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Warning: Spoilers for NYX #4!The X-Men's latest villain is stepping into Magneto's shoes in a big way, as the Krakoan is adopting the Master of Magnetism's old philosophy and a few aesthetic elements to match. Now, he's added a classic catchphrase-turned-meme into the mix. As the Krakoan confronts Ms. Marvel, he pulls out Magneto's famous video game line, "Welcome to Die."
NYX #4 by Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, and Enid Balám brings Ms. Marvel face to face with the series' current villain, the Krakoan. Julian Keller, formerly known as Hellion, has taken his new role in stride. He’s adopted all the drama and pomp of the X-Men’s original (and arguably greatest) villain, Magneto, along with his old homo superior agenda that calls for mutants to take their place above humanity.
Julian is taking plenty of inspiration from the Master of Magnetism, and there's no doubt who he's emulating. When Kamala Khan arrives for their fight, Keller greets her with Magneto's line from the 1992 X-Men arcade game: "Welcome to Die."
The Krakoan Adopts Magneto’s Threat from an X-Men Arcade Game
NYX #4 by Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, Enid Balám, Raúl Angulo, and Joe Sabino
Alongside having clear implications for the former X-Men Hellion, “Welcome to Die” is an excellent Easter egg for X-Men fans. That particular line has transformed from a retro video game quote to a meme, and it has been used across the X-Men fanbase and pop culture for several years. The Krakoan has now officially pulled the line into Marvel Comics canon as well, taking it from a relatively inside joke to a bigger stage. It's not enough to impress or scare Ms. Marvel, but it captures Julian Keller and Magneto's shared flair for dramatics and gives long-time fans a laugh.
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Magneto has uttered plenty of memorable lines over the years, and the impact he's made on the X-Men and mutantkind is undeniable. Max Eisenhardt has charted the course for his people - either through leadership or force - for decades. He's a man of action in a way few others can imitate, so it comes as little surprise that the Krakoan chooses to follow in his footsteps. Julian Keller has plenty of raw power, thanks to his omega-level telekinesis, but seeks to add Magneto's ability to inspire fear and awe. By greeting Ms. Marvel with that quote, he's making his intention clear.
The Krakoan Has Claimed His Spot as the Next Magneto
Borrowing the Retro Catchphrase Leaves No Doubts
"Welcome to Die" is a great nod to the fans but also cements the Krakoan's place in X-Men lore. Max Eisenhardt is currently serving as the X-Men's headmaster at their Alaskan base, and he has, largely, left his "villain" life behind. Others still walk his former path, however, and Julian Keller was at times rebellious and violent before Krakoa. Now he's transformed his frustration about the X-Men's failings into his new villainous persona, essentially deciding to do what Magneto no longer will. The Krakoan took the "Welcome to Die" catchphrase out of the X-Men arcade game to declare himself the new Magneto.
NYX #4 is available now from Marvel Comics.
Magneto
The oldest and best-known adversary of the X-Men, Magneto has been a part of Marvel Comics since the mutant team was introduced. Bearing powers over magnetic fields, he views mutants as superior to normal humans, and aims to build a world where humans are dominant. The only thing stopping him is Professor X and his team of heroes.
Alias Magnus, Max Eisenhardt, Erik Lehnsherr
Race Human mutant
Summary
The oldest and best-known adversary of the X-Men, Magneto has been a part of Marvel Comics since the mutant team was introduced. Bearing powers over magnetic fields, he views mutants as superior to normal humans, and aims to build a world where humans are dominant. The only thing stopping him is Professor X and his team of heroes.
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.
First Film X-Men (2000)
TV Show(s) X-Men: Pryde of the X-Men , X-Men (1992) , X-Men: Evolution (2000) , Wolverine and the X-Men (2008) , Marvel Anime: Wolverine , Marvel Anime: X-Men , Legion (2017) , The Gifted (2017) , X-Men '97 (2024)
Video Game(s) X-Men: Children of the Atom (1994) , Marvel Super Heroes (1995) , X-Men vs. Street Fighter (1996) , Marvel Super Heroes vs. Street Fighter (1997) , Marvel vs. Capcom (1998) , X-Men: Mutant Academy (2000) , Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes (2000) , X-Men: Mutant Academy 2 (2001) , X-Men: Next Dimension (2002) , Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (2011) , Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (2011) , X-Men Legends (2005) , X-Men Legends 2: Rise of Apocalypse (2005) , X2: Wolverine's Revenge (2003) , X-Men (1993) , X-Men 2: Clone Wars (1995) , X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse (1994)