WARNING: The following contains spoilers for X of Swords: Destruction #1 by Jonathan Hickman, Tini Howard, Pepe Larraz, Marte Gracia, & and VC's Clayton Cowles, on sale now
The full might of the X-Men just arrived in Otherworld to help turn the tide against the forces of Arakko and Amenth. In the process, a fan-favorite new character in the Marvel Universe appeared -- confirming her continued role with the team.
Gwenpool gets multiple cameos during the chaotic conclusion to X of Swords -- cementing the meta anti-heroine as officially a part of the X-Men corner of the Marvel Universe.
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Gwenpool was initially introduced as a refugee in the Marvel Universe from the real world -- a major fan of Marvel Comics who found herself trapped in their world. Gwenpool Strikes Back explored the idea that Gwenpool needs to find a place in the Marvel Universe now that she's an actual part of it, keeping her from obscurity or just becoming a redshirt in a future event. However, Ms. Marvel suggests that Gwenpool is actually a resident of the Marvel Universe in Gwenpool Strikes Back #5, merely a reality-bending mutant. Because of the nature of her powers, she could have subconsciously affected the way she perceives reality -- explaining how Gwenpool can see the world as if it were created of comic book panels and so easily use that to her advantage.
Gwenpool proves this theory by moving through a Krakoan Gate, proving that she's been confirmed to be a mutant and therefore has a place among the X-Men on Krakoa. Since then, however, Gwenpool hasn't had much of a role on the island -- outside a cameo during a non-canon tie-in for the X-Men/Fortnite crossover event. However, Gwenpool just got the chance to showcase her skills during the events of X of Swords. During the climactic battle of the event, the full might of Arakko and Amenth is unleashed against the Champions of Krakoa. Even with the assistance of the newly reformed Captain Britain Corps, the X-Men are severely outnumbered. Luckily, Magik is able to utilize her teleportation powers to bring the Peak into Otherworld -- full of almost every X-Man and X-Men ally available.
Among the army of mutants that springs into action is Gwenpool, who can be seen leaping into battle with her swords drawn. She appears throughout the fight in minor moments, using her skills with weapons to keep the forces of Amenth at bay. She notably joins up with a handful of trigger-happy mutants like Dominio and Bishop to open fire on Pogg Ur-Pogg, keeping the massive alligator warrior from impacting the overall battle. Gwenpool is even briefly seen at the end of the battle, having survived the conflict and played her part as an X-Man. It's a very minor appearance by the character, but still a promising development.
Gwenpool could -- and should -- play a part in at least one group on Krakoa, with her powers and a unique attitude making her a good wild card for any team dynamic. X of Swords: Destruction cements the idea that she's an X-Man at her core -- and Marvel should delve more into what that means going forward.