This Overlooked X-Men Villain Ruled The Best Recent Era (& He Deserves To Come Back)

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The X-Men consistently boast the most compelling villains in the Marvel Universe, a trend that began with the very first stories. They immediately introduced Magneto, who quickly became a comic book icon. Over time, the series featured a fantastic roster of antagonists, including Juggernaut, the Sentinels, the Hellfire Club, the Brood, Mystique, Mister Sinister, and the formidable Apocalypse and his Horsemen. What made these villains so effective was the writers’ dedication to developing their backstories and motivations, and exploring different facets of their personalities with each appearance. Interestingly, many of these villains became so popular that they eventually joined the X-Men themselves.

The X-Men comics have always had compelling villains, and that really paid off during the recent ‘Krakoa Era.’ While familiar faces like Apocalypse and Mystique played key roles in building the mutant nation, one villain particularly shone: Exodus. He’d always been a powerful enemy of the X-Men, but this era allowed readers to see much more of his character, and the result was fantastic. Exodus has had a really well-developed story arc, and fans are eager to see more of him in future comics.

Exodus Flourished In the Spotlight

Exodus first showed up in the early 1990s as a powerful assistant to Magneto, right before the “Fatal Attraction” storyline. He looked impressive and had considerable power, but he was ultimately under Magneto’s control. He reappeared during “The Age of Apocalypse,” again serving Magneto. Later in the ’90s, it was revealed he was a mutant knight from the medieval period who fought in the Crusades with Dane Whitman (Black Knight) and even battled Apocalypse in the past. For most of the 21st century, Exodus was generally portrayed as a strong follower, often drawn to leaders with grand, almost religious goals, which became a defining characteristic of the character.

In House of X #6, the character joined the Quiet Council, allowing readers to see him in action against the X-Men and interacting with a major villain. It was revealed he’s an incredibly powerful Omega-level mutant, which felt fitting, and that he was more calculating than people realized. However, he truly thrived when Hope Summers, once believed to be the mutant messiah, entered the picture. Having been a deeply religious man during the Crusades, he readily placed his faith in her, and they became a dynamic and entertaining duo. Hope initially led their adventures, but he took command following the devastating events of the Hellfire Gala. For the first time, readers gained a real understanding of his motivations – he was a man constantly seeking something to believe in, and both Krakoa and Hope fulfilled that need. Now that the Krakoa Era has ended, his future is uncertain and intriguing.

Exodus chose to remain on Earth rather than join Hope and Krakoa in the White Hot Room. He experienced significant growth on Krakoa, gaining power, becoming a devoted follower, and ultimately helping the person he followed fulfill her destiny. This completed a satisfying story arc, positioning him for a more powerful role going forward. Essentially, Exodus is a man of faith who believes in both Heaven and a higher power, and that mutants have a path to immortality. Because he’s proven to be correct in his beliefs, he now has the potential to become the kind of formidable antagonist he once served.

Exodus always believed mutants were special, and Krakoa confirmed that for him. It would be compelling to see him return as a zealous advocate for Krakoa’s ideals – mutant dominance and power. Picture him traveling the world, gathering mutants eager to rebuild Krakoa on Earth, hoping to force its notice and usher in a new era. He could corrupt the very essence of Krakoa, twisting it into something brutal and using that to form a dangerous new Brotherhood. He’s perfectly positioned to fill the role of a classic X-Men villain – a leader who, while not entirely wrong in his convictions, pursues them through horrific means, offering a truly compelling antagonist.

Exodus Can Be the Magneto and Give this Era of the X-Men Something Special

The X-Men comics following the end of the Krakoa era are struggling, mainly because they lack a clear direction. Mutants are vulnerable and facing prejudice once more, but the stories haven’t presented any significant events. It feels like the comics are constantly building towards something that never arrives. Many fans feel the books haven’t adequately addressed the recent end of the Krakoa era, and believe bringing back the character Exodus could help resolve this issue.

Exodus has evolved into a compelling and complex character, finally capturing readers’ attention. He’s perfectly positioned to become a significant villain for this new phase of stories. He’s deeply committed to his beliefs – beliefs that are demonstrably real within the Marvel Universe – and he’s proven he’ll do anything to defend them. He can offer a purpose to mutants and build a powerful following. By portraying Exodus as a dark leader representing the fallen nation of Krakoa, Marvel can effectively establish him as a top-tier villain, give the storylines a clear focus, and truly make him a major threat.

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2025-12-03 02:41