Warning: contains preview images for X-Men #6!

Captain Krakoa is the newest member of the X-Men, mutantkind’s answer to Captain America, and he has the most wholesome debut in a special preview for X-Men #6, on sale in print and digital January 5. Marvel’s new X-Men title has shifted the focus back to the superhero aspects of the franchise, and Captain Krakoa is the next logical step, giving the nation of Krakoa a public face.

In 2019, writer Jonathan Hickman oversaw a radical reinvention of the venerable X-Men franchise, emphasizing its science fiction elements. Earth’s mutants came together to form the paradise nation of Krakoa, where they could live without fear of harassment from humans. Using their advanced technology, Krakoa creates medicines they trade with the rest of the world to gain leverage and credibility. Last year, Krakoa opened their borders to the rest of humanity at the Hellfire Gala. During the course of that eventful evening, Krakoa came together to draft a new team of public-facing X-Men. Wearing more traditional superhero costumes, this team has taken on a number of heavy-hitting Marvel villains, such as MODOK. Now, the team takes the next step forward with the debut of Captain Krakoa—but who is he? What exactly are his powers? While a preview for X-Men #6 does not provide definitive answers, it shows what may be the most wholesome debut in comics. The issue is written by Gerry Duggan, with art by Pepe Larraz and colors by Marte Garcia.

SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY

A cat is stuck in a tree, mewing for help. His frantic humans are trying to get him down, but the cat is stuck in a precarious position. The humans are fearful for the cat’s life.  Captain Krakoa arrives on the scene, casting a shadow over the cat’s humans; he takes the cat from the tree and gently hands it over to the humans. They thank him and ask his name, but he hesitates before flying off to parts unknown. The preview ends there, leaving readers with scores of questions about Captain Krakoa—who is he and why was he reluctant to reveal his true identity to the humans? He can fly, but what are his other powers?

Whatever the case, Captain Krakoa has made what might be one of the most wholesome debuts in recent Marvel history, one that would make Captain America proud. Saving a cat from a tree is a classic, feel-good type superhero moment—a similar scene played out in 1978’s Superman film. It is wholesome and pure, invoking simpler, more heroic times–just like Captain America. This dovetails nicely with the new X-Men’s team goal of openness and transparency with the humans they have sworn to protect.

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Captain Krakoa’s goals, identity, and relationship with the X-Men are still unknown, but this fascinating new hero entered the Marvel Universe not with a bang, nor a whimper, but like Captain America–showing people what true heroics look like.

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About The Author


Shaun Corley
(1378 Articles Published)

Shaun Corley is a pop culture enthusiast living in the Pacific Northwest. After stints in both customer service and academia, he’s turned his attention to writing about comic books–his lifelong passion. He is a graduate of Radford University, with a degree in English. When not reading comics, he enjoys spending time with his fiance and their dog.

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