The Krakoan Era of X-Men has led the series to creative and commercial heights not seen since the 90s. Artists and writers have continually crafted new and engaging series that explore the new meaning of mutanthood in the Marvel Universe, many of which have achieved both critical and financial success.
As a result, Marvel has shown no plans to stop expanding the X-Universe. The roster of X-characters goes deep, meaning there are many characters who might be given a solo series. While the right creators can turn any series into a success, there are some mutants to would lend themselves to better stories than others
10 Does: It's Blob's Time To Shine
Fred J. Dukes is a character who, since his debut in 1963's X-Men #3, has been a bit of a punching bag. Though he was given a more sympathetic treatment in Leah Williams and Georges Jeanty's Age of X-Man: X-Tremists, the immovable mutant still waits to truly see his day in the sun.
Currently, Blob works as the bartender at Krakoa's Tiki Bar. The bar is a hub for all mutants on the island and, as the bartender, Blob is there to witness their myriad interactions. In this unique position, a Blob solo series could explore his own history as well as those of the mutants in his bar in a charming, slice-of-life way.
9 Doesn't: Pyro Is Best On A Team
Similarly to Blob, Pyro has been a constant antagonist of the heroes of the Marvel Universe since he first appeared. A former romance novelist, Pyro took up a life of crime when he joined Mystique's incarnation of the Brotherhood of Mutants. Since then, he has crossed swords with Daredevil, the Avengers, and all manner of X-teams.
Pyro has a lot going for him: cool powers, a great costume, and a long history of stories. However, in nearly all of those stories, Pyro is not working alone. Pyro is a great character but works best as part of an ensemble. Fans can find lots of great Pyro content in the first volume of Marauders.
8 Does: Mystique Is Always Up To Something
The shape-shifting Mystique is one of the X-Men's most compelling characters. Mystique is primarily motivated by self-interest and is capable enough to get what she wants, be it through espionage, combat, or manipulation. One of the most dynamic figures in the Marvel Universe, Mystique has remained a central player since her introduction.
Currently, Mystique sits on the Quiet Council alongside her newly-resurrected wife, Destiny, seemingly content. However, Mystique is an inveterate schemer. A Mystique-centered series could explore her complicated relationship with other figures on the Council like Magneto and Nightcrawler while also detailing her own plans for Krakoa.
7 Doesn't: Nightcrawler Has His Hands Full
Nightcrawler is a perennial favorite among fans and creators alike. His charming demeanor, striking design, and affinity for swashbuckling have made the fuzzy blue elf one of the X-Men's most lovable and enduring members, something even in-universe characters seem to recognize.
With all that under consideration, Nightcrawler is too busy in to have his own solo adventures. Following the events of the Onslaught Revelation, Nightcrawler is working with Legion and Doctor Nemesis to help protect mutant souls as they transition from life to death and back again. While Kurt Wagner is a beloved character, he simply does not have enough time in-universe to have his own book.
6 Does: Iceman Remains Full Of Potential
Bobby Drake, AKA Iceman, has always been the member of the original five X-Men with the least definition. Indeed, many of the biggest Iceman stories focus on this aspect of the character. Though this has changed somewhat in recent years, the character still often ends up playing a supporting role in larger team books such as Marauders.
Sina Grace's two Iceman series proved that, despite sixty years of publishing, the character still has a lot of stories to tell. Iceman's mastery over his powers continues to grow and, after a successful run as a member of Kate Pryde's Marauders, is newly free to explore his destiny.
5 Doesn't: Beast Needs The Context Of X-Force
The X-Man known as Beast has gotten around the Marvel Universe, being an important member of the Avengers, Defenders, and the greater scientific community even while keeping ties to the X-Men. These days, Beast serves as the logistical head of X-Force, stepping more and more into a morally gray territory to keep Krakoa safe.
Beast's recent descent to near-villany has been fascinating to watch, but part of what has made it so fascinating has been the larger context it takes place in. A Beast solo series could do a good job of examining the character, but it would likely have less focus on the greater story it is a part of.
4 Does: Thunderbird Has A Lot To Explore
One of the most shocking resurrections of the Krakoan Era has been that of Thunderbird, AKA John Proudstar. After dying in 1975's Giant-Size X-Men #1, the character remained dead for decades. In death, his legacy became an important part of X-history.
Since his return to comics, Thunderbird has retained the anger and hardheadedness that helped define him as a member of the Giant-Size team. After recently assaulting Cyclops's brother Vulcan, it is clear that Thunderbird has a lot of feelings to explore regarding the events since his death. While he is getting a one-shot soon, it would be great to see an ongoing series.
3 Doesn't: Storm Already Is A Headliner
Storm is one of the most iconic and cool X-Men, if not members of the Marvel Universe. Her powers, costume, and the ground-breaking nature of her centrality to comics have helped to give Ororo Munroe the deep well of great stories, rich character interactions, and classic fights that fans know and love her for.
At this point in time, however, Storm is not in need of a solo series. Currently residing on Mars as Regent, Ororo also holds great galactic power as the Voice of Sol, representing the solar system in galactic affairs. However, she currently does this in the pages of X-Men: Red, a series that, while not focused entirely on her, currently provides readers with an excellent Storm story.
2 Does: Jumbo Carnation Is Designer Material
Mutant fashion designer Jumbo Carnation was one of the most fun characters to come out of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely's legendary New X-Men run. The Krakoan era quickly saw Carnation resurrected, allowing a new group of creators to incorporate the fan-favorite mutant into their stories.
Carnation has largely featured as a side character in the Krakoan Age, designing costumes for everyday usage and the Hellfire Gala alike. As that event is now a prominent feature of the X-line, a Carnation-focused series could allow readers insight into not only the world of mutant high fashion, but also into sides of the largely-liminal character that previously have not been focused on.
1 Doesn't: Mister Sinister Shouldn't Be Overused
A highlight of the Krakoan Era has been the campy, catty characterization of longtime villain Mister Sinister. As a member of the Quiet Council and the leader of the Hellions, this new version of Sinister has proven to be incredibly popular with fans.
It is precisely because of how beloved Sinister is currently that he does not need a solo series. This version of Sinister works best as a foil to other characters and would likely become less interesting as a protagonist. Too much of him might make his quips less amusing and more annoying, taking the fun away from one of the most fun parts of the Krakoan Age.