AIPT: Krakoa certainly has its detractors (both in the Marvel Universe and among readers), so it’s interesting to see a mutant like Morgan Red being such a vocal critic of what Xavier, Magneto, and Moira built. As a writer, why is it important to show this alternative point of view in New Mutants: Lethal Legion?
Charlie Jane: One of my favorite things about the Krakoa era is mutants debating about Krakoa, and having very different ideas about it. I think there are legitimate debates to be had about the notion of a mutant homeland, especially after all the disasters in the past, and nationalism is also a very fraught topic these days.
I think with Morgan, it’s partly about having philosophical issues with a mutant separatist state, but also about feeling as though the “mutant” label does not define them. Morgan is also trans, Chinese, Jewish, and asexual, and those things also matter. Also, I think Morgan is feeling a little isolated, because he thought Escapade was on the same page about Krakoa, and then Escapade runs off to hang out there and make a whole new set of friends. Morgan kind of feels as though Krakoa stole their best friend.