Ms. Marvel first appeared in Marvel Comics as an Inhuman. Fans have wondered if Ms. Marvel’s Marvel Cinematic Universe incarnation could have ties with the mutants in that world.
Not surprisingly, but she had a strong connection with the mutant heroes long before this, as her friendship to Cyclops was actually the most sweet bond she has in all of Marvel Universe.
Kamala Khan had many connections to the Marvel Universe through her status as Inhuman and admiration for Captain Marvel. But she stepped up even further when she, Spider-Man, and Nova broke away from the Avengers in the aftermath of Civil War II, becoming something of a leader within the newly formed Champions. They quickly added Viv Vision (who had already gained Hulk power) and Amadeus Cho to their roster. Cyclops was the sixth member of their team, but he is actually the time-displaced Cyclops that spent many years in the future.
In fact, Cyclops was inspired by Ms. Marvel’s speech to public. This created a connection between the leaders. Cyclops had led the original X-Men, giving him the experience that others could recognize. With Kamala Cyclops could speak freely about his responsibility as both a leader and a hero. Ms. Marvel received an all-star ally in exchange. Despite acknowledging the tensions between Inhumans and mutants, both of them refused to allow it to define their relationship. They became close friends, Cyclops allowing her to take over leadership.
They remained close during his time on the team and eventually shared their childhood stories. By the time he had to leave the team in Champions #18 by Mark Waid and Humberto Ramos, Ms. Marvel was absolutely devastated to see her time with one of her closest friendships on the team come to an end. Cyclops, on the other hand, expressed how important his time was with the team and that he was truly sad to have to leave.
As a result of the time-travel, all these memories became the defacto knowledge of the original Cyclops — who has since become a steadfast ally to the Champions and one of Ms. Marvel’s most important supporters in the hero community, helping keep the team safe during the Outlawed storyline. This is why Ms. Marvel and Cyclops remain so close to each other in Marvel Universe. It’s one reason she feels connected with mutants around the world.
This is also a turn that may become even more significant in the future. Ms. Marvel could be paired more often with X-Men in the future, or if her character becomes a mutant by some means. Being close friends with one the X-Men’s most influential figureheads will provide a helpful starting point as the character adjusts to the increased mutant focus of Marvel Universe.
