WARNING: The following contains spoilers for X-Men #16 by Jonathan Hickman, Phil Noto, VC's Clayton Cowles & Tom Muller, on sale now
After X of Swords saw Apocalypse and Jean Grey step away, two positions on Krakoa's Quiet Council currently available, there's a power vacuum in the mutant organization that governs almost all of Marvel's mutants.
But with Cyclops and Jean Grey refusing to take those positions in X-Men #16, there are still several questions of who else could have the prestige, power and mental fortitude to join the group. Now, we're taking a closer look at some of the mutants who could be the right fit for the vacant positions on the Quiet Council.
CLASSIC X-MEN
One of the two open positions within the Quiet Council is with the Summer branch of the council, which is composed of major former X-Men like Nightcrawler and Storm. With Jean vacating that position within the ruling body, it would make sense for another classic X-Man to take that position. While many major X-Men are already filling important positions on Krakoa, it's more of a question of what X-Men would even be available to take such an important and consuming position.
Classic X-Men like Colossus could theoretically take that role, but it's implied that Beast is following through on Jean's suggestion that he try to recruit Colossus to X-Force. Instead, this may be the perfect time for other underseen X-Men from the Giant-Size X-Men era to take the spotlight again. Banshee recently played a role in the opening of X of Swords, and could be rewarded for his dedication with a Council position. This could be how the original Thunderbird or Sunfire elevate themselves in importance within Krakoa, setting up more underutilized X-Men into important roles.
NEW MUTANTS ALL GROWN UP
The original class of New Mutants went through a series of challenges over the years, eventually reaching maturity despite all the monsters and crises they encountered along the way. Many of them have even been elevated to more important positions -- such as Sunspot and Cannonball, who eventually took over positions within the Avengers and would fit in well with the Quiet Council. However, both of them have their attention drawn across the cosmos and have commitments in Shi'ar space.
Magik would be an interesting choice, with her power and experience making her arguably an impressive militaristic leader and a Great Captain of Krakoa. But her commitment to helping teach the next generation of mutants -- while also serving as a Captain under the command of Cyclops -- might mean she's too busy as well. If that's the case, then Dani Moonstar might be the perfect New Mutant to rise up in the ranks and take a place with the Quiet Council. Her commitment to teaching the next generation speaks to her optimism for the future of Krakoa -- which could impress Xavier and would fit well with the rest of the Summer branch.
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THE WILD CARD OPTION
There are plenty of powerful and important mutants all across Krakoa, and any of them could take positions within the Quiet Council. The fact that they'll likely be dealing with the more militaristic Arakko Great Circle means they need to have strong resolve and plenty of power to spare. These openings could be the perfect time to shake up the Quiet Council and introduce some new powerhouses to the team. It's possible that the X-Men could invite one of the Arakko Champions like Isca to join their ranks as a sign of good faith. It's also the perfect time for some unexpected power players to re-establish themselves -- such as the powerful mutants featured in the recent "Reign of X" teaser.
This could see individuals such as the ambitious M -- currently working at the X-Corp with Angel -- try to further establish herself in the power structure of Krakoa by joining the Council. Maybe this is the true intention behind Shadow King observing the young mutants involved in the Wild Hunt -- as it could give him access to mutants like Magik and Dani Moonstar, who are serving as instructors for those rookies. But if the Quiet Council really wants to add a potent powerhouse, this could be the perfect time to bring Legion to the forefront. The Omega-Level mutant's sheer power and adaptability could make him crucial to countering anything the mysterious Great Circle could throw at Krakoa, especially considering his recent history of trying to help the X-Men in X-Men: Legacy and Age of X-Man.