Onslaught: Marvel Risks Ruining One of the X-men's Greatest villains!
The Return of Onslaught: A Potential Disaster for Marvel's X-Men?
Hold onto your mutant powers, folks! Onslaught is back! But not in a good way. The new Sentinels #1 (written by Alex Paknedal, art by Justin Mason and colors by Federico Blee) sees this iconic X-Men villain resurface, but Marvel might be making a HUGE mistake. We're talking about one of the most powerful, terrifying foes in Marvel history, folks! And bringing him back so casually? A potentially disastrous choice that risks destroying his reputation entirely!
Originally? Onslaught was that psychic fusion of Professor X's and Magneto's darkest sides; capable of causing unbelievable devastation! The guy nearly wiped out the X-Men, the Avengers, and the Fantastic Four in the 90's before Franklin Richards stepped in and saved the day. It's not a joke to remember how intense and threatening the character was! These recent decisions showcase just why those older appearances still matter; yet, those initial plot points never seemed to get fully appreciated! Let's discuss what went wrong, beginning with this recent appearance.
Why Onslaught Was So Terrifying (and Why This Latest Appearance Doesn’t Work!)
The original Onslaught saga? Controversial (it was the 90s!). But it undeniably delivered something terrifying. This combined the might of Xavier and Magneto—no morals, no inhibitions—into this unstoppable force capable of destroying the entire planet; this nearly did happen, showcasing how capable the villain really is!
Yet multiple reappearances have diluted his awesomeness, beginning with that revival in 2006's Onslaught Reborn! And then 2011’s Onslaught Unleashed; then as Red Onslaught during the disastrous AXIS event— totally losing impact with every appearance. Then another return during Krakoa's Way of X, which did work far better!
That's exactly why Sentinels #1 is so worrying! It looks like Onslaught is becoming a main antagonist against the latest wave of Sentinel-powered beings. This particular threat was totally unexpected, completely messing with those established elements and potentially destroying what the character is truly known for. It's quite disturbing how little those writers have to do to utilize him now. He should remain as a threatening entity. He is simply reduced to another villain to fight; the impact should be far greater!
Was Drumfire’s Vision Real? Or Simply Hallucinations?
Sentinels #1 introduces Drumfire (Patricia Pham). This brand new Sentinel member was shown getting significant upgrades resulting in major power enhancements designed for targeting mutants and creating significant conflict which can impact many plots. She is critically impacted, suffering serious consequences, and falling into a coma. After her powers activate; she seems to glimpse Onslaught— a truly shocking and totally unnecessary plot development! The key elements are those new abilities themselves – those kinds of upgrades had serious, unintended and largely undesirable effects and these created issues; raising serious questions that affect this plot. This is very questionable – these Sentinel upgrades have been noted in various earlier appearances for other characters and their appearances resulted in major hallucinatory changes which should create important context surrounding that situation; and raises immense question: is that really Onslaught? Or just a hallucination induced by severe trauma? Those are incredibly significant issues!
The writers' choices in these initial moments should have utilized a different technique in making a plot such as this. They are very, very carefully and very skillfully choosing these plot points to advance, leaving much to speculate! Even using previously established characteristics (those upgrades inducing hallucination, not exactly uncommon within the Marvel universe), to make more profound character exploration would've really heightened the impact, but as it is? It appears rushed and a somewhat pointless attempt at adding unnecessary additional characters. It’s a crucial question!
Conclusion: Saving Onslaught from a Fate Worse Than Death
Onslaught was one of the greatest X-Men villains! His sheer power, those aspects showcasing that pure, terrible evil and those moments demonstrating pure hatred and rage really impacted this character – giving him that much deserved position within the greater Marvel landscape; however, recent appearances have cheapened this previously immensely scary antagonist. He remains one of the most dangerous villains. A quick throwaway plot is incredibly unnecessary; he should be considered far, far more carefully when brought forth.
If the upcoming storylines actually shows this Onslaught as something only witnessed through a damaged, conflicted Drumfire's trauma and hallucinations? That makes for far better storytelling, respecting Onslaught's legacy! If not? Then prepare for one of the greatest X-Men villains to become completely ruined; just another throwaway antagonist!
