"I Challenge You to a Battle to the Death": X-Men Finally Pits Two Top Fighters In a No-Limits Battle

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for NYX #7

Following the fall of Krakoa, the X-Men have been scattered, and their remnants have been trying to hold the pieces together. However, as mutants like Ms. Marvel, Prodigy, and her friends are trying to rebuild a local community for their kind, an old ally believes the team is building a problematic reflection of the past.

Ms. Marvel and her allies have been trying to build a home for displaced, homeless, and lonely mutants. Leading the way, Prodigy has been using his mutant talents to teach the next generation how to rally their skills to create a better future.

However, in NYX #7 - by Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, & Enid Balam - the X-Man Synch has returned to dismantle what he believes is a dangerous temple of false hope and dreams. Broken after losing the original Laura Kinney , Krakoa, and Arakko, Synch plans to kill Prodigy and dismantle the community for good.

Synch vs. Prodigy: The Fight for Mutantkind’s Future

NYX #7 - Written by Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly; Art by Enid Balam; Color by Raul Angulo; Lettering by Joe Sabino; Cover Art by Sara Pichelli

I've seen what you're building, Prodigy. And I don't think you have any idea how dangerous it is. Ms. Marvel trusts you, but you're helping her perpetuate a lie. Sophie trusts you, but you're absolving her of her crimes. Wolverine trusts you, but you're asking her to indulge her violence. Anole trusts you, but he's the only one of you holding to the old ways. So I'll make this easy. I'll do it in a language we both understand. My name is Synch. And I challenge you to a battle to the death. I challenge you to the CIRCLE PERILOUS.

While Prodigy and his allies have been rallying behind hope for a better tomorrow, Synch has been drowning in grief and resentment over the loss of Krakoa. Disillusioned that mutants could ever prosper as a community, let alone a society, Synch believes that Prodigy is building a tomb for the local mutants. Synch has seen what happens when too many mutants gather in one place and the fear that breeds in those that wish to see mutantkind eradicated. Where Prodigy represents hope, Synch is letting all his rage and despair fuel his lethal attack against his fellow X-Man .

A battle between a mutant who copies powers and a mutant who copies skills is about to take place. As Synch unleashes his assault to dethrone and kill Prodigy, the group of mutant refugees nearby are put into immediate danger as they could become cannon fodder for Synch and Prodigy’s abilities . What’s more concerning is that Synch isn’t the only mutant in New York City who believes that mutants can’t build a home based on peace. Spearheading the anti-mutant terrorist “Truthseekers” group, Empath, the Krakoan, and the Stepford Cuckoos are planning something big and Synch may be their newest ally.

Synch and The Krakoan Have The Same Ideals For Mutants

Mutantkind Has No Place in the Human World

While the Truthseekers believe in anti-mutant propaganda, Empath and his allies have been using the organization to entice a war against humanity to create a new Krakoa . They have seen the depths of humanity’s hatred and believe the only way to forge a better future is by showing humanity as the monster to be defeated. Synch’s violent rhetoric towards Prodigy echoes Empath’s own frustrations, looking down on attempts to carve a peaceful home in the post-Krakoan world. That said, Synch’s motivations seem to only expand as far as his hopelessness.

Challenging Prodigy to the Circle Perilous, an Arakki right to usurp a political figure through combat, Synch is looking to destroy everything Prodigy has created. He doesn’t believe in a world where mutants can be free alongside humanity. Synch has seen what Xavier’s dream can become and refuses to see mutants dragged into it again. However, this kind of anger is easy to turn against others with the right persuasion. If the Truthseeker’s terroristic ideals to have humanity crush itself have reached Synch, this lethal battle between old X-Men allies could spell disaster for every mutant refugee present.

NYX #7 is available January 8, 2025 from Marvel Comics.