As the end of the X-Men’s iconic Krakoan Era draws to a close, Marvel has revealed information on the mutants’ upcoming “From The Ashes” era, including a bold new costume for Juggernaut that establishes his permanent role in the Marvel Universe. Cain Marko debuted as one of the X-Men’s greatest villains but has made great strides in recent years to become a hero, and his new costume proves that he should be considered one of the X-Men’s most loyal allies.
Juggernaut is not only the winner of the X-Men’s 3rd and final Krakoan X-Men Vote, establishing him as a formal X-Men hero, but he has been integral to the mutants’ war against the villainous Orchis, even though he is not a mutant.
Promotional art for X-Men, from writer Jed MacKay and artist Ryan Stegman, shows Marko on an impressive team of mutants, led by Cyclops, while adorned with a new all-black Juggernaut suit, with a massive red-X on his helmet.
Juggernaut Is Officially A Permanent X-Men Hero
Cain became the Unstoppable Juggernaut by transforming into an avatar for Cyttorak, an Elder God of rage and destruction, after finding the Crimson Gem of Cyttorak. Juggernaut’s heroic redemption arc has been years in the making and represents the culmination of Cain Marko’s growth as an ally to mutantkind. Juggernaut is Charles Xavier’s stepbrother, and much of Cain’s initial hatred of the X-Men stems from his jealousy and anger over his upbringing alongside Charles. The Juggernaut has “reformed” several times over the years, but the reason that his current redemption is sticking is in large part due to his separation from the influence of Cyttorak.
After Magik destroyed the Crimson Gem, and Cain was sent to Limbo, Juggernaut managed to get his hands on the Crimson Bands of Cyttorak. This allowed Cain to meet with Cyttorak and bravely tell him he would not serve him any longer and was a free agent moving forward. Now, in the X-Men’s newest era, Juggernaut can be seen sporting his classic helmet with an iconic new twist, representing his dedication to mutantkind with a huge red X on his head. The messaging is clear: Juggernaut is an X-Men hero, and his impressive redemption arc has been a success.
Cain Marko’s Redemption Arc Is One Of Marvel’s Best
Juggernaut has been a staunch ally since the Age of X-Man days, right before the Krakoan Era started, and while Xavier initially denied him entry to Krakoa, he was eventually welcomed onto the island as a non-mutant citizen. Cain has proved himself as a member of Nightcrawler’s Legionaries, a critical player in the X-Men’s fight against Orchis, and now as a continued ally after Krakoa’s fall. Of course, there is always a chance that Juggernaut will become a villain again, especially if something bad were to happen to Black Tom, but he has certainly earned the deserved trust of the X-Men.
Juggernaut’s allyship to the X-Men is so fascinating because he is a human, not a mutant, and yet feels a real kinship to mutantkind that inspires him to protect them from harm. Cain Marko’s newest era will see him continue as a full-fledged hero, working alongside Cyclops and other iconic heroes to take down villains and help any mutant who is struggling.
