Summary
Warning: contains spoilers forX-Factor#1!
Marvel’s firstCivil Warwas a momentous event in the publisher’s history, and now theX-Menare reinventing one of its most creative ideas, but on a much larger scale. InX-Factor#1, part of theX-franchise’sFrom the Ashesera, fans continue to see the fallout from the fall of Krakoa,learning that shortly after, mutants are once again pawns, pushingCivil War’s biggest idea even further.
Havok concludes that whoever wins the race will be able to shape the destiny of all mutants–and X-Factor is on the right side.
Marvel’s FirstCivil WarMarked a Seismic Shift in Its Universe
Civil War’sMost Creative Idea Has Resonated With Fans Ever Since
The idea of a superpowered arms race, be it mutant or otherwise, is not a new idea in comics. DC Comics’Doomsday Clockwas built around this idea, as did Marvel’sCivil War.First published in 2006-2007,Civil Warsaw Captain America and Iron Man go to literal war over the implementation of the Superhero Registration Act. The miniseries ended with a victory for Iron Man’s forces, and the Act was passed. The 50-State Initiative was a result: a superpowered team for all 50 states. The Act faded over time, but the idea refused to go away.
Krakoan identity was strong as well, but now that the nation is no more, mutants have no homeland to pledge allegiance to, making them easy targets for militaries, corporations and other shady parties.
Now, Earth’s mutants are taking this idea one step further in the wake of Krakoa’s fall. During the Krakoa Era, mutants lived in a relatively isolated location. Furthermore, there were simply so many of them, any kind of major attack from another nation could be easily countered–it took Orchis a good deal of time to plan their assault. Krakoan identity was strong as well, but now that the nation is no more, mutants have no homeland to pledge allegiance to, making them easy targets for militaries, corporations and other shady parties.
The X-Men’s Mutant Arms Race is a Sticky Situation
The Mutant Arms Race Could Be a Disaster for Earth and the X-Men
A mutant arms race raises a number of ethical and moral questions. Given the history of experimentation on mutants, most of it against their wills, it is possible that many were conscripted or coerced into service. TheKrakoan diaspora has led tofeelings of confusion and resentment among mutants, and some are no doubt seeking revenge. These paramilitary groups may just be the outlet for such frustrations. Regardless of motivation, theX-Menare once again at the mercy of the rest of the world, and in response have takenCivil War’sbest idea even further.
