Summary
Spoilers ahead forX-Men#35/Uncanny X-Men#700
TheX-franchise’s Krakoan Era proved to be a difficult period forColossus, sending the character on the darkest journey of his history – but the coda to the Era balances this out by giving the Russian mutant one of hismost heroic moments of all time. In a battle against Apocalypse, Colossus delivered an incredible uppercut, and an even more triumphant quote.
X-Men#35 – a giant-sized issue featuring work from a number of superstar Marvel writers and artists – is an epic epilogue to the Krakoan Era, and one of its most pivotal moments alsoserves up one of Colossus' greatest quotes, as he tells Apocalypse: “Worry not of our strength, comrade.”
As satisfying as the moment is on the page, it also suggestsa return to prominence for Piotr Rasputin, and as many fans hope, a central role in the imminent “From the Ashes” Era.
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Colossus Concludes The Krakoan Era With An Intense Moment Of Heroic Defiance
X-Men#35, “Dream’s End” – Written By Gerry Duggan, Al Ewing, & Kieron Gillen
Colossus' line is the most effective possible dismissal of mutantkind’s need for Apocalypse…More than the punch that accompanies it, this is the most brutal attack Colossus could mount on his opponent.
As ambitious and engaging as Krakoan Era storylines were at their best, the past five years ofX-Menbooks have also delivered some truly iconic imagery.The full-page rendering of Colossus throwing a leaping uppercut at Apocalypse’s jawwill without a doubt make its way on to many retrospective lists. The antagonistic ancient mutant is depicted literally dripping with flames, having just warded off another attack, whenColossus delivers a thunderous blow. Everything about the framing of the image – particularly Colossus' almost Superman-esque pose – signals the triumph of this moment.
At the same time, Colossus delivers one of the most Omega-level quotes in his history. The character of Piotr Rasputin has never been verbose, which in turn has added to the impact of his dialogue throughout the years. His line inX-Men#35, “worry not of our strength, comrade,” is pitch-perfect in its composition, timing, and delivery, but it holds so much weight because of who he is saying it to. Throughout his own long history with the franchise,Apocalypse’s driving concern has always been strength, making Colossus' dismissal of his appraisal of their strength particularly on-point.
At the start of the Krakoan Era, mutantkind finally embraced Apocalypse, and to a degree, his idea of strength. Now, that Era is over. Colossus' line is the most effective possible dismissal of mutantkind’s need for Apocalypse, as they work to move forward. More than the punch that accompanies it, this is the most brutal attack Colossus could mount on his opponent. Apocalypse is no longer relevant to mutantkind, and a fully-empowered Piotr Rasputin tells him that, in so many words.
X-Men#35 also doubles asUncanny X-Men#700, according to Marvel’s “legacy” numbering system. It is appropriate that Apocalypse and Colossus – two characters that have become essential to the franchise in the last several decades, would trade blows in such a milestone issue.
As much as it serves as a final note for the Krakoan Era, Apocalypse’s clear positioning as an antagonist inX-Men#35 is also the first example of what fans can expect fromX-stories in the near future.
Despite Colossus' moment of triumph, his fight with Apocalypse inX-Men#35 quickly turns against him. Piotr is overwhelmed, as so many have before him, by the powerful elder mutant, forcing more of his teammates to step in. The entirety of the fight is relentless, and vicious; ultimately, Apocalypse is wounded, and forced to retreat, but not defeated. In a way that seems very much by design, the battle feels very much like a throwback confrontation betweenone of the franchise’s most iconic villains, and a classic roster of X-Men heroes.
One of the early, important plot points of the Krakoan Era was the unification of mutantkind –therecruitment of Apocalypse into the foldas more than just an ally, but a key leader of the Krakoan nation, was a major signal of how radically the Era was moving away from what had come before. Now, as the Era wraps up, andthe “From the Ashes” relaunch begins,X-Menfans are most eager to find out how the franchise will continue moving forward, and how it will regress, or at least revisit, aspects of the prior status quo.
As much as it serves as a final note for the Krakoan Era, Apocalypse’s clear positioning as an antagonist inX-Men#35 is also the first example of what fans can expect fromX-stories in the near future. Krakoa united mutantkind, and then gave them their greatest threat ever from external foes such as Orchis and the Enigma Dominion. Now, “From the Ashes” scatters mutants across the world – dividing them once more, not just geographically, but also ideologically. In other words,X-Menreaders should expect a renaissance for mutant villains in the Marvel Universe.
Colossus Ends His Complex Krakoan Journey On A Positive Note
A New Beginning In An Ending
Whatever the future does hold for Colossus, his role inX-Men#35 gave him a position of prominence in the final notes of the orchestral symphony that was the Krakoan Era.
For Colossus, the latter stages of the Krakoan Era were dominated by a story in which he was reduced to a lack of agency, mind-controlled and manipulated by his brother Mikhail Rasputin. The storyline culminated in a deeply emotional payoff, asColossus freed himself from Mikhail’s control. That resolution, however, set up the greater ongoing storyline of the character coming to terms with his actions while under his brother’s power, and seeking to atone for his actions. That will be one of many storylines carrying into the “From the Ashes” Era, but for now, Colossus ends the Krakoan Era on a satisfying note.
AsX-Men#35 puts it, the “dream” of Krakoa is over – but for much of the Era, Colossus was trapped in a nightmare. For him, the conclusion of the Era, and the start of something new, should be a form of liberation. Fans of the character, especially, hope that he will be cast in a more heroic role in his next storyline, building on his action in the fight against Apocalypse. The Krakoan Era’sX-writers were not wrong to give Colossus such a deeply emotional story, and to take him on a dark journey, but now heshould be allowed to flourish.
Whatever the future does hold for Colossus, his role inX-Men#35 gave him a position of prominence in the final notes of the orchestral symphony that was the Krakoan Era. By taking on Apocalypse, the character not onlyoffered a great reminder of his true strength, it also showcased his fearless dedication to heroism.For a character who suffered greatly over the past several years, it was a positive way to transition into what comes next. ForColossusat least, it truly is time to rise “From the Ashes.”
X-Men
The X-Men franchise, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, centers on mutants with extraordinary abilities. Led by the powerful telepath Professor Charles Xavier, they battle discrimination and villainous mutants threatening humanity. The series explores themes of diversity and acceptance through a blend of action, drama, and complex characters, spanning comics, animated series, and blockbuster films.
