https://www.deviantart.com/andyprice...chel-879690402
x-factor in the beach art by Teal Bandit
https://teal-bandit.tumblr.com/tagged/rachel-summers
Krakoan society might be isolationist and has been labelled as cult-like. I wonder if the Askani fits that label even more. The means to their goals were morally dubious, but its also unsettling to think of Rachel as a cult leader. Do you see Rachel as an 'at any cost' anti-hero?
Hmmm, it depends on who is saying it. For many of readers, and most of the MU, Krakoa seems cult-like in many ways. So from their perspective yes, whereas mutants might not. In regards to the Askani, I would say that Clan Akkaba and Apocalypse's forces would label them as a cult in order to sway the public viewpoint of them. But I would label them a resistance movement than cult. Only towards the end of her life and after death did they really start revering her as a diety of sorts. I don't know that I would label her as an anti-hero in that life given what was at stake and her goals, but someone opposed to her might view it entirely different.
Right, I see her as a pragmatist. Its curious to see the evolution of Rachel's knack for survival, from dehumanization and internment to cult leader, meandering through realities and timelines to promote Xavier's dream. Many have died because of Rachel, just curious why she's been forgiven and how she's as pure and shiny a hero as Jean. I guess everyone gets a fresh start in Krakoa.
Well you're right that prior to her arriving to 616 she was partially responsible for many deaths due her programming. Given that she has largely been restrained and avoided killing anyone since her time as a hound I don't see why she wouldn't be forgiven especially since no one knows those versions who died. If you're referring to anyone associated with the Clan Askani, well I would see how little anyone would associate the two as for the most part I don't know how important her being Mother Askani in a future alternate timeline has been to anyone outside the Summers Clan and now maybe X-Force. Otherwise people probably shrugged as they don't care lol.
I guess I see it a few ways: 1) the writers wanted the audience to like Rachel so they did not write any backlash to those dastardly deeds; 2) Those deaths were alternate world versions of people in main Marvel earth and so no more was really invested into it than that; 3) not everyone is aware of exactly how many, who were killed, that people were killed, and all the other details, etc.
[Quote Originally Posted by Thor-El 10-15-2020 12:32 PM]
"Jason Aaron should know there is already a winner of the Phoenix Force and his name is Phoenixx9."
Like a Red Dragon, The Phoenix shall Soar in 2024!
Lol. No one blames Rachel for creating Stryfe. I guess its convenient that no one cares about Rachel's past deeds in the 616 reality/current time. Characters like Magneto get trials. Characters with similar histories of being weaponized like Wolverine or Black Widow accept their past deeds and their role. Is it ok that Rachel beats herself up sometimes, has some memorable existential crises, but lives her happily ever after? Is she still seeking redemption on Krakoa?
And here I thought that her and Illyana were going to become the couple with that kiss and all. I'm surprised there wasn't more hoopla. I don't think the Kitty and Rachel friendship should go away completely but since they will become an item it removes the problem... (?) Are you sure they are? I know Kitty hasn't always been very nice. I remember when Excalibur started out she was willing to help Ray by dressing up as her to throw the Warwolves off her scent. Then Allistaire comes along and we are getting an insult towards Ray in her thought bubble. Sigh. I just don't know...
Kitty never actually disliked Rachel in those old Excalibur issues, she was just jealous that Ray got all the attention all the time (especially from Alistaire who was completely oblivious that Kitty was crushing on him). That stuff was more about Kitty's insecurities than her relationship with Rachel.
But there is a difference when someone is controlled and forced to commit heinous and atrocities against their will, vs someone like Sabretooth who kills for fun and pleasure. I don't think anyone holds her responsible for things out of her control, literally, and nor should she. Additionally I don't think that most people would blame her for Stryfe seeing as she didn't raise him. She could be blamed for his creation, but the outcome had nothing to do with her.
I don't know that Rachel is seeking redemption in Krakoa. I think she accepts what has happened to her and is trying to move forward. But I don't know that I would say this is her best life. Her best life would be full inclusion in the Summers-Grey family and right now it's been lip service by some of that family.
This is true, but it fit a pattern of Kitty during that time period. Chalk it up to insecurities or her age at the time, but Ray was a focal point for Kitty's issues. Not cute.
While Rachel wasn't the most responsible, her crimes were still serious. IRL, a child soldiers culpability and prosecution varies. Rachel has shown remorse and has sought forgiveness, but I don't think her redemption is complete. Claremont gave her the power for rebirth and retribution and Rachel chose to save herself. Davis granted her salvation, which allowed her to save the multiverse and Earth-811. Lobdell made Rachel the Xavier of a future, and she saved her family with all the failing Xavier had (including making the clone of her 'brother' who is only known as Stryfe). Then, Rachel came back and for the past 20 years she's fought for her family's reputation/memory, taking on Jean's names and becoming a teacher in a school named after her mom. Plus, she went to Shi'ar space to stop her 'uncle' from ruining the Summers name. She's had her revenge, even though previously, she said it was never about revenge. In terms of meaning making and story arc completion, are you saying Rachel's original goal has been reached and she's overcome her internal obstacles? But what now? What is she fighting for or against at the moment? She's been wallpaper for the last 5 years or so, she needs some conflict. lol