Black King vs White Queen: Who’s got the more power?

Tuesday, May 24th, 2011

In the Marvel Figurines Magazine, published in 2007, Chris Claremont gave his thoughts on Emma’s position of power from when he created her during the Dark Phoenix Saga. This is an interesting and essential piece of information to Emma’s history!

As for Frost herself, Claremont said, “She was Shaw’s partner – in terms of the Hellfire Club; they weren’t business associates. They might have had a relationship at some time, but the point was that they were equals; maybe he stood a little higher since he was the Black King. But I think the thing with Emma was that the reason she was the White Queen (and he was the Black King) was that to be the Black Queen [a role assumed during the Hellfire Club Saga by a mesmerized Jean Grey/Phoenix dressed in a tone-down version of Peel's Queen of Sin outfit] would imply that she was somehow subservient, a little subordinate to him.

“Her point was, ‘I am not subordinate; I am equal. My White King will not be my superior any more than your Black Queen will, therefore we will balance each other,’” continued the writer, who added, “Very strong feminist, that girl!”

Also, both Claremont and Karl Bollers believe Emma worked better as a villain. I’ve scanned the cover and the Behind-the-Scenes page for viewing pleasure.

I’ve had this magazine in my collection for a few years but did not realize the significance of it until I recently re-read it. I highly recommend this for any Emma fan! It comes with a very fleshed out biography, a poster spread inside the pages, a timeline, a hand-painted figurine and some commentary by different creators!