X-Men 97, redemption, and forgiveness.
Plus health + writing + other updates!
If you haven’t watched the first two episodes of the new X-Men 97 show, don’t read this email because I will be spoiling!
If you’re unfamiliar with X-men as a whole, basically, it’s a comic series revolving around mutated humans and how they navigate a world that discriminates against them. Some mutants want peace. They strive to be seen as equals and hope to turn the tide of public opinion. Then there are others who want to carve out spaces void of humans, where mutants can exist without the ongoing violence and bigotry hurled at them.
Magneto is one of those mutants.
Similar to Kilmonger from Black Panther, Magneto’s goal is to protect his people from persecution. He’s seen the worst of humanity, and he’s lost all hope. Of course, both Magneto and Kilmonger think violence is the way to fight back against their oppressors. Violence from their oppressors is all they’ve seen. But in the X-Men world, Magneto is framed as a pretty bad guy, so it was surprising to see him turn over a new leaf in X-Men 97.
Professor Charles Xavier, his peaceful counterpart, has died (allegedly) and he relinquished his role as the leader of the X-men to Magneto. Similar to Jack, the red ranger from Power Rangers SPD, the team is skeptical about Magneto’s motives and his ability to lead.
Scott, aka Cyclops, is incensed that Prof. Xavier has placed the fate of the X-men in the hands of someone he sees as irredeemable. But that got me thinking…is he irredeemable? Is it ever too late to do the right thing?
I admit I tend to think like Cyclops. I, too, would have regarded Magneto with scrutiny and suspicion. After all, he’s attacked them repeatedly annnnd tried to take over the world. But…does that mean he can’t ever change?
Real world story interjection: A friend of mine and I started off as mortal enemies. I don’t even remember why, but something silly escalated into insults and walls of silence built by bricks of resentment. In my mind, she was like Magneto. My weekly Saturday morning foe. And vice versa! But we kept finding ourselves in the same spaces, and after about a year or two of this, we decided to just…stop. We forgave each other, and we’ve been friends for over a decade!
Forgiveness is hard. It’s an ongoing process of watching actions and rebuilding trust over time. Of course Scott struggles to forgive Magneto. He hasn’t seen anything from him proving him to be a good guy…yet. So, it’s up to Magneto to be understanding of that and not let Cyclops’ hesitancy offend him. And while Cyclops doesn’t have to offer Magneto any grace, it wouldn’t hurt to sit back and observe and try. Patience and open-mindedness on both sides are key.
Now, if Magneto ends up double-crossing everyone, I will scream 😆. But, we’ll see! What are your thoughts on forgiveness? Do you think people who have done wrong can be redeemed? Have you forgiven anyone, and it turned out alright? Please, share with us in the comments!
Health Updates!
I shared in the last newsletter that I was feeling better—and I am! I’ve pretty much plateaued at 75%, but I’m just happy I can look at my computer screen without getting sick. Shoutout to Mackenzie, a lovely reader who shared their own story of chronic illness with me. They pushed for a diagnosis for five years, even after being misdiagnosed by different doctors, before finally getting their answer.
Reading that definitely inspired me to keep pushing. Keep speaking up. And keep seeking second and third opinions when something feels wrong. It took me going around my primary care doctor to get the beta blockers I needed to improve my quality of life. I also had to go around her to get an MRI, which I absolutely needed.
If anyone out there is dealing with something similar, I hope these stories also encourage you to not back down when it comes to your health. I know things are weird healthcare-wise. Weird and expensive af. But if you can, do your own research and be an aggressive advocate for yourself.
Writing updates!
I Live to Serve the Witch is coming along! My editor, Victoria, is ready to go! My artist, Whytmanga, is already doing his thing! It’s me slowing the whole show down. I’ve been working on two comic projects and both of my books at the same time, which has proven to be kind of insane 😆. ILTSTW is nearly done, though, and has been for a while. I just want it to be incredible…and I know it can be. So, I keep changing things, which creates a cascading effect throughout the whole story. But I will get it together!! I’m excited for everyone to read my dark little story.
Some positivity!
Um, a Black magical girl comic edited by my fave Jamila Rowser, launched a Crowdfundr!
Stranger Comics launched a Kickstarter for their latest high-fantasy comic, Niobe - check it out!
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
Listen to my girly podcast!: The Magical Girl’s Guide to Life
Read my nerdy self-help book!: The Magical Girl’s Guide to Life
Follow me on Instagram!: @ Jacqueaye
Loved this read as much as I love this new path Magneto is on. now how long he'll stay on it? lol... your guess is as good as mine. Hoping, no, KNOWING the health will continue to improve.
XMen 97 is on my list! Loved the old one & the story of justice, sometimes “by any means necessary” never gets old. Magneto (the Malcolm to Charles’ Martin) miiiiight turn over a new leaf but, like real life, folks ready to fight for their beliefs only need one trigger! I definitely think redemption depends on the severity of the action and changes made by the one causing harm, & in the show… Magneto might get there.
Also sending fortitude for the chronic illness journey. I’m still dealing with undiagnosed and ignored ailments, but hopefully WE get answers. 🤞🏾 Prayerfully, get well soon!