X-Men Writer Reveals 11 Rules That Can Save the Franchise

Published Jul 20, 2026, 8:00 PM EDT Hannah is a senior writer and self-publisher for the anime section at ScreenRant. There, she focuses on writing news, features, and list-style articles about all things anime and manga. She works as a freelance writer in the entertainment industry, focusing on video games, anime, and literature. Her published works can be found on ScreenRant, FinanceBuzz, She Reads, and She Writes. Sign in to your ScreenRant account The X-Men have survived countless reinventions since their debut in 1963, but every new era brings the same challenge about how do you keep Marvel's mutant heroes feeling fresh without losing what made them iconic in the first place? As the franchise continues its post-Krakoa direction, that debate has only become louder among longtime readers. Now, Uncanny X-Men writer Gail Simone has offered a rare glimpse into the creative philosophy guiding her run. Sharing a list of personal rules she follows while writing the series on her Facebook account, Simone outlined an approach that focuses on adventure, character, and originality. Looking closely at those ideas, it's easy to see why many fans believe they could benefit the entire X-Men line, not just one title. "1) Tell different stories than are being told elsewhere 2) Be entertaining. It’s the best cast in comics, let them be cool and fun and badass. 3) Don’t focus on the same eight villains. Bring new stuff. 4) Give them a setting of their own that is new and feels consequential. 5) When possible, tour the best dark corners of the MU. 6) Bring some new POV characters, people who could see Wolverine for the first time and we can feel their wonder. 7) Where possible, push the sexiness of the sexiest superheroes ever. 8)As much as possible, avoid the ‘they are hated and feared more than ever!’ trope. 9) Don’t be afraid to break hearts. 10) Honor the classics, don’t imitate them forever. 11) Remember you are writing UNCANNY X-MEN and that is about the funnest gig in all Marvel comics. 12) Repeat rule #2 every day. 13) See rule #12." - Gail Simone A Formula Built Around Fresh Stories and Bigger Adventures For The X-Men One of Simone's biggest priorities has been avoiding repetition. Rather than telling stories that overlap with other X-Men books, she aims to give Uncanny X-Men its own identity. That means introducing different conflicts, exploring overlooked parts of the Marvel Universe, and creating a setting that feels meaningful instead of simply revisiting familiar locations. She also believes the franchise should move beyond relying on the same handful of classic villains. While enemies like Magneto, Mister Sinister, and the Sentinels remain essential parts of X-Men history, Simone's philosophy encourages expanding the rogues' gallery with new threats capable of surprising readers. Fresh antagonists often lead to fresh storytelling opportunities. Another cornerstone of her approach is making the series genuinely entertaining. Simone has described the X-Men as one of comics' greatest ensembles, arguing they should be allowed to be funny, stylish, heroic, and exciting. Instead of becoming trapped in constant tragedy, the team should remind readers why these characters have remained popular for decades. Putting the X-Men Characters Back at the Center Image Credit: Marvel Simone's guidelines also emphasize perspective. She wants new point-of-view characters who can experience legendary heroes like Wolverine with the same awe readers once felt. Introducing fresh eyes helps longtime icons regain their sense of mystery while giving newcomers a natural way into the story. Her list also encourages leaning into the confidence and charisma that have always defined many of Marvel's mutant heroes. Rather than stripping away their personalities, Simone argues the X-Men should embrace their individuality, relationships, and larger-than-life appeal without losing emotional depth. Marvel · Mutant Profile Which X-Men Character Are You? “Mutation: it is the key to our evolution.” 🐺 Wolverine The Loner 🧠 Professor X The Visionary 🧲 Magneto The Survivor ACTIVATE CEREBRO → 01 Humans discover your mutant abilities. What do you do? ADisappear. Go off the grid before anyone can come after me — I don’t owe them an explanation BReach out calmly and try to have a dialogue — fear comes from misunderstanding, and I can help bridge that gap CMake a show of strength — they need to understand that mutants will not be hunted or controlled, ever NEXT → 02 Anti-mutant protesters surround a school full of young mutants. What’s your first move? AGet between the kids and the mob. If anyone raises a hand, they answer to me BAddress the crowd telepathically or publicly — show them the children are just scared kids, not threats CEvacuate the children to safety, then make the protesters deeply regret their choices NEXT → 03 A team of mutants needs a leader for a dangerous mission. What role do you naturally fall into? AI work alone, but I’ll take point — someone’s gotta make sure nobody gets killed BI coordinate the team, play to each person’s strengths, and keep morale steady CI lead from the front — my vision, my plan, my responsibility if it fails NEXT → 04 A powerful mutant threatens innocent humans. How do you respond? APut them down fast — talk later. Innocent people don’t have time for a debate BTry to reach them mentally — understand why they’re doing this and find a peaceful resolution COffer them a place at my side — their power is wasted on chaos when it could serve a greater cause NEXT → 05 A human politician offers to champion mutant rights — but has a shady past. What do you do? AGive them a chance — people can change, and this alliance could mean real progress for coexistence BI don’t trust politicians. Watch them closely, and the second they betray us, I’ll be right there CUse them — let them think they’re in charge while I control the narrative from behind the scenes NEXT → 06 What’s your biggest flaw? AI push people away — I’d rather be alone than risk losing someone I care about BI’m too idealistic — I keep believing in people even when the evidence says I shouldn’t CMy anger — once I commit to a path, I’ll burn everything down before I admit I was wrong NEXT → 07 Sentinels are hunting mutants in your city. What’s your move? AHunt the hunters — tear them apart before they find anyone else BCoordinate an underground network to hide and protect every mutant in the area CSeize control of the Sentinels — turn the weapons of oppression into instruments of liberation NEXT → 08 What do you believe about coexistence between humans and mutants? ACoexistence is a fantasy. Humans will always fear what they can’t control — mutants must secure their own future BI don’t care about the big picture — I protect the people I care about, and everyone else can sort themselves out CIt’s possible and worth fighting for — the dream of a world where humans and mutants live in peace is everything REVEAL MY MUTANT IDENTITY → Cerebro Scan Complete Your X-Men Identity 🐺 Wolverine (Logan) “I’m the best there is at what I do. But what I do best isn’t very nice.” You’re the fierce loner who acts first and philosophises later — but beneath that adamantium-plated exterior beats a heart that cares far more than you’d ever admit. You’ve been burned enough times to distrust the world, so you keep people at arm’s length, yet you’d throw yourself into any fight to protect the ones who slip past your defences. You don’t need a cause or a manifesto — you just need someone worth fighting for. Like Logan, your greatest strength isn’t your claws or your healing factor; it’s the stubborn refusal to let the people you love face danger alone.Fierce Protective Resilient Untamed 🧠 Professor X (Charles Xavier) “Just because someone stumbles and loses their path, doesn’t mean they’re lost forever.” You’re the visionary who sees the best in everyone — even when the world gives you every reason not to. Your greatest power isn’t telepathy; it’s an unshakeable belief that understanding and compassion can bridge any divide. You lead not through force but through hope, building bridges where others build walls. Some call you naive, but you know that real strength lies in extending a hand to your enemy. Like Charles Xavier, you carry the weight of a dream that most consider impossible, and you refuse to let it die.Visionary Empathetic Diplomatic Hopeful 🧲 Magneto (Erik Lehnsherr) “Peace was never an option.” You’re the survivor who learned the hardest lesson life has to offer: the world will not protect you, so you must protect yourself. Your conviction is unbreakable and your patience is terrifying — you’ll wait years to set the right plan in motion. You don’t hate humanity; you simply refuse to let your people be victims ever again. Every action you take, no matter how ruthless, is driven by a profound love for those who share your struggle. Like Erik Lehnsherr, you are both revolutionary and tragic — a leader forged in pain who will bend the world before it bends you.Resolute Strategic Ruthless Unyielding ↻ PLAY AGAIN Possibly the most notable rule is her desire to move away from the familiar "hated and feared more than ever" storyline whenever possible. Discrimination has always been important to the X-Men's identity, but Simone suggests the franchise has relied on that conflict so often that exploring different emotional territory could make future stories feel more impactful. Respect the X-Men Past Without Being Trapped by It Even while pushing for change, Simone makes it clear that history still matters. One of her guiding principles is honoring classic X-Men stories rather than endlessly recreating them. The goal isn't to replace beloved eras but to build on their foundation with ideas that reflect today's readers and creative possibilities. She also argues that writers shouldn't shy away from emotional consequences. Great X-Men stories have always balanced spectacular superhero action with heartbreaking personal moments. Whether through sacrifice, difficult choices, or unexpected losses, genuine emotional stakes help make victories feel earned. Finally, Simone ends her philosophy on a surprisingly simple note by saying to never forget that writing Uncanny X-Men should be fun. She even reinforces that lesson by repeatedly reminding herself to prioritize entertainment above everything else. That outlook may sound straightforward, but it's a philosophy that resonates with many readers who simply want to enjoy spending time with Marvel's mutant heroes. While Simone originally created these rules for her own run, they outline a bigger vision for the franchise. They encourage innovation without abandoning tradition, introduce new ideas without ignoring history, and place memorable characters ahead of familiar formulas. If more X-Men titles embraced those same principles, Marvel could deliver a line of books that feels both recognizable and genuinely exciting for the next generation of fans. 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) TV Show(s) X-Men: Pryde of the X-Men, X-Men (1992), X-Men: Evolution (2000), Wolverine and the X-Men (2008), Marvel Anime: Wolverine, Marvel Anime: X-Men, Legion (2017), The Gifted (2017), X-Men '97 (2024) Video Game(s) X-Men: Children of the Atom (1994), Marvel Super Heroes (1995), X-Men vs. Street Fighter (1996), Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter (1997), Marvel vs. Capcom (1998), X-Men: Mutant Academy (2000), Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes (2000), X-Men: Mutant Academy 2 (2001), X-Men: Next Dimension (2002), Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (2011), Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (2011), X-Men Legends (2005), X-Men Legends 2: Rise of Apocalypse (2005), X2: Wolverine's Revenge (2003), X-Men (1993), X-Men 2: Clone Wars (1995), X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse (1994) First Film X-Men (2000) Character(s) Professor X, Cyclops, Iceman, Beast, Angel, Phoenix, Wolverine, Gambit, Rogue, Storm, Jubilee, Morph, Nightcrawler, Havok, Banshee, Colossus, Magneto, Psylocke, Juggernaut, Cable, X-23 Comic Release Date 213035,212968