Summary
Warning: Contains spoilers for NYX #1!!
TheX-Menmoved beyond black-and-white definitions of ‘villain’ and ‘hero’as they established Krakoa, and all were granted a second chance in the mutant nation, but things are rapidly changing after its fall. Cue the Krakoan, a new villain ready to turn his anger (and telekinesis) against humanity. Fans speculated that Julian Keller was behind the Krakoan’s mask, andI’ve never been more disappointed to have a rumor confirmed.
NYX#1 reveals the identity of thelatest mutant villain, the Krakoan, as Julian Keller, formerly known as Hellion. Keller appears deeply affected by the fall of Krakoa, along with mutants being forced to return to a human society that is (once again) demonizing. Rather than accept it, he has joined forces with Empath and the Stepford Cuckoos to fight back.
As a huge Hellion fansince hisAcademy Xdays, I’m let down that this take on Julian, and his shift to the Krakoan, leans more into bitter villainy rather than his leadership potential and natural revolutionary tendencies.
20 Years After Her Debut, Marvel Recreates the First Image of Wolverine’s Daughter X-23
NYX, the series that introduced X-23 to Marvel Comics, returns with a new homage cover harkening back to that original controversial appearance.
I Believe Hellion Deserves Better Than Becoming Marvel’s Next Big Mutant Antagonist
NYX#1 – By Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, Francesco Mortarino, Raúl Angulo, & Joe Sabino
I waited for Julian to have some role on Krakoa, but the well ran dry for years, only for him to be plucked out of the ether as a villain after its fall.
X-Men fans know that no mutant lives an easy life, and we constantly watch our favorites endure literal and metaphorical punches.I’d argue that Hellion has taken more than most, and with each hit came a fresh dose of judgment and condemnationfrom the people who were meant to be at his side. Julian Keller was shunned by his wealthy parents after his X-Gene activated and joined Xavier’s school as Emma Frost’s favored student. M-Day, a Purifier attack that killed his best friend, and losing his hands in a violent attack on Utopia followed, leaving him lost and furious.
Unfortunately, where many other young mutants have received support and mentoring, any display of Hellion’s anger was met with disgust and punishment by leaders like Cyclops and Rogue. I’ve watched for years as Quentin Quire was forcibly mentored and coaxed from a violent, riot-leading rebel into a member of themain X-Men team, while Hellion was relegated to a literal background presence stuck dealing with his own massive trauma. I waited for Julian to have some role on Krakoa, but the well ran dry for years, only for him to be plucked out of the ether as a villain after its fall.
Marvel Can Still Win Me Back If This Turns Out To Be One Part Of A Larger Story
Give Hellion A Meaningful Arc
Fans never saw Julian enjoying life on Krakoa, but we must contend with its destruction setting him on a short-sighted path the character doesn’t deserve.
Not every character is meant to be “good” in a traditional sense, but there are paths other than villainy. I’ve always appreciated that Julian was protective of his friends and willing to stand up for his fellow mutants, and his past struggles primed for his own spin on a Schism-era Cyclops-style return. Instead, I’m left to grapple with the image of Julian drinking martinis alongside a smarmy, smirking Empath. Fans never saw Julian enjoying life on Krakoa, but we must contend with its destruction setting him on a short-sighted path the character doesn’t deserve.
I haven’t lost hope forNYXyet; Wolverine’s presence in the title and her complicated past with Hellion is worth exploring. He was the first person to truly stick up for Laura when she came to Xavier’s school. Though they eventually parted on poor terms,I believe their shared connection could challenge his position as the Krakoan.She has lived and learned in a way that, ultimately, he didn’t get the opportunity to do. Instead of cultivating a talented, powerful young mutant with incredible potential, theX-Menleft Hellion to stew in his worst instincts, and the Krakoan is the result.
NYX #1 (2024)
X-Men
The X-Men franchise, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, centers on mutants with extraordinary abilities. Led by the powerful telepath Professor Charles Xavier, they battle discrimination and villainous mutants threatening humanity. The series explores themes of diversity and acceptance through a blend of action, drama, and complex characters, spanning comics, animated series, and blockbuster films.
