Warning: Contains spoilers for X-Force #45!
Since his introduction, Colossus has been known for his mutant ability to transform his skin into a nearly impenetrable metal, making him one of the strongest X-Men. However, new information about his brother, Mikhail Rasputin, casts doubt on the true nature of Piotr’s abilities. His iconic metal appearance may be the result of his brother’s actions, leaving room for Colossus to develop a new powerset.
In X-Force #45 – by Benjamin Percy, Robert Gill, and Guru-eFX – Domino and Sage approach Dr. Strange to get more information on a ring belonging to Mikhail.
Strange theorizes that Mikhail is capable of manipulating atoms and working at a subatomic level and that he possessed the ability since childhood.
Colossus’ Power Could Be Greater Than Previously Realized
If Dr. Strange is correct, Colossus’ metal skin may be the result of his brother’s childhood manipulation. Consequently, Piotr’s real power could be the ability to control what his brother did. It would mean he’s only tapped into the smallest fraction of his own power. As Dr. Strange theorizes about the nature of Mikhail Rasputin’s powers, he notes that he would, “hate to be the parent or sibling of a tantruming child who could change a rattle into a hammer or a blade.” Piotr and Mikhail have a fraught relationship, and Strange’s explanation for Mikhail’s abilities makes it clear he could be responsible for Piotr’s powers.
Mikhail alters molecules at such a subatomic level that it completely changes their nature, like forcing a tree branch to become water. If a childhood feud caused him to turn those abilities toward his brother, he could have initiated the original change in his DNA that manifested his powers. If Mikhail possesses the ability to rearrange and change atoms, even pushing them aside to create void dimensions between them, Colossus’ true abilities may be similar. Instead of developing organically, they would have been wrapped up in controlling what Mikhail caused: his metal skin. The enhanced strength and durability it grants Piotr is a boon, but controlling it requires all of Piotr’s energy.
Unlocking New Abilities Will Help Colossus Defend His Team
Mutants need strength now more than ever. After Orchis’ plot left them fighting yet again for their right to exist – and several X-Men, including Cyclops, remain captured – they need reinforcements. If Colossus’ battle with his brother allows him to break free from Mikhail’s control, and potentially uncover previously hidden abilities, it may be exactly what his people need to turn the tides of their current struggle. Piotr has done a great deal of damage under his brother’s influence, and using newly unlocked powers for the good of mutantkind would be an excellent start toward making amends – despite the complicated nature of what he’s done, and why.
Still, the exact reach of Mikhail’s abilities remains unknown, meaning that despite Dr. Strange’s speculation, their effect on his brother hasn’t been fully revealed. Therefore, it is possible that similar power runs through their family, and Piotr possesses more abilities akin to Mikhail’s than he has ever been given the opportunity to realize. If his mutant power is in fact the result of his brother’s manipulation of his atomic structure, the true potential of the character’s power set remains totally unrealized. Colossus remains one of the most powerful X-Men active, but by unlocking his full potential, he could be the savior they need.
Check out X-Force #45, available now from Marvel Comics!
