What the Heck is an Omega-Level Mutant (and Why Does It Matter?)

X-Men just made. a major revelation on the status of Omega-level mutants in X-Men #13 from Ryan Stegman and Marte Gracia. Not only does it bring back the concept for some more fleshing out after its expansion with the Krakoa Era of Marvel’s mutants, but has also changed who we previously thought of as Omega-level as well. For readers, this is a big deal. The origin of the term stretches back to Chris Claremont’s legendary original run on The Uncanny X-Men back in the ’70s and ’80s. After some dormancy, he brought the term back in the 2000s, planting seeds for the current era and the recent revival of the X-Men animated series. At the close of the Krakoan age in the Fall of X, two Omega-level mutants save the day, with Cyclops holding off Nimrod, who recognizes the mutant’s potential, while Storm puts in the finishing touches. Ororo Munroe has since become an Avenger and a greater part of the Marvel Universe as a whole, possibly setting up an impressive future in the MCU.

But with those current events and the new details revealed in the current X-Men run, what is an Omega-level mutant exactly? What distinguishes them from the other mutants we see running around the 616-universe? For many, the belief has been that Omega designates the most powerful mutants in the world, but it turns out this isn’t exactly the final fact on the topic.

What Exactly Was an Omega-Level Mutant Previously?

The first Omega-level mutant classified in the X-Men comics was Rachel Summers during the “Days of Future Past” storyline in August 1986. Much like his modern version, Nimrod is the catalyst who determines the status and notes that Summers’ “upper limit” hasn’t been determined, which is a key aspect of the definition. This means that the power level for an “Omega-level” mutant is high but does have a limit.

Claremont brought the concept back in 2001 during his X-Men Forever but never fully fleshed it out to be more than a device for the writers to use to denote characters that were important or major threats. As for who all was on that list of powerful mutants, there was no official list of mutants for years until Jonathan Hickman decided to bring it back during the Krakoan/House of X era and give it a bit of definition, listing fourteen Omegas with their demonstrated powers.

[RELATED 5 X-Men Stories X-Men ’97 Fans Need to Read ]

Who Are The Omega-Level Mutants As We Know Them?

Before the Krakoan Age, there were many X-Men characters hinted to be Omega, including favorites like Cable, Psylocke, and the White Queen/Emma Frost. But it wasn’t until 2001 that the term took more concrete form, labeling Iceman (Bobby Drake) and Jean Grey as Omega-level in X-Men Forever #3. Through 2012’s Avengers Vs. X-Men event, eight other names were hinted to be Omega. This includes current member Kid Omega, Cyclops’ brother Vulcan, Storm, Professor Xavier’s son Legion, and Hope Summers.

Once the House of X rolled around, Magneto, Jamie Braddock, Proteus, and Exodus all joined the official list. There was also some controversy over Franklin Richards, classified as Powerhouse and possibly the strongest Omega in the Marvel Universe. Who can forget when the Fantastic Four’s kid created an entire pocket universe to save his family and friends from Charles Xavier’s evil side, Onslaught? It would also explain how he was able to usurp Galactus in the Earth X timeline, taking the mantle himself and fighting the Celestials.

The addition of Arrako to the X-Men lore expanding things even further. More Omega mutants were discovered as part of the island Arrako, later traveling to Mars to make it the first mutant planet in the Marvel universe. Lodus Logos, Ora Serrta, Sobunar of the Depths, Tarn the Uncaring and several others were all added to the mix to expand the Omega ranks. We also saw Forge and the horsemen of Apocalypse earning the title, but not Apocalypse himself. Pretty odd, in retrospect.

Now, Charles Xavier has joined the Omega ranks in X-Men #13 and turned it all on its head.

True Nature of Omega-Level, Redefined

X-Men #13 sees Xavier declare himself to be Omega-level and reveal that in addition to being powerful, there really is no actual limit to their power levels. Gone is the cap to how powerful an Omega-level mutant can be. However, even with the idea that Omega-level mutants have limitless power that doesn’t mean they are invincible. In the issue, Xavier also explains that when two Omega-level mutants come into conflict, the deciding factor for a victor would be based on “other variables” — such as experience. It’s complicated, and it’s clearly going to come into play in future stories.

A perfect example is the way Cyclops has used his powers over the years, particularly in the refurbished animated series, where he is reintroduced using his optic beams to safely fall from a plane. He also demonstrates top skill in battle, using his optic beams to move around while fighting.

Magneto and Jean Grey are also no-brainers, given their incredible demonstrations of power over the years. We’ve seen the master of magnetism lift Asteroid M, reconfigure an entire army of Sentinels, and even shift the magnetic poles of Earth. Grey, on the other hand, is always seemingly at war with her true potential within and the Phoenix Force that chose her initially. As Dark Phoenix, she was able to destroy an entire solar system by consuming its sun.

So, What’s Next?

With Xavier joining the ranks (albeit self-appointed) there are probably questions over the concept continuing on. What Xavier seems to imply is that all mutants have the potential to be Omega-level, with training and lessons on properly using their powers. If that’s the case and it’s no longer a matter simply of natural gifts, it could shift the focus for how various characters move forward. It could also create big challenges for mutants with humans and how everyone is perceived, as if that hasn’t already been an issue over the years.

Outside of comics, this new definition could come into play as well. We’ve also already had the concept introduced in the MCU with Cassandra Nova. She is labeled an Omega-level mutant by the TVA in Deadpool and Wolverine. So the concept is ready to take off when the X-Men are officially added to the mix and take the lead in the coming phases. Give us a film version of the Krakoan Era and it might be the perfect vehicle for the X-Men going forward, complete with an evolving idea of what it means to be truly Omega-level.

Where do you think we’ll get to with the X-Men as they enter the MCU fray? Share your thoughts in the comments.