The cover for NYX #4 gives readers a closer look at the Krakoan's Magneto-inspired costume, suggesting that the character could fill the currently-vacant role of chief mutant antagonist to the X-Men, now that Magneto has fully embraced his role as Charles Xavier's successor.

NYX #4 (2024)
Release Date:	October 30, 2024
Writers:	Collin Kelly & Jackson Lanzing
Artists:	Enid Balám
Cover Artist:	Sara Pichelli
Variant Covers:	To Be Announced
The future of mutantkind falls to Prodigy! Genius. Student. New Mutant. Young Avenger. X-Man. As Prodigy, David Alleyne has been all these things and more — but now he faces his most difficult challenge yet. Facing down his past and looking his present in the eye, Prodigy must fight to understand what mutant culture really means to those left behind by Krakoa... and how far he’ll go to protect the mutants of New York City from a devastating — and dangerous—conspiracy of their own. Featuring guest art by Enid Balám!

The synopsis for the issue, meanwhile, centers the character Prodigy, and emphasizes that the series will be more than just an action-adventure book, but will also serve as an ambitious exploration of Marvel's "mutant culture," in the wake of the Krakoan Era's spectacular conclusion.

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X-Men Promises "Mutant Evolution" That Rejects Superhero Clichés for Something Deeper

As the X-Men look towards an uncertain new future, one team of mutants will explore what mutant culture looks like in a post-Krakoan age

Posts 2

The Krakoan Steps In To Fill The Mutant Villain Void In X-Men's New Era

A Dark Tether To The Franchise's History

The lead-up to Marvel's new NYX series has centered on the question of who the Krakoan is, and what will cause them to come into conflict with the X-Men. What is undeniable is that the character's design is intended to evoke Magneto's classic look, while their name provides a direct link of continuity to the Krakoan Era. Together, these details make it clear that NYX's cast of younger mutant characters will grapple with the fallout of Krakoa's destruction, and the legacy of one of the franchise's most complicated characters, as they seek a greater understanding of mutantkind's culture and history.

As the first – and many would argue, the greatest – villain in X-Men history, Magneto's earliest appearances set the foundation for the moral complexities that would come to dominate the franchise over the subsequent decades. While his evolution into one of Marvel's predominant mutant heroes has been a necessary arc for the character, no other mutant villain has truly been heir to Magneto's villainous legacy in the way that the Krakoan has the potential to be. As the young heroes of NYX learn to embrace and celebrate the heights of mutant culture, the Krakoan is positioned to be a dark counterpoint.

The Krakoan Can Fill Magneto's Shoes As A Perennial Antagonist To The X-Men

NYX #1 – Written By Collin Kelly & Jackson Lanzing; Art By sco Mortarino; Color By Raúl Angulo

Spoilers ahead for NYX #1!

As much as the "From the Ashes" relaunch promises a fresh start for the X-franchise, Marvel should be commended for facing the consequences of taking away mutantkind's island homeland of Krakoa. Especially for the younger generation of mutants, returning to an earlier status quo – and reintegrating into mainstream society – offers a dramatically potent dynamic that NYX seems designed, as a series, specifically to explore in greater detail. The natural extension of that is for the destruction of Krakoa to be the origin story for a powerful new villain.

As a result, many readers expected a familiar face under the Krakoan's mask, and NYX #1 proved them right, confirming that the antagonist is dealing with its complicated past. How Hellion's villainous turn is handled remains to be determined, but given the opportunity, the newly-christened Krakoan could prove to be a perfect long-term "evil mutant" adversary for the latest era of X-Men stories.

X-Men

Movie(s)

X-Men (2000), X2, X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), X-Men: First Class (2011), The Wolverine (2013), X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), Deadpool (2016), X-Men: Apocalypse (2016), Logan (2017), Deadpool 2 (2018), Dark Phoenix (2019), The New Mutants, Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

First Film

X-Men (2000)

TV Show(s)

X-Men: Pryde of the X-Men, X-Men (1992), X-Men: Evolution (2000), Wolverine and the X-Men (2008), Marvel Anime: Wolverine, Marvel Anime: X-Men, Legion (2017), The Gifted (2017), X-Men '97 (2024)

Character(s)

Professor X, Cyclops, Iceman, Beast, Angel, Phoenix, Wolverine, Gambit, Rogue, Storm, Jubilee, Morph, Nightcrawler, Havok, Banshee, Colossus, Magneto, Psylocke, Juggernaut, Cable, X-23

Video Game(s)

X-Men: Children of the Atom (1994), Marvel Super Heroes (1995), X-Men vs. Street Fighter (1996), Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter (1997), Marvel vs. Capcom (1998), X-Men: Mutant Academy (2000), Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes (2000), X-Men: Mutant Academy 2 (2001), X-Men: Next Dimension (2002), Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (2011), Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (2011), X-Men Legends (2005), X-Men Legends 2: Rise of Apocalypse (2005), X2: Wolverine's Revenge (2003), X-Men (1993), X-Men 2: Clone Wars (1995), X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse (1994)

Comic Release Date

213035,212968

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.

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