Marvel Comics kicked off 2021 in a memorable way. These are the important Marvel comic book moments from January.
There’s always something going on in the comic book world for fans to discuss. For DC Comics, DC Future State has monopolized readers. We’ve seen some of our favorite DC Comics characters torn down or appear in ways we didn’t think possible. On the Marvel Comics side, we’ve had some interesting moments as well. Way of X was announced and Miles Morales will be getting his own Clone Saga.
Those are just some of the news pieces to catch our attention this month. Here are some Marvel comic book moments that you should know about.
11. Juggernaut starting a Marvel comic book super team?
Comic book: Juggernaut No. 5 (of 5)
Juggernaut has been making strides to become a better person. For the past 20 years, he’s been an X-Man and part of their British arm, Excalibur. Last month, he defeated Cyttorak and made it so he can’t possess anyone again. In the final issue of his mini-series, Juggernaut helped a young girl get to Krakoa. While that’s great news, it’s not the major news. The last page showed Juggernaut creating a team.
Why is this important?
Juggernaut putting together a team of formal criminals is brilliant. Yes, it’s been done before, but this is different. Juggernaut evolving as a character puts him on a new level. He won’t be looked at as just a goon or a follower. Now, he’s a leader. Showing former villains that there’s a chance at a better life. Hopefully we see more of this.
10. Jackie Mcgee is a gamma mutate
Comic book: Immortal Hulk No. 42
Jackie McGee has been the most important part of the Marvel Immortal Hulk series. Well, minus the Hulk himself. She started as a random character and quickly became more. Jackie has followed The Hulk, Bruce Banner, and all his personalities around the world, into space and into literal Hell. All because she wanted a story and wanted to know how she could be him. She got the story for her newspaper and became the definitive reporter of the Hulk. According to Immortal Hulk No. 42, Jackie got the other part as well. Dr. McGowen told Jackie that she’s a Gamma Mutate.
Why is this important?
Jackie McGee wanted to know how she could have all of the Hulk’s rage and destruction and still be a hero. She doesn’t have that kind of privilege (see Immortal Hulk: Hulk in Hell for the details). She may come to regret this. As of now, all we know is that her eyes turned green and she can see things she couldn’t before. What’s next? Will she become a giant monster? Will she be more like Lenard Samson and maintain his body with different color hair? Or is she becoming something else? Something never before seen. Whatever it is, it’ll be spectacular. Al Ewing hasn’t let us down yet.
9. Theresa Cassidy is still possessed by a god
Comic book: X-Factor No. 6
In Peter David’s X-Factor, Theresa Cassidy became a god. She possessed the power of an Irish deity called the Morrigan. During her time as a god, Theresa saved Polaris from madness and Multiple Man from his demon form. After that, she wasn’t seen until House of X. Although, there were no signs of the powers she received from Morrigan. Not until Leah Williams in X-Factor No. 6. At the end of that issue, Siryn walked away with a murder of crows flying behind her and her eyes glowing green. It looks like Morrigan is back and in control of Siryn ‘s body.
Why is this important?
In the previous two issues of Marvel’s X-Factor, the team was investigating Siryn’s death. Siryn wouldn’t explain why she kept dying/killing herself. In the end, it seems that it was the only way she could keep Morrigan at bay. Now, she’s been released. Not only that, but she hypnotized Polaris into hindering the investigation by any means necessary.
There’s an arrogant god on Krakoa and no one knows what she wants. It’s likely that she’s going to kill a bunch of mutants to meet her goal (whatever that is). Even after she’s eventually defeated, Morrigan will come back. Gods never stay down forever and, with the mutant’s luck, she’ll come back stronger and angrier.
8. Miles and Starling
Comic book: Miles Morales: Spider-Man No. 22
Miles Morales has kept his secret identity close to the chest. Only the people closest to him know that he’s Spider-Man. After his Uncle’s supposed death, Miles needed someone to help him through this tough time. His father suggested reaching out to one of his friends. As a result, he turned to Starling. Apparently she was going through something as well.
After defeating the Frost Pharaoh (I didn’t name him), Miles and Starling shared a moment. She revealed her real name (Tiana) and he did the same and removed his mask. She stared at him for a second and said, “I knew you were cute” and kissed him. Miles stood there shocked as she flew away.
Why is this important?
Miles doesn’t tell his secret identity to just anyone. This means he trusts her. The problem is she’s the granddaughter of the Vulture. Tiana says that she hates what her grandfather did, but do we know for sure? She could be playing Miles in order to take down Spider-Man for Vulture. It’s a likely scenario. Thankfully, there’s nothing cliché with writer Saladin Ahmed. This could end up blossoming into a new superhero power couple. We don’t get a lot of those anymore – especially not ones of color. Here’s hoping the latter is where this is going.
7. Stryfe is back
Comic book: Cable No. 7
Young Cable has made a name for himself on Krakoa. He’s one of the best fighters on the island, helped win the battle during X of Swords, and he’s the security director on S.W.O.R.D. Despite being consistently busy, Cable manages to help out on missions. For example, in Cable No. 7, Cable and Prestige (Rachel Summers) were on a mission to save mutant babies from being killed. While they were successful, Cable discovered some disturbing news. Cable probes the mind of their leader and finds out that Stryfe is alive and up to no good.
Why is this important?
Stryfe is among the most powerful beings in the universe. He’s an omega level telepath. Considering he’s a clone of Cable without the techno-organic virus, it makes sense. If he’s involved in the capture of babies, then he’s doing something horrible. This leads to another question, why doesn’t he do this himself? Stryfe doesn’t seem like the kind of person to leave things to minions – especially not human minions. He’s more than willing to do things himself. Does this mean that Stryfe doesn’t have his powers? Is that why he’s after mutant babies? Also, if Stryfe is a mutant, will he try to be part of Krakoa? It is his right.
6. Maverick is back and has no memory
Comic book: Wolverine No. 9
Wolverine’s life has been full of tragedy. Being a remorseless killer is among the worst things he’s been. During that time, he was part of a trio with Sabretooth and Maverick (Christoph Nord). Eventually, Wolverine left the trio and his former partners went on to other things. Sabretooth continued to be his ruthless self and Maverick rarely left the mercenary life.
Wolverine and Sabretooth have both been seen on Krakoa. This writer wondered where Maverick was. Well, we found out. Wolverine attended an auction and found his (sometimes) friend. Except Maverick had his memory wiped and was being sold to the highest bidder. The issue ends with Maverick and Wolverine primed to escape with claws and guns out.
Why is this important?
Of the three laws of Krakoa, kill no human may be the most important. Unfortunately Maverick isn’t someone who follows rules. Making a living killing humans won’t work out well. Nonetheless, this could be a new beginning for him. We don’t know if Tomi Shishido (Gorgon) will remain a Great Captain of Krakoa. If not, Maverick could step right in and do the job well.
It also wouldn’t be shocking if he ended up on X-Force. It’s the perfect place for him.
5. Ben Grimm kills Reed Richards
Comic book: Fantastic Four No. 28
Ben Grimm is one of the most honorable people in Marvel Comics. He won’t harm people if he doesn’t have to and he’s against murder. This, of course, made the scene in Fantastic Four No. 28 so shocking as a version of Ben Grimm from an alternate timeline killed his best friend Reed Richards.
Ben showed up to a timeline where a pupil-less version of him was beating Reed to death. The original Ben assumed that this was because he turned him into The Thing. The alternate reality Ben told his counterpart that, adding that Ben will be him one day and that he too will kill Reed and won’t think twice about it.
Why is this important?
There were other timelines where the other members of the Fantastic Four were killed but this one seems to be the only one that makes sense. Ben has gained so much in his life recently. His wife and adopted kids bring him more joy than he knew possible. If Reed destroys any of this, he might understandably lose it.
Reed is known for doing things that he deems necessary. Reed’s mistakes could cause the death of Ben’s loved ones – which is, you would think, the only thing that could turn Ben on Reed – especially if the person he hurt or killed is his wife Alicia.
4. Is Storm leaving Krakoa?
Comic books: Marauders No. 17, X-Men No. 17
Storm is one of the most-recognized characters in comic books. It isn’t just her look – everything she’s accomplished as an X-Man has made her an incredibly popular character over the years. Due to this, she became a member of the Quiet Council of Krakoa.
With her new leadership position and the fact that she is living in a mutant paradise, you’d think that she’d be content. However, it doesn’t appear that way. In Marauders No. 17, Callisto asked if Storm told Emma and Kitty that she was leaving. Originally, it may have seemed like she was only leaving the team. Then, X-Men No. 17 came out. Storm smiled when Queen Xandra Neramani said if she needed anything to ask.
Why is this important?
Storm doesn’t stay in one spot – mostly because she wants to help wherever she can. On Krakoa, she may feel as if she’s not doing enough. Even saving lost mutants around the world may not be enough. Storm knows she can do more. She’s spent her life being worshipped as a goddess, a queen of the most powerful nation on Earth, and she helped save the universe.
Recently, Storm went through Hell during X of Swords. She may feel that it’s time to move on. Perhaps space and the Shi’ar empire are her next destinations. If anyone can do it, she can. Wherever she ends up, Storm will make an immediate impact.
3. Daredevil in Black
Comic book: Daredevil No. 26
Daredevil is in prison. He took a deal that gave him a lesser sentence to atone for killing someone. Since Elektra purchased Hell’s Kitchen, it would be safe from the hands of people who’d buy it and tear it down. While Daredevil is serving his sentence, Knull is causing havoc all over the world. It would only make sense that his reach would eventually hit the prisons. Try as he might, Daredevil isn’t strong or skilled enough to take on Knull’s creatures. If they can capture Storm and Ben Grimm, what chance does he have? In the end, however, Daredevil became another victim of Knull. He’s now possessed by a symbiote.
Why is this important?
Obviously, this won’t last. Knull will be defeated and the Earth will keep spinning. Like other events, however, the aftermath will be felt for a while. With Daredevil, he’s going to feel it more than most. His infamous guilt will cause him to feel overly remorseful for things that he wasn’t in control of – especially if he kills someone. He’s also going to hate that he “accepted” Knull’s offer. This is going to lead to him and Elektra becoming the Fist to defeat the Hand. There’s no way the King in Black tie-in doesn’t result in Daredevil escaping a month or two later.
2. Wolverine wants to kill a god and Namor’s ultimatum
Comic book: X-Force No. 16
X-Force No. 16 had Quentin Quire, Forge, and Wolverine going to solve a problem in the ocean that was affecting mutants on the island and humans on the ocean. They ended up almost dying (not that it would have made a difference), but being saved by Namor. Namor said he’d fix the problem, but to make sure they didn’t cause any more issues. If they did, he’d “bring down your ridiculous island resort.”
Before that, Logan was making his way to the bottom of the ocean. On his way, he said he saw a god. He wrote, “In its gaze, I was a speck. A meaningless speck. And now I ain’t gonna be able to sleep right… until I kill it dead.”
Why is this important?
First off, Wolverine is really going to try and find this leviathan and kill it. Why? Because he can and he wants to. It’s doubtful that this will be a one shot thing and this writer can’t wait for him to try. That leads us to Namor. Namor won’t like Wolverine messing around in the ocean. He’ll especially not like him killing a sea creature for no justified reason. Even if Logan isn’t the one that starts this fight, at some point the mutants of Krakoa are going to fight Namor and Atlantis. Namor’s comment almost solidifies it.
1. The Phoenix Force wants T’Challa
Comic book: Avengers No. 41
The Phoenix Force has almost always been possessed by a mutant since the dawn of time (see the Avengers from one million B.C.). Usually, it picks its host. Now, things have changed a bit. There seems to be a tournament going on. Marvel stars like Wolverine, Captain America, and Luke Cage are there. As well as that, lesser-known heroes like Hyperion, American Eagle, and Black Knight are also involved. During the fights, there was an interesting turn of events. The Phoenix Force has picked T’Challa to be its champion (seems like cheating). Obviously, T’Challa has reservations about letting anything make decisions for him.
Why is this important?
T’Challa is one of the most well-rounded characters in comic books. A hero that’s almost never defeated, he has a will that never allows himself to be played for a fool or go into a battle without a plan.
However, this is a little different. T’Challa is battling a force of nature that’s older than humanity. If that wasn’t bad enough, Namor wants the Phoenix Force more than anything. He’s most likely been obsessed with it since he lost its power in Avengers vs X-Men. T’Challa has a way to stop it on his own terms. But what are those terms and will he defeat something that can destroy planets?
What do you think? Are there other Marvel comic book moments that could have been on here? What do you think of the Marvel moments that are on this list? Let us know in the comments below!