WARNING: Spoilers ahead for Uncanny X-Men #5!
X-Men leader Rogue’s powers have evolved, and the source of that upgrade comes from an unexpectedly dark moment, making Rogue’s new abilities permanent in the process. Rogue has a long history of struggling with her powers, but she has proven to be one of the most powerful X-Men, a leader to the next generation of mutants, all while dealing with the nature of her own powers shifting.
Uncanny X-Men #5 – written by Gail Simone, with art by David Marquez – finds Rogue on the verge of death at the hands of the brutal villain known as the Hag. At that moment, she hears Harvey, a young sick mutant who died when he touched Rogue’s hand.
Harvey reveals that Rogue absorbed not just his ability to view the future, but his entire consciousness, telling Rogue he purposefully had her absorb his powers so that he could free himself from his weak body and help the X-Men defeat Sarah Gaunt.
Rogue’s Most Heartbreaking Moment Is Revealed As The Source Of Her Greatest Power Upgrade
Uncanny X-Men #5 – Written By Gail Simone; Art By David Marquez; Color By Matt Wilson; Lettering By Clayton Cowles
When Rogue unintentionally killed Harvey while visiting him at the hospital, it was a heartbreaking moment that recalled all the times Rogue has struggled to control her powers, but the moment also subtly hinted that there was more to Rogue's abilities. Throughout the series, Rogue mentions she keeps thinking about Harvey and when Wolverine is about to lose to Sarah Gaunt, Rogue is able to sense him and come to his rescue. While Rogue's mysterious and new powers were not her own, the moment it was revealed she absorbed Harvey’s entire arsenal of telepathic abilities, her powers received a substantial upgrade.
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X-Men Confirms Rogue Is Now One of Marvel's Strongest Heroes of All Time, After Permanently Absorbing a God-Tier Avenger
X-Men's Rogue reveals that she secretly still has the powers of a god-tier Avenger, turning her into one of Marvel's strongest heroes ever.
One major aspect of Rogue’s powers is her ability to siphon a person’s life force and memories, but in zapping Harvey’s powers, Rogue absorbed his life force along with what appears to be his soul, surpassing the limit of what was once thought possible. Since Rogue had Harvey in her mind guiding her through his telepathic, precognitive, and healing powers, she was able to fix her broken bones and beat Sarah Gaunt. This groundbreaking victory for Rogue breaks the limit to her abilities and confirms Rogue can likely absorb someone’s spirit to give herself the ultimate power boost.
Rogue’s Newly Defined Abilities Change The Status Quo For Her Siphoning Powers
This Dark Twist Has Great Story Potential
Rogue absorbing Harvey’s powers along with his entire consciousness was a shockingly dark revelation that slipped through the minds of many, but made the reveal all the more meaningful, especially when considering Harvey dreamed of being an X-Men. Though Harvey tells Rogue his powers will disappear when he does, Rogue’s absorbing abilities have now reached a new standard for how she could potentially use them in the future. As Rogue’s X-Men face off against adversaries like Sarah Gaunt’s brainwashed mutant army, Rogue’s evolved powers have great potential to be further explored within the series.
Uncanny X-Men #5 is 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.
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