Wait, Is Marvel Recycling an X-Men Idea Abandoned Five Years Ago

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The X-Men haven’t had an easy run since the start of “From the Ashes,” the latest attempt to redefine the team’s direction. Editor Tom Brevoort has steered the X-Men towards more traditional storylines, focusing on classic themes rather than new ideas. The current major arc, “Age of Revelation,” feels similar to past events like “The Age of Apocalypse” and “Age of X-Man.” This story will explore a future where Revelation, formerly Doug Ramsey, has expanded his power and created a mutant nation. While heavily inspired by “Age of Apocalypse,” it also incorporates ideas from the recent Krakoa era, even revisiting one that was previously left behind.

The Krakoa era was remarkably creative, something the current ‘From the Ashes’ storyline hasn’t quite achieved. *House of X/Powers of X* had a distinct atmosphere, centered around Professor Xavier and the establishment of a mysterious community on Krakoa. Xavier’s portrayal was unsettling, sparking a lot of fan speculation about the future. While the story ultimately went in a different direction than those initial theories, those ideas aren’t entirely gone. ‘From the Ashes’ could really benefit from a fresh spark, and revisiting an old concept from the Krakoa era might be just what the X-Men need.

“Age of Revelation” Plays Doug Ramsey as Krakoa Era Xavier

To really understand what’s been happening, we need to go back to the beginning – *House of X* #1. That issue opened with a disturbing scene: Xavier standing over what looked like a group of duplicates of the X-Men. The scene had a strange, unsettling feeling that was new for Xavier, and fans noticed it right away. The new Krakoa Era of X-Men was very different, and Xavier acted differently than he had in the past. He seemed more manipulative, leading many fans to believe he was secretly up to no good.

Xavier, along with Magneto and Moira MacTaggert, was establishing a new society for mutants on the island of Krakoa, but many fans were wary of his intentions. For years, Xavier had been depicted as a somewhat villainous figure, so this skepticism made sense. However, starting around 2020, the tone shifted dramatically. The previously unsettling and cult-like atmosphere in the comics disappeared, replaced by a sense of celebration. Krakoa was now presented as a hopeful place, rather than a problematic nation led by a controlling personality.

Interviews about the Krakoa Era have explained how it evolved. Jonathan Hickman, who led the X-Men at the time, started with a three-part plan and brought in other creators to help. Their contributions significantly altered his original vision, resulting in a Krakoa Era that differed from what was initially intended. The current storyline, “From the Ashes,” is deliberately moving away from the Krakoa Era. While “Age of Revelation” appears inspired by “The Age of Apocalypse,” it likely contains more elements of the original Krakoa concepts than meets the eye.

Krakoa was built as a nation exclusively for mutants, intentionally excluding humans. Revelation’s new society operates under the same principle. He uses his mutant abilities to maintain control and build loyalty among mutants. While Xavier never overtly did this, there were hints of manipulation through his telepathy. Mutant powers were essential to Krakoa’s success and allowed it to function as a society. It’s unclear if the original plan was to portray Xavier as a flaw within Krakoa, but looking at Revelation’s actions, it’s clear that he embodies many of the same characteristics as Xavier did in the early days of Krakoa.

The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same

Superhero comics are always a team effort, and the recent ‘Krakoa Era’ really highlights that. While Jonathan Hickman initially had a specific vision, the story changed and grew as other writers and artists contributed. From the beginning, there were hints that Professor X was secretly pulling the strings, and that idea is now central to the ‘Age of Revelation’ storyline, where Revelation is using his abilities to control what everyone hears.

I recall a lot of fan speculation during the beginning of the Krakoa era, particularly theories about Professor X and the Cerebro helmet. Many believed he was altering memories during the resurrection process, essentially changing people’s minds as they were moved into new bodies. Now, with the character Revelation, we’re seeing a similar power – direct control over people’s actions. While it’s not a perfect match – we’re comparing fan ideas to an unfolding story – it definitely seems like the current X-Men creative team is drawing inspiration from those early theories and developing them further.

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2025-09-22 02:11