A good horror film should evoke fear and provoke audiences with shocking twists, gut-wrenching acts of depravity, and a chilling narrative that is both entertaining and terrifying. While horror often pushes the boundaries for what is acceptable and in good taste, there can be some debate or controversy regarding when a horror movie goes “too far”. In the most recent issue of Gail Simone’s Uncanny X-Men, we see an example of a divisive horror movie that has the mutant community concerned with how the film will affect public perception of mutants in a political climate where mutants are already hated and feared.
In Uncanny X-Men #17, a new horror film starring a serial-killing mutant, “Murder Me, Mutina”, is taking the world by storm. The issue opens with Kitty Pryde looking at a billboard promoting the film, which reads: “She brings the terror from the Terrigen Mist. Mutina is coming”. The film sparks concern from the mutant community that the film promotes negative representations of mutants, and that the portrayal of mutants as “killers” and “monsters” will lead to false associations with mutants and the fictional serial-killing Mutina. Despite these concerns, the movie studio and the film’s director stand by their claim that the film is for entertainment and should be considered “pro-mutant” rather than anti-mutant. However, these statements do not reassure the X-Men that the film is harmless and will not lead to further conflict between the mutant and human population.
Is Mutina harmless entertainment or a foreboding omen for bad things to come? Image courtesy of Marvel Comics
Throughout the history of the X-Men comics, members of the mutant community have been ostracized, persecuted, scapegoated, and oppressed. They have also been the victims of systemic violence and outright physical violence, most recently the Orchis attack on the mutant island nation Krakoa during the 2023 Hellfire Gala. Orchis was also successful in manipulating the public onion and reigniting human hostilities towards mutants that have persisted throughout the current X-books. During a time when mutants are already a vulnerable population, the release of this film feels like another attack on the mutant community. It will lead to further distrust of mutants from humans who are already convinced that mutants represent a grave threat to humanity.
While the adult X-Men are apprehensive about the film, The Outliers do not share this uneasiness, and Jitter, Ransom, Deathdream, and Calico sneak out to watch the movie. In this issue, we see Jitter and Calico’s romance blossom further, as a scared Calico clutches Jitter during the movie. It’s very cute and endearing. After the film is over we see a reminder of the poor state of affairs for mutant-human relations, as the kids are harassed at a restaurant by a group of bigots who call them “dirty, stinking, toxic muties”. This scene illustrates the prejudice towards mutants that exists and how mutants are frequent targets of persecution. It is also effective in furthering the argument that a film about a serial-killing mutant where the killer being a mutant is both intentional and essential to the film’s premise will lead to negative consequences and detrimental ramifications for the mutant community. That scene is an example of what is at stake and what the X-Men are actively fighting and working against: young vulnerable mutants who will continue to be attacked by bigots who believe wholeheartedly that mutants are dangerous threats to society that must be dealt with to protect and defend humanity.
By far one of the standout moments in the issue is the introduction of Mutina, who is both menacing and intimidating. Sporting a black and red ensemble complete with a black hood, fanged red mask, and two huge blades, Mutina is a worthy foe and adversary for the X-Men. It is an incredible design that makes Mutina a very memorable and iconic villain. The issue also hints at some mystery and intrigue surrounding Mutina’s true identity, with the only clue we are given being that her name is “Leticia”. When Jitter calls Mutina a “normie” who hates mutants, the villain responds by saying “You’re half right, sweet stuff”. I’m sure I speak for other fans and readers when I say that Mutina is a compelling antagonist. I also look forward to future appearances and new revelations surrounding the character.
Year two of Uncanny kicks off with a great issue that signals a fun new direction for the book. Luciano Vecchio makes his show-stopping debut in the book with art that breathes new life into this series. Gail Simone’s latest creation, the psychotic Mutina, is an exciting and engaging new villain that is sure to bring some wicked and chaotic madness into the lives of the X-Men. The entire creative team of Uncanny X-Men continues to deliver awe as the book shifts into a thrilling and invigorating new era for the series.
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