Warning: spoilers ahead for Legion of X #8!Recently, the Nightcrawler is the heart and soul of the team, and one of its most popular , but now he has grown demonic-looking horns that give him a far more sinister appearance. In Legion of X #8, this new look gets compared to Krampus, a frightful creature from European mythology. The issue is on sale now in print and digital.
Nightcrawler is struggling with his new look, which is influencing him to act in a more aggressive, animalistic manner. While the new Black Knight consoles him, however, Kurt runs across some German kids, who instantly identify him as "Krampus." Krampus is a European folk character, usually associated with the Christmas holidays. Unlike Santa Claus, who brings presents to good children, Krampus punishes the naughty ones. Krampus, long relegated to the margins, has become a popular figure in culture once again thanks to the internet and numerous film adaptations.
Since his first appearance in 1975’s Giant Size X-Men #1, Nightcrawler’s appearance has set him apart from his fellow X-Men. Nightcrawler, with his pointed ears and tail, blue fur and yellow eyes, looks positively demonic. Yet this appearance sets up a fascinating contrast, as Nightcrawler has a happy-go-lucky personality as well as being a devout Catholic. These stark contrasts have helped make him one of the most popular X-Men ever. Recently, for reasons yet unknown, Nightcrawler grew horns, adding further to his demonic appearance. He is now on a quest to discover why, as well as not lose his humanity in the process. The book is written by Si Spurrier, drawn by Netho Diaz, inked by Sean Parsons, colored by Federico Blee and lettered by Clayton Cowles.
Nightcrawler's New Form Is Turning Him into Krampus
While the Krampus joke is funny on a surface level, and Nightcrawler does seem glibly amused, it could have still hurt him. Nightcrawler’s appearance has made him unwelcome in many areas; indeed, when readers first met him in Giant Sized X-Men #1, he was fleeing from a mob bent on killing him because of his demonic appearance. Despite this, 'Krampus' might actually be a better mutant name for Kurt Wagner. It's at least personal in referencing his Germanic origins, and while he has made 'Nightcrawler' his own, it's ultimately a name that denotes a type of worm.
As a member of the X-Men and as a solo hero, Nightcrawler has proved countless times that there's no justification for naming him after such a horrifying character - however with his new demonic horns and the impulse to lash out at those around him, 'Krampus' may end up being an accurate prediction of what this new transformation is turning him into.
Legion of X #8 is on sale now from Marvel Comics!
