Things that go "BAMF" in the night....

Thoughts on the Fuzzy Elf, Into the Weird's Favorite X-Man

There was a time when Marvel Comics did the unthinkable. They killed Nightcrawler. Yes, Kurt Wagner—the soul of the X-Men, their conscience, their swashbuckling, teleporting, faith-filled heart—died in X-Force Vol. 3 #26. I was outraged then, and honestly? That outrage still lingers. But today, my love for Nightcrawler isn’t tangled in grief. Instead, it’s intertwined with awe for how Marvel has (finally) done right by one of their greatest characters.

Back then, I was furious. Killing Nightcrawler felt like a cheap move, a marketing stunt for shock value. Sure, he sacrificed himself to save mutantkind’s so-called messiah, Hope Summers, but did Marvel have to take him of all people? Why not someone less integral to the X-Men’s heart and soul? Bastion, the glorified Sentinel, didn’t even deserve to be the one to kill him! Kurt deserved better.

But let’s focus on where we are now. Nightcrawler did return, as all great comic book characters inevitably do. It took a few years, but in 2014’s Amazing X-Men Vol. 2, Jason Aaron and Ed McGuinness brought him back in a way that felt worthy of his legacy. Nightcrawler returned from the afterlife—literally—and reclaimed his place among the X-Men. His resurrection wasn’t just about bringing back a fan favorite; it was about restoring the team’s heart. He even had a brief stint in his own ongoing solo series (Nightcrawler by Claremont and Nauck), where we finally got a closer look at his relationships, his faith, and his role in the mutant community.

Since then, Kurt’s story has evolved in ways that I never could have imagined back when I was mourning his death. Enter Krakoa and the Dawn of X era, where mutants established their own nation and, for the first time in their history, conquered death through resurrection protocols. Nightcrawler, always the moral compass of the X-Men, became the philosophical compass of this new mutant age. In Way of X and Legion of X, Si Spurrier tackled Kurt’s spiritual journey, delving into how a devout Catholic reconciles faith with mutantkind’s new godlike powers over life and death. It was complex, thought-provoking, and a beautiful spotlight for a character who has always wrestled with the intersection of faith, identity, and morality.

And now? Nightcrawler remains central to the X-Men’s future. Whether he’s rallying his fellow mutants, cracking a joke mid-battle, or questioning the ethics of Krakoa’s choices, Kurt Wagner is, as ever, the X-Men’s heart and soul.

Here's a rundown of what Kurt has been up to in recent years:

Recent Developments

1. New Origin Story: In *X-Men Blue: Origins* (2023), Marvel redefined Nightcrawler's parentage. It was revealed that Mystique, using her shapeshifting abilities, became his biological father, while Destiny is his mother. This retcon has strengthened Nightcrawler's familial ties to Mystique and Rogue, adding depth to his character and redefining his origins after decades of speculation.

2. Uncanny Spider-Man: During the "Fall of X" era, Nightcrawler adopted the mantle of the Uncanny Spider-Man*. This miniseries explored his life as a solo superhero in New York City while dealing with the fallout from the Hellfire Gala and his entanglement with Orchis, a mutant-hating organization. The series showcased Kurt's resilience and ability to thrive despite personal trauma and manipulation.

3. Krakoa Era and Beyond: Nightcrawler played a key role during the Krakoan era, particularly in philosophical explorations of faith, law, and morality in Way of X (2021) and subsequent series like Legion of X. These stories positioned him as a moral compass for mutantkind, grappling with the implications of Krakoa's immortality protocols and its societal challenges.

Current Role

1. Post-Krakoa Status: Following the collapse of Krakoa in 2024's Fall of X, Nightcrawler has rejoined a new iteration of the X-Men team led by Rogue in Marvel's "From the Ashes" storyline. This marks a return to more traditional team dynamics after his solo ventures.

2. Ultimate Universe: In Marvel's relaunched Ultimate Universe, an alternate version of Nightcrawler has been introduced in Ultimate Wolverine (2025). This version appears darker and more lethal, reflecting a grittier take on the character.

3.Weaponry and Powers: Recent stories have expanded Nightcrawler's abilities and introduced new weapons, such as the spiritual "Hopesword," which symbolizes his faith. These developments emphasize his dual nature as both a fighter and a man of faith.

Continuing Significance

Nightcrawler continues to be central to Marvel's X-Men narrative. His recent origin retcon has tied him more closely to key characters like Mystique and Destiny, while his solo adventures as the Uncanny Spider-Man have highlighted his versatility beyond team dynamics. With ongoing appearances in flagship titles like Uncanny X-Men and new roles in alternate universes, Kurt Wagner remains an integral part of Marvel's storytelling.

In summary, Nightcrawler is not only still around but is also deeply involved in major storylines that explore his identity, relationships, and role within mutantkind.

Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far he’s come. He’s not just the guy with the teleporting “BAMF,” superhuman agility, and a tail that could knock you off your feet. He’s the heart of the team, the swashbuckler with the faith to believe in something greater, and a hero who’s constantly evolving. For years, I wished Marvel would recognize his potential. And now? They finally have.

Marvel, don’t mess this up. Nightcrawler deserves all the spotlight, all the meaningful storylines, and if you ever think about killing him again, know this: fans like me won’t forgive you so easily next time. He’s not just an X-Man. He’s the X-Man. Always has been, always will be.

Long live the fuzzy elf.