Major X-Men Upset: One of Marvel’s Top Mutants Goes Rogue

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for X-Force #7! Marvel Comics is in the midst of significant transformations within the X-Men storyline. With the recent loss of the mutant utopia Krakoa, the core X-Men team is fractured, and public sentiment towards mutants has plummeted to an all-time low. This tumultuous period, aptly dubbed “From The Ashes, ” highlights the X-Men’s efforts to rebuild their community and identity. In this shifting landscape, one X-Man’s perilous journey has led them to a troubling path of betrayal.

The latest issue of X-Force Vol.7 #7, crafted by Geoffrey Thorne and Jim Towe, introduces readers to a formidable antagonist: La Diabla. As Forge, Betsy Braddock, and Rachel Summers confront her, readers witness a dire situation where La Diabla seeks to harness Rachel’s powers for a catastrophic psychic explosion. Thankfully, the teamwork of Forge and Braddock prevails, but the victory is overshadowed by an even greater threat emerging from within their ranks: Colossus.

Colossus threatening to kill the X-Force in X-Men.

Colossus descends upon the X-Force’s Blackbird, a malicious grin etched on his face, adorned with a mysterious headband. As he stands amidst the wreckage, he chillingly proclaims, “I hope you’re happy to see me. Because it’s time to die.” The shock and disbelief radiate through his former comrades, as they grapple with the horrifying reality that this might genuinely be their ally turned adversary.

Why Did Colossus Just ‘Break Bad’ in X-Men?

Could Colossus Be Under the Influence of Mikhail Rasputin?

Colossus being attacked by his brother, Mikhail Rasputin in X-Men.

This abrupt shift in Colossus’s allegiance raises a critical question: what has driven him to “break bad”? Previously, Colossus fought valiantly with the X-Men against Nimrod and the menacing forces of Orchis. Just prior to this incident, he freed himself from the mind control of his brother, Mikhail Rasputin, who had manipulated him for two years while he served on Krakoa’s Quiet Council. But could his freedom have been an illusion?

Mikhail employed the mutant known as the Chronicler for his mind control schemes, which adds another layer of complexity. Although the Chronicler is reportedly living in Paris, their involvement in Colossus’s current predicament cannot be ruled out.

The climactic confrontation between Colossus and Mikhail occurred in X-Force Vol.6 #46, where Colossus seemingly delivered a fatal blow. However, given Mikhail’s formidable abilities as an Alpha-Level mutant, it’s conceivable that he employed his powers to feign death, thus continuing his manipulation of Colossus from the shadows.

With mutants now vulnerable and the X-Men fractured, this is a prime moment for Mikhail to re-emerge, possibly using Colossus as a puppet in his schemes. The return of Mikhail, alongside this series’ dramatic narrative, could reflect an ominous poetic justice.

The Headband: A Potential Catalyst for Colossus’s Villainy?

Is Someone Else Pulling the Strings with Colossus’s Headband?

La Diabla, a new X-Men villain terrorizing the X-Force.

While Mikhail’s potential influence looms large, the headband worn by Colossus might also harbor darker implications about his current actions. This enigmatic accessory raises suspicions, potentially serving as a tool for mind control. If the headband functions as a device for manipulation, the identity of the controller is paramount.

Although the comic does not provide clarity, one character stands out as a possible puppet master: La Diabla. As an emerging villain, she possesses the ability to navigate mindscapes and sophisticated virtual realms effortlessly, which may include the capability to control Colossus’s actions. This theory not only enriches the X-Force narrative but allows La Diabla’s impact on the X-Men to resonate deeply.

Colossus’s Unsettling Role as a Villain in Marvel Universes

Colossus on Multiple Fronts: A Menace in Earth-6160

Regardless of the mind control question, Colossus’s trajectory has led him into villainy within the main Marvel continuum, Earth-616. Complicating matters, he also assumes a malevolent role in the new Ultimate Universe, Earth-6160, where he sits on the Maker’s Council and plays a pivotal role in creating figures like Marvel’s Ultimate Wolverine, also known as the Winter Soldier.

This striking parallel between Colossus’s character arc across different universes invites speculation about the interconnectedness of these narratives. Does Mikhail still thrive, manipulating Colossus from afar? Has La Diabla devised a scheme with the headband enticing Colossus to betray his allies? As the plot unfolds, uncertainty looms, leaving fans eager for answers regarding Colossus’s shocking transformation.

Fans can dive into this gripping storyline by picking up a copy of X-Force #7, available now.

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