Lilandra Neramani
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Lilandra Neramani | |
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![]() Cover art to New X-Men #122 (March 2002) Art by Frank Quitely (pencils), Tim Townsend (inks), and Hi-Fi Design (colors) | |
Publication information | |
Publisher | Marvel Comics |
First appearance | The Uncanny X-Men #97 (February 1976) |
Created by | Chris Claremont Dave Cockrum |
In-story information | |
Alter ego | Lilandra Neramani |
Species | Shi'ar |
Place of origin | Aerie |
Team affiliations | Shi'ar Imperium Starjammers |
Abilities | Limited telepathy Shi'ar armor and ceremonial staff |
Princess-Majestrix Lilandra Neramani (/lɪˈlændrə/) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, most commonly in association with the X-Men. She is the Empress, or Majestrix, of the Shi'ar Empire and shares a lifelong bond with the leader of the X-Men, Charles Xavier.[1][2][3] As the Empress, Lilandra is protected by the Imperial Guard, led by Gladiator.
Lilandra has often been a pivotal secondary character in the X-Men's history, from her participation in the Phoenix Saga, to her role in Grant Morrison's experimental and controversial run on New X-Men. Her role as one of Professor X's most cherished loves has played a significant part in the development of both characters, as well as many of the plots throughout the X-Men books.
Lilandra has appeared in various media outside comics, including animated series and video games. She was voiced by Camilla Scott in X-Men: The Animated Series, Morla Gorrondona in the sequel series X-Men '97, and Nika Futterman in a guest appearance in Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.
Publication history
[edit]![]() | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (July 2016) |
Lilandra Neramani first appeared in X-Men #97 (February 1976) and was created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum.[4] She continued to appear in the series as an ally of the X-Men throughout the late 70s and early 80s, frequently residing at the X-Mansion.
After her return to space, she would continue to make appearances as part of the Shi'ar Empire, appearing in Operation: Galactic Storm, and Starjammers, among others, throughout the 1990s. In the 2000s, Lilandra appeared in New X-Men, Uncanny X-Men, as well as the limited series X-Men: Emperor Vulcan. She also appeared in the crossover book War of Kings before her death in the fourth issue. Years after her death, Xavier resurrects Lilandra using a Krakoan egg.[5]
Fictional character biography
[edit]Lilandra is the sibling of D'Ken, Deathbird, and an unnamed older sister.[6] Lilandra hatches on the Aerie (now known as Chandilar, native world of the Shi'ar). Deathbird, the oldest of the surviving three, is denied the throne for "unspeakable" crimes (the murder of her mother and older sister) and exiled. Instead the throne went to D'Ken, who becomes a power-mad dictator. Lilandra becomes a Grand Admiral of the Imperial Guard in the Shi'ar fleet, but turns against D'Ken after learning of his plans involving the M'Kraan Crystal.
Branded a traitor, Lilandra flees to Earth and becomes an ally of Charles Xavier and his X-Men.[7][8] Finally meeting Xavier in person, she is captured by Davan Shakari before being rescued by the X-Men and the Starjammers.[9] She invites Xavier to accompany her to the Shi'ar throne-world.[10]
Majestrix-in-Exile
[edit]Lilandra takes the throne as Majestrix-Shi'ar (empress of the Shi'ar Imperium) with Xavier as her official consort.[11] She stages a trial by combat to determine the fate of Phoenix and overcomes Deathbird's first attempted coup.[12][13] However, a short while later her position is usurped by Deathbird, who had made a pact with the Brood and Badoon.[14] She escapes along with the X-Men to Earth.[15] She becomes a freedom fighter and allies with the Starjammers to retake her throne.[volume & issue needed]
Trial of Reed Richards
[edit]As monarch, Lilandra takes a leading role in interstellar affairs, such as dealing with the menace of Dark Phoenix and indicting Reed Richards of the Fantastic Four for daring to save the life of the planet consumer, Galactus.[16]
Return to the throne
[edit]When Charles Xavier suffers a near-fatal heart attack, the Starjammers heal him, but due to enemy spacecraft, they cannot return to Earth.[17] With the help of Xavier and the Starjammers, Lilandra eventually manages to retake the throne and separates from Xavier.[18]
Kree-Shi'ar War
[edit]Before much longer, interstellar war erupts between the Shi'ar and the Kree. Lilandra orders the Starjammers to transport the Nega-Bomb into Kree space.[19] She survives an assassination attempt by the Kree Starforce, and decides to recall the Bomb before discovering that a Skrull impersonating Araki helped cause the Kree-Shi'ar War.[20][21] At the end of the war, she takes control of the devastated Kree Empire and appoints Deathbird as her viceroy.[22] Fearing the Kree will seek retribution against the Avengers for their part in ending the war, Lilandra sends Deathcry to protect Earth.[23]
Cassandra Nova
[edit]While Lilandra is a peaceful and beloved empress, her reign proves to be tumultuous. During her reign, the Skrull attempt to infiltrate and control the Shi'ar government, an intergalactic war with the Kree erupts, and the Phalanx and Uncreated attack. The most damage done to the Shi'ar Empire was done by Cassandra Nova, who, in the body of Charles Xavier, mind-controls Lilandra and takes control of the Shi'ar fleet. Lilandra is lost for a while on earth and attempts to kill Xavier, not understanding he was his own self again. Afterwards, Lilandra and Xavier's marriage is annulled.[24][25]
Emperor Vulcan
[edit]Vulcan attempts to gain control of the Shi'ar, kills D'Ken and several members of the Imperial Guard, and becomes the ruler of the Shi'ar Imperium. Lilandra is currently in the company of the Starjammers, opposing Vulcan's tyranny. Most of the Starjammers are eventually captured by Vulcan. However, Korvus, Marvel Girl and Lilandra remain free.[26]
X-Men: Kingbreaker & War of the Kings
[edit]Lilandra appears as a central character in the Emperor Vulcan sequel, X-Men: Kingbreaker and in the War of Kings miniseries, which began in early 2009.[27][28] In War of Kings, Lilandra is killed by Darkhawk's Razor persona.[29][30]
Who Waits Within The Last Egg?
[edit]When Xandra is attacked by Shi'ar rebels, who have been gunning for her since she took the throne, she calls her father for help, and he escapes captivity at Graymalkin Prison to rescue her. Xavier asks Storm for help getting to San Francisco's Utopia, the former X-Men base, and battles Cyclops's X-Men and X-Factor to obtain the last Krakoa resurrection egg. After seemingly being kidnapped by a mysterious assailant, it is revealed that this was all part of Xavier's plan, as he asked Sage for extraction. Xavier uses the egg to resurrect Lilandra and restores her memories from prior to her death using his telepathy.[31][5]
Xandra
[edit]It was revealed in Mr. & Mrs. X #3 (September, 2018) that a daughter was created with the genetic material of both Lilandra and Xavier.[32][33][34] The child grew in an egg and was cared for by Cerise, who eventually reached out to Rogue and Gambit on their honeymoon to help her defend it from the likes of the Imperial Guard, Technet, and Deadpool. She was protected by the group of heroes and left with the Starjammers.[35] Xandra would later go on to lead the Shi'ar Empire as the new Majestrix.[36]
Powers and abilities
[edit]As a Shi'ar, Lilandra has heightened strength and stamina to that of a human. Lilandra also has limited telepathic abilities whose extent have yet to be clearly defined.[1]
Lilandra is a skilled hand-to-hand combatant and pilot and wields various Shi'ar weaponry.
Other versions
[edit]Ultimate Marvel
[edit]
An alternate universe variant of Lilandra Neramani from Earth-1610 appears in Ultimate X-Men. This version is the human leader of the Church of Shi'ar Enlightenment, and claims to represent an ancient religion that worships the Phoenix.[37][38]
X-Men: The End
[edit]An alternate universe variant of Lilandra Neramani from Earth-41001 appears in X-Men: The End.[volume & issue needed]
In other media
[edit]Television
[edit]- Lilandra Neramani appears in X-Men: The Animated Series, voiced by Camilla Scott.[39][40]
- Lilandra Neramani appears in the Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. episode "It's a Wonderful Smash", voiced by Nika Futterman.[39]
Video games
[edit]- Lilandra Neramani appears in X-Men.[citation needed]
- Lilandra Neramani appears in the PlayStation Portable version of X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse.[citation needed]
- Lilandra Neramani appears in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, voiced by Marabina Jaimes.[43][39]
- Lilandra Neramani makes a cameo appearance in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy.[44]
- Lilandra Neramani appears as a playable character in Marvel Strike Force.[45]
Merchandise
[edit]- HeroClix created a figure of Lilandra for the X-Men Rise and Fall line.
- In 2024, Marvel Legends created a figure of Lilandra as part of the Wolverine 50th Anniversary line.[46][47]
Accolades
[edit]- Screen Rant ranked Lilandra 9th on "The 10 Most Powerful Members Of The Xavier Family", 6th on the "11 Most Dangerous Shi'ar Warriors in Marvel History" and as one of the "Best Non-Mutant Supporting Characters".[48][49][50]
- Comic Book Resources (CBR) ranked Lilandra 9th on "The 10 Most Powerful Shi'ar".[51]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Berman, Jason (June 15, 2017). "Who is Jessica Chastain playing in X-Men: Dark Phoenix? 4 things you need to know about Lilandra". Mic. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ Vejvoda, Jim (June 14, 2017). "X-Men: Dark Phoenix: Jessica Chastain Up for Role as Shi'ar Empress Lilandra". IGN. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ George, Joe (April 17, 2024). "X-Men '97's Big Episode 6 Cameos and Character Returns Explained". Den of Geek. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ Valentine, Evan (June 15, 2017). "X-Men: Dark Phoenix: Lilandra Explained". Collider. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ a b Tardive, Ambrose (March 19, 2025). "After 16 Years, X-Men Officially Resurrects a Beyond-Powerful Hero". Screen Rant. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ Diaz, Eric (April 18, 2024). "Who Is Deathbird in X-Men '97? The Alien Villain's Marvel Comics History, Explained". Nerdist. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ Uncanny X-Men #97-98 (February - March 1976)
- ^ a b Meenan, Devin (April 18, 2024). "Who Is Professor X's Love Interest In X-Men '97? Lilandra Explained". SlashFilm. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ Uncanny X-Men #102-108 (December 1976 - December 1977)
- ^ Uncanny X-Men #117 (January 1979)
- ^ Uncanny X-Men #122 (June 1979)
- ^ Uncanny X-Men #154-157 (February - May 1982)
- ^ Uncanny X-Men #137 (September 1980)
- ^ Matadeen, Renaldo (April 18, 2024). "X-Men '97's Deathbird & Vulcan, Explained". CBR. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ Uncanny X-Men #161-168 (September 1982 - April 1983)
- ^ Fantastic Four #261-262 (December 1983 - January 1984)
- ^ Uncanny X-Men #200-201 (December 1985 - January 1986)
- ^ Uncanny X-Men #275-277 (April - June 1991)
- ^ Wonder Man (vol. 2) #8 (April 1992)
- ^ Avengers West Coast #82 (May 1992)
- ^ Thor #446 (April 1992)
- ^ Avengers #347 (May 1992)
- ^ Chaos War: Dead Avengers #2 (February 2011)
- ^ New X-Men #122 (February 2002)
- ^ Jennings, Collier (April 19, 2024). "X-Men '97: Charles Xavier and Lilandra's Romantic Comics History, Explained". Collider. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
- ^ Emperor Vulcan #1–5 (November 2007–March 2008).
- ^ Ekstrom, Steve (August 23, 2008). "Chris Yost on X-Men: Kingbreaker". Newsarama. Archived from the original on November 21, 2008.
- ^ Rogers, Vaneta (July 27, 2008). "SDCC 08 - War of Kings Brewing At Marvel". Newsarama. Archived from the original on November 18, 2008.
- ^ War of Kings #4 (August 2009)
- ^ Blumberg, Arnold (July 5, 2017). "Lilandra Explained: Who Is the X-Men: Dark Phoenix Character?". IGN. Retrieved February 25, 2025.
- ^ X-Force (vol. 7) #9 (May 2025)
- ^ Johnston, Rich (September 19, 2018). "Meet Xandra - the Daughter of Professor X and Lilandra Neramani". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ Terror, Jude (September 14, 2018). "Marvel Preview Reveals Rogue is Secret Daughter of Professor X and Lilandra". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ Matadeen, Renaldo (September 25, 2018). "Mr. and Mrs. X Just Introduced X-Men Fans to Professor Xavier's Daughter". CBR. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ Mr. & Mrs. X #1-5 (July-November, 2018)
- ^ Dodge, John (February 5, 2021). "X-Men: Professor X's Daughter Is Already Leading Like Her Father". CBR. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ Ultimate X-Men #66 (March 2006)
- ^ Ultimate X-Men #79 (April 2007)
- ^ a b c d "Lilandra Neramani Voices (X-Men)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved April 18, 2024. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
- ^ Rouse, Lauren (March 20, 2024). "Disney+'s X-Men '97: Here's How Professor X Died In the Animated Series". The Direct. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ Matadeen, Renaldo (April 20, 2024). "X-Men '97 Revives Two Powerful Heroes With Terrifying Consequences". CBR. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ Harris, Jeffrey (April 28, 2024). "X-Men '97 Introduced One Major Empire the Live-Action Movies Couldn't". Collider. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ "Marvel Ultimate Alliance - Lilandra". Archived from the original on September 3, 2006. Retrieved July 16, 2006.
- ^ Edwards, Jordan (November 10, 2021). "Every Easter Egg and Comic Influence in Guardians of the Galaxy". GateCrashers. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
- ^ "MARVEL Strike Force - Majestrix of the Shi'ar". Retrieved February 17, 2025.
- ^ Dastoor, Vaspaan (January 17, 2024). "Celebrate 50 Years Of Wolverine With Action Figures Of His Iconic Looks". The Gamer. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
- ^ Roberts, Tyler (December 15, 2023). "Wolverine Becomes a Brood with Hasbro's Newest Marvel Legends 2-Pack". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ Jalali, Jessica (February 17, 2024). "11 Most Dangerous Shi'ar Warriors in Marvel History". Screen Rant. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
- ^ Beaty, Drew (November 13, 2021). "X-Men: Best Non-Mutant Supporting Characters". Screen Rant. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
- ^ Allan, Scoot (July 7, 2019). "The 10 Most Powerful Members Of The Xavier Family". Screen Rant. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
- ^ Wyatt, Liz (July 3, 2019). "The 10 Most Powerful Shi'ar, Ranked". CBR. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
External links
[edit]- Characters created by Chris Claremont
- Characters created by Dave Cockrum
- Comics characters introduced in 1976
- Fictional aviators
- Fictional emperors and empresses
- Galactic emperors
- Marvel Comics extraterrestrial superheroes
- Marvel Comics female superheroes
- Marvel Comics martial artists
- Marvel Comics politicians
- Marvel Comics telepaths
- Shi'ar
- Space pirates
- X-Men supporting characters