The first true X-Men antagonist of the new From the Ashes era has finally been revealed, as The Krakoan attacks New York City in a powerful response to the tragic fall of Krakoa. Seen assaulting Kamala Khan, whose mutant power as Ms. Marvel was recently unveiled, in the pages of NYX #1, the identity of the rage-filled Krakoan is still a mystery, although he clearly idolizes the former leaders of Krakoa from his costume.

NYX will follow Kamala, Anole, Prodigy, Wolverine, and Sophie Cuckoo as they move to New York City following Krakoa’s end, attempting to make new lives for themselves as powerful young mutants living among humanity once again.

Shared by AIPT, The Krakoan will appear in NYX #1, from writers Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing with art by Francesco Mortarino, as the “former X-Man” delivers his own version of Krakoa’s legacy to the mean streets of New York City.

A New X-Men Villain Emerges To Establish Krakoa’s Legacy

Who is the Krakoan, and why are they attacking Ms. Marvel?

The end of the Krakoan Age was tragic for the X-Men, as the evil Orchis seemingly destroyed their latest (and most promising) utopia. Thankfully, after defeating Orchis and the Enigma Dominion, it was revealed that Krakoa had lived on and thrived in the White Hot Room for over a decade, and it will continue to for many years to come. Even with the hope given by Kafka’s return in X-Men #35, many Earthbound mutants will be rightfully angry over the dissolution of the mutant state, and being forced to live among humans once again. Besides who exactly The Krakoan is, the real question is whether they turn out to be a “villain,” or will they end up being a misguided and rightfully angry citizen of Krakoa.

I Wish X-Men’s Krakoa Era Could Last Forever, But I’m Convinced We Just Got Its Best Possible Ending

Writer Collin Kelly is hoping that even if readers have preconceived notions about The Krakoan’s perspective, or how it will impact the era’s legacy, they will still read the issue to join the discussion on “the meaning of legacy.” Some fans are already assuming that The Krakoan is the beginning of a subtle retcon by Marvel to make the Krakoan Era appear “wrong,” but there is a chance that this tale will truly be about grief, identity, and assimilation, as former Krakoans struggle to find their way in a world they are no longer adjusted to. The Krakoan is donning a costume that puts a new twist on Magneto’s classic look, including a replica of Xavier’s Cerebro helmet, and even some hints of Cyclops’ pouch-heavy 90s costume.

Many Fans Believe The Krakoan Will Be Revealed To Be Hellion

Julian is a powerful telekinetic with a similar power signature

Many fans on Twitter are convinced that The Krakoan is former Academy X student Julian Keller, a powerful telekinetic known as Hellion who has only been seen a few times since the dawn of the Krakoan Age. Not only is The Krakoan using telekinesis in the preview from NYX #1, but the power signature is very similar to Hellion’s light green telekinetic hue, hinting that the two may be the same. Hellion may be taking “Magneto Was Right” to its extreme with his new costume and his assault on New York City, but if that inherently makes him a villain is yet to be explored.

As the new From the Ashes era of the X-Men begins, the lingering impacts of the Krakoan Age will become a powerful undercurrent beneath the coming mutant adventures, questioning Krakoa’s legacy, morality, and future. The Krakoan is forcing both fans and the heroes of Marvel to reflect on the legacy of Krakoa, how we can learn and grow from it, and how it might even hold us back.

NYX #1 from Marvel Comics debuts on July 24th, 2024.

Source: AIPTComics, GraysonMaximoff, Collin Kelly