Warning! Spoilers ahead for X-Force #14
In the latest chapter of Marvel’s X of Swords event, the tournament between the champions of Krakoa and Arakko has begun, but the contests are unlike anything either side could have prepared for. Seeing as how they all had to retrieve swords prior to the tournament, and the event has “Swords” in its name, one would think that the clashing and use of swords would be a given. However, this is strangely not the case for the majority of the challenges seen thus far. This is especially true for Magik, one the X-Men’s most powerful mutants and most capable swordswomen with her Soulsword. However, her challenges have been extremely unorthodox.
Magik’s first challenge was in Wolverine #7 where she fought the Arakki champion Pogg Ur-Pogg, who resembles a large and upright crocodile warrior with 4 massive arms. While both combatants were prepared to fight with their mighty blades, the tournaments’ orchestrator, Lady Satrunyne, removed the blades from their grasp. Instead, they were called upon to compete in an arm-wrestling competition of all things. Naturally, Magik was confused and perplexed by the decree and was quickly beaten by the much larger and stronger Pogg Ur-Pogg, who had arms to spare. As a result, his victory earned him a point for the Arakkii champions.
Magik did get a chance for a rematch with Pogg Ur-Pogg in the new X-Force #14 from Benjamin Percy, Gerry Duggan, and Joshua Cassara, but this battle is still without their swords. Lady Saturnyne declares that they must face each other “as they are”. Pogg Ur-Pogg quickly grabs Magik and swallows her, but Magik bursts out of Pogg’s body to reveal the small gremlin creature within controlling the crocodile body. Apparently, Magik learned that “Pogg” in Arakki means “Sword”, which gave Magik a hunch that proved to be correct. Pogg was not fighting as his true self, whom Magik was easily able to beat, gaining the Krakoans a point. However, while this was a win, it still didn’t require Magik to use her iconic Soulsword and powers, not to mention that this rematch was just as odd as her first fight with Pogg Ur-Pogg.
Magik went on to face many other challenges such as navigating new terrains, pushing rocks up hills, and even solving a riddle where she was asked to spell out the word “Magic” (she got it wrong by spelling it with a “K”). However, none of them have required her to use her Soulsword, which must be as strange as it is disappointing for fans of the character. Additionally, most of the contests have been odd across the board for all of the champions as well, which has no doubt come across as underwhelming for readers thus far in the event.
Hopefully, X of Swords will pick up and actual swords will be drawn in earnest as the event continues. As it stands right now, it almost seems as though Lady Saturnyne is stalling or waiting for something she’s yet to reveal. Either way, it would be great if the contest would ramp up, as well as seeing the Krakoans pulling ahead in points in order to secure a win and keep their nation safe from the Arakkii forces. It would also be nice to see Magik doing what she does best with his Soulsword and powers: saving the day and looking awesome while doing it. Fingers crossed.
