X-Men ’97 dropped its latest episode, Lifedeath – Part 2, and fans have plenty to discuss in Marvel discussion forums. However, one character’s appearance may have a significant impact on the series. The episode provides a first look into a major villain with blood ties to the leader of the X-Men, Cyclops. While Scott and Alex were believed to be the only Summers brothers, Marvel Comics introduced a third one, Gabriel Summers aka Vulcan, in X-Men: Deadly Genesis.
Gabriel is the troubled Summers brother, who has no idea of his birth parents or Scott. Katherine Summers was pregnant when the Summers were abducted by D’Ken of the Shi’ar throne world. Katherine was killed and the fetus was placed in an incubator, which accelerated his growth to adolescence.
X-Men ’97‘s New Addition Vulcan Had A Troubled Childhood
After his stint on Shi’ar, Vulcan was sent to Earth to become Erik the Red’s slave. He escaped the clutches of Erik and was raised by Moira MacTaggert, with no memory of who he was or what happened to his family. He later became part of the second X-Men team formed by Petra, Darwin, and Sway. His team was deployed to save the original X-Men from the sentient island Krakoa.
He rescues Cyclops and reveals that they are brothers. As the jet takes off with a rescued Scott, Krakoa strikes down the team, killing Petra and Sway and leaving Vulcan and Darwin dying. Darwin transforms into energy and bonds with Vulcan, saving them both. Scott is agonized when the team returns back to Xavier, who alters their memories to forget about Vulcan and the team and save them the pain.
Vulcan and Darwin, along with Krakoa, are sent into an inert state in space by Polaris. Years later, they are reawakened by the power of M-Day. Vulcan returns from his space exile as an evil villain, seeking revenge against Professor X and his mutant team. He manipulates the X-Men and figures out the truth of what Xavier did. He then exposes Professor X in front of the X-Men and reveals how he altered their memories and left the second X-Men team to die at Krakoa.
Rachel releases the inert form of Darwin from Vulcan’s subconscious as other X-Men try to attack him, considering him too dangerous to be left alone. However, the powerful Vulcan counters the attack from the X-Men and flees the planet. He renounces Cyclops as his brother and heads to Shi’ar to exact revenge on D’Ken.
Vulcan can manipulate, control, and absorb vast amounts of energy. He can even manipulate and control Cyclops’ optic blasts. He also has Psionic resistance, which protects him from other telepaths. Rachel Summers aka Marvel Girl’s attack only became successful since he had lowered his defense. He also possesses superhuman strength and durability.
How X-Men ’97 Will Introduce Vulcan?
X-Men ’97 will not delve into the history of Vulcan for now, but will rather focus on Vulcan’s life on Shi’ar. His revenge against D’Ken takes a backseat when he learns that the earlier Shi’ar emperor has been comatose for years. He also gets romantically involved with Deathbird, D’Ken’s sister. The sibling’s other sister Lilandra Neramani rules the Shi’ar empire.
In the Disney+ series, Xavier is currently living among the Shi’ar and Lilandra announces her engagement to Xavier at the beginning of the latest episode. Deathbird objects to the marriage, engaging in a battle with the Royal Guard, only to be intervened by Xavier. Vulcan appears as a part of the Shi’ar Imperial Guard. But if the series were to follow the comic storyline, Vulcan and Deathbird would make a move to take over the Shi’ar throne.
It is possible that Lilandra may seek Xavier’s help to stop Vulcan and he may assemble his X-Men team to stop Vulcan. It also means that Scott Summers and Gabriel Summers will come head-to-head once again in the series, making the latter another formidable villain to the X-Men. In the series, Xavier is still not confronted with the truth of what happened at Krakoa and he may have to finally acknowledge one of his greatest sins.
Fans will have to wait for further X-Men ’97 episodes to learn what happens in Shi’ar. The next episode, Bright Eyes, will be released on April 24, 2024.
