Nightcrawler’s Religious History & Christianity in X-Men Comics | Krakin' Krakoa #181

From the unforgettable Dave Cockrum design to the swashbuckling heart of the X-Men in the pages of Chris Claremont and company's comics, Nightcrawler has long been my favorite mutant. I remain elated by the opening sequence of Nightcrawler in X2: X-Men United, and forever lament the character's general absence in the 90s animated series. As the character develops in comics, Kurt Wagner's Christianity becomes a more integral part of his story, not quite as integral as say Daredevil's Catholicism, or even Kamala Khan's Islamic faith, but certainly notable among the X-Men.

Today I'll Answer:
+ What has Nightcrawler's religion looked like through comics history?
+ Is there space for Christianity on Krakoa?
+ What does this history tell us about what to expect in 2021’s Way of X and beyond?

In the present, Nightcrawler's role as the religious thinker among Krakoa's Quiet Council of mutant leaders leads into the new series, Way of X, in which Kurt's quest for a mutant religion and finding meaning in this new era of mutantkind takes the forefront. I find it interesting to contemplate how Kurt's Christianity has progressed through the decades, where it's lead to, and what it means now for the Hickman era of X-Men comics.

Spoilers for discussed comics may follow!

For the full Krakin' Krakoa X-Men playlist:

For all Reign of X videos:

For the full Dawn of X reading order:

For the full X-Men comics reading order:

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About Comic Book Herald:
My name's Dave, and Comic Book Herald is a labor of love designed to help new, lapsed, and curious comic book readers explore and enjoy the wonderful world of comics. I've been developing reading orders, chronology guides, and detailed comics recommendations since late 2011. Comics can be confusing and intimidating; I try to help.

[claytonlaney]

I really love the fact of Nightcrawlers fate. He is a great example of what it truly means to be a Christian and I like the idea of a mutant theology but I hope he stays Christian because he is one of the few Christian characters in the comics

[Tyler_W]

Nightcrawler is easily one of my favorite X-Men (he's up there with Wolverine, Cyclops, Jean Grey and Rogue for me). I appreciate him now more than ever. As someone who, at least in one way or another still considers himself a Christian in that I have faith and trust in Christ and desire to follow him in relationship with God (and all of the successes and failures that come with it along the way), I appreciate Nightcrawler because of his sincerity of faith, his willingness to ask serious and deeply personal questions in pursuit of truth, the humility with which he admits when he might not have all of the answers, amd his good example of character in the unwavering love and care he shows towards those around him, even toward those unlike himself (seeing the image of God in everyone, no matter how wounded or distorted). The fact he's an adventurous, life-affirming, fun-loving, down-to-earth and all around cool dude just rounds it all out. To some extent, I kinda see myself in the character, but he's even more an aspirational figure who, in many ways, represents what I would consider my ideal self, and I want to read every story I can find where he's a primary character. (Honestly, even though I love many comic book superheroes, the only other suoerheroes who elicit a really personal identification with are probably Spider-Man, Daredevil, Superman, Nightwing, and Invincible).

[jedibattlemasterkos]

I'll never forget how Nightcrawler's faith drew me into Xmen comics as a kid.

[Niall]

Revelations is part of Catholicism. The Rapture is not. It's actually a very American piece of evangelical theology.

Austen, however, didn't bother his arse to actually research, well, anything.

[Eldagusto]

There was a comic where night crawler was a priest! I remember reading it, it might even have been a Nightcrawler limited run but it was sometime between 1999-2002.

[ryann.]

Kurt is my favorite too! The conversation between him and Logan before they take out mother mold was one of my favorite moments in comics.

[coffeebreath]

Incredible commentary as usual. Your videos have literally become part of my NCBD routine.

[maryse]

Paul Smith's art is divine. Loved the Brood Saga. Great review, Dave.

[LegacyFable]

It is very inspiring to see superheros to have real religions like this as a Christan I don't really see superheros go through the same things as I do not that it's important but it's really nice to see

[pats]

Did Kurt ever get his soul back? He lost it when he left heaven and it was brought up that he couldn't die in x-men gold because of his lack of soul. Then it's kinda never mentioned again and he is able to die by hickman's run? Did I miss something?

[sammywilliam]

Absolutely love that they showed everybody's life not just the mutants and it shows that not all catholics and christians in the excellent universe are like the psychopathic Reverend that we all know in the x men universe a lot of them are upstanding citizens that don't really care who you are what you are as long as you're Your intentions are good and the character of your heart is pure and coming from somebody who is pegan it is extremely satisfying to have somebody like nightcrawler who is religious but he's not pretty nor is he pious😊

[BigBWolf]

Nightcrawler looks like a demon but Kurt has the soul of an angel. Also his dad isn't really a demon, he's a demonic looking mutant

[prometheuslens]

I’m so glad Nightcrawler is a big part of X-men ‘97, and they kept with Catholicism intact 😊

[Prime]

I always assume that mutant religion would revolve around the Phoenix and how it would also come through for mutant kind. It’s that one being that saved them from extinction

[nobodyexceptme]

Another amazing vid, will we get an x factor wrap up video?

[wayneashford]

Just read 'Amazing X-Men' featuring Nightcrawler's (brief) soljourn in Heaven after he died... found it interesting & actually ❣️❣️❣️❣️ it.

[dlove]

Good research, thank you. It makes me wonder what a person (mutant) must feel when looking forward to going to Heaven after they die, only to be resurrected on Krakoa? Maybe it depends on on important they are to the mission, but do they have a choice & if not, would they resent Charles for taking them away from Heaven (if it exists for mutants?)
All of that aside, there was another mutant who wrestled with religion, Nate Grey who many considered a 'Mutant Messiah' & even he had questions on what that meant.

[timboslice]

I’d love to see daredevil and nightcrawler have a team up to save the pope or something like that. Just give me one issue where the virgin mary saves them from certain doom in some non obvious way.

[Dracobyte]

I am here after the Nightcrawler rage-bait drama!

[slibertas]

Wolverine becomes a Christian. X-Men TAS and in the 616.