From Junior to AMAZING X-MAN

Amazing X-Men #13 courtesy Marvel
Amazing X-Men #13 courtesy Marvel

A junior X-Man jumps up the front burner in Amazing X-Men #13 this week.

“Anole’s deepest fears are unleashed on the streets of New York City”  in this tale by James Tynion IV (Batman Eternal).

Nightcrawler and Northstar attempt to save Victor. This marks a reunion between Anole and his mentor Northstar – two of the openly gay Marvel characters.

Anole was part of Northstar’s Alpha Squadron. Jean-Luc and Victor made a connection because of the orientation. Victor and Kurt share a connection because of their appearances due to their mutation.

Anole’s mutation gives him a reptilian appearance with wallcrawling, regeneration, camouflage an superhuman agility. During an adventure in Limbo, Anole’s arm was severed but he he regrew a rocky, spikey arm like his scalp. Victor Borkowski was created by Nunzio DePhillips, Christina Weir and Carlo Barberi. Chris Yost and Craig Kyle were praised for their portrayal of Anole coming out.

Anole like his mentors Northstar and Karma represent diversity in the Marvel Universe. It’s positive that these GLBT characters are part of the X-Men family but do they get enough screen time in major storylines?

Every issue, every storyline can be seen as a tryout. It’s up to Anole and Northstar fans to make their voice heard at the comic shops and with the power of social media.

By Editor