Warning: This article contains spoilers for X-Men #3!
Marvel's X-Men relaunch has seen the entire mutant race settle on the island of Krakoa - and it's increasingly looking like a bad idea. Krakoa was originally introduced in 1975's Giant-Size X-Men #1, a living island that fed on mutant beings for energy. It's an unlikely home for mutantdom, to say the least.
Several issues had already hinted that Krakoa is quietly feeding off its inhabitants. In Fallen Angels #1, Psylocke noted that "even spilled blood... brings new life." X-Force #1 revealed that Krakoa has begun to evolve predators, creatures that prey upon mutants. According to Wolverine, he'd been hunting the creature for several days, and it had left a lot of bones behind. It had presumably also shed a lot of blood, all of which would have fallen on Krakoan soil and led to the creation of new life.
Jonathan Hickman's X-Men #3 has finally sealed the deal, confirming that Krakoa is far from tame. The issue features one of the traditional Hickman info-pages, revealing that the mutants are actually feeding the island.
As most know, Krakoa "feeds" on the psychic energy of mutants. When the island is at maximum growth [not the protracted, pre-nation state, "winter" version], Krakoa needs to consume two mutants a year to maintain a stable environment. However, the current population of Krakoa means that only a minimal amount of psychic energy is needed from each citizen to maintain the health of the island -- something each mutant is happy to give.
It's worth noting that both Venus fly trap, a carnivorous plant that secretes nectar on its leaves. Insects are drawn to them, triggering the trip hairs on the outside of the trap, and it snaps shut to consume its prey. Wolverine - who's likely to resist this kind of influence - has already hinted he feels that the island gives a sense of security that's dangerous.
The X-Men are apparently suspicious, with the vampiric mutants Selene and Emplate carefully monitoring Krakoa to ensure it doesn't exceed the maximum safe psychic drain. But if the island can feed off mutant blood as well as psychic energy, then right now it probably has no need to take any excess. Just days have ed since human forces launched an attack on Krakoan soil, assassinating Charles Xavier - and taking 32 other mutant lives. No doubt Krakoa drank of the blood that was shed, and its appetite has been sated - for now.
Meanwhile, in Charles Xavier's absence Krakoa has grown, merging itself with its "twin" Arakko. That means the island has just doubled in size, and as a result the old limits - including its need to consume a certain amount of mutant energy - no longer apply. It's reasonable to assume the X-Men are completely underestimating Krakoa's appetite, and that this is not a safe place for mutants to live.
X-Men #3 is on sale in comic shops now.
