One of the X-Men’s most powerful leaders has a plan to open a Mutant-based school for magic, essentially giving the X-Men a Hogwarts.
WARNING: The following contains spoilers for New Mutants #24, now on sale from Marvel Comics
The X-Men have grown exponentially since House of X and Powers of X reinvented the mutant corner of the Marvel Universe. Since then, there have been countless advancements afforded to the newly constructed mutant nation. But there are still places to grow and to expand going forward for the heroes.
New Mutants #24 by Vita Ayala, Danilo Beyruth, Dan Brown, and VC’s Travis Lanham introduced the concept of a magical mutant academy; effectively Krakoa’s own version of Hogwarts. Considering the level of mystical threats waiting for the mutant nation, Magik’s idea might be the perfect step forward for the X-Men.
The current era of Krakoa has been a great period of experimentation for the long-established mutants of the Marvel Universe. Romantic dramas have been addressed, old enemies redeemed, and moral quandaries explored. What it means to be a mutant has been changing, especially in the world of magic. Meeting the recently enlightened Rictor at the Green Lagoon, Magik argued that mutants should have an even deeper tie to the supernatural. She even argued that mutant technologies — the circuits that give the mutants such advancements as resurrection and Mysterium — are practically magic in their own way. Having spent time at the Strange Academy had given Magik a new drive to teach, and she seemed to genuinely believe that spreading magical lessons might help other mutants find themselves.
Magik ultimately recruited Rictor and (seemingly) Madelyne Pryor to his idea, setting up a magical future for Krakoa. The mutants gaining a better mastery over magic is a great step forward, both in-universe and meta-textually. There are plenty of mutants who’ve been shown to have experience with mysticism, such as Forge, who could be highlighted by these turns of events. Excalibur has always been an X-Men associated group tied to the world of magic, and the recently concluded volume directly confronted the place mutants can have in mystical realms like Otherworld. Scarlet Witch’s recent acceptance on Krakoa had a lot to do with her mystical powers forming a new circuit with Polaris, Legion, and Proteus which resulted in complete resurrection capabilities for the Five. Magic has been at the fringes of Kraoka all along.
As the mutants have increasingly perfected advanced technologies and cosmic level potential, gaining control over magic seems like the obvious next step. Illyana’s role as the Queen of Limbo gives any interested mutants the perfect place to practice without fear of causing panic or destruction on Earth. As a Great Captain, Magik even carries some additional power on the island and could ensure its independence. In general, a mutant magic school is quietly a great addition to the Marvel Universe. It could serve as a contemporary of the Strange Academy, broadening the world and setting up a perfect place for new characters to debut and old favorites to end up. Having a stronger mastery over magic is also likely a useful aspect to have in their pocket, given the wealth of magical enemies Krakoa has picked up.
The Hell Bride, Merlin, Dracula, Morgan le Fay, and the Coven Akkaba have all turned their attention to Krakoa and vowed revenge. Having an army of mutants who are more prepared to take on such chaotic forces would be ideal, and potentially protecting Krakoa from a mystic attack would be ideal. But there’s also the question of how dangerous a mystical mutant academy could be. If someone like Madelyne Pryor were to revert to her more demonic impulses (as previews have suggested she will), then having such an academy could spell doom for scores of innocents. But at least for now, Magik seems to be going in a potentially powerful (and conceptually engaging) direction.
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