This Was the Perfect Time for X-Men’s Krakoa Era (And Marvel Totally Blew It)

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While the Fantastic Four launched the modern Marvel Universe and the Avengers fueled its cinematic success, the X-Men are arguably Marvel’s most significant superheroes. Beyond their popularity in comics and other media, the X-Men resonate deeply because they represent the struggle for civil rights and have connected with readers across generations through their portrayal of an oppressed group fighting for acceptance.

While the X-Men and marginalized groups aren’t exactly the same – mutants have powers and can be a threat – the core idea of the X-Men resonates with many people. There have been several changes to the mutants’ situation over the years, but the recent ‘Krakoa Era‘ was particularly popular. It established a sovereign nation for mutants, offering them unprecedented power and security. It was a great concept that arrived at just the right moment, but unfortunately, Marvel didn’t fully capitalize on it.

The Krakoa Era Brought Joy to Marginalized Readers

“Queer/trans joy” describes the wonderful feeling LGBTQ+ individuals experience when fully embracing their true selves. I remember early discussions about the Krakoa Era in the X-Men subreddit, with many LGBTQ+ readers expressing how the idea of a safe haven – a place where they could simply be themselves – resonated with this feeling. It really struck me that Krakoa arrived at just the right moment, offering exactly that sense of belonging and joyful self-acceptance.

The Krakoa era of X-Men wasn’t without its flaws, and things became more challenging after writer Jonathan Hickman moved on. It wasn’t simply a celebration of mutant life, but a complex nation built on hidden truths. However, the core idea resonated with readers who felt the world was becoming increasingly hostile towards minority groups. There was a sense of empowerment in the concept, which many marginalized readers in the US appreciated in 2019 and 2020. It felt like Marvel had captured a powerful sentiment, and it was genuinely exciting.

Fans often expressed a desire for a comic that showed the everyday lives of people on Krakoa. Krakoa held a special appeal for those who felt marginalized or like outsiders themselves, offering a sense of belonging many didn’t find in their own lives. It felt like the ideal time for a story focusing on the normal side of this mutant nation, and that’s why so many wanted to spend more time exploring life on Krakoa.

It was pretty predictable, but for a while, it felt like things might actually be different for the X-Men. Many fans, myself included, really hoped that if we supported the comics enough, Marvel would stick with this new direction. It’s easy to laugh about that now, but there was genuine optimism. Unfortunately, that didn’t last. Events quickly unfolded that proved this new approach was flawed, and now the X-Men comics have returned to the same tired political themes that have always held them back.

The Krakoa Era Was Progressive X-Men at Its Best and Marvel Decided to Drop That Entirely

The Krakoa initiative united the mutant community, offering them a homeland and a clear purpose: fighting against global prejudice. It emerged after a period where harmful ideologies were gaining traction, and initially, it was a success for Marvel. However, instead of building on this momentum, Marvel abruptly ended Krakoa in 2024 – the same year the previously emboldened administration returned to power. The new direction, called “From the Ashes,” frequently emphasizes how flawed the Krakoa concept was.

Marvel comics have often reflected current events, and the X-Men series has historically been a prime example of this. The recent ‘Krakoa Era’ felt groundbreaking with its focus on inclusivity and progressive themes. However, instead of continuing this direction, Marvel seems to have dismantled it, returning the X-Men to a familiar storyline where mutants are persecuted and confined – essentially, a gilded cage.

Let’s be blunt: the original concept of the X-Men wasn’t particularly progressive. They repeatedly put themselves in danger hoping to change the minds of those who wanted to harm them – that’s not a progressive stance. The recent ‘Krakoa Era’ offered a real opportunity to make the X-Men truly progressive, but Marvel unfortunately squandered it. They not only ruined the potential, but also presented a shallow, symbolic approach as the only path to success. This was a major misstep by the publisher, and it’s the primary reason the current X-Men comics are struggling.

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2025-11-05 18:15