Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Uncanny X-Men #8!TheJuggernauthas long-been a mainstay character inX-Mencanon, beginning his career as a brutal villain before finding redemption and ultimately becoming a powerful member of the main X-Men team itself. And, despite all the changes to his character throughout that time, there is one thing about the Juggernaut that has not changed: his powers. At least, until now. And honestly? It’s the worst.
InUncanny X-Men#8 by Gail Simone and Javier Garrón, the X-Men have broken into what was formerly the X-Mansion, but is now a facility called Graymalkin Prison, where mutants are being held captive and brainwashed by the anti-mutant extremist, Corina Ellis, and her loyal followers. Beast, Jubilee, Calico, and even Professor X himself are prisoners there, and the X-Men mean to break them out.
After defeating wave after wave of Graymalkin’s forces - including a brainwashed Blob - it seemed the X-Men had this rescue mission in the bag. However, they didn’t count on running into one mutant enemy working for Ellis named Scurvy, who downed every member of the X-Men with a powerful psychic blast - including the Juggernaut.
Marvel Nerfed the Juggernaut When He Became an Official Member of the X-Men
Juggernaut is Now Just the X-Men’s ‘Strong Guy’, & That’s Disappointing
The Juggernaut is famously immune to telepathic attacks when he wears his helmet, something that was established upon his very first appearance, and which has remained true for years - even decades - afterward. Even a telepath as powerful as Professor X couldn’t penetrate Juggernaut’s helmet, and every time theX-Men fought the Juggernaut, they’d have to work together to get the helmet off before there was even a chance they could beat him. But here, the telepath Scurvy is able to attack Juggernaut through his helmet without issue.
This is a massive change to Juggernaut’s powers, as his suit (including his helmet) has always been an extension of his otherworldly strength, and now, that aspect of his powers has just been nerfed dramatically.The Juggernaut was a villain who was a menace to the entire X-Men by himself, but now that he’s a member of the team, he’s acting less like the Juggernaut fans know and love, and more like a generic ‘strong guy’ every superhero squad has in their roster - and that’s incredibly disappointing.
The Juggernaut’s Redemption Could Be WHY He’s Not as Powerful as an X-Men Hero
Cain Marko Broke Free of Cyttorak’s Influence, Which May Have Downgraded His Powers
DuringX-Men’s Krakoan Era, Cain Marko severed all ties with Cyttorak, allowing him to pursue a life as a hero without the demon-god’s influence. While he was able to keep all the power of the Juggernaut (which is explained in 2020’s five-partJuggernautminiseries), it’s possible that Marko suffered a downgrade upon cutting himself off from Cyttorak. Marvel Comics seemed to make it clear that he didn’t get a downgrade during the storyline, but in light of recent events, that seems to be the only explanation.
Marvel Is Settling the Score: Who Wins Juggernaut vs Iron Man?
Iron Man and the Juggernaut have never gone toe-to-toe in a one-on-one “VS” match-up until now, and Marvel Comics has officially declared the winner.
Even if it makes sense in-canon, it’s still disappointing that fans are being robbed of the Juggernaut being at max power while fighting alongside the X-Men. For years, this guy has been a formidable foe without any backup, taking on the likes of not only the X-Men, but even members of the Avengers like Thor and Doctor Strange. But now, he’s getting hurt by attacks that he should be immune to, marking a major change to theJuggernaut’s powers inX-Mencanon - and it’s the worst.
Uncanny X-Men #8by Marvel Comics is available now.
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.
