Xena and Xenette in the MC2

 

A long time ago in a blog post far, far away there was a look at the fictional television series ‘Everybody’s Happy,’ which helped to flesh out the MC2 universe and gave us Melissa Carsdale who became the villainous Misery. Today we are going to look at another television series that exists within the MC2 and its real-world inspiration.

 

In A-Next #6 we catch up with J2 aka Zane Yama, the son of the original Juggernaut relaxing at the Avengers Headquarters enjoying snacks while watching a television show about ‘Xenette’. According to the program’s narration ‘she is Xenette, daughter of a Warrior Princess forged in the heat of battle’. This is a very clear reference to the character and television series Xena: Warrior Princess who’s opening narration by Don LaFontaine is ‘In a time of ancient gods, warlords and kings, a land in turmoil cried out for a hero. She was Xena, a mighty princess forged in the heat of battle. The power, the passion, the danger. Her courage will change the world!’.

 

For anyone who doesn’t know, the character of Xena first appeared in the fantasy television series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys where she was portrayed by the incredible New Zealand actress Lucy Lawless. Originally introduced as a villainous foil for Hercules, the character proved so popular that she received her own spin-off series, the aforementioned Xena: Warrior Princess produced in part by Sam Raimi, best known for The Evil Dead franchise and the original Spider-Man trilogy. Xena has gained a significant fan following as an icon and role model among the lesbian and bisexual community, partly owing to the dynamic and relationship between Xena and her companion Gabrielle.

 

Not only does the MC2 feature a nice second-generation in-joke with Xenette but we have confirmation that May ‘Mayday’ Parker aka Spider-Girl is probably a fan of Xena: Warrior Princess thanks to a reference to the character in the ‘Dear Diary’ recap story from Spider-Girl Annual ’99 where May writes that she ‘can do flips higher than Xena’.

 

The character of Xena has also had several of her own comic titles through the decades, published by Topps Comics, Dark Horse Comics and most recently Dynamite Entertainment, so she’s no stranger to the medium. Fun fact, the Sam Raimi directed Doctor Stange in the Multiverse of Madness movie’s audio commentary confirms the statuesque warrior woman statue seen within the Illuminati’s Headquarters was intended as a reference to Xena.

 

Anyway, just a quick one for today. Happy Pride Month, everybody!

 

Until I produce a Xena: Warrior Princess Family Tree, I remain

 

frogoat