Vargas (comics)

Superherobox|

caption=Cover to "X-Treme X-Men" #3.
Art by Salvador Larroca
comic_color=background:#ff8080
character_name=Vargas
real_name=Unknown
species=Superhuman
publisher=Marvel Comics
debut="X-Treme X-Men" #1 (2001)
creators=Chris Claremont and Salvador Larroca
alliance_color=background:#c0c0ff
status=unrevealed
alliances=Thais and Thaiis (allies)
aliases=
powers=
*Superhuman strength, speed, stamina, agility, and reflexes
*Master swordsman and martial artist
*Genius-level intellect |

Vargas is a fictional comic book supervillain in the Marvel Universe and an enemy of the X-Treme X-Men who first appeared in "X-Treme X-Men" #1.

Fictional character biography

The X-Men were not aware of Vargas' existence before he crossed their path in Spain, apparently on the same search as they were. The nature of his unnatural abilities is a mystery. Genetically, he appears to be an ordinary human, yet he exhibits superpowers.

He started to search for the diaries of Destiny around the same time as Storm's team of X-Men. ["X-Treme X-Men" #1] During one of the team's earliest missions, Vargas surprised them with his sword skills by murdering Psylocke"X-Treme X-Men" #2] and critically wounding both Rogue and Beast. Disappearing with one of the diaries, Vargas foresaw himself being killed by Rogue, and despite his belief in the prophecies of Destiny, he attempted to stop this eventuality from happening. ["X-Treme X-Men" #4] During the invasion of Madripoor, Vargas returned in the midst of the battle, spearing both Rogue and Gambit with his blade before escaping. ["X-Treme X-Men" #13]

Returning to the city shortly after the battle to recover his sword, Vargas was surprised by Rogue, who was dressed in Psylocke's costume. After a lengthy battle Rogue stood above him with his sword, poised to strike a killing blow. Rogue may have 'fulfilled her destiny' by finishing Vargas off with his own weapon, but this is not shown. ["X-Treme X-Men" #17]

Not much was known of Vargas while he lived, and since his supposed death at the hands of Rogue, he has become something of an even larger mystery. It has never been stated if Rogue actually killed Vargas, but implies that Rogue actually let him live in order to defy the diaries.

In "X-Men" (vol. 2) #202 it was revealed that Rogue had in fact chosen to spare his life, as it was claimed that Vargas was killed by the Marauders later on instead, due to the fact he had knowledge of the future after reading one of Destiny's diaries. The Marauders have lately been slaying all characters who are able to "see" into the future.

Other versions

"X-Men: The End"

In "X-Men: The End", Vargas is shown to be alive and well, and affiliated with the X-Men. It is unknown how he redeemed himself, but the X-Men have a propensity for taking in reformed villains. However he worked his way into a position of leadership as the head of the X.S.E. Other members include Gambit, Rogue, Bishop, X-23, Iceman, and M.

Powers and abilities

Vargas' powers were never fully explained, although he seems to be born with his powers (claiming he is the "real" Homo superior). He was stated not to be a mutant, but not fully human either. He was a self-proclaimed next step in evolution, a human genetic response to the presence of mutants. He is the epitome of peak physical skill, having superhuman levels of strength, speed, reflexes, agility, stamina, and durability. He was also capable of resisting Rogue's absorption power and a point blank telekinetic blast from Psylocke.

According to Chris Claremont: "Basically, the notion behind Vargas is that nature, abhoring a vacuum and perceiving one in the appearance of mass numbers of super-powered mutants, is attempting to redress the imbalance by jump-starting Humanity to a level where they can compete with mutants and super-beings on relatively equal terms." [http://www.geocities.com/mutantdestiny/Claremont_Interview.htm]

Vargas seems to the first known representative of the primary humanity's response and potential to cope with the growing number of genetically different humans which threatens the future of the conventional humans.

Footnotes

External links

* [http://www.uncannyxmen.net/db/issues/showquestion.asp?fldAuto=313 Uncannyxmen.net character bio on Vargas]