The X-Men have been one of the most recognizable and successful franchises of Marvel Comics since the early ’60s. The team’s youngest member, introduced as an orphaned “mall rat,” joined the mutant family in May 1989. How much do you know about this character celebrating her 30th anniversary?
Jubilation “Jubilee” Lee Jubilee, created by Chris Claremont and Marc Silvestri, made her debut appearance in The Uncanny X-Men #244. Jubilee was born in Beverly Hills to two prosperous Chinese immigrants. Growing up, she was an immensely talented gymnast with goals of someday participating in the Olympic Games. Unfortunately, her life was tragically altered following the murder of her parents by the hitmen, Reno and Molokai. Although she was placed in an orphanage, Jubilee ran away and began squatting in the Hollywood Mall. While evading mall security, she discovered her mutant ability to generate blinding and explosive energy blasts. After learning about her powers, Jubilee used them to entertain customers in the mall and earn money.
Determined to put an end to her unauthorized performances, the mall hired a company of professional mutant hunters to capture her. Thankfully, Dazzler, Psylocke, Rogue, and Storm, arrived just in time to save the young mutant. Curious about the women, Jubilee tracks them back to their base and begins hiding out there. While sneaking around the caverns, Jubilee witnesses Wolverine being tortured by the Reavers. After stepping up to help Wolverine, she brings him to her hiding spot and does her best to nurse him back to health. Eventually, Wolverine brings Jubilee to Professor Xavier at the X-Mansion, where she is welcomed with open arms. Jubilee and Wolverine develop an almost father-daughter relationship, leading to her being referred to as his unofficial sidekick.
Jubilee quickly finds her place within the X-Men and forms close bonds with many of the team members as she joins the X-Men Blue Team. Later on, she joins the new group of teenage mutants known as Generation X. This team was composed of Banshee, Emma Frost, Husk, Synch, M, Skin, Chamber, Penance, Mondo, and Gaia. During the “Curse of the Mutants” storyline in 2010, Jubilee was one of many individuals infected with a bioengineered vampire virus. Fortunately, Jubilee was later cured of her vampirism and her mutant powers were restored. Outside of comics, Jubilee has made cameo appearances in the first three X-Men films, portrayed by Katrina Florece and Kea Wong. More recently, Lana Condor portrayed the character in the 2016 film X-Men: Apocalypse. As the cinematic X-Men universe continues to expand, it’s entirely possible that Jubilee will be bringing her fireworks to the big screen once again.