Name: Kitty Pryde
Alias: Shadowcat
Abilities: Phasing but her comic version possesses genius intellect in the field of applied technology and computer science, expert martial artists and an empathic/psychic link with Lockheed, her pet dragon.
First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men 129
Portrayed by: Ellen Page
Bio: At the age of thirteen Kitty Pryde began to suffer migraines signifying her mutation, like many adolescent mutants it’s onset frightened Kitty. It wasn’t until Xavier and his X-Men approached the Pryde family to join his school for the gifted that her world began to settle that feeling was quickly erased by the White Queen who after being spurned by Kitty decided a more direct and violent approach was needed. Her entourage defeated Kitty found herself seperated from her would be principal and she alone reached out to his other students and X-Men to aid in the defeat of Emma Frost.
Kitty would not only go on to be a student at the Xavier institute but she would also become one of the most formidable X-Men and go on to guide and teach other young mutants how to use and appreciate their powers.
Movie Universe Kitty is a lot like her counterpart, she possesses the same ability, able to phase her and others physical forms through solid matter. She is a student at the Xavier Institute and when her world and the lives of her fellow mutants were threatened she threw herself into battle alongside the other X-Men in ‘Last Stand’. A romantic connection with Iceman aka Bobby Drake was also hinted at and it looks set to blossom in Days of Future Past.
Kitty has been paired and dated several Marvel characters but it’s her relationship with Colossus, Piotr Nikolaievitch Rasputin that many comic book fans will cite – their love is constantly tested and has resulted in more heartbreak and tragedy than both would ever care to admit.
Must read issues:
“Days of Future Past” X-Men #141/Uncanny X-Men #142 – an adult Kitty is sent back in time to prevent disaster and change the future. To do this she possesses her younger body and must convince the other X-Men to aid her prevent the assassination of a US senator, a moment in history that would forever alter the time-line of mutant history.
Astonishing X-Men #1-24 – Gifted, Dangerous, Torn and Unstoppable mark the Joss Whedon led run of the Astonishing X-Men where Pryde is put front and centre. Forced to confront her past, her mistakes and her losses Kitty is summoned back to the Institute to help keep it going. It marks the beginning of something entirely new and profoundly moving to the point that Kitty#s entire world is shaken. If ever there was a series to prove just how eternally wonderful, powerful and magnificent Shadowcat is, as a friend, teacher and as an X-Men then this is the story.
Alternate versions:
Shadowcat also appeared in the 2000 animated television series, X-Men Evolution as a main member of the team and cast. The series didn’t put a lot of focus on her character, there is a romance with Brotherhood member Avalanache and she acts as support to her team and her friends but we never really get a chance to see her character develop more than that. She is voiced by Maggie Blue O’Hara.
In the first X-Men movie Kitty Pryde also appears but is played by a different actress – she grabs her school bag after a class with Xavier and leaves the room by running straight through the classroom door.
Fun Fact: Joss Whedon has said she was an inspiration for him when he was creating Buffy Summers.
Editor-in-Chief, part-time super villain and hoarder of cats. If you can’t find me writing, I’m probably in the kitchen!
