Warning: contains spoilers forUncanny X-Men #7!Along with his ultra-durable organic metal skin,Colossushas made a name for himself as one of the strongest mutants around and has acted as theX-Men’spillar of strength for years. Now, as Rogue puts togetherher new “Louisiana X-Men” team, she may have just found a new powerhouse who’s even stronger.
InUncanny X-Men #7, Calico is freed from Greymalkin Prison, thanks to a sizable donation from her family and repeated insistence that she’s not actually a mutant. Moments after her release, she summons her horse Ember, with who she shares an incredible psychic bond. Ember is capable of producing flames that allow it to take on whatever form Calico dreams up. Yet the horse has far more to offer than shapeshifting flame. Together,the horse and rider blast through two of Greymalkin Prison’s tanks and a massive concrete wall without stopping.
As strong as Colossus is, sending two tanks flying with a single, one-handed shot is beyond even him, suggesting that Calico may be the X-Men’s new powerhouse in residence.
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Calico and Ember Surpass Colossus in Sheer Strength
Uncanny X-Men #7by Gail Simone, David Marquez, Edgar Salazar, Matthew Wilson, and Clayton Cowles
Piotr Rasputin has decades of experience and some serious feats of strength, including going toe-to-toe with other Marvel behemoths like the Thing and Juggernat (though rarely winning.)Different incarnations of Colossushave faced down Sentinels, ripped Wolverine to pieces, and generally filled any role with the X-Men that required raw strength. He’ll always be high on the list of strongest Marvel characters, but there’s plenty of room above him. Given Colossus' struggles on Krakoa, including losing control of his body to his brother, he’s not currently at his peak. On the other hand, Calico and Ember are just getting started.
Calico, or Becca Simon-Pinette, is caught in a strange position, having been raised to hate mutants by her bigoted mother. Despite not seeing herself as a mutant, and fearing the offshoot species, Calico has found herself pursued along with other young mutantsby the villainous Hag, turning to Rogue’s team for protection and training.
Calico has an uncanny mutant connection with Ember, and the bond allows her companion to accomplish practically anything. In addition to bursting through two armored tanks and a concrete wall to rescue Jubilee and other imprisoned mutants,Ember also kicked Wolverine with such force that even Logan admitted he didn’t remember the last time he’d been struck so hard.This incredible strength seems effortless for Ember if it’s Calico’s bidding, and the pair have astonishing potential.
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Colossus' Strength Is Impressive, But Calico and Ember Haven’t Revealed Their Limits
But There Is One Weakness Colossus Doesn’t Have
Theunique connection between Calico and Emberfeeds into the War Horse’s strength, and the upper limits of Becca’s imagination haven’t been tested yet. Her horse has fulfilled every command she’s given so far, and there’s clearly a mystery behind their link that will be exposed with time. Of course, no power is without flaw, andthe two have to be in close proximity for the bond to take effect, and Ember doesn’t seem to wield the same level of strength without its rider, while Calico is nearly helpless without her horse. The situation may change with training, but there are still obvious weaknesses for now.
Calico and Ember face certain restrictions that don’t apply to Colossus, at least for now, but that doesn’t change the incredible display of strength they’ve already offered up in the short time since their debut. With the right direction, the pair will undoubtedly become the new pre-eminent mutant powerhouse. With more training and bigger battles, the newX-Menhero Calico and her incredible War Horse, Ember, could end up makingColossusobsolete.
Uncanny X-Men #7is available now from Marvel Comics.
X-Men
The X-Men franchise, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, centers on mutants with extraordinary abilities. Led by the powerful telepath Professor Charles Xavier, they battle discrimination and villainous mutants threatening humanity. The series explores themes of diversity and acceptance through a blend of action, drama, and complex characters, spanning comics, animated series, and blockbuster films.
