WARNING: The following contains spoilers for S.W.O.R.D. #6 by Al Ewing, Valerio Schiti, Marte Gracia & VC’s Ariana Maher and Guardians of the Galaxy #15 by Al Ewing, Juan Frigeri, Federico Blee & VC’s Cory Petit, on sale now.
The Hellfire Gala took a major turn when it was announced that the mutants had found out how to terraform Mars within hours — and then claimed it as their own world. On top of that, they’ve made a serious announcement to the galaxy, setting up the mutant world as the future of the Sol System. While it’s a big move from the mutants, it’s raised genuine fear in many of the attendees.
Here are some notable Marvel heroes’ responses to the announcement of Planet Arakko — including which ones are seemingly becoming increasingly wary of Krakoa, with one even being approached by a major modern enemy of the mutant nation.
Captain America And Doom Find Common Ground
Captain America has been a unique figure at the Hellfire Gala, speaking in defense of the mutant nation against Doctor Doom’s suspicions (and catching the eye of Emma Frost) — while still being cautious of the announcements of the mutant future, speaking with Cyclops about the development. S.W.O.R.D. #6 reveals that Captain America needs a minute after the announcement of what happened to Mars to process everything that happened. Most of humanity seems troubled by the implications this has on a galactic scale, Captain America just seems more genuinely sad about the development.
Speaking once again with Doom, Captain America explains how he had been inspired when he learned man eventually reached the Moon, and is just sad that the mutant population felt they had to make the move to Mars on their own instead of with the rest of humanity. It’s encouraging in a sense — as it means Captain America still sees mutants as his fellow people and not a threat to be dealt with. If chaos were to spring out of this development, there’s a chance Captain America might be the best chance for a peace broker between Earth and Krakoa.
Guardian Is Unsure Of What To Think About Krakoa
Guardian has a long history with the mutant population, thanks to his time as the previous leader of Alpha Flight and his long relationship with Wolverine. Although he’s nominally a heroic figure in the world and was invited to the Hellfire Gala as a guest, he’s done questionable things in the past — most recently lying to his family in an attempt to keep them under the control of Department H. While his relationship has been hinted to have ended during the event, Guardian is also notably shaken by the revelations about the mutant expansion to Mars.
He leaves the event unsure of what to even think of the new state of the world, clearly shocked by everything he’s just seen. This is when he’s approached by Henry Peter Gyrich, who’s currently in command of Alpha Flight. Already secretly a part of the anti-mutant organization Orchis, Gyrich may have found a new ally for the secret organization — one with deep connections to Department H and the Weapon X program.
Black Panther Has A Unique Relationship With Krakoa
Black Panther and Krakoa have had a unique relationship. Although allied with the X-Men on multiple occasions, Black Panther’s marriage with Storm was a loving but troubled one due to the circumstances of the world around them. Since the formation of Krakoa, Wakanda has been something of a friendly nation, but has resisted the Krakoan medicines. Storm enraged the royal family when she took an ancestral Wakandan blade for X of Swords, prompting Black Panther to announce that Krakoa would no longer receive any special treatment from Wakanda.
But things may be even tenser now that Arakko has announced itself the true capital of the Sol System — the Wakandan diplomat suggested they would accept the Mysterium presented to them as a sign of political friendship, but they ultimately refused the metal. This could be seen as a slight from the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda over Arakko’s grandstanding on a galactic scale, or could even be a hint towards more turmoil between Black Panther and Storm — who recently reinvigorated their romance in Black Panther. Things might get complicated now that Storm has become Regent of Arakko.
Nova And Starlord Are Happy For Krakoa, But Suspicious
Nova and Star-Lord both take part in the galactic meeting atop the Peak, with Nova representing Earth and Star-Lord serving as ambassador to the Spartax Empire. Notably, both men have differing views on the current state of the X-Men. Star-Lord — who previously was engaged to Kate Pryde and developed a connection with other mutants — seems happy for Krakoa and all the new steps the group has been taken recently. He helps Spartax — ravaged during the events of King in Black — receive literal tons of Mysterium as a means to repair their damaged world and cementing an alliance between Arakko and Spartax.
However, Nova is far warier of the X-Men. First arriving at the Peak (and dealing with his own lingering fury over circumstances in Guardians of the Galaxy), Nova quickly picks a fight with Magneto. Although cooler heads prevail and the pair find a semblance of understanding, Nova is furious when he finds out about Mars and that no one was warned of their intentions. He also sees through Arakko’s “gifts” as a bribe, and although he seems at peace with the unity it might bring to the universe, he’s clearly unsettled that the mutants didn’t openly work with others on the terraforming of Mars.
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