Summary
Warning: contains spoilers forNYX#1!
For the course of theX-Men’s61 years, the “mutant metaphor” has been one of the franchise’s driving principles, and now Marvel is evolving it in a vital new way. The X-Men’sFrom the Ashesera has begun, and with it comes the post-Krakoan diaspora. This traumatic eventhas revealed a new layer in the mutant versus human conflict as seen inNYX#1.
NYX#1 was written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly and drawn by Francesco Mortarino. The issue uses Ms. Marvel as its anchor, showing her daily life in the wake of the fall of Krakoa. She attends school alongside Sophie Cuckoo, and the two are enrolled in the same Mutant Studies class: “Examinations of Post-Krakoan Diaspora,” which is taught by Prodigy, a former member of the X-Men.
Later, the two go out to a bar, where humans attempt to pick a fight with mutants.
A human live streams the attack, saying mutants are “not immigrants,” but instead are terrorists.
The X-Men’s Mutant Metaphor, Explained
The Mutant Metaphor Has Evolved Over Time
The“mutant metaphor” has been the guiding principle of the X-Men franchisesince its debut 61 years ago. At its core is the struggle between humans and mutants. Humans fear and hate mutants, and actively take steps to oppress them, be it Sentinels or internment camps. Over the years, this has been viewed as metaphorical for a variety of groups and movements. Originally, it was read as a metaphor for racism, and over time evolved to encompass homophobia as well. Essentially, anyone who is different or out of step with the norm can be viewed as a metaphorical mutant.
The X-Men’sFrom the Ashesera has added a new layer to the mutant metaphor: immigration.
The X-Men’s Krakoan era should have been a triumph, but instead came crashing down thanks to humanity’s long-standing hatred of mutants. Krakoa fell, and the survivors were scattered to the various corners of the Earth. Some mutants have found (relatively) stable homes, such asCyclops’ team working out ofAlaska. Many have not, however, and are moving from region to region, searching for a place to fit in. The X-Men’sFrom the Asheserahas added a new layer to the mutant metaphor: immigration.The human in the bar nearly calls the Krakoan refugees “terrorists.”
The X-Men Remain Relevant As Ever
The Mutant Metaphor Is Not Likely to Go Away Anytime Soon
This evolution of the mutant metaphor has made it timely and relevant once again. As capitalism-fueled climate change continues to make certain areas of the planet inhospitable, more and more people will flee them, seeking homes in new countries. Unfortunately, many of these refugees do not receive a welcome when they arrive. These immigrants are labeled “terrorists” and “murderers,” much likeMs. Marvel and Sophie inNYX#1.Thanks to the persistent specter of white supremacy, the immigration crisis is not likely to let up anytime soon, and theX-Men’smutant metaphor has evolved to encompass it.
NYX#1 (2024)
