Jonathan Hickman Reflects on Disappointing X-Men Run, Reveals Unfinished Plans for Krakoa
The X-Men’s Krakoan era, a bold and innovative direction for Marvel’s mutants, has concluded, leaving a bittersweet legacy. The ambitious initiative, launched in 2019 with Jonathan Hickman’s House of X and Powers of X, promised a new era of prosperity and unity for mutantkind. However, Hickman’s departure in 2022, following the Inferno miniseries, left the overarching narrative incomplete, a fact the writer now acknowledges with considerable disappointment.
In a recent interview on the Off-Panel podcast, Hickman candidly discussed his time leading the X-Men franchise, describing it as "the most disappointing creative experience" of his comics career. The source of his frustration stems from his inability to fully realize his planned three-act story arc for the Krakoan era. According to Hickman, he presented Marvel with a comprehensive vision for the X-Men’s future, outlining the overarching themes and narrative trajectory he intended to explore. Those who were privy to the full pitch, he asserts, recognized the potential of the story and the unfortunate circumstances surrounding its derailment.
Hickman attributed his exit to a confluence of factors, including the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as various business and publishing challenges. While he refrained from providing specific details, he implied that these external forces significantly hampered his ability to execute his creative vision. Despite his disappointment, Hickman expressed no animosity towards Marvel or the creative teams who succeeded him on the X-Men titles. He emphasized his personal responsibility for failing to deliver the complete story he had envisioned, stating, "It’s on me to tell the story that I’m supposed to tell, period." He further indicated that he would likely refrain from discussing the matter further, deeming it unproductive and counterproductive.
The Krakoan Age, despite its abbreviated lifespan, undeniably left a lasting impact on the X-Men universe. The establishment of Krakoa, a sovereign mutant nation, represented a radical departure from the X-Men’s traditional status as persecuted outsiders. The island offered a haven for mutants from around the world, fostering a sense of community and empowerment. Krakoa’s innovative laws, culture, and scientific advancements challenged existing societal norms and raised profound questions about the future of mutantkind.
However, the Krakoan experiment ultimately proved unsustainable. Internal divisions, external threats, and moral compromises gradually eroded the foundations of mutant society. The X-Men have now reverted to their previous status quo, once again facing prejudice and fear from humanity. Nevertheless, the memory of Krakoa and its ideals continues to resonate within the mutant community, shaping their actions and aspirations.
Marvel is set to release a new Hellfire Gala one-shot in July, offering a final farewell to the Krakoan era. This event will likely serve as a reflection on the triumphs and failures of Krakoa, while also setting the stage for the X-Men’s future direction.
Despite his unfulfilled ambitions for the X-Men, Hickman remains a prominent figure at Marvel. He is currently spearheading the revamped Ultimate Universe, a project he inherited from Donny Cates following Cates’s car accident in 2023. Hickman is also writing Ultimate Spider-Man, offering a fresh take on the iconic web-slinger. Additionally, he is developing a new cosmic event, Imperial, for the primary Marvel universe, scheduled to debut in June. This event promises to explore new frontiers in the Marvel cosmos, potentially introducing new characters, concepts, and conflicts.
While Hickman’s X-Men run may not have reached its intended conclusion, his contributions to the Marvel Universe remain significant. His innovative storytelling, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes have resonated with readers and critics alike. The Krakoan era, despite its premature end, stands as a testament to Hickman’s creative vision and his willingness to challenge established conventions. His ongoing work on the Ultimate Universe and Imperial suggests that he will continue to shape the Marvel landscape for years to come, even as he grapples with the lingering disappointment of his unfinished X-Men saga. The legacy of Krakoa, and the questions it raised about mutant identity, community, and purpose, will undoubtedly continue to influence the X-Men and the broader Marvel Universe for the foreseeable future, a testament to the power of Hickman’s initial vision, even in its incomplete form.
