The arrival of new “Stark Sentinels” set up an upcoming showdown between the X-Men and Iron Man. In a first look at this summer’s issues of X-Men and Invincible Iron Man, Tony Stark’s technology has fallen into the wrong hands, creating an unstoppable army of Stark Sentinels. Deadlier than any before them, these new Sentinels could spell the end for the X-Men.
Marvel shared a first look at June’s X-Men #23 and Invincible Iron Man #7, as well as July’s Invincible Iron Man #8, in a recent press release. X-Men #23 is written by Gerry Duggan and drawn by Joshua Cassara and Invincible Iron Man is written by Duggan and drawn by Juan Frigeri. This crossover will spin out of the events of Free Comic Book Day 2023: Avengers/X-Men #1. The anti-mutant organization Orchis has obtained Tony Stark’s advanced technology; they plan to use it in their war against the X-Men, leading to the creation of the “Stark Sentinels.” Cassara’s cover to X-Men #23 shows the team locked in combat with one, whereas Kael Ngu’s Invincible Iron Man #8 cover shows Tony Stark at the mercy of a Sentinel.
X-Men’s Sentinels Get an Iron Man Upgrade
Nothing strikes fear into the hearts of mutants like Sentinels. These giant robots, first created by Bolivar Trask, are designed for one purpose: to contain and destroy mutants. Over the years, there have been many different models of Sentinels, including ones that can repair themselves, as well as organic versions. Even Tony has dabbled with the giant robots before, creating an adamantium Sentinel, but that was due to the Red Skull’s telepathic control forcing him to create a weapon he’d sworn never to even set down on paper. Now, his designs are once again free to kill mutants.
The Ultimate Anti-Mutant Weapon Combines with Tony Stark’s Genius
On their own, the Sentinels are bad news, but now that they are utilizing Stark technology, they are more dangerous than ever. Not only will these new Sentinels be effective at destroying mutants, but they could potentially put the nail in the coffin for Iron Man’s legacy as well. Iron Man has never been anti-mutant, but the Sentinels co-opting his technology could jeopardize his relationship with Krakoa and even the Avengers. However, the press release hints that Iron Man may, by the time all is said and done, become the mutant race’s newest savior; who better to take down Stark Sentinels than Tony Stark himself? Indeed, Ngu’s cover for Iron Man #7 sees Tony hard at work, seemingly forging new armor.
Iron Man Is Preparing to Fight Back
Marvel also states the events of this crossover will lead into the forthcoming Fall of X event, which promises a new status quo for the X-Men. Exact details about Fall of X have not been released, leading to the question: what role, if any, will the Stark Sentinels play in it? Will Iron Man be able to take back what was stolen from him, and salvage his legacy, or will Krakoa fall in his name? The rise of Stark Sentinels promises a showdown between Iron Man and the X-Men, with the legacy of both at stake.
