Warning: contains spoilers for X-Factor #8!
As the governing body of Krakoa, the Quiet Council – made up of mutant leaders like Magneto and Charles Xavier – holds a huge amount of power, but one mutant leader just showed that he’s not afraid to oppose it. The new X-Factor is a relatively new team, formed for the purpose of investigating the deaths and disappearances of mutants. With so many protocols and precautionary measures surrounding Krakoan resurrections, X-Factor was a necessary addition to the mutant nation’s operations. Leading the team is Jean-Paul Beaubier, aka Northstar, who, despite being hesitant to accept the new role, has exhibited confidence and care towards his crew. Even so, Northstar can also be a bit headstrong and stubborn, which just became apparent when the Quiet Council asked for a pretty minor favor.
Lately, X-Factor has been investigating the mysterious deaths of Theresa Cassidy, aka Siryn. Her initial death was fairly suspicious, as she had fallen off a cliff to her death, despite being able to fly. After being resurrected, Siryn caused even more concern, as her corpse was found in England a mere five days later. Eventually, the team discovered that an ancient Goddess of Death known as the Morrigan had taken over their friend, leading to an incredibly dangerous situation for the team of sleuths.
In Leah Williams, David Baldeón, and Israel Silva’s X-Factor #8, the Morrigan strikes, and she strikes hard. Even with Eye-Boy able to sense that something is wrong, the villain manages to murder more than half of the team in her initial attack. After getting everyone resurrected, the heroes regroup and Xavier offers some help, which Polaris is quick to decline. As the members of X-Factor make their way back to their now zombie-infested base, they come up with a temporary plan to stop the Morrigan, and by the end of the issue, they are successful. On the last page, however, there is an inquiry from Xavier, who wants Northstar to keep him updated on some developments pertaining to Eye-Boy’s mutant abilities. Just below this message is Jean-Paul’s response; a quick and simple, “No.”
Such direct insubordination is fairly strange, especially considering how powerful the Quiet Council is. After all, X-Factor requests favors, equipment, and permission to take on new projects from the council all the time, so getting on their bad side doesn’t really help Northstar in any capacity. Of course, a refusal to update Krakoa’s leaders isn’t outright rebellion, but it does show Northstar’s unwillingness to accommodate his superiors in even the mildest context.
Northstar isn’t the only mutant to defy Krakoa’s leadership, as Cyclops and Jean Grey have also gone against the Quiet Council’s will by re-forming the X-Men. With more mutants making it clear that they don’t feel beholden to their governing figures, it may only be a matter of time before the council is overthrown in favor of a new system. Given the fact that Magneto and Xavier have been making decisions based on Moira MacTaggert’s insights about the future, though, having a powerhouse like Northstar align against the Quiet Council could spell disaster for mutantkind. At the same time, it’s nice to know that Jean-Paul’s first instinct is to protect sensitive information about his teammates. His actions as a leader are proving that he has his team’s best interests at heart, even if it means ending up on the wrong side of Krakoa’s ruling body.
