Late last Friday, Marvel released a cryptic “Trial of Magneto” teaser drawn by John Romita Jr., who incidentally drew the original storyline of the same back in the ’80s in the Uncanny X-Men #200. Today Marvel announced that a 5-issue X-Men: The Trial of Magneto miniseries will be launching in the wake of a shocking murder in next month’s much hyped Hellfire Gala event.

The miniseries will be penned by writer Leah Williams, a key creative player in the direction of the X-Men comics franchise including the current X-Factor ongoing series. Unfortunately, it seems press release for Trial of Magneto indicates that X-Factor is coming to an end in June. Williams will be joined by rising artist Lucas Werneck, who previously worked with Williams on the Empyre: X-Men limited series.

Take a look at the cover for the first issue by Valerio Schiti, as well as a preview of Foche’s interior art and the full text of the announcement for the series below. Look for X-Men: The Trial of Magneto #1 to arrive in stores on August 18.

Trial of Magneto

X-MEN: THE TRIAL OF MAGNETO #1 (OF 5)
Written by LEAH WILLIAMS
Art by LUCAS WERNECK
Cover by VALERIO SCHITI
On Sale 8/18!

A horrific murder. A horrifying revelation. A trial that will divide the new mutant nation.

This thrilling saga will threaten the Reign of X and upend the world of mutants. And with the very future of Krakoa hanging in the balance, mutantkind’s relationship with the rest of the Marvel Universe may never be the same. The current team of mutant investigators from Leah Williams’ acclaimed run on X-FACTORwill play a vital role in solving this complex mystery, and fans should pick up X-FACTOR #10, a Hellfire Gala tie-in and the final issue of the series, on June 30 to discover whose tragic fall leads into this new X-Men epic.

“When has Magneto ever allowed bureaucracy to get between himself and what’s just? In the island paradise of Krakoa, safe haven and home for mutants–Magneto’s hard-fought, greatest desire of seeing his people at peace and thriving has finally been achieved. But Magneto’s loyalty extends only as far as it is first earned, so after the Hellfire Gala, when he learns that even a paradise could still be filled with lies…the TRIAL OF MAGNETO will begin,” Williams teases.

“I am so looking forward to working with Leah, especially with this project,” Werneck says. “Leah has incredible sensitivity in her writing and is able to craft stories that are layered and mysterious and fun for readers so I think she is perfect to write this story. Participating in the Hellfire Gala and now being invited to be part of this project is really a dream.”

The truth is hidden, the danger is far from over, and the trial has begun. Be there for the story that will shake Krakoa to its core when THE TRIAL OF MAGNETO #1 hits stands on August 18! In the meantime, check out the classified cover by Valerio Schiti above, and stay tuned for the final version which will reveal the character who meets their untimely end at the Hellfire Gala!