Marvel Comics has revealed new variant covers for the first issue of its upcoming X-Men spinoff series Children of the Atom, offering a closer look at the next generation of heroic mutants.
In addition to R.B. Silva's main cover, the House of Ideas has provided a glimpse at two of Children of the Atom #1's variants -- one by series artist Bernard Chang (with colors by Jesus Aburtov) and another by Todd Nauck. Chang's sees the young, mysterious mutant heroes standing in a line with their respective mentors looming overhead. In order, we see the sidekicks of Jean Grey, Nightcrawler, Cyclops, Angel and Gambit.
Nauck's variant, meanwhile, shows the senior members of the X-Men flanked by their new protégés. What's more, whatever mission they're on, it seems none other than Storm is helping lead the charge. At least two other variants are planned for the debut issue -- a "hidden gem" variant by Jim Lee, as well as a design variant by Tom Muller.
One of the latest titles to be added to Marvel's Dawn of X initiative, Children of the Atom gives the established members of the X-Men new sidekicks inspired by the youth of today. "The initial seed of the idea actually came from [Editor] Chris Robinson: What if the X-Men had sidekicks?" explained series writer Vita Ayala. "My take on it became, what would actual kids from our current time be like, if they were X-Men sidekicks? What would Gen Z X-Men be like?"
Written by Vita Ayala and illustrated by Bernard Chang, Children of the Atom #1 is scheduled to go on sale this April from Marvel Comics. The full solicitation information, as well as R.B. Silva's cover, Bernard's variant and Todd Nauck's variant can be found below.
CHILDREN OF THE ATOM #1
- VITA AYALA (W) • BERNARD CHANG (A) • Cover by R.B. SILVA
- Hidden Gem Variant by JIM LEE
- VARIANT COVER BY TODD NAUCK
- VARIANT COVER BY BERNARD CHANG
- DESIGN VARIANT COVER BY TOM MULLER
- WHEN DID THE X–MEN GET SIDEKICKS?!
- Now! Don’t miss the debut of the greatest teenage super hero team of all time! They’ve learned from the best, now they’re ready to be put to the test! But who the heck are these kids, and where do they come from? Guest-starring the X–Men!
- 48 PGS./Rated T+ …$4.99