyone expects, and the consequences reshape the mutant world as Arakko returns and Apocalypse makes a devastating sacrifice.
23 core issues, 0 optional tie-ins/crossovers
Apocalypse opens a gate to Otherworld seeking lost Arakko; a challenge is issued — ten swords against ten
Polaris investigates Rockslide's death in Otherworld — where resurrection does not work as expected
Wolverine ventures to Hell to retrieve the Muramasa Blade, one of the ten swords of Krakoa
Brian Braddock is chosen as a swordbearer; X-Force deals with the Otherworld threat
Storm claims her sword and proves worthy; the Marauders prepare for the tournament
Sinister's Hellions are sent on a covert mission to Arakko with devastating results
Doug Ramsey and Warlock bond with the sword Cypher; the young mutants face Otherworld dangers
Young Cable wields the Light of Galador; the swordbearers of Krakoa assemble
The summoning — Krakoa's ten champions are chosen and their swords gathered
Betsy Braddock takes up the Starlight Sword as Captain Britain; the journey to Otherworld begins
Wolverine fights through Otherworld with the Muramasa Blade; the tournament draws near
The swordbearers march to the Starlight Citadel; battle lines are drawn
Storm duels in the tournament; not all contests are settled by combat
The Hellions face the consequences of their Arakko mission; Sinister's schemes unravel
Cable fights in the tournament; the stakes become clear as champions fall
The tournament intensifies; Krakoa's champions face unexpected challenges
Apocalypse confronts the truth about Arakko and his lost family
The tournament reaches its climax; alliances shift
Betsy Braddock fights as Captain Britain; Saturnyne's true motives emerge
The midpoint — Saturnyne changes the rules; the tournament becomes something far stranger than a sword fight
The final rounds of the tournament; the fate of two worlds hangs in the balance
The battle for Otherworld reaches its conclusion; Captain Britain makes her stand
The finale — Apocalypse sacrifices himself to reunite Krakoa and Arakko; the External Gate opens and Arakko returns