In an average middle-class home, Kitty Pryde awakens from a dream: a dream that defies the laws of physics. She finds herself flying high through a city, exhilarated until she suddenly starts to fall. But this isn’t an ordinary dream; it’s a manifestation of her newfound mutant ability: intangibility. Kitty can phase through solid matter, a power both thrilling and terrifying!

Charles Xavier, leader of the X-Men, detects Kitty’s signal on Cerebro – the second detection in the area. He knows he must act swiftly. Meanwhile, Jean Grey, is dispatched to recruit Kitty. Little does Jean know that Kitty has already encountered Lance Alvers, also known as Avalanche, who has won her over to the mutant cause.

As Kitty grapples with her powers, her parents become aware of her abilities. They try to reassure her, but the truth is undeniable: Kitty is different. Her journey of self-discovery unfolds against the backdrop of Bayville High School, where teenage mutants navigate the challenges of adolescence while concealing their extraordinary gifts.

The X-Impulse introduces Kitty Pryde as a relatable character, one who embodies the fear, curiosity, and wonder of discovering one’s mutant abilities. Through Kitty, we explore themes of identity, acceptance, and the delicate balance between normalcy and extraordinary powers. As she joins the X-Men, her journey becomes intertwined with theirs, promising thrilling adventures and emotional growth.

In this episode, animation brings Kitty Pryde to life, capturing her vulnerability, determination, and the complexities of being a mutant teenager. As viewers, we witness her transformation from an ordinary girl to a vital member of the X-Men – a journey that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Kitty Pryde, a teenage girl, discovers her mutant power to phase through objects. Her dream of flying turns into reality when she falls through her bedroom ceiling. Charles Xavier detects her signature and sends Jean Grey to recruit her for the X-Men.

At Bayville High School, Nightcrawler teleports into class, narrowly avoiding trouble with the strict principal, Ms. Darkhölme. Meanwhile, Kitty’s parents are concerned about her powers. Xavier and Jean visit Kitty’s home, but her father is uncooperative.

Logan, aka Wolverine, tracks Sabretooth, leading to an intense battle. At school, Kitty faces bullying and meets Lance Alvers, who shares his own tremor-causing abilities. Jean tries to help Kitty understand her powers, but Kitty’s fear drives her away.

As Kitty’s powers escalate, she accidentally causes chaos during a school event. Jean intervenes, and Kitty’s parents witness her abilities first-hand. They agree that Kitty should move to New York with Jean and Xavier to learn about her mutant nature.

Meanwhile, Lance encounters Mystique, who offers him a place among the Brotherhood of Mutants as Avalanche.

Kitty Pryde returns to animation for the first time since the unsuccessful pilot, Pryde of the X-Men. Having been absent from the main X-Men team for a while during the conception of X-Men: The Animated Series, the producers opted to replace her with Jubilee, a newer yet popular character. Despite initial plans for cameos, Kitty did not make an appearance in the ’90s series. However, X-Men ’97 has now acknowledged her existence within that universe, featuring her image in the episode Tolerance is Extinction (Part 3).

In Uncanny X-Men #129, Kitty Pryde first discovers her phasing abilities by falling through her bed, an event that also causes Carmen Pryde’s similar reaction in the comics. However, Uncanny X-Men #131 suggests Phoenix influenced his views on Kitty’s attending the school, unlike the portrayal in the episode.

The character Avalanche underwent changes for the series, adopting the American identity of Lance Alvers instead of the Greek Dominic Petros and visually resembling Rictor from the ’80s New Mutants series, despite their similar powers in the comics.

Wolverine dons his tan uniform from the comic books, previously seen in Pryde of the X-Men and later episodes of X-Men ’97 season one.

Scott’s red convertible is a fitting nod to the previous animated series, where a different version of Wolverine ‘gifts’ him a similar vehicle in Night of the Sentinels.

PRYDE OF THE X-MEN

At the dawn of the 1980s, a remarkable 13-year-old girl named Katherine “Kate” Pryde stepped onto the pages of Marvel Comics. Created by the talented duo of Chris Claremont and John Byrne, Kitty possesses an extraordinary mutant ability: phasing. She can move through solid matter, making her an invaluable asset to the X-Men. Imagine walking through walls or dodging bullets – Kitty does it effortlessly.

Kitty’s journey begins when both Emma Frost and the X-Men approach her simultaneously. The White Queen seeks her talents for her own purposes, while the X-Men recognize her potential. Smart and brave, Kitty chooses Xavier’s school and becomes the youngest X-Men member. Initially known as Sprite, she later adopts the alias Shadowcat. Her close bond with Storm and her involvement in iconic stories like Days of Future Past and God Loves, Man Kills cement her place in X-Men lore.

Beyond the comics, Kitty Pryde has left her mark on various media adaptations. In the animated series, her youthful spirit shines as she navigates mutant life. Elliot Page portrayed her in the live-action films, capturing her vulnerability and strength. Whether in the Danger Room or facing intergalactic threats, Kitty remains a fan favourite.

Kitty’s impact reverberates throughout Marvel’s universe. She co-founded Excalibur, adventured in space with the Guardians of the Galaxy, and even led the Marauders as Captain Kate Pryde. Her evolution from a kid sister to a formidable hero showcases resilience and growth. Recently, she shed her nickname, embracing her true identity as “Kate.”

Kitty Pryde’s journey from a suburban teenager to a mutant icon exemplifies the heart of the X-Men saga. Her phasing abilities, unwavering loyalty, and dynamic character have left an indelible mark on Marvel Comics and continue to inspire fans worldwide.

Strategy X | Rogue Recruit