Warning: Spoilers for X-Force #9!Charles Xavier may have just found his latest X-Men apostle despite his fall from grace. Over the past decade, the beloved Professor X has revealed increasingly villainous tendencies, pushing even the X-Men to turn their backs on him. His most loyal follower, Cyclops, now can't bear to look at him and refuses to offer any help to his former mentor in his time of need, making Xavier's newest pet project all the more noteworthy.

Luckily for Xavier, it seems he’s found a new zealot in one of the X-Men's most underrated , Sage, as revealed in X-Force #9. This issue of X-Force will be available in stores and digital platforms starting March 19, 2025, with its preview showcasing cover art by Stephen Segovia and Rain Beredo below.

After escaping Graymalkin Prison to save his daughter, Xandra Neramani, Xavier’s relationship with the X-Men is beyond repair, and he can no longer turn to them for help. However, thanks to X-Force #9, it appears he can seek aid from team leader Sage, who is proving to be an even more loyal disciple than Cyclops himself once was.

Sage's Complex History: From Hellfire Club Agent to Xavier’s Spy

X-Force #9–Written by Geoffrey Thorne, Art by Marcus To, Colored by Erick Arciniega, and Lettered by VC's Joe Caramagna

Sage first debuted in X-Men lore 45 years ago under the name Teresia "Tessa" Karisik. Early on, the mutant supercomputer proved herself capable enough to become Sebastian Shaw's right-hand woman in the Hellfire Club, though she was secretly a sleeper agent for Professor X. Recognizing her potential as a hero, Xavier rescued the Balkan village native from the Soviet-Afghan War and brought her to America just as he was forming the original X-Men. Rather than ing the team, she was trained in secret as Xavier’s personal spy.

Using her skills, Xavier infiltrated the Hellfire Club, and over the years, Sage and Xavier’s relationship grew more complicated. She later officially ed the X-Men’s intel group under Storm’s leadership after X-Treme X-Men #41. Despite the complexities of their past, it’s clear that their shared history doesn’t prevent them from working together. In a recent X-Force issue, when Xavier asks for her help, Sage remarks that he knew she’d agree. Some might argue their dynamic resembles a complicated father-daughter relationship, but regardless of the challenges they've faced, Sage still sees Xavier as both a mentor and a father figure.

Sage makes her Marvel debut in The Uncanny X-Men #132, written by Chris Claremont and John Byrne, penciled by Byrne, inked by Terry Austin, colored by Glynis Wein, and lettered by Tom Orzechowski. She wouldn't adopt the Sage namesake until 2000's X-Men #109, written by Chris Claremont, Thomas, penciled by Thomas Derenick, inked by Rich Ketcham and Norm Rapmund, colored by Liquidi, and lettered by Richard Starkings and Saida Temofonte.

Will Sage Come to Regret Aligning Herself with the X-Men Founder?

Opposing Cyclops & The X-Men Puts Sage and the X-Force at Risk

Cyclops once shared a father-son dynamic with Xavier, but it’s that very bond that makes him feel so betrayed by his former mentor. The years of lies and deception Xavier has inflicted upon his students, even his star pupil, have convinced Scott Summers that Xavier should remain locked away. Cyclops’ final stance on his relationship with Xavier raises the question of whether Sage will become similarly disillusioned when reuniting with the same mentor. If Sage regrets her decision or if her assistance backfires, it could place both her and the X-Force in direct opposition to the X-Men, putting everyone in grave danger.

X-Force #9 will go on sale on March 19, 2025, from Marvel Comics!