The fighting for all of Krakoa, but two of these mutants have completely redefined what it means to be a hero in the Marvel Universe. Many heroes have taken on a "punch first, talk later" attitude, but that mentality doesn’t always work out. Two mutants have challenged this model superheroism, taking on a pacifist outlook and choosing to talk first and punch only if truly necessary.
It’s rare to see pacifists in the Marvel Universe, as threats arrive to threaten Earth in a constant stream. However, it’s not impossible, and while Jonothon Starsmore and Mondo are challenged quite frequently in a world where mutants are subject to ridicule and stigma, they still choose not to fight. The two were part of the New Mutants team for a time and while paired with more hardcore characters such as Magik, they were frequently pushed to the limit of their principles.
Jono, aka Chamber, has a lot of history with the X-Men before coming to Krakoa. He was a faculty member in the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning, teaching classes about physical changes mutants may experience. He adopted his neutral ground mentality during the Avengers vs. X-Men event, where all he wanted to do was protect his students and use his powers only when necessary for their safety. Remaining neutral won over the favor of some of the heroes on both sides who realized that instead of fighting, they should talk it out. The petty rivalry between the Avengers and the X-Men caused a lot of unnecessary pain and Jono was among the few who realized they shouldn’t fight. Mondo originally worked with the evil Black Tom, fighting against heroes until escaping the killer's influence and eventually ing other mutants on Krakoa. The two struck up a firm friendship on the mutant island, and embraced pacifism in moments such as that seen in New Mutants #5, from Jonathan Hickman and Rod Reis.
Despite their incredible powers, Mondo and Chamber choose to use their powers protectively and productively, even when the other New Mutants are pushing for conflict. There are a few other pacifist heroes in Marvel lore - most notably the Avengers' indestructible Wonder Man - but few who risk their necks going on adventures to help others without the intention of visiting violence on their opponents. It's a different way of thinking of superheroes, and a fascinating one in an era where mutants are resurrected on death, making even defensive violence less justified than ever.
Jono and Mondo value peace and protection of others over conquest, showing a sense of loyalty and comion some heroes don’t have. Both within the Marvel Universe and in the real world, these two New Mutants offer a different, perhaps better idea of what it is to be a hero.
