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{{notability|date=June 2024}}
{{Short description|none}}
{{Short description|none}}


'''Omega-level mutants''' are the [[Mutants (Marvel Comics)|mutants]] with most powerful potential of their mutant abilities, appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]].
'''Omega-level mutants''' are the [[Mutant (Marvel Comics)|mutants]] with most powerful potential of their mutant abilities, appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]].


== Publication history ==
== Publication history ==
In August 1986, the term was first introduced by [[Chris Claremont]] in ''[[Uncanny X-Men]]'' #208 as "Class Omega", but wasn't explained except referring to an exceptional level of power. It was first used to describe [[Rachel Summers]]' powers on which [[Nimrod]] reported that "Upper limit of target-subject’s abilities has yet to be determined."<ref name="history">{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/22989921/marvel-x-men-all-omega-level-mutants-powers |title=One change turned a longtime X-Men debate into Marvel's greatest asset |last=Jenkins |first=Zachary |website=Polygon |date=March 25, 2022 |access-date=June 23, 2024}}</ref>
In August 1986, the term was first introduced by [[Chris Claremont]] in ''[[Uncanny X-Men]]'' #208 as "Class Omega", but wasn't explained except referring to an exceptional level of power. It was first used to describe [[Rachel Summers]]' powers on which [[Nimrod (comics)|Nimrod]] reported that "Upper limit of target-subject's abilities has yet to be determined."<ref name="History">{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/22989921/marvel-x-men-all-omega-level-mutants-powers |title=One change turned a longtime X-Men debate into Marvel's greatest asset |last=Jenkins |first=Zachary |website=Polygon |date=March 25, 2022 |access-date=June 23, 2024}}</ref>


The term was not seen again until the 2001 limited series issue ''[[X-Men Forever]]'' #3, where [[Professor X]] described [[Iceman (character)|Iceman]] and [[Jean Grey|Marvel Girl]]'s "Omega level mutant abilities" having unlimited potential. For a time, no firm definition was offered in the comics and the term "Omega-level mutant" was simply used whenever a writer wanted audience to know that the character was a big deal.{{efn|These characters were once referred as Omega-level mutants or having omega-level abilities but their status remained unconfirmed after [[House of X and Powers of X|House of X]]: Brian Morrison, [[Cable (character)|Cable]], Gabriel Shepherd, Maddie, Matthew Malloy ''(erased from existence)'', [[Professor X]], [[Rachel Summers]], [[Stryfe]], [[Emma Frost|White Queen]] and [[Nate Grey|X-Man]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-omega-level-mutants-ranked/ |title=Marvel's Omega Level Mutants, Ranked From Least Powerful To OP |last=Cronin |first=Brian |website=CBR |date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=June 23, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Ranked">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/every-omega-level-mutant-ranked/ |title=All Of Marvel's Omega-Level Mutants, Ranked By Power |author=Allan, Scoot and Murray, Kirsten |website=CBR |date=May 22, 2024 |access-date=June 23, 2024}}</ref>}} This led several conflicting opinions and debates among fans as to who or what qualified as omega-level.<ref name="history" />
The term was not seen again until the 2001 limited series issue ''[[X-Men Forever]]'' #3, where [[Professor X]] described [[Iceman (character)|Iceman]] and [[Jean Grey|Marvel Girl]]'s "Omega level mutant abilities" having unlimited potential. For a time, no firm definition was offered in the comics and the term "Omega-level mutant" was simply used whenever a writer wanted audience to know that the character was a big deal.{{efn|These characters were once referred as Omega-level mutants or having omega-level abilities but their status remained unconfirmed after [[House of X and Powers of X|House of X]]: Brian Morrison, [[Cable (character)|Cable]], [[Hyperstorm]], Gabriel Shepherd, Maddie, Matthew Malloy (erased from existence), [[Professor X]], [[Betsy Braddock|Psylocke (Braddock)]], [[Rachel Summers]], [[Shadow King]], [[Stryfe]], [[Emma Frost|White Queen]] and [[Nate Grey|X-Man]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-omega-level-mutants-ranked/ |title=Marvel's Omega Level Mutants, Ranked From Least Powerful To OP |last=Cronin |first=Brian |website=CBR |date=December 16, 2017 |access-date=June 23, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Ranked">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/every-omega-level-mutant-ranked/ |title=All Of Marvel's Omega-Level Mutants, Ranked By Power |author=Allan, Scoot and Murray, Kirsten |website=CBR |date=May 22, 2024 |access-date=June 23, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/x-men-apocalypse-stole-power-shadow-king/ |title=X-Men: Apocalypse's Villain Stole One Power From Another Dangerous Mutant |last=Brooks |first=Nicholas |website=CBR |date=August 21, 2023 |access-date=June 26, 2024}}</ref>}} This led several conflicting opinions and debates among fans as to who or what qualified as omega-level.<ref name="History"/>


In July 2019 during [[X-Men]] relaunch of [[Krakoan Age]], [[Jonathan Hickman]] provided an official definition in ''[[House of X]]'' #1 and listed fourteen Omega-level mutants alongside their respective omega power.<ref name="history" />
In July 2019 during [[X-Men]] relaunch of [[Krakoan Age]], [[Jonathan Hickman]] provided an official definition in ''[[House of X]]'' #1 and listed fourteen Omega-level mutants alongside their respective omega power.<ref name="History"/>


In November 2020, a new status quo for [[Franklin Richards (Fantastic Four)|Powerhouse]], who was considered Omega-level mutant was established that he was not actually a mutant in ''[[Fantastic Four (comic book)|Fantastic Four]]'', vol. 6 #26. Then X-Men's senior editor Jordan White had disagreed with this decision and the change was made due to character's affiliation with [[Fantastic Four]]. However March 2024, [[Marvel Comics]] reinstated his previous status as Omega-level mutant by revealing that he was repressing his powers as per ''Fantastic Four'', vol. 7 #18.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/x-men-fantastic-four-franklin-richards-mutant-controversial/ |title="They Made a Decision I Do Not Agree With": X-Men's Senior Editor Calls Out Fantastic Four Twist That Transformed Marvel Lore |last=Wood |first=Robert |website=Screen Rant |date=May 22, 2024 |access-date=June 23, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/110802/fantastic_four_2022_18 |title=FANTASTIC FOUR (2022) #18 |website=Marvel |access-date=June 23, 2024}}</ref>
In November 2020, a new status quo for [[Franklin Richards (character)|Powerhouse]], who was considered Omega-level mutant was established that he was not a [[Mutant (Marvel Comics)|mutant]] in ''[[Fantastic Four (comic book)|Fantastic Four]]'', vol. 6 #26. Then X-Men's senior editor Jordan White had disagreed with this decision and the change was made due to character's affiliation with [[Fantastic Four]]. However March 2024, [[Marvel Comics]] reinstated his previous status as Omega-level mutant by revealing that he was repressing his powers as per ''Fantastic Four'', vol. 7 #18.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/x-men-fantastic-four-franklin-richards-mutant-controversial/ |title="They Made a Decision I Do Not Agree With": X-Men's Senior Editor Calls Out Fantastic Four Twist That Transformed Marvel Lore |last=Wood |first=Robert |website=Screen Rant |date=May 22, 2024 |access-date=June 23, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/110802/fantastic_four_2022_18 |title=Fantastic Four (2022) #18 |website=Marvel |access-date=June 23, 2024}}</ref>


After the ''[[X of Swords]]'' event in 2020, many Omega-level mutants were introduced from the Arakko as its governmental body, the [[List of Marvel Comics characters: A#The Great Ring of Arakko|Great Ring of Arakko]] was composed of Omega-level mutants (excluding the adjunct and night seats).<ref name="history" />
After the ''[[X of Swords]]'' event in 2020, a large number of Omega-level mutants were introduced from the Arakko and its governmental body, the [[List of Marvel Comics characters: A#The Great Ring of Arakko|Great Ring of Arakko]] was composed of Omega-level mutants (excluding the adjunct and night seats).<ref name="History"/>


In January 2022, it was revealed that [[Mutants (Marvel Comics)|Mutants]] can enhance (at least to some extent) their power to omega-level by further training as [[Synch (comics)|Synch]] had shown potential to achieve omega-level status in ''X-Men'', vol. 6 #7.<ref name="Def2">{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/x-men-most-powerful-omega-level-explained/ |title=X-Men Officially Settles Major Fan Debate About What 'Omega Level' Actually Means |last=Wood |first=Robert |website=Screen Rant |date=May 24, 2024 |access-date=June 23, 2024}}</ref><ref name="history" />
In January 2022, it was revealed that mutants can enhance (at least to some extent) their power to omega-level by further training as [[Synch (comics)|Synch]] had shown potential to achieve omega-level status in ''[[X-Men (comic book)|X-Men]]'', vol. 6 #7.<ref name="Def2">{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/x-men-most-powerful-omega-level-explained/ |title=X-Men Officially Settles Major Fan Debate About What 'Omega Level' Actually Means |last=Wood |first=Robert |website=Screen Rant |date=May 24, 2024 |access-date=June 23, 2024}}</ref><ref name="History"/>


== Definition ==
== Definition ==
Line 21: Line 20:


{{blockquote|1=
{{blockquote|1=
'''Omega Level Mutant:''' A [[Mutants (Marvel Comics)|mutants]] whose dominant power is deemed to register – or reach – an undefinable upper limit of that power's specific classification.
'''Omega Level Mutant:''' A [[Mutant (Marvel Comics)|mutant]] whose dominant power is deemed to register – or reach – an undefinable upper limit of that power's specific classification.


'''For Example:''' Both [[Magneto (Marvel Comics)|Magneto]] and [[Forge (character)|Forge]] are the most powerful mutants of their power types on the planet Earth [Magnetism and Technopathy, respectively], but what makes Magneto, and not Forge, an Omega level mutant is that the upper limit of Forge's measurable powers could hypothetically be surpassed [and, in fact, has by multiple humans on the planet], while the upper limit of Magneto's power cannot be surpassed in any measurable fashion.
'''For Example:''' Both [[Magneto (Marvel Comics)|Magneto]] and [[Forge (character)|Forge]] are the most powerful mutants of their power types on the planet Earth [Magnetism and Technopathy, respectively], but what makes Magneto, and not Forge, an Omega level mutant is that the upper limit of Forge's measurable powers could hypothetically be surpassed [and, in fact, has by multiple humans on the planet], while the upper limit of Magneto's power cannot be surpassed in any measurable fashion.
Line 29: Line 28:
'''For Example:''' ''While [[Jean Grey]] is both a telepath and a telekinetic, she is only an Omega level telepath.'' |source=''House of X'' #1 (July 2019)}}
'''For Example:''' ''While [[Jean Grey]] is both a telepath and a telekinetic, she is only an Omega level telepath.'' |source=''House of X'' #1 (July 2019)}}


Multiple mutants can achieve the upper limit of a power at the same time on which Jordan White stated that he didn't believe there’s anything in the definition that said there can be only one.<ref name="Def2" />
Multiple mutants can achieve the upper limit of a power at the same time on which Jordan White stated that he didn't believe there's anything in the definition that said there can be only one.<ref name="Def2"/>


{{blockquote|
{{blockquote|
Line 41: Line 40:
|-
|-
| [[Iceman (character)|Iceman]] (Bobby Drake)
| [[Iceman (character)|Iceman]] (Bobby Drake)
| Negative temperature manipulation<ref name="Def1" />
| Negative temperature manipulation<ref name="Def1"/>
| rowspan=2| ''[[X-Men Forever]]'' #3 (March 2003)
| rowspan=2| ''[[X-Men Forever]]'' #3 (January 2001)
|-
|-
| [[Jean Grey|Marvel Girl]] (Jean Grey)
| [[Jean Grey|Marvel Girl]] (Jean Grey)
| Telepathy<ref name="Def1" />
| Telepathy<ref name="Def1"/>
|-
|-
| [[Quentin Quire|Kid Omega]] (Quentin Quire)
| [[Quentin Quire|Kid Omega]] (Quentin Quire)
| Telepathy<ref name="Def1" />
| Telepathy<ref name="Def1"/>
| ''[[New X-Men (2001 series)|New X-Men]]'' #135 (December 2002)
| ''[[New X-Men (2001 series)|New X-Men]]'' #135 (December 2002)
|-
|-
| [[Elixir (comics)|Elixir]] (Josh Foley)
| [[Elixir (comics)|Elixir]] (Josh Foley)
| Biokinesis<ref name="Def1" />
| Biokinesis<ref name="Def1"/>
| ''[[The New Mutants (comic book)|New Mutants]]'', vol. 2 #12 (January 2004)
| ''[[The New Mutants (comic book)|New Mutants]]'', vol. 2 #12 (January 2004)
|-
|-
| [[Franklin Richards (Fantastic Four)|Powerhouse]] (Frankiln Richards)
| [[Vulcan (Marvel Comics)|Vulcan]] (Gabriel Summers)
| Universal reality manipulation<ref name="Def1" />
| Energy manipulation<ref name="Def1"/>
| ''[[X-Men: Deadly Genesis]]'' #1 (November 2005)
⚫
|-
| [[Franklin Richards (character)|Powerhouse]] (Franklin Richards)
⚫
| Universal reality manipulation<ref name="Def1"/>
| rowspan=2| ''[[X-Men: The 198#The 198 Files|X-Men: The 198 Files]]'' #1 (January 2006)
| rowspan=2| ''[[X-Men: The 198#The 198 Files|X-Men: The 198 Files]]'' #1 (January 2006)
|-
|-
| [[Mister M (comics)|Mister M]] (Absolon Mercator)
| [[Mister M (comics)|Mister M]] (Absolon Mercator)
| Matter manipulation<ref name="Def1" />
| Matter manipulation<ref name="Def1"/>
|-
|-
| [[Vulcan (Marvel Comics)|Vulcan]] (Gabriel Summers)
| [[Storm (Marvel Comics)|Storm]] (Ororo Munroe)
| Energy manipulation<ref name="Def1" />
| Weather manipulation<ref name="Def1"/>
| ''[[X-Men: Deadly Genesis]]'' #1 (November 2005)
| ''Black Panther'', vol. 4 #21 (October 2006)
|-
|-
| [[Legion (Marvel Comics)|Legion]] (David Haller)
| [[Legion (Marvel Comics)|Legion]] (David Haller)
| Power manifestation<ref name="Def1" />
| Power manifestation<ref name="Def1"/>
| ''New Mutants'', vol. 3 #4 (August 2009)
| ''New Mutants'', vol. 3 #4 (August 2009)
|-
|-
| [[Hope Summers (comics)|Hope Summers]]
| [[Hope Summers (comics)|Hope Summers]]
| Power manipulation<ref name="Def1" />
| Power manipulation<ref name="Def1"/>
| ''X-Men Phoenix Force Handbook'' #1 (July 2010)
| ''X-Men Phoenix Force Handbook'' #1 (July 2010)
|-
|-
| [[Jamie Braddock|Monarch]] (Jamie Braddock)
| [[Jamie Braddock|Monarch]] (Jamie Braddock)
| Quantum reality manipulation<ref name="Def1" />
| Quantum reality manipulation<ref name="Def1"/>
| rowspan=5| ''[[House of X and Powers of X|House of X]]'' #1 (July 2019)<ref name="Def1" />
| rowspan=4| ''[[House of X and Powers of X|House of X]]'' #1 (July 2019)<ref name="Def1"/>
|-
|-
| [[Magneto (Marvel Comics)|Magneto]] (Erik Lehnsherr)
| [[Magneto (Marvel Comics)|Magneto]] (Erik Lehnsherr)
| Magnetism<ref name="Def1" />
| Magnetism<ref name="Def1"/>
|-
|-
| [[Proteus (Marvel Comics)|Proteus]] (Kevin MacTaggert)
| [[Proteus (Marvel Comics)|Proteus]] (Kevin MacTaggert)
| Psionic reality manipulation<ref name="Def1" />
| Psionic reality manipulation<ref name="Def1"/>
⚫
|-
| [[Storm (Marvel Comics)|Storm]] (Ororo Munroe)
⚫
| Weather manipulation<ref name="Def1" />
|-
|-
| [[Exodus (comics)|Exodus]] (Bennet du Paris)
| [[Exodus (comics)|Exodus]] (Bennet du Paris)
| Telekinesis<ref name="Def1" />
| Telekinesis<ref name="Def1"/>
|-
|-
| Genesis
| Genesis
| Chlorokinesis<ref name="Ranked" />
| Chlorokinesis<ref name="Ranked"/>
| rowspan=10| ''[[X-Men (comic book)|X-Men]]'', vol. 5 #16 (December 2020)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/x-men-omega-level-mutants-arakko/ |title=X-Men: Marvel's Omega-Level Mutants Population Just SKYROCKETED |last=Zachary |first=Brandon |website=CBR |date=December 30, 2020 |access-date=June 23, 2024}}</ref>
| rowspan=10| ''[[X-Men (comic book)|X-Men]]'', vol. 5 #16 (December 2020)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/x-men-omega-level-mutants-arakko/ |title=X-Men: Marvel's Omega-Level Mutants Population Just SKYROCKETED |last=Zachary |first=Brandon |website=CBR |date=December 30, 2020 |access-date=June 23, 2024}}</ref>
|-
|-
| High Mutant Prophet Idyll II
| High Mutant Prophet Idyll
| rowspan=7| ''Not specified''
| ''Not specified''
|-
|-
| Idyll the Future Seer
| High Mutant Prophet Idyll III
| Precognition<ref>{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/marvel-comics-time-travel-explained-xmen-red/ |title=X-Men: Marvel's Omega-Level Mutants Population Just SKYROCKETED |last=Jones |first=Jonathan |website=Screen Rant |date=August 20, 2022 |access-date=June 26, 2024}}</ref>
|-
|-
| Isca the Unbeaten
| Isca the Unbeaten
| ''Not specified''
|-
|-
| Lactuca the Knower
| Lactuca the Knower
| Universal spatial awareness<ref>{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/xmen-villain-genesis-apocalypse-wife-fears-1-mutant/ |title=X-Men's Most Unbeatable Villain Admits Even She Fears 1 Omega Mutant |last=Benns |first=Tristan |website=Screen Rant |date=August 27, 2023 |access-date=July 6, 2024}}</ref>
|-
|-
| Lodus Logos
| Lodus Logos
| rowspan=3| ''Not specified''
|-
|-
| Ora Serrata{{efn|name=Merged|Ora Serrata and Xilo were merged as Xilora in ''[[X-Men Red]]'', vol. 2 #18.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/109821/x-men_red_2022_18 |title=X-Men Red (2022) #18 |website=Marvel |access-date=June 25, 2024}}</ref>}}
| Ora Serrata
|-
|-
| Sobunar of the Depths
| Sobunar of the Depths
|-
|-
| Tarn the Uncaring
| Tarn the Uncaring
| Biological manipulation<ref name="Ranked" />
| Biological manipulation<ref name="Ranked"/>
|-
|-
| Xilo the First Defender
| Xilo the First Defender{{efn|name=Merged}}
| rowspan=10| ''Not specified''
| rowspan=3| ''Not specified''
|-
|-
| Nameless, the Shape-Shifter Queen
| Nameless, the Shape-Shifter Queen
Line 120: Line 124:
| Uquesh the Bridge
| Uquesh the Bridge
| ''Legion of X'' #1 (May 2022)
| ''Legion of X'' #1 (May 2022)
⚫
|-
| White Sword (Blue)
| Healing<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/x-men-arakko-jon-ironfire-death-marvel/ |title=The X-Men Have Brutally Lost Another One of Their Most Powerful Allies |last=Zachary |first=Brandon |website=CBR |date=May 10, 2023 |access-date=June 26, 2024}}</ref>
| ''X-Men Red'', vol. 2 #12 (June 2023)
|-
|-
| Kobak Never-Held<ref>{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/marvels-new-omega-level-mutant-has-a-better-version-of-wolverines-claws/ |title=Marvel's New Omega-Level Mutant Has a Better Version of Wolverine's Claws |last=Benns |first=Tristan |website=Screen Rant |date=August 26, 2023 |access-date=June 23, 2024}}</ref>
| Kobak Never-Held<ref>{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/marvels-new-omega-level-mutant-has-a-better-version-of-wolverines-claws/ |title=Marvel's New Omega-Level Mutant Has a Better Version of Wolverine's Claws |last=Benns |first=Tristan |website=Screen Rant |date=August 26, 2023 |access-date=June 23, 2024}}</ref>
| rowspan=6| ''Not specified''
| rowspan=2| ''X-Men Red'', vol. 2 #13 (July 2023)
| rowspan=2| ''X-Men Red'', vol. 2 #13 (July 2023)
|-
|-
Line 137: Line 146:
|-
|-
| [[Horsemen of Apocalypse|War]]
| [[Horsemen of Apocalypse|War]]
| Pyrokinesis<ref>{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/xmen-omega-mutants-storm-power-strength-versatility/#:~:text=In%20X%2DMen%3A%20Red%20%23,an%20added%20edge%20in%20combat. |title=X-Men Settles a Huge Fan Debate About the Strongest Omega Mutant |last=Benns |first=Tristan |website=Screen Rant |date=October 14, 2021 |access-date=June 26, 2024}}</ref>
⚫
|-
|}
|}


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
In April and July 2019, Charles Pulliam-Moore from [[Gizmodo]] and Thomas Bacon respectively had highlighted the challenges that might come to writers with classifying Omega-level mutants. Charles states that Omega-level mutants are singled out for being unique but there are also characters with similar powers to them and challenges might come to imaginative things when questions would be asked what can these mutants can do when they are at their upper limit. While Thomas wrote in [[Screen Rant]] a writer writes any [[superhero]] as very powerful and they might come under immense pressure from fans to add their favourite characters into the ranks of Omega-level mutants pointing to their feats already illustrated powerful.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/house-of-x-just-made-marvels-omega-level-mutants-intere-1836679454 |title=House of X Just Made Marvel's Omega Level Mutants Interesting Again |last=Pulliam-Moore |first=Charles |website=Gizmodo |date=July 25, 2019 |access-date=June 24, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Def1" />
In April and July 2019, Charles Pulliam-Moore from [[Gizmodo]] and Thomas Bacon respectively had highlighted the challenges that might come with classifying Omega-level mutants. Charles stated that Omega-level mutants are singled out for being unique but there are also characters with similar powers to them and challenges might come for writers to imaginative things when questions would be asked what can these mutants can do when they are at their upper limit. While Thomas wrote in [[Screen Rant]] that a writer writes any [[superhero]] as very powerful which could be pointed by fans to add their favourite character into the ranks of Omega-level mutants and writers might come under immense pressure from it.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/house-of-x-just-made-marvels-omega-level-mutants-intere-1836679454 |title=House of X Just Made Marvel's Omega Level Mutants Interesting Again |last=Pulliam-Moore |first=Charles |website=Gizmodo |date=July 25, 2019 |access-date=June 24, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Def1"/>


Regarding Omega-level mutant classification, Amer Sawan of [[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] in April 2023, commented that one downside to it was that the system to classify Omega-level mutants changes frequently with constantly shifting nature of their powers and due to this, some [[Mutants (Marvel Comics)|mutants]] who had done incredible things with their gifts would lack recognition for being denied the status of omega-level.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/x-men-kitty-pryde-omega-level-mutant-marvel/ |title=One X-Men Veteran Has Always Deserved to be Considered an Omega-Level Mutant |last=Sawan |first=Amer |website=CBR |date=April 7, 2023 |access-date=June 24, 2024}}</ref>
Regarding Omega-level mutant classification, Amer Sawan of [[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] in April 2023, commented that one downside to it was that the system to classify Omega-level mutants changes frequently with constantly shifting nature of the powers and due to this, some [[Mutant (Marvel Comics)|mutants]] who had done incredible things with their powers would lack recognition for being denied the status of omega-level.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/x-men-kitty-pryde-omega-level-mutant-marvel/ |title=One X-Men Veteran Has Always Deserved to be Considered an Omega-Level Mutant |last=Sawan |first=Amer |website=CBR |date=April 7, 2023 |access-date=June 24, 2024}}</ref>


== Notes ==
==Notes==
{{notelist}}
{{notelist}}


== References ==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

{{uncategorised|date=June 2024}}
[[Category:Superhero fiction themes]]
[[Category:X-Men]]
[[Category:Mutants in fiction]]
[[Category:Evolution in popular culture]]
[[Category:Fictional species and races]]
[[Category:X-Men supporting characters]]

Revision as of 18:06, 23 July 2024

Omega-level mutants are the mutants with most powerful potential of their mutant abilities, appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

Publication history

In August 1986, the term was first introduced by Chris Claremont in Uncanny X-Men #208 as "Class Omega", but wasn't explained except referring to an exceptional level of power. It was first used to describe Rachel Summers' powers on which Nimrod reported that "Upper limit of target-subject's abilities has yet to be determined."[1]

The term was not seen again until the 2001 limited series issue X-Men Forever #3, where Professor X described Iceman and Marvel Girl's "Omega level mutant abilities" having unlimited potential. For a time, no firm definition was offered in the comics and the term "Omega-level mutant" was simply used whenever a writer wanted audience to know that the character was a big deal.[a] This led several conflicting opinions and debates among fans as to who or what qualified as omega-level.[1]

In July 2019 during X-Men relaunch of Krakoan Age, Jonathan Hickman provided an official definition in House of X #1 and listed fourteen Omega-level mutants alongside their respective omega power.[1]

In November 2020, a new status quo for Powerhouse, who was considered Omega-level mutant was established that he was not a mutant in Fantastic Four, vol. 6 #26. Then X-Men's senior editor Jordan White had disagreed with this decision and the change was made due to character's affiliation with Fantastic Four. However March 2024, Marvel Comics reinstated his previous status as Omega-level mutant by revealing that he was repressing his powers as per Fantastic Four, vol. 7 #18.[5][6]

After the X of Swords event in 2020, a large number of Omega-level mutants were introduced from the Arakko and its governmental body, the Great Ring of Arakko was composed of Omega-level mutants (excluding the adjunct and night seats).[1]

In January 2022, it was revealed that mutants can enhance (at least to some extent) their power to omega-level by further training as Synch had shown potential to achieve omega-level status in X-Men, vol. 6 #7.[7][1]

Definition

Definition given by Jonathan Hickman [emphasis in original]:[8]

Omega Level Mutant: A mutant whose dominant power is deemed to register – or reach – an undefinable upper limit of that power's specific classification.

For Example: Both Magneto and Forge are the most powerful mutants of their power types on the planet Earth [Magnetism and Technopathy, respectively], but what makes Magneto, and not Forge, an Omega level mutant is that the upper limit of Forge's measurable powers could hypothetically be surpassed [and, in fact, has by multiple humans on the planet], while the upper limit of Magneto's power cannot be surpassed in any measurable fashion.

Note: Omega level is a classification of a single mutant power. While it is quite common that mutants manifest multiple powers, only one is normally of Omega level.

For Example: While Jean Grey is both a telepath and a telekinetic, she is only an Omega level telepath.

— House of X #1 (July 2019)

Multiple mutants can achieve the upper limit of a power at the same time on which Jordan White stated that he didn't believe there's anything in the definition that said there can be only one.[7]

For Example: Both Kid Omega and Jean have the highest upper limit for telepathy that there could be possible.

Omega-level mutants

Character Omega power Identified in
Iceman (Bobby Drake) Negative temperature manipulation[8] X-Men Forever #3 (January 2001)
Marvel Girl (Jean Grey) Telepathy[8]
Kid Omega (Quentin Quire) Telepathy[8] New X-Men #135 (December 2002)
Elixir (Josh Foley) Biokinesis[8] New Mutants, vol. 2 #12 (January 2004)
Vulcan (Gabriel Summers) Energy manipulation[8] X-Men: Deadly Genesis #1 (November 2005)
Powerhouse (Franklin Richards) Universal reality manipulation[8] X-Men: The 198 Files #1 (January 2006)
Mister M (Absolon Mercator) Matter manipulation[8]
Storm (Ororo Munroe) Weather manipulation[8] Black Panther, vol. 4 #21 (October 2006)
Legion (David Haller) Power manifestation[8] New Mutants, vol. 3 #4 (August 2009)
Hope Summers Power manipulation[8] X-Men Phoenix Force Handbook #1 (July 2010)
Monarch (Jamie Braddock) Quantum reality manipulation[8] House of X #1 (July 2019)[8]
Magneto (Erik Lehnsherr) Magnetism[8]
Proteus (Kevin MacTaggert) Psionic reality manipulation[8]
Exodus (Bennet du Paris) Telekinesis[8]
Genesis Chlorokinesis[3] X-Men, vol. 5 #16 (December 2020)[9]
High Mutant Prophet Idyll Not specified
Idyll the Future Seer Precognition[10]
Isca the Unbeaten Not specified
Lactuca the Knower Universal spatial awareness[11]
Lodus Logos Not specified
Ora Serrata[b]
Sobunar of the Depths
Tarn the Uncaring Biological manipulation[3]
Xilo the First Defender[b] Not specified
Nameless, the Shape-Shifter Queen X-Men Red, vol. 2 #1 (April 2022)
Uquesh the Bridge Legion of X #1 (May 2022)
White Sword (Blue) Healing[13] X-Men Red, vol. 2 #12 (June 2023)
Kobak Never-Held[14] Not specified X-Men Red, vol. 2 #13 (July 2023)
Lycaon Two Wolves[15]
Orrdon, the Omega Rocket X-Men Red, vol. 2 #14 (August 2023)
Death[16] X-Men Red, vol. 2 #16 (October 2023)
Famine
Pestilence
War Pyrokinesis[17]

Reception

In April and July 2019, Charles Pulliam-Moore from Gizmodo and Thomas Bacon respectively had highlighted the challenges that might come with classifying Omega-level mutants. Charles stated that Omega-level mutants are singled out for being unique but there are also characters with similar powers to them and challenges might come for writers to imaginative things when questions would be asked what can these mutants can do when they are at their upper limit. While Thomas wrote in Screen Rant that a writer writes any superhero as very powerful which could be pointed by fans to add their favourite character into the ranks of Omega-level mutants and writers might come under immense pressure from it.[18][8]

Regarding Omega-level mutant classification, Amer Sawan of CBR in April 2023, commented that one downside to it was that the system to classify Omega-level mutants changes frequently with constantly shifting nature of the powers and due to this, some mutants who had done incredible things with their powers would lack recognition for being denied the status of omega-level.[19]

Notes

  1. ^ These characters were once referred as Omega-level mutants or having omega-level abilities but their status remained unconfirmed after House of X: Brian Morrison, Cable, Hyperstorm, Gabriel Shepherd, Maddie, Matthew Malloy (erased from existence), Professor X, Psylocke (Braddock), Rachel Summers, Shadow King, Stryfe, White Queen and X-Man.[2][3][4]
  2. ^ a b Ora Serrata and Xilo were merged as Xilora in X-Men Red, vol. 2 #18.[12]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Jenkins, Zachary (March 25, 2022). "One change turned a longtime X-Men debate into Marvel's greatest asset". Polygon. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  2. ^ Cronin, Brian (December 16, 2017). "Marvel's Omega Level Mutants, Ranked From Least Powerful To OP". CBR. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c Allan, Scoot and Murray, Kirsten (May 22, 2024). "All Of Marvel's Omega-Level Mutants, Ranked By Power". CBR. Retrieved June 23, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ Brooks, Nicholas (August 21, 2023). "X-Men: Apocalypse's Villain Stole One Power From Another Dangerous Mutant". CBR. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
  5. ^ Wood, Robert (May 22, 2024). ""They Made a Decision I Do Not Agree With": X-Men's Senior Editor Calls Out Fantastic Four Twist That Transformed Marvel Lore". Screen Rant. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  6. ^ "Fantastic Four (2022) #18". Marvel. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  7. ^ a b Wood, Robert (May 24, 2024). "X-Men Officially Settles Major Fan Debate About What 'Omega Level' Actually Means". Screen Rant. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Bacon, Thomas (July 26, 2019). "X-Men Finally Defines The Most Powerful 'Omega Mutants'". Screen Rant. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
  9. ^ Zachary, Brandon (December 30, 2020). "X-Men: Marvel's Omega-Level Mutants Population Just SKYROCKETED". CBR. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  10. ^ Jones, Jonathan (August 20, 2022). "X-Men: Marvel's Omega-Level Mutants Population Just SKYROCKETED". Screen Rant. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
  11. ^ Benns, Tristan (August 27, 2023). "X-Men's Most Unbeatable Villain Admits Even She Fears 1 Omega Mutant". Screen Rant. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  12. ^ "X-Men Red (2022) #18". Marvel. Retrieved June 25, 2024.
  13. ^ Zachary, Brandon (May 10, 2023). "The X-Men Have Brutally Lost Another One of Their Most Powerful Allies". CBR. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
  14. ^ Benns, Tristan (August 26, 2023). "Marvel's New Omega-Level Mutant Has a Better Version of Wolverine's Claws". Screen Rant. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  15. ^ Jones, Jonathan (March 17, 2023). ""Imagine an Omega Wolverine": Marvel Teases Game-Changing New Mutant". Screen Rant. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  16. ^ Wood, Robert (November 21, 2023). "Death Is the Coolest New Hero to Join the X-Men in Years (& the Key to the Franchise's 2024 Success)". Screen Rant. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  17. ^ Benns, Tristan (October 14, 2021). "X-Men Settles a Huge Fan Debate About the Strongest Omega Mutant". Screen Rant. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
  18. ^ Pulliam-Moore, Charles (July 25, 2019). "House of X Just Made Marvel's Omega Level Mutants Interesting Again". Gizmodo. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
  19. ^ Sawan, Amer (April 7, 2023). "One X-Men Veteran Has Always Deserved to be Considered an Omega-Level Mutant". CBR. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
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