Warning: contains spoilers for Rise of the Powers of X #4!

Professor Charles Xavier has unleashed some spectacular psychic attacks in his day, but his latest proves he is a better villain than Magneto. As the Krakoan era comes to an end, Professor X has made some morally questionable decisions. In Rise of the Powers of X #4, Xavier unveils a new, and insidious, psychic attack. The cruelty inherent in this attack makes him even worse than Magneto in his prime.

Rise of the Powers of X #4 is written by Kieron Gillen and drawn by RB Silva. Professor X has joined forces with Mother Righteous and is helping Orchis’ agenda, which includes targeting humans as well as mutants. Mother Righteous mentions the nations of the world are “being surprisingly organized” about it. She then commands him to do something about it.

Xavier reveals he has put “cognitive drains” on the world leaders, just enough to render them useless.

Professor X Was Once a Visionary and a Paragon of Virtue

Desperate Times Have Warped Professor X in Horrible Ways

Professor X, the founder of the X-Men and a figurehead in the mutant rights movement, has emerged at Krakoa’s end as one of its biggest villains. This is a shocking turn around for the character, as he was one of the mutant nation’s founders. Helping Xavier was Magneto. Beginning as a villain, Magneto’s moral compass over the years has shifted. In the Krakoan era, Magneto distinguished himself as one of the nation’s leaders, ultimately sacrificing himself to save it. Magneto gives orders not to be resurrected, but with the chips down and their backs against the wall, he has returned.

While Krakoa, and recent events, have pushed Professor X to villain status, there is precedent for this change. In the early 1990s, the “X-Traitor” storyline weaved its way through the X-Men family of titles. At some point in the future, it was revealed, a member of the X-Men would betray the team. Speculation on who it would be was rampant, but in the end it was the last person anyone would have expected: Professor X. After mind-wiping Magneto in the landmark X-Men #25, Xavier’s essence mixed with Magneto’s, creating the massively powerful Onslaught.

Professor X’s Mind-Tampering Attacks Show How Far He Has Fallen

Is There Any Chance for Redemptioin for Charles Xavier?

For years, Magneto was viewed as the X-Men’s most dangerous villain, but now, thanks to the “cognitive drain,” Professor X has taken his place. Despite his harsh methods, Magneto has developed a code of honor over time. Professor X, on the other hand, has seemingly forgotten his. He possesses great psychic powers, which he once used for the good of mutants. Now, he is launching stealth attacks against world leaders on behalf of a fascist organization committed to the total annihilation of all life in the universe. Xavier’s fall from grace is complete, and he has surpassed Magneto.

Rise of the Powers of X #4 is on sale now from Marvel Comics!