Warning: SPOILERS ahead for X-Men Red #11!Marvel is introducing a new Omega-level mutant, and it may just mean that Wolverine isn’t the best he is at what he does anymore. The Krakoan Era of X-Men comics has allowed for many characters to be revitalized and introduced to new audiences. On top of this, recently debuted mutant communities like Threshold and Arakko have allowed for scores of unique and compelling new mutant characters to take the stage. With Arakko in particular, part of the fun in storytelling is teasing out parallels and contrasts in the social dynamics and mutant powers between Krakoa and Arakko. This seems to be the case with a newly teased counterpart to Wolverine with an Omega level mutant gift.
Rebuilding the Arakki government is an aspect of the secondary plot in X-Men Red #11 from Al Ewing, Stefano Caselli, Jacopo Camagni, Federico Blee, and Jordan D. White. In discussing the ongoing efforts to rebuild the Great Ring, Sunspot states that a mutant named Lycaon has just claimed the Seat of Stalemate. Describing this mysterious new figure to Nova, Roberto remarks, “they’re a little more imposing than poor Idyll was. Imagine an Omega Wolverine. And then double it.” Arakki politics are a recurring theme in X-Men Red, so despite not appearing in this issue, it’s all but certain that readers will meet Lycaon soon enough.
What Happens If An Omega-Level Wolverine Runs a Government?
Arakko’s governing body bears passing similarities to Krakoa’s Quiet Council, but each seat on the Great Ring comes with its own specific responsibilities. Lycaon now sits at the Seat of Stalemate, which is one of the Dawn seats. The seats of the Dawn plan for the end results of conflicts, with a special authority assigned to them during wartime. In particular, the Seat of Stalemate is consulted when conflict results in neither victory nor defeat. Lycaon’s predecessor in this role was Idyll, an Omega-level precognitive who died during A.X.E.: Judgment Day. The symbolism of Idyll in Stalemate was obvious: she who had the clearest sight of what lay ahead was unable to move or speak against it coming to pass. The meaning and duration of Lycaon’s tenure in this seat remains to be seen.
Wolverine, both Logan and Laura, possess a suite of abilities from their mutant gift, so it is unclear which of them Lycaon supersedes all others in as an Omega. Wolverine’s most famous power is his healing factor, which, while impressive, has never been stated to be Omega-level. It may be best to assume that Lycaon has bestial qualities to a degree of intensity like no other, considering that his name is likely a reference to the king of Greek myth who was turned into a werewolf. However, it is worth noting that Marvel had a Lycaon before, a werewolf spawn of the Elder God Chthon who inspired the Lycaon of Greek myth. Given that writer Al Ewing has a wide ranging-knowledge of Marvel canon, it may not be surprising if this knowledge informs his characterization of the Arakki Lycaon to ensure they’re a unique creation.
Both Wolverines are formidable fighters in their own right, but if Sunspot can be taken at his word, Lycaon is on a whole other level. Wolverine also does not tend to like sitting still for too long, so an Omega-level Wolverine in the Seat of Stalemate could seed chaos on the Great Ring. Even so, Storm has done her best to run a tight ship on Arakko above all else. Regardless, the concept of an Omega Wolverine helping run a mutant planet will surely be fun to watch unfold.
X-Men Red #11 is available now from Marvel Comics.
