The X-Men's Krakoan Conundrum: A Mutant's Denied Entry
A shocking revelation has rocked the X-Men universe! In a recent installment of the beloved comic book series, one of the most iconic X-Men, Kitty Pryde, was denied entry to the mutant island nation of Krakoa. But why? Was it a mere technological glitch, or something more profound?
Published just hours ago, this intriguing tale unfolds as we delve into the world of comic book legends. CBR's esteemed senior staff writer, Brian Cronin, has been captivating readers with his insightful columns for over a decade and a half. His work, including the renowned 'Comics Should Be Good' series, has earned him a dedicated following. Cronin's expertise extends beyond columns, as he has authored three books on comics, two for Penguin-Random House and one for Triumph Books, each exploring the fascinating world of superheroes and their legends.
In this 958th edition of 'Comic Book Legends Revealed', we unravel the mystery behind Kitty Pryde's inability to enter Krakoa. The Krakoa era, a pivotal period in X-Men history, saw the team establish themselves as a world power, selling special medicine and wielding both economic and military might. But the signature gateways of Krakoa, teleportation portals accessible only to mutants, posed a peculiar problem.
But here's where it gets controversial. The legendary Kitty Pryde, a core member of the X-Men, couldn't use these gateways! Speculation arose that Kitty might not be a mutant, a theory that gained traction among fans. However, X-Men editor Jordan White reveals a different perspective. He considered the idea of Kitty discovering she wasn't a mutant, a twist that could challenge her identity. But this concept never materialized, as White explains:
"I pitched it should be Kitty Pryde. [...] I thought it would be an interesting twist [...] to say, what if she learned she wasn’t a mutant, and then she can learn that it doesn’t matter. [...] Whether she was born mutant or not."
And this is the part most people miss—the explanation for Kitty's gate-related woes. Gerry Duggan, writer of 'Marauders', had a different take. He wanted to explore the idea that Kitty's powers, which have a history of disrupting technology, were the culprit. This theory was supported by instances in the comics where Kitty's powers interacted poorly with machines.
So, was it a creative decision or a long-standing plot point? The jury is still out. What do you think? Is Kitty's inability to use the gates a clever narrative twist or a missed opportunity for a deeper exploration of her character? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
