WARNING: The following contains spoilers for X-Men #3, now on sale
Krakoa, despite nominally being a way for the mutants of Earth to come together and embrace a positive future for them and their loved ones, has been increasingly putting the mutant population at risks in unexpected ways. Even their new methods have been specifically targeted -- with the anti-mutant organization Orchis specifically trying to counter advancements like resurrection. But now, they may have weaponized one of Marvel's best reporters to do their work for them.
Ben Urich's investigation into the X-Men in X-Men #3 by Gerry Duggan, Pepe Larraz, Marte Gracia, and VC's Clayton Cowles just took a serious turn -- and it might be the key to exposing one of Krakoa's biggest strengths and secrets to the world at large.
One of the closest kept secrets of Krakoa has been the truth about mutant resurrection. Thanks to the Five working in concert with Cerebro and a sufficiently powerful telepath, mutants have been granted the ability to effectively be restored following any death. Considering the massive step forward as a species this presents -- as well as a number of philosophical questions that could be used against them -- the mutants have kept this potential a secret from the world. The deaths of notable mutants have been kept secret, with the mutant nation effectively arguing that any reports to the contrary have been fabricated. Not even their allies in the hero community seem aware of what the X-Men are truly doing.
But that's about to change. Despite their efforts in The Trial of Magneto to keep the Avengers from learning about resurrection, it's possible that the Scarlet Witch's sudden revival might be a result of the Five. Likewise, Ben Urich -- one of Marvel's most dedicated reporters -- has been investigating mysteries regarding Krakoa and the mutant population. He's quietly confronted Cyclops outside the newly constructed Treehouse, referencing the death of Jumbo Carnation during the events of New X-Men -- and the fact that he's been recently seen in public once more. Although Cyclops evaded those questions, it'll be more difficult to avoid the line of questioning Urich is likely next to deliver.
While sitting on a bench waiting for a source in X-Men #3, Doctor Stasis -- who's been quietly teased as a member of Orchis -- approaches Urich and asks him to simply tell the truth. He then hands him the files on the death of Cyclops aboard the Orchis base constructed around the sun, including photographs and reports from the autopsy. It clearly shocks Urich -- and Stasis seems confident that within days, he'll be reading about mutant resurrection in the Daily Bugle. Given his longstanding commitment to the truth, it's likely Ben Urich will break this news to the public -- although there is a precedent of him hiding stories about heroes in the past (such as when he discovered Daredevil's identity but kept it hidden).
However, it's clear that Krakoa's greatest secret has become too big, that it's only a matter of time before the secret of mutant resurrection becomes known across the world -- even if Urich doesn't publish this news. It'll be a galvanizing moment for the enemies of Krakoa and mutant-kind, much in the same way the terraforming of Mars into Planet Arakko has been. It'll likely turn public perception even further against mutants, despite the work they've done to help the world. It'll also likely unsettle many of their allies in the hero community (despite some of them going through similar events recently, such as Iron Man and War Machine). It'll also put a much deadlier target on the back of the Five, who are each crucial for the completion of the circuit.