Move over, Samara Weaving—there's a new platinum blonde mutant making waves in the Marvel Universe. The X-Men are gearing up for big things, both on the big screen and in the comics, and the latest shake-up involves a familiar face from Spider-Man's world who's about to get a serious power boost.
According to AIPT Comics, Black Cat #17, hitting stores in December, will see Felicia Hardy officially join the ranks of the X-Men and gain her own mutant abilities. The story, penned by G. Willow Wilson with art by Gleb Melnikov, also features a striking new look for the character—she's trading her iconic white locks for brunette hair and sporting a silver mask. While she's not exactly stepping into Emma Frost's shoes, the White Queen herself will appear in the issue and seems to play a pivotal role in Felicia's transformation. The cover also teases appearances from Kid Omega, Xorn, and Beast.
This isn't the first time Marvel has pulled a character from another corner of its universe and turned them into a mutant. Retcons like this are practically a tradition, with past examples including Kamala Khan, Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver, Franklin Richards, Moira MacTaggert, and Namor the Sub-Mariner. As AIPT's Chris Hassan noted, it feels like a fair trade: Felicia Hardy joins the X-Men just as the MCU introduces Jean Grey (played by Sadie Sink) in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
How Does Felicia Hardy Become a Mutant?
Details are still under wraps, but Emma Frost is definitely in the mix. The official synopsis for the issue reads: "Meet the newest mutant... Felicia Hardy?! Witness Felicia Hardy’s own second genesis—as the newest member of the X-Men! Felicia’s encounter with Emma Frost left her changed. Shall we say…mutated?"
Fans will have to wait until December for the full story, but Felicia's current comic arc is already taking her on a wild ride. This week's Black Cat #14 kicks off a space-faring adventure that pits her against Hela of Asgard, the Kree Empire, two founding members of the Fantastic Four, and a planet of Symbiotes (yes, Venom's species). She's also crossed paths with Spider-Man and his allies, including Dylan Brock, the son of Eddie Brock and Venom. It's clear this series is pushing Felicia into every corner of the Marvel Universe, so joining the X-Men feels like a natural next step.
For more on the latest in comics and entertainment, check out our coverage of the scrapped Venture Bros. spinoff and what's coming in Silo season 4. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new chapter for Black Cat!
