Days of Future Past may be the most influential X-Men story of all time. Beyond inspiring the film of the same name, it established one of the most terrifying potential futures of the main Marvel Universe. It also established Chris Claremont as the definitive writer of Marvel’s Mutant heroes to many readers. Now, Claremont’s rarely-seen prelude to the classic tale will be reprinted in a new edition, along with the original story.
Claremont wrote a prequel to the original X-Men: Days of Future Past in 2020. Titled Prelude to a Future Past, the story was only available in “Marvel Made Paragon Collection: Chris Claremont.” This prestige hardcover was only printed once as part of a limited edition run. However, Marvel has elected to make this rare story available, alongside a new reprinting of the original Days of Future Past, by Claremont and frequent collaborator John Byrne.
Prelude to a Future Past is illustrated by Salvador Larroca, who was Claremont’s artistic partner on the X-Treme X-Men series. The story centers on one cell of Mutant resistance fighters, different from the Mutant heroes most fans are familiar with. It also details their efforts to rescue Rachel Summers, the daughter of Cyclops and Jean Grey, from her torment as a Hound in service of the Sentinels. Furthermore, the story will reveal some surprising new faces, who play a vital role in the Mutant resistance.
The wide release of Prelude to a Future Past would be reason enough for any X-Men fan to purchase this new edition. However, the giant-size one-shot also contains other bonus materials. These surprise materials will honor Chris Claremont and his lengthy and legendary career.
X-Men: By Chris Claremont: Prelude to a Future Past #1 arrives in comic shops everywhere on July 2, 2025.