GUEST COMMENTARY: X-Men 35/Uncanny X-Men 700: End of an Era

I have been ruminating about writing about the Krakoan era for several weeks now and I’ve come to the conclusion that my opinions on the era would probably come across a little bland in comparison with others, so I thought it would be far more interesting to share others thoughts on the era, so with that in mind this will hopefully be the first of several articles that will discuss the era from various viewpoints. – Ross

Guest Commentary Author: Jonathan Robert 

Jonathan is a New Jersey native and therefore has all of the best opinions on pizza. Heloves cats, coffee, and comics. Believe it or not, Jonathan Loves X-Men, and you canfind proof on Twitter and Instagram.

X-Men 35/Uncanny X-Men 700:

Let’s dive right in! Of course Logan wasn’t going to kill Xavier and it was absolutely no surprise that Magneto arrived to have a talk with his old friend (and hilariously tossed Logan out of the truck). Considering these two were the most prominent external faces of building the nation from the birth of the idea, this talk had to happen.

Magneto’s brief dialogue, though rooted in the failures of the Krakoan nation, proclaims that he must destroy the enemy of the oppressed – both human and mutant. That little nugget is enough for Xavier, bound in martyrdom yet with his enormous ego unchained and on full display, to proclaim that Max finally understands – Xavier was right. Of course, he was not, and there doesn’t need to be a lengthy, philosophical discussion between the two – that isn’t the point of this comic and there is certainly no need to rehash the past 60 years here. We’ve seen Xavier make decisions on behalf of all mutants and as the face of a mutant nation particularly over the past year that have led to Krakoa’s downfall. The Gala, working with Orchis, keeping secrets from his own team, attempting to murder Moira, and that says nothing of his deceit since the nation was founded. Without Magneto, Apocalypse, or even Storm constantly at his side to keep some sort of check and balance, he, as is his way, made the choices for everyone and everyone paid the price. And now he is off to become Inmate X as I knew he would. It is obviously most fitting that Magneto visits him as he goes.

I certainly did not expect Atlantic Krakoa to appear with Kafka as its ambassador, let alone after 15 years passed in the White Hot Room. This largely background character who first appeared in Giant-Size X-Men: Jean Grey and Emma Frost and wasn’t even granted a name until last year has gotten some welcome page time since the majority of mutants were stranded in the WHR. To see him grown, speaking the way he speaks, is truly bittersweet. He’s the narrative vehicle to tell mutants what has happened in their absence, what Krakoa has become, and essentially why it must leave.

Was this the perfect resolution? No, but rather than simply “mutants in the WHR are no longer available,” they get a choice. Some decide to return to earth, some decide to stay behind and live in a true utopia, working directly with the land, rather than draining it. Respect this sacred land, sure, but mutants did use the island as a tool. Though not against its will, it still makes sense that Krakoan gates used energy, and of course the comment about “sustainable footprint” is quite topical. Seeing the two islands merging into one makes sense, and Krakoa disappears in a beautiful page, in another bittersweet moment . At least the resolution here wasn’t that the island got completely destroyed!

As happy as I am that mutants who’ve chosen to go back to the WHR will have a life of true peace, I can’t help but feel disappointment that this peace must be in isolation. Why should mutants have to isolate themselves from the world to attain that peace and thrive as these mutants have? I know the answer – as long as humans exist, bigotry will exist. The powerful will keep us focused on our differences, how the “other” is “stealing” this or “getting away with” that. Humans will fall for that propaganda and hate. Bigotry exists in the real world, so bigotry will exist in X-Men comics. From a narrative view, this was one of the better solutions. From a real-world view, it was a sad reminder of the worst of humanity.

As far as conflict, I was not expecting the majority of this comic to focus on mutants fighting Apocalypse. I get it though – for millennia, he’s known nothing but violence. He is a product of what this world and its rules say – survival of the fittest, which is quite inherently violent. Without a need for violence, there is no need for Apocalypse. Obviously this helps to set up the Heir of Apocalypse series and does make sense within the context of this story, but I was hoping to see more exploration of the aftermath of Orchis, of human governments banishing mutants, of human attitudes when they learned that the AI in Orchis wanted them dead. Sure, it’s possible, even probable, that as FTA begins, this will all be addressed. But…nothing was touched on here and that was disappointing.

Mystique getting revenge on Becky? Fantastic. Xavier causing his prison to be built with a loophole? Very effective scene. The bottom line? This was a good comic and it ended on the happiest note possible, in my opinion. Since last July, Hellfire Gala 2023, mutant books have been brutal at times, frustrating at other times, and finally, altogether rushed out the door to get to From the Ashes quicker so we don’t lose that sweet X-Men 97 synergy. This comic, though not perfect, didn’t feel brutal, frustrating, or rushed. Perhaps it wasn’t as good as it could have been, but it certainly was a decent end.

The art as a whole? Well, most of it worked for me. I understand wanting to bring multiple artists into a milestone comic like this and the different styles were mostly used well. Noto for the peaceful scenes was a great choice. Cassara and Vecchio really shined in their small sections. Opeña’s action sequences were fine. Wasn’t a fan of Simonson’s page (but am an overall fan of his even if his work isn’t what it used to be) and I loathe JRJR’s style, but overall, the art and artist choices were effective and solid. The peak into what’s coming at the very end? Fine. Cute little way of giving a preview without giving much away. But no, I’m not excited for From the Ashes. I’m still not over Krakoa.

The End Of An Era

This era meant so much to people. Maybe not everyone, but in my little corner of the internet? It seemed to mean a lot, and it meant a lot to me. Mutants were done politely asking for a seat at the table from those who wanted them dead. United, they created a seat at the metaphorical table and demanded recognition and respect, and they flourished. Yes, they were still hated and feared, but they were united, had economic power, and had defeated death. Sure, there were plenty of comics, arcs, and ideas that didn’t work. But there were also plenty of stories that examined how mutants could grow and develop as individuals and as a people. What working together, not as “hero” and “villain,” but as mutants, meant. Characters previously unable to see page time due to editorial decisions from years ago, decades ago, were able to see the light of day and get development.

There were triumphs and tragedies all within the context of a minority group with the ability, the power, to choose their own destiny. Yes, it was uncomfortable at times, especially at the beginning. A nation and its economic power were born from the human concepts of a nation, power, and even punishment. Flaws were built into the foundation. But to see mutants rise up and say “no more” was victory. I know that there are people who don’t understand this. Over the years, people have incorrectly used the terms “cult” and “ethno-state” to describe Krakoa. I’m not going to convince these people they’re wrong. But also, some people just didn’t like this era – and that’s fine! I will never understand why, but we are all entitled to like and dislike things. But more than that, mutants, this persecuted minority, could finally (mostly) live safely and freely. I noticed that this concept resonated with plenty of People of Color and the LGBTQIA+ community. The mutant metaphor is far from perfect, but the parallels are there.

Five years ago, Jonathan Hickman breathed new life into X-Men comics and, unfortunately, that chapter is now officially over. Personally, it’s going to take a while to get used to. Sure, new X-Men comics will be releasing every Wednesday, but they’re not going to be “Krakoan” comics. There have been good and bad X-Men comics from inception, but to me, there aren’t too many “staple eras” of mutant comics – big swings that left a lasting impact. Writers, events, crossovers, sure – but “eras” that changed how we looked at mutants? Not many of those. Yes, Krakoa had its ups and downs, but as long as it existed, there was still potential. That potential is gone…for now. Marvel has recognized that this is the end of the “first Krakoan era,” which is a wise choice – don’t close the door on it. It could be 10, 20, or 50 years, but someday, writers can explore Krakoa further.

I know some people are completely done reading X-Men comics now. I know some who are excited for FTA and some who are nervous. Whatever your feelings, they’re valid. Personally, I feel like this is gearing up to be a strange sort of grieving process. I’m going to do my best though to not bring lots of negativity about Marvel, X-Men comics, FTA, to my little corner of the internet. For me, it’s not healthy. I may fall short sometimes, but I’m gonna try.

Whatever comes next though, if you loved the past five years, the good news is that these comics will always, ALWAYS be there to pick back up again. Your favorite characters and favorite moments? Your favorite art and funniest data pages? The feelings that great storytelling gives you? They’ll be waiting for you, radiant and with open arms.

 GUEST COMMENTARY: X-Fan talks the end of an era! @Jonathan_eff #XMen #Krakoa #FallofX #FromtheAshes #MarvelComics  Read More