I’m Struggling to Forgive Marvel for X-Men’s Latest Hero-Turned-Villain

Summary

• As a longtime fan of the character, I’m disappointed that Marvel didn’t give Julian Keller, aka Hellion, the opportunity to play a major role in the Krakoan Era of the franchise, and instead kicked off its new era by making him a villain.
• Julian’s new role is frustrating, because it doesn’t feel like Marvel is using the character to the full extent of his potential by turning him into an antagonist.
• Hellion fans like myself remain cautiously optimistic about Julian’s return; if this villainous shift in his character is only one part of a larger story, it could win us over in the end – but if it is a long-term plan for Hellion, I’m not sure I’ll be able to forgive Marvel.

Warning: Contains spoilers for NYX #1!!

The X-Men moved beyond black-and-white definitions of ‘villain’ and ‘hero’ as they established Krakoa, and all were granted a second chance in the mutant nation, but things are rapidly changing after its fall. Cue the Krakoan, a new villain ready to turn his anger (and telekinesis) against humanity. Fans speculated that Julian Keller was behind the Krakoan’s mask, and I’ve never been more disappointed to have a rumor confirmed.

NYX #1 reveals the identity of the latest mutant villain, the Krakoan, as Julian Keller, formerly known as Hellion. Keller appears deeply affected by the fall of Krakoa, along with mutants being forced to return to a human society that is (once again) demonizing. Rather than accept it, he has joined forces with Empath and the Stepford Cuckoos to fight back.

As a huge Hellion fan since his Academy X days, I’m let down that this take on Julian, and his shift to the Krakoan, leans more into bitter villainy rather than his leadership potential and natural revolutionary tendencies.

I Believe Hellion Deserves Better Than Becoming Marvel’s Next Big Mutant Antagonist

NYX #1 – By Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, Francesco Mortarino, Raúl Angulo, & Joe Sabino

I waited for Julian to have some role on Krakoa, but the well ran dry for years, only for him to be plucked out of the ether as a villain after its fall.

X-Men fans know that no mutant lives an easy life, and we constantly watch our favorites endure literal and metaphorical punches. I’d argue that Hellion has taken more than most, and with each hit came a fresh dose of judgment and condemnation from the people who were meant to be at his side. Julian Keller was shunned by his wealthy parents after his X-Gene activated and joined Xavier’s school as Emma Frost’s favored student. M-Day, a Purifier attack that killed his best friend, and losing his hands in a violent attack on Utopia followed, leaving him lost and furious.

Unfortunately, where many other young mutants have received support and mentoring, any display of Hellion’s anger was met with disgust and punishment by leaders like Cyclops and Rogue. I’ve watched for years as Quentin Quire was forcibly mentored and coaxed from a violent, riot-leading rebel into a member of the main X-Men team, while Hellion was relegated to a literal background presence stuck dealing with his own massive trauma. I waited for Julian to have some role on Krakoa, but the well ran dry for years, only for him to be plucked out of the ether as a villain after its fall.

Marvel Can Still Win Me Back If This Turns Out To Be One Part Of A Larger Story

Give Hellion A Meaningful Arc

Fans never saw Julian enjoying life on Krakoa, but we must contend with its destruction setting him on a short-sighted path the character doesn’t deserve.

Not every character is meant to be “good” in a traditional sense, but there are paths other than villainy. I’ve always appreciated that Julian was protective of his friends and willing to stand up for his fellow mutants, and his past struggles primed for his own spin on a Schism-era Cyclops-style return. Instead, I’m left to grapple with the image of Julian drinking martinis alongside a smarmy, smirking Empath. Fans never saw Julian enjoying life on Krakoa, but we must contend with its destruction setting him on a short-sighted path the character doesn’t deserve.

I haven’t lost hope for NYX yet; Wolverine’s presence in the title and her complicated past with Hellion is worth exploring. He was the first person to truly stick up for Laura when she came to Xavier’s school. Though they eventually parted on poor terms, I believe their shared connection could challenge his position as the Krakoan. She has lived and learned in a way that, ultimately, he didn’t get the opportunity to do. Instead of cultivating a talented, powerful young mutant with incredible potential, the X-Men left Hellion to stew in his worst instincts, and the Krakoan is the result.

NYX

#1
is available now from Marvel Comics.