The X-Men are frequently rejected from human society because of their X-Gene, but some mutants have it worse than others. Callisto, whose mutation grants her highly enhanced senses, knows that better than most after feeling cast out by humans and her fellow mutants. Now, the Morlock leader is being honored with a stellar cosplay that perfectly captures her punk aesthetic, attitude, and the scars she learned to take pride in.

Though they strive to be heroes for mutantkind, the X-Men aren’t perfect. Charles Xavier did not provide a home for every mutant or welcome them with open arms, especially those who struggled to “blend in” because of physical mutations. Callisto, and others like her, forged ahead and created their own “family” in the Morlocks.

X user Ødfel perfectly captured her fierceness in a recent cosplay, complete with her iconic eyepatch and spiky punk accessories. For years, Callisto fought to protect the Morlocks, creating a home for those who had none, and Ødfel’s look honors her story.

Callisto is a Reflection of the X-Men’s Failure

Not All Mutants Are Created Equally

Before her mutation triggered, Callisto was considered quite beautiful, but obtained her many scars and eyepatch for trying to remain in human society. She formed the Morlocks alongside Masque, Caliban, and Sunder, and spent years living wherever they found space, even making their home in the sewer for some time. She caused havoc on the surface when she could, and moved between an enemy and a tentative ally of the X-Men before losing her sensory powers on M-Day. While she eventually allied with Krakoa and regained her abilities, Callisto has led a difficult, dangerous life even at the best of times.

Callisto first appeared in The Uncanny X-Men (1963) #169, released in May 1983.

The Morlocks have always been outcasts among the outcasts, finding no solace among other mutant groups. They’ve been frequent targets of terrible atrocities and are disproportionally affected by humanity’s rejection of mutants. Disney’s X-Men ’97 show even included Callisto during its depiction of the Genoshan Massacre. They can’t walk among them undetected, as they often have obvious physical mutations or abilities that mark them as different at the slightest glance. Whether it’s bone protrusions like Marrow or the scars Callisto obtained for daring to attempt fitting in, they are as “different” as mutants can get – and they never forget it.

Callisto and the Morlocks Should Steer Mutantkind’s Future

Krakoa’s tumultuous First Age has ended, and all of mutantkind is beginning to move to the next chapter of their history. It’s a time of change and there’s plenty of room for improvement. Callisto and other former outcasts should be at the center of whatever comes next, as their inclusion could prevent them from repeating early mistakes. Mutants are stronger when they’re together, and they cannot be united if they overlook their own. Ødfel’s stunning Callisto cosplay captured a mutant who represents the X-Men’s failings but could be instrumental in ensuring a brighter future.