Warning: Spoilers for Uncanny X-Men #14!The X-Men franchise has unveiled a mutant whose methods are even darker than Magneto. Before embarking on a complicated turn to heroism, Magneto delivered some of the Marvel Universe's most heinous actions in an effort to promote the advancement of mutantkind. His intentions were pure, but his methods were always extreme.

The franchise's newest mutant, Lady Henrietta "Henry" Benjamin, proves darker than Magneto in Uncanny X-Men #14 by Gail Simone and David Marquez. This issue reveals that Miss Henrietta has established a prison that traps the souls of those who kill mutants. The effort to do so paints Henrietta as an absolutist protector of mutants similar to Magneto.

That being said, it's hard to trace back even to Magneto's most villainous adventures and find a plot where he's committed atrocities anywhere near what Henrietta has done. Henrietta may be a far more brutal force than Magneto ever was.

Lady Henrietta "Henry" Benjamin Takes a Darker Route Than Magneto in New X-Men Introduction

Uncanny X-Men #14 by Gail Simone, David Marquez, Matthew Wilson, and VC's Clayton Cowles

The previous issue, Uncanny X-Men #13, marks the first comic book appearance of Lady Henrietta by way of flashbacks told through her diary. Neither this comic nor this latest issue specify what year these flashbacks take place, but it's evident that it's during a bygone era. When readers meet her, she's exiting the Baker Circle Boarding House for Colored People on course for Haven, Louisiana, being followed by a mysterious Pinkerton-esque service. Lady Henrietta has been seen to be a mutant who can transform her skin in the vein of Emma Frost's similar abilities, albeit pushed to wild new levels.

The twist of Uncanny X-Men #14 brings readers into the modern day, where Lady Henrietta is revealed to be the Guardian of Penumbra, a city of the dead imprisoning the souls of those who directly caused the death of a mutant. Readers first see Henry's abilities and powers unfold in one of the flashbacks where she disposes of two of the Pinkerton-esque agents who play a role in killing a new friend she makes named George. This establishes that this literal hellhole that Henrietta has created for her victims has lasted for decades, pre-dating any mayhem caused by Magneto.

Is Lady Henrietta a Hero or a Villain?

Her Allegiances are More Complicated Than Magneto

Just as her methods seem to be far more savage than Magneto's were, her allegiances to being heroic or villainous remain just as complex and complicated as Magneto's ever were. While there's still plenty to learn about Lady Henrietta as she sets up to bring the team new meaning, she's also set up to be the team's new Magneto. She is unapologetic in her efforts to save and avenge other mutants, with no sympathy or regard for humanity. Whether Lady Henrietta ends up being more of an ally or foe to the X-Men whilst opposing humankind remains to be seen.

Uncanny X-Men #14 is available now from Marvel.