Warning: contains spoilers for Exceptional X-Men #3One of Marvel’s most bitter rivalries – between the iconic X-Men heroes Kitty Pryde and Emma Frost – is reignited in an epic preview for Exceptional X-Men #3. Starting out as passionate enemies, Emma and Kate’s complicated relationship slowly healed and became a begrudgingly respectful partnership, but it seems like all that goodwill has flown out the window, as Frost reveals she has been tampering with Pryde’s mind.
Since the fall of Krakoa the beloved Kitty Pryde has been hiding out in Chicago attempting to live a normal life, before inadvertently acquiring a crew of untrained new mutants, Axo, Bronze, and Melee.
Marvel’s preview for Exceptional X-Men #3, from writer Eve L. Ewing and artist Carmen Carnero, reveals the beginning of an epic battle between Kitty Pryde and the White Queen, as Frost attempts to psychically kidnap Axo, Melee, and Bronze while insulting Kitty, leading to Bronze declaring they better leave before the fight turns “Super Saiyan,” a reference to Dragon Ball Z.
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The first issue of Exceptional X-Men (2024) highlights just how far Kitty Pryde has come by having her take a young mutant under her wing.
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Exceptional X-Men #3 (2024) |
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Release Date: |
November 20th, 2024 |
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Writers: |
Eve L. Ewing |
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Artists: |
Carmen Carnero, Nolan Woodard |
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Cover Artist: |
Carmen Carnero, Nolan Woodard |
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EMMA FROST VS KITTY PRYDE! Kitty Pryde’s determination to stay doggedly away from all things X-Men related becomes more strained by the day as EMMA FROST once again sticks her nose into things. Meanwhile, our new team is finding their rhythm. AXO, MELEE and BRONZE have officially entered the fray! |
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The X-Men Rivalry Between Kitty & Emma Goes Back Decades
Only in recent years did the two heroines actually confront their past
The relationship between Kitty Pryde and Emma Frost could not have started out on a more sour note. Both characters debuted in the same issue – 1980’s Uncanny X-Men #129 – where Frost attempted to recruit Kitty for the villainous Massachusetts Academy, before she captured several X-Men heroes. Kitty escaped from Emma’s clutches and helped the X-Men escape as well, which means the White Queen is the first true villain that Pryde ever fought against. Emma’s inclusion in the X-Men, first as the teacher of Generation X, and later as a featured member in Astonishing X-Men, was constantly pushed back on by Kitty Pryde, who refused to believe that Emma had changed.
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Kitty Pryde Returns: Why the Beloved X-Man Dropping Her “Kate” Name is So Important
After going by “Kate” during the Krakoan Era, “Kitty” Pryde is officially back, as Exceptional X-Men #1 revives the fan-favorite character nickname.
In one alternate reality, the universe of What If…? Astonishing X-Men, Kitty went so far as to kill Emma by phasing her heart after her chest, after Frost became a “Dark Phoenix” herself, showing just how tense and confrontational their relationship was in the past. Over the years, Kitty and Emma began to respect each other, particularly their passion for teaching, leading to the two becoming true confidantes while running the Hellfire Trading Company on Krakoa. Emma has always seen herself as Kitty’s better, which can be seen in Exceptional X-Men when she tells Pryde that she has more experience as a teacher, but she still holds Kitty in extremely high regard. The two heroes have not fought in ages, so it will be fascinating to see who “wins” their battle in Exceptional, and if they can move past Emma’s invasive actions.
Hero or Antihero, Emma & Kitty Are Both Passionate About Mentoring Young Mutants
But can they work together to help these new students?
Teaching is core to Emma Frost’s characterization and has been since her debut. Emma was devastated at the deaths of her Hellions students from the Massachusetts Academy, was devoted to mentoring the Generation X mutants, and witnessed the slaughter of the young mutants she taught while on Genosha. Everything she does is “for the children,” and while her attempt at kidnapping Bronze, Melee, and Axo is obviously brash, it almost certainly comes from a desire to do good. Similarly, Kitty Pryde was the Headmaster of the Jean Grey School, taught the time-displaced X-Men, and has mentored many young mutants.
If Kitty and Emma can get past this reignited rivalry, the two X-Men heroes could become Marvel’s greatest teaching team in history, forging a future for an entire new generation of mutant leaders. Of course, someone has to win their fight first…
X-Men
The X-Men franchise, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, centers on mutants with extraordinary abilities. Led by the powerful telepath Professor Charles Xavier, they battle discrimination and villainous mutants threatening humanity. The series explores themes of diversity and acceptance through a blend of action, drama, and complex characters, spanning comics, animated series, and blockbuster films.
Exceptional X-Men #3 from Marvel Comics debuts on November 20th, 2024.
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