Colossus ends the Krakoan Age with a fierce moment of heroic defiance.
The most efficient way Colossus can ignore mutantkind's demand for Apocalypse is via line.This is the most vicious attack Colossus could inflict on his opponent, surpassing even the punch that goes along with it.
Although Krakoan Era narratives were at their best, the past five years of X-Men publications have also produced some really classic images. Without a certain, many classic lists will feature Colossus's full-page illustration of launching a leaping uppercut against Apocalypse's jaw. Having just stopped another strike, the belligerent old mutant is shown practically ablaze with flames, when Colossus unleashes a thunderous blow. Everything about the picture's framing, especially Colossus's nearly Superman-like posture, points to the moment's victory.
"Worry Not of Our Strength": X-Men Just Gave Colossus One of His Coolest Moment Ever
The X-franchise's Krakoan Era proved to be a challenging time for Colossus, sending the Russian mutant one of his most heroic events of all time to counterbalance the darkest trip the character would travel. Colossus performed an amazing uppercut and even more triumphant quotation in a fight against Apocalypse.
One of the most important events of the Krakoan Era also provides one of Colossus's best quotes: "Worry not of our strength, comrade." X-Men #35 is an epic finale to the Krakoan Era and features work from many of famous Marvel writers and artists. As fulfilling as the moment is on the page, it also implies a return to prominence for Piotr Rasputin, and as many fans hope, a central part in the forthcoming "From the Ashes" Era.
Among the Final Beats of The Krakoan Era: Apocalypse Is An Antagonist Once More.
Though it is only a last note for the Krakoan Era, Apocalypse's unambiguous antagonistic role in X-Men #35 is also the first indication of what viewers might expect from X-stories in not too distant future.
Though Colossus had a moment of triumph, his battle with Apocalypse in X-Men #35 rapidly goes against him. The strong elder mutant overwhelms Piotr, like so many others have before him, companding more of his colleagues to intervene. The combat is unrelenting and brutal; finally, Apocalypse is damaged and must withdraw but not defeated. The fight seems quite much like a retro clash between one of the most iconic villains in the franchise and a vintage lineup of X-Men heroes in a sense that appears very much by design.
Colossus Ends His Complex Krakoan Trip Positively
Whatever the future holds for Colossus, his part in X-Men #35 gives him a prominence in the last notes of the orchestral symphony that was the Krakoan Era.
For Colossus, the last phases of the Krakoan Era were defined by a narrative in which his brother Mikhail Rasputin reduced him to a lack of agency, mind-controlled and managed object. As Colossus escaped Mikhail's control, the plot resulted in a very emotional payoff. That resolve, however, set up the bigger continuous narrative of the character trying to atone for his deeds while under his brother's control and coming to grips with his crimes. Though for now Colossus finishes the Krakoan Era satisfactorially, that will be one of several narratives carrying into the "From the Ashes" Era.
Though they weren't all equally strong, Marvel's most potent threat against the X-Men and mutantkind came from the Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Mutantkind at last accepted Apocalypse at the beginning of the Krakoan Era, and his conception of strength was somewhat altered. That Era is almost finished now. Working to forward, Colossus's line is the most efficient way to disregard mutantkind's desire for Apocalypse. More than the punch that goes with it, this is the most vicious attack Colossus could launch on his foe. For mutantkind, apocalypse is no more relevant; a fully-empowered Piotr Rasputin tells him, in so many terms.
Marvel's "legacy" numbering system indicates X-Men #35 also doubles as Uncanny X-Men #700. Two characters that have grown indispensable to the franchise over the past few years, Apocalypse and Colossus, should trade blows in such a pivotal issue.
The X-Men Franchise
Designed by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the X-Men series revolves on mutants with superhuman capacity. Under the capable telepath Professor Charles Xavier, they fight prejudice and evil mutants endangering civilization. Combining action, drama, and nuanced characters—spanning comics, animated series, and blockbuster movies—the show investigates themes of diversity and acceptance.
Marvel Comics currently have X-Men #35 on hand.
