Most people probably think it would be pretty cool to have a superhero
named after them, but you might be surprised. The real Kitty Pryde, for
whom John Byrne named the young, plucky mutant in X-Men #129, is not too thrilled.
Back in 1973 when she was a student at the Alberta College of Art
in Calgary, one of her classmates was John Byrne, who would later prove
to be one of the most popular X-Men artists in the series’ history.
“I first noticed John in our (still-life) classes. While the rest
of us were drawing nudes, John was drawing sketches of Batman and
Spider-Man. One day he told me he loved my name and promised when he
became famous at Marvel Comics, he’d name his first character after me.
I never thought anything of the compliment,” Pryde said.
In 1980, while Ms. Pryde was living in Toronto and pursuing her
career, she received a package from Byrne. It contained one page of
Byrne’s character designs for Kitty (which she auctioned off in 2001
for $4,500), plus a signed copy of issue 129 containing the character’s
first appearance (now up for sale through MetropolisComics.com). The comic is signed “To Kitty, the real one. Thanks for the use of the name. John Byrne”.
The character Kitty started out as a teen with mutant abilities and
eventually developed into a full-fledged superhero like so many of her
mutant friends.
The real-life Kitty had her own powers.
Pryde is a renowned Canadian artist whose art has been featured in
galleries around the world. From China to Grenada, and Baton Rouge to
Boston, her art is well received. But no matter where she exhibits,
someone will inevitably ask Pryde if she knows that there is a comic
book mutant with the same name.
“I’m not amused by such recognition. I’m an artist. I want some
credibility. I don’t want to seem to be basking in the notoriety this
has brought me,” she said. “At least twice a month when giving credit
cards, picking up dry cleaning or giving my name over the phone, I get,
‘Did you know there’s a comic book character…?’ This unsolicited
notoriety has followed me across the country.”
“I was intrigued when Kitty called me to explain her situation and
interest in selling the signed comic book. I had always heard that
Kitty Pryde was named after one of Byrne’s friends. I researched the
story further and decided this would be a very relevant piece of unique
comic book history to offer to the comic book community. Metropolis is
currently offering this comic book to the highest offer received in the
next 2 weeks,” said Metropolis COO, Vincent Zurzolo. “If you are
interested in purchasing this comic, contact me by email at vincentz@metropoliscomics.com or (212) 260-4147 ext 14 with your offer.”
Pryde is also autographing the newspaper clipping seen with this
article, and it will be included with the purchase of the comic book.
To view Kitty Pryde’s copy of X-Men #129, click here.