At its “Avengers: Armageddon Panel” at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 on Thursday, Marvel Comics revealed details about upcoming titles in its current Avengers: Armageddon event, including new, alternating story arcs in Iron Man as the series moves to twice a month in December. The publisher also announced a new ongoing series, Maximum X-Men, which kicks off in December.
Written by Christopher Yost and illustrated by Tony S. Daniel, Maximum X-Men follows the elimination of the Avengers in Armageddon, leaving Marvel’s Merry Mutants to take up the task of protecting the 616. Here’s the synopsis:
In the wake of the events of Avengers: Armageddon, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes are no more! So who will stand in defense of the Earth? The X-Men will! Storm gathers an elite team for just that task, including Wolverine, Colossus, Bishop, Iceman, Psylocke, Firestar and Justice! Mutants by birth, heroes by choice! And their first challenge is a full-on invasion from the Negative Zone! Is this Annihilus again—or something far, far worse?
Check out cover art for Maximum X-Men #1 by Daniel below.
As for the remainder of the Avengers: Armageddon event, Marvel teased the second arc in the recently-announced Avengers ongoing by Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchhetto, which doesn’t even start until November. The teaser shows the Punisher skull and the text, “First you avenge, then you punish.” The arc appears to be called “The Red Line” and it will start in 2027.
Now the question is, how do we get there? Below, check out the issues and covers Marvel revealed at Thursday’s panel. Although full descriptions have not been unveiled for Iron Man #12-13, teasers indicate big problems for Tony Stark and co. as alternating storylines are woven between issues.
Avengers: Armageddon #5 (of 6)
Written by Chip Zdarsky
Art by Delio Diaz & Frank Alpizar
Cover by Dike Ruan
On sale October 2026
DARKNESS BEFORE THE DAWN: THE FALL OF THE AVENGERS…
The point of no return! After the cataclysmic events of Avengers: Armageddon #4, the world is torn asunder. Humanity turns against super heroes. And for David Colton, what is the price of all that great power? See where the pieces fall in preparation for Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto’s Avengers #1!
Captain America #16
Written by Chip Zdarsky
Art/Cover by Valerio Schiti
On sale October 2026
WHO WILL RULE HELL?
As the battle for Hell’s throne reaches its dramatic climax, Steve Rogers realizes he may have chosen the wrong side. The effects of the war spill out into the living world, bringing the Marvel Universe to the edge of ARMAGEDDON!
Iron Man #10
Written by Joshua Williamson
Art by Carmen Carnero
Cover by Ryan Stegman
On sale October 2026
CITIZEN V: UNMASKED!
The new Citizen V has been stalking Tony Stark. Is he friend of foe? Can Citizen V protect Iron Man from Whiplash’s final attack? And why has he taken on Baron Zemo’s old Thunderbolts name? Finally, this issue: Learn all his secrets and history with Iron Man!
Iron Man #11
Written by Joshua Williamson
Art by Carmen Carnero
Cover by Ryan Stegman
On sale November 2026
Iron Man #12
Written by Joshua Williamson
Art by Carmen Carnero
Cover by Ryan Stegman
On sale December 2026
INCARCERATED IRON MAN, PART 1
Iron Man #13
Written by Joshua Williamson
Art by Carmen Carnero
Cover by Ryan Stegman
On sale December 2026
WAR MACHINES, PART 1
Iron Man #12-13 connecting covers by Gleb Melnikov & Nolan Woodward
One more teaser…
Stay tuned to The Beat for more news from SDCC ’26.
