Omega-level mutant

Omega-level mutant is a fictional term used in comic books published by Marvel Comics to designate a particularly powerful form of mutant. An exact definition of the term is unclear as different comic book authors have used it in varied ways, but in all cases the subjects are stated to have powers or potential surpassing most other mutants or humans. Some abilities depicted by mutants described as Omega-level include immortality, extreme manipulation of matter and energy, high psionic ability and the potential to exist beyond the boundaries of the known physical universe.

Omega-level mutation
The term was originally coined for the mutants who pose the greatest threat, but Professor Xavier optimistically changed the definition for those with unlimited potential in their powers. The limited series X-Men: Forever spoke of how humanity in the Marvel Universe represents the results of experiments the Celestials carried out on early lifeforms, on behalf of the abstract cosmic entities of the Marvel Universe (Eternity, Death, and so forth). The reason for these experiments was to ensure that a race of beings would eventually evolve that would surpass and in turn replace all of these Abstracts. This would hypothetically bring about the end of the current universe. By creating humanity the Abstracts are ensuring that the cycle of life continues to revolve, and create a new reality. This final state of evolution is Eternity, believed to be what all humanity will eventually become. Whether this is the same as the "Destiny Force" that the Supreme Intelligence of the Kree claims all humanity has the evolutionary potential to reach, is uncertain. Those with Omega (the last) potential are the ones closest to reaching this final stage of evolution. Whether their potential results in turning themselves into Phoenixes (like Jean Grey and Quentin Quire have), or their descendants doing so, within Omega-level mutants lies the potential to bring about the end.

The term Omega Level Mutant was first used in its current form in the 2001 limited series X-men Forever. The term has become the accepted term to describe any mutant with vast amounts of powers. Prior to 2001, however, Marvel writers have used other terms to describe mutants with vast uncharted powers (e.g., “omega level contact”). As early as 1995, writers had created a clearly defined term for mutation beyond that of homo superior -- Homo Ultima: “ that's a big an evolutionary jump as mutants are to humans, and could be the next step, from Homo superior to Homo Ultima.” Since 2001, however, writers still used alternate terminology to describe mutants that have powers beyond that of homo superior. Mr. Immortal, for example, is described as Homo-Supreme. Marvel has not created any specific criteria for characters to be defined as omega-level mutants. This has lead to continued and repeated ambiguities in the terms usage. Further examples include: In New Excalibur # 8, Chamber is described as being “a potentially Omega-level mutant running around” and in Black Panther V2 # 25 writers described Storm as a "possible Omega-level mutant." This may suggest that writers have begun to use the term Omega level mutant as a colloquial term rather than a specified criteria.

Other mutant classifications
There are also more classifications of mutants in the Marvel Universe - though only mentioned briefly by Apocalypse, various models of Sentinel and the US Government. They are Alpha (such as Apocalypse and the majority of his Twelve), Beta, and Epsilon-Delta. (Joey and Gailyn Bailey, the nephew and niece of Jean Grey, were regarded as Epsilon-Delta by Sentinels during "Operation: Zero Tolerance").

During the "Age of Apocalypse" crossover, some mutants are also mentioned as being Alphas, but this is not considered canon in the Earth-616 reality.

The term is briefly mentioned in the third X-Men film, "X-Men: The Last Stand", used to describe the extend of Jean Grey's abilities, but used with numbers (1-5).

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu