For 28 years,X-Menfans have treated one mutant hero as a joke, appearing in countless ‘worst and weirdest’ character lists. But now, as thehomo superiorhero unleashes his full powers, it’s clear his haters just weren’t thinking big enough.Marvel has a new Omega-level mutant- one who is finally done being underestimated.
In 1997,Uncanny X-Menintroduced Japheth, aka Maggott.Maggott’s mutation caused his digestive systemto transform into two sentient maggots, nicknamed Eany and Meany. These mutant bugs have powerful digestive acid that allows them to eat almost anything, passing nutrients and mass back to Maggott.After feeding, Maggott gains enhanced strength and speed, as well as being able to heal from serious injury. Now, he’s pushing all those dials up to 11.
In the recentStorm #5, Maggott officially achieved Omega-level status, enhancing his abilities to a cosmic level. In today’sStorm #10- from Murewa Ayodee, Lucas Werneck, Alex Guimarães and Travis Lanham - fans finally see what that means.
X-Men’s Maggott Showcases His Omega-Level Powers
Japheth Has Been Upgraded by Eternity, Removing All Limits on His Mutant Digestive System
In the issue, Storm and her team are asked to get rid of a cosmic kaiju that’s blocking Earth’s ability to study a new planet. A gigantic dead monstrosity floating in space, Storm uses her lightning to kill off any otherworldly pathogens, with Maggott then unleashing Eany and Meany to eat their fill. For three days, the two heroes and their teleporter ally Manifold wait as the mutant maggots chow down, eating the entirety of the bizarre meal. While this mission initially seems like busywork,little do fans suspect that Maggott is powering up.
Later in the comic, Storm takes on the rogue storm god Sango, who has been a recurring threat in the comic. When Sango tries to escape, a gigantic fist crashes through the wall and punches him out the other side. It’s then revealed thatthe power passed on by Eany and Meany has turned Maggott into a giant with enough strength to pulverize a god, allowing the team to lock Sango away in a pocket dimension.
This Is Just the Beginning of What the Omega Maggott Can Do
Three Days Turned Him into a Giant… What About Three Months?
Whilemost Omega mutants have inherent powerthat they unlock through training,Maggott’s new status is a gift from Eternity. Recently, Storm accepted a role as Eternity’s herald on Earth, allowing the embodiment of Marvel’s reality to act through her. When Maggott was injured, Eternity provided the essence of the demonic Eēgūn, which was consumed by Eany and Meany, altering Maggott’s genetics to lend him infinite power.
It’s now revealed that,thanks to Eternity’s blessing,there’s no limit on the power Eany and Meany can transmit back to Maggott. The hero’s mutant digestive system is capable of eating a cosmic creature which is"the size of a tristate area"and passing that power back, turning Maggott into a giant. It’s worth noting that this entire process took three days, begging the question of what Maggott could become if he puts even more time into gathering energy.
For decades, Maggott has been a comic book punchline, held up as having a gross, pointless superpower. However, thanks to his elevation to Omega level, Maggott now has a major new power threshold, taking him from D-listX-Menhero to Storm’s first call when she needs to take down a god.
Storm #10is available now from Marvel Comics.
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.
