Marvel May Cast Doubt on Nightcrawler, But X-Men ’97 Already Proved the Publisher Wrong

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X-Men ’97 reminded wider audiences what Nightcrawler is capable of, which makes it strange that Marvel Comics is seemingly trying to downplay the fan-favorite character’s prowess in combat, despite decades of lore depicting him as a master swordsman. Though Kurt Wagner has a reputation as the X-franchise’s resident man of faith, he has never shied away from a fight, either.

X-Men #9 – written by Jed MacKay, with art by Ryan Stegman – continues the “Raid on Graymalkin” crossover with Uncanny X-Men, including the finish to the battle between Nightcrawler and Psylocke, which began in Uncanny X-Men #7.

The outcome is quick and decisive, and doesn’t account for Nightcrawler’s noted battle-tested skill set, as Psylocke easily pins down Kurt. While Nightcrawler prioritizes non-lethally neutralizing his fellow mutant hero, Psylocke calls Kurt out for his pacifism, before taunting that he merely plays with his blades.

Nightcrawler Is A Master Of Swordsmanship, But Psylocke Out-Duels Him Easily In Their Latest Confrontation

X-Men #9–Written By Jed MacKay; Art By Federico Vicentini & Ryan Stegman; Ink By Federico Vicentini & JP Mayer; Color By Marte Gracia & Fer Sifuentes-Sujo; Lettering By VC’s Clayton Cowles

Nightcrawler has long been recognized as a master of his martial art. Over the years, Kurt has equipped himself with fencing sabers and cutlasses, often leading to him being compared to a pirate.
Nightcrawler’s swordsmanship
was properly recognized in the original 1988 Excalibur series, written by Chris Claremont, with art by Alan Davis. Excalibur, as its namesake may suggest, is a collection of X-Men and British heroes, many of whom have displayed incredible skill at sword combat. Kurt served on this team for decades, even working alongside the original Psylocke, Betsy Braddock.

However, while the comics can only show off so much of his skill, the X-Men ‘97 animated series on Disney+ genuinely shows off Nightcrawler’s expert competence with his weapons. As sentinels threaten to kill a sick and recovering Rogue in her sleep, Kurt and Wolverine team up, unleashing a fury of bladed blows against their opponents. Using his teleportation to his advantage, Nightcrawler has learned how to pinpoint his enemies’ weak spots to deliver quick and decisive cuts. Truly, the only thing that holds him back in battle is his righteous pacifistic nature.

The Balance Between His Desire For Peace & His Preparation For War Is Key To Nightcrawler’s Character

Why Is Marvel Diminishing Kurt’s Skills?

Nightcrawler’s swordsmanship is so naturally ingrained into his person that the very essence of optimistic hope that lies within his soul manifests as a sword. After Kurt’s adoptive mother sold out to Orchis
to help overthrow Krakoa
, she cast a hex that manifested his faith into a spiritual blade called the Hopesword. While he hasn’t used it often, it shows how much of his identity is tied to his relationship with blades. Besides the fact that it just looks cool, as much as Magik or Psylocke’s weapons are extensions of themselves, the same is true for Nightcrawler.

Why Marvel has decided to diminish Kurt’s skill in this issue is a vexing question. A proper duel between Nightcrawler and Psylocke would have been a mind-blowing fight; however, X-Men #9 doesn’t take the opportunity to stage that battle. Further, it seems Nightcrawler’s main comic series, Uncanny X-Men, has also decided to overlook Nightcrawler’s blade-wielding skills. It is hard to understand why he hasn’t been allowed to thrive as a master swordsman following Krakoa’s collapse. Still, just as X-Men ’97 showed, Nightcrawler remains among Marvel’s best sword fighters.

X-Men #9is now available from Marvel Comics

“}]] X-Men comics can’t ignore Nightcrawler’s skill.  Read More