X-Men fans are experiencing whiplash over Charles Xavier, a.k.a. Professor X, who recently bid farewell to the X-Men and left Earth with his wife Lilandra to embark on a new mission to save his daughter, Xandra Neramani, only to now be making a return to Marvel's narratives. While he may not be rejoining the X-Men, Professor X is set to play a major role in Marvel’s upcoming stories.
Foxe confirmed that Xavier and his family are “at the heart” of this group.
In X-Manhunt Omega #1, from Gail Simone, Murewa Ayodele, Enid Balám, Gleb Melnikov, Federica Mancin, Brian Reber, and Travis Lanham, Charles Xavier left Earth and mutantkind behind with a final message that he mentally broadcasted across the planet: “No more fighting each other. Fight for freedom. Fight for justice. Do not fight your brother. Look upon your sister with patience. Help others, and ask for help when it is needed. And for pity's sake, please build another school.”
This moment felt like a solid sense of closure for the character. However, Marvel’s latest announcement confirms that while Xavier may not be rejoining the X-Men, his story is far from over. His next chapter begins in Imperial War: Exiles #1 by Steve Foxe, Jonathan Hickman, and Francesco Manna.
Marvel’s Imperial War Brings Professor X Back Into the Spotlight in a Bold New Cosmic Era
Main Cover by Marco Checchetto & Marte Gracia for Imperial #1 (2025)
Marvel’s latest galaxy-spanning conflict kicked off last week with Imperial #1 (2025), a four-issue series from Jonathan Hickman and Federico Vicentini that is set to boldly transform the cosmic landscape of the Marvel Universe. The series serves as the foundation for a new era of intergalactic storytelling at Marvel, with five Imperial War one-shots to follow, each focusing on a different character. Last month, Marvel announced Imperial War: She-Hulk and Imperial War: Black Panther, both set to hit shelves in August. Now, the publisher has revealed the next two one-shots arriving in September: Imperial War: Nova Centurion and Imperial War: Exiles. The latter is especially notable, as it marks the return of Professor X to Marvel’s narratives.
The synopsis for Imperial War: Exiles reads: “A coup at home has imperiled Shi’ar Majestrix Xandra, tearing her from the throne. Her only hope for survival lies in a mismatched group of renegades led by her father, Professor Charles Xavier, and her resurrected mother, Lilandra! But when faced with the awesome power of the Shi’ar Imperial Guard, the only way to survive... is to run!” Hence, there is no doubt that Professor X is returning, and in a major way. This is particularly exciting news for fans who were sad to see the X-Men hero retire. While this issue is only a one-shot, it opens the door for more future narratives that spotlight the former X-Men leader.
Professor X Leads Marvel's Strangest Team Yet in Imperial War: Exiles
Steve Foxe Confirms Xavier and His Family Are at the Heart of Marvel’s Newest Cosmic Storyline
Writer Steve Foxe shared key insights about the upcoming Imperial War: Exiles, with one of his most significant comments highlighting the team’s unique roster. He described the “exiles” as true to the term, calling them “a ragtag band of royals, aliens, scoundrels, robots, and furballs thrust together under dire circumstances.” However, Professor X isn’t just along for the ride. Foxe confirmed that Xavier and his family are “at the heart” of this group. Seeing them reunited and working together will be especially exciting, as this dynamic has yet to be fully explored in Marvel’s stories. While Xavier may no longer lead the X-Men, it’s clear Marvel still has major plans for him.
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Imperial War: Exiles #1 is available September 3, 2025, from Marvel Comics!
X-Men
- Movie(s)
- X-Men (2000), X2, X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), X-Men: First Class (2011), The Wolverine (2013), X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), Deadpool (2016), X-Men: Apocalypse (2016), Logan (2017), Deadpool 2 (2018), Dark Phoenix (2019), The New Mutants, Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
- First Film
- X-Men (2000)
