With some ofthe most powerful mutantsin history among their ranks, experts know that being a trueX-Menleader is about more than strength. And their greatest commander just proved his quality in the funniest way possible.
Leaders will be needed most in theshocking newAge of RevelationinX-Mencomics, as Cyclops keeps the last heroes banded together. Now, Marvel has confirmed one of the X-Men’s most frightening new foes has already turned, choosing to stand at the side of Scott Summers.
The ‘Evil X-Men’s Leader Was Literally Created To Replace Cyclops
Having made their debut in the pages ofX-Men#16, the mutants ofCassandra Nova’s 3K X-Menwere almost a mirror image of the existing super team. Recruited as humans and forced into becoming mutants, the squad hoped to take up the ‘X-Men’ name in a new war for a mutant future (which was now their own).
Most surprisingly, the team proved to be a perfect match for the actual X-Men, including their gravity-manipulating, strategy-leading commander, Schwarzschild. Positioned as the ‘3K Cyclops’ in terms of leadership, their first confrontation quickly showcasedwhy Cyclops is such an iconic team leader.
Now that the timeline has leaped forward into a world where this 3K vision has been achieved through horrific means, it makes sense that Schwarzschild has fallen victim to Cyclops’ greatest attack: commanding loyalty.
Schwarzschild Has Officially Joined The X-Men To Follow The Real Cyclops
As is revealed inAge of Revelation#0, the introduction to the story of Doug Ramsey’s brutal takeover, Schwarzschild is one of the handful of mutants loyal to the original X-Men team, and it’s leader. He’s not alone, either….
The official cover art for theAmazing X-Men, one ofthe manyX-Menbooks being relaunchedin this new status quo, goes a step further, depicting Schwarzschild clutching Cyclops close. Injured? Perhaps. Or maybe just aura farming in the presence of mutankind’s true savior.
These scenes raise questions about the fate of the 3K X-Men, and the rest of 3K as a whole. Flashbacks might even explain how Schwarzschild turned from a would-be replacement for Cyclops to one of his last acolytes. But the fact Marvel felt no need to explain the turn speaks volumes.
As a paragon of integrity and virtue in this new mutant world, fans only need to be told that Cyclops has won over a rival, not how it was achieved. But with his new beard, it’s hard to imagine any recruit resisting the call for long.
