Potential spoilers for X-Men #6 ahead!
The X-Men have introduced the mutant version of Captain America, known as Captain Krakoa—and Cyclops is not happy about it at all. In a special first look at December’s X-Men #6, readers are introduced to the mysterious Captain Krakoa—but who is he? And what exactly is his mission?
In 2019, writer Jonathan Hickman took creative control of the X-Men franchise, breathing new life into it, introducing the mutant homeland of Krakoa. On this island paradise, Earth’s mutants could live in peace, without the fear of outside oppression. In order to secure a seat at the global table, Krakoa shares some of its advanced medicines with the outside world. Until recently, with a few exceptions, this was the extent of contact between Krakoa and other nations, but after the Hellfire Gala, that changed. A new team of X-Men, consisting of both veterans and younger mutants, was assembled, selected by the Krakoan community; this new squad was forward-facing, adopting colorful costumes and fulfilling traditional superhero roles. In X-Men #6, on sale in print and digital this December, a new hero is looking to join the new X-Men team—and some are not too keen on the newcomer. The issue is written by Gerry Duggan, with art by Pepe Larraz.
The issue’s cover, as well as information on the plot, was revealed recently by Comicbook.com. The story, titled “Whatever Happened to Captain Krakoa,” will see the mysterious Captain Krakoa try to join the X-Men—a move opposed by Cyclops. No information was provided as to Captain Krakoa’s identity, but Duggan has hinted that Captain Krakoa’s mission may be a “grand” one, according to the article. Duggan was quoted as calling Captain Krakoa the X-Men’s “gift to their home planet.” Duggan also referenced the X-Men’s recent terraforming of Mars—a move that has had huge implications across the galaxy, so Captain Krakoa may be involved with this too. Larraz’s cover, shared below, shows the new hero in all of his mutant glory.
Since Hickman’s revamp, the X-Men and the rest of Krakoa have largely isolated themselves from the rest of the planet. Given the long history of mutant oppression by just about every other nation on Earth, mutants cannot be blamed for wanting little to do with their former oppressors. Yet now Krakoa is reaching out to the world, with a team of colorful X-Men who are committed to saving the world. Captain Krakoa is the next step for the X-Men, creating a singular mutant hero the rest of the world can rally around.
Yet why does Cylcops not want him around? What does he know about Captain Krakoa? The answers to these questions can be found in December’s X-Men #6, where the X-Men introduce their own version of Captain America.
