Cain Marko, aka Juggernaut, is one of X-Men
of the oldest and most formidable enemies. Charles Xavier’s burly half-brother, despite not being a mutant, opposed the X-Men just to spite his brother. However, after the Fall of X, Marko changed his allegiance and a new heroic Juggernaut has been officially introduced as a member of the Mysterious X-Men.
The Juggernaut’s abilities were first obtained using the Crimson Gem of Cyttorak, a mystical totem that contains the powers of Cyttorak, a demonic god of destruction. However, after vowing never to serve madmen or the gods again, Juggernaut left Cyttorak without an avatar on Earth.
In Strange X-Men #5 by Gail Simone, David Marquez and Matthew Wilson – one of the series’ new young heroes, Calico, reveals himself to possess the powers of the Juggernaut as well. Unlike Marko, this young mutant packs a much stronger punch than the original Juggernaut could ever deliver.
Calico’s psychic mutant ability makes the Juggernaut even scarier
Strange X-Men #5 Written by Gail Simone; Art by David Márquez; Color by Matthew Wilson; Lyrics by VC’s Clayton Cowels
When Becca Simon-Pinette was first introduced, she stated that she was not a mutant. Becca comes from a family with a deep hatred for mutants. However, after training under the tutelage of Rogue, Gambit and Nightcrawlerher powers revealed themselves and the teenager was forced to accept her mutant abilities. Calico shares a psychic connection with her horse, Ember, and is able to increase Ember by implementing a variety of ethereal flaming psychic constructs. Calico and Ember were first seen taking the form of a Valkyrie and a Pegasus, modeling themselves after
ancient Asgardian guides
of the dead.
In the team’s final confrontation against Sarah Gaunt’s forces, Calico appeals
the shape of the Juggernaut
. Once again, her powers manifest as glowing ethereal formations, this time forming an armor around Calico and Ember, reminiscent of the Juggernaut’s armor. Just like Marko, Calico and Ember seem have almost unstoppable brute strengthcapable of knocking dozens of enemies to the ground. The young mutant’s powers are malleable, and so far, identically resemble the skills she is trying to imitate. However, it is unclear whether Calico merely imitates these abilities or if she adopts them.
The Juggernaut no longer needs Cyttorak’s Crimson Gem
Uncanny X-Men’s young mutant is a juggernaut and more
As Cain Marko proved, a person does not need the Gem of Cyttorak to become the Juggernaut. Marko currently uses the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak to access his ancient powers, despite having no allegiance to the demonic god. That being said, with regards to the
The story of the Juggernaut
is considered, Calico and Ember are equally true Juggernauts like Marko is. However, unlike Marko, Calico’s mutant ability to grant Ember his manifestations ranks the young mutant above
the old enemy of the X-Men
. Yes, Calico is still young, but his potential should make Marko tremble in his heavy metal boots.
Becca Simon-Pinette and her horse Ember are a combined threat that X-Men fans should keep an eye on. Until now, his Juggernaut transformation could be considered a random choice. However, as much as Becca has been vocal about her family’s hatred for mutants, there may be some deeper connection between the young mutant and the retired X-Men villain. The young X-Man and his steed have both
The Juggernaut’s unstoppable destructive force
and a wider range of unseen psychic potential, making her more powerful than Cain Marko could ever be.
Strange X-Men #5 is now available from Marvel Comics.