The Five

• Core Identity: A synergistic group of five specific mutants whose combined powers form the foundation of the Krakoan Resurrection Protocols, rendering the entire mutant race functionally immortal.
• Key Takeaways:
• Role in the Universe: The Five are the engine of the mutant nation of krakoa. Their unique power circuit allows for the reliable and rapid resurrection of any deceased mutant whose consciousness has been backed up by cerebro, fundamentally altering the concepts of life, death, and consequence for homo superior.
• Primary Impact: The existence of The Five and their Resurrection Protocols is the single most significant strategic advantage of the Krakoan era. It has transformed the X-Men from a team of heroes into the protectors of a sovereign, immortal nation, shifting the geopolitical balance of the Marvel Universe and creating profound ethical and philosophical dilemmas.
• Key Incarnations: The Five are a concept exclusive to the Earth-616 (Prime Comic Universe) and have not appeared or been alluded to in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Their existence is deeply tied to the “Dawn of X” storyline, a complex narrative not yet approached by the MCU.

The Five were introduced to the Marvel Universe in House of X #5, published in September 2019. This landmark issue was a cornerstone of the revolutionary X-Men relaunch spearheaded by writer Jonathan Hickman, with art by Pepe Larraz and Marte Gracia. The concept of The Five was not a retcon but a seismic shift in the status quo, born from Hickman's long-term plan to redefine the X-Men's place in the world. The creation of The Five served a critical narrative purpose: to elevate mutants