Warning: Contains spoilers forX-Men #9!!
Juggernauthas accomplished some astonishing feats of strength during his Marvel tenure, and he’s undeniably the muscle of Cyclops' currentX-Menroster. Yet even with his incredible power, there is one mutant character with an even longer history who he needs help to take down: the Blob. In their latest bout, Juggernaut needs the help of Magik, and more, to beat the Blob, reminding readers of anoften-overlooked Marvel powerhouse.
In Marvel’s preview forX-Men#9 – written by Jed MacKay, with art by Federico Vincentini and Ryan Stegman – the raid on Greymalkin Prison continues to go awry as Cyclops and Rogue’s teams battle each other, while fending off the mind-controlled mutants turned against them, including former Brotherhood member, Blob.
WhenCyclops orders Juggernautto take Blob down, Cain Marko finds himself hitting a wall that just won’t give in. He even demands that Blob, “go down, dammit!” after too many failed attempts.
Juggernaut’s Failure to Defeat Blob is Only a Glimpse of Fred Dukes' Power
X-Men#9 – Written By Jed MacKay; Art By Federico Vicentini & Ryan Stegman; Ink By Vincenti & J.P. Mayer; Color By Marte Gracia & Fer Sifuentes-Sujo; Lettering By Clayton Cowles
It takes the combined might of Magik and Juggernaut to secure the win, and even amid claims that he could do it alone, Juggernaut couldn’t defeat Blob. This is remarkable for many reasons, but in particular, it is noteworthy given the fact that Marvel has largely continued to upgrade Juggernaut’s power level over the years, within continuity, and so this moment highlights a corresponding increase in the Blob’s strength as well. Unintentionally or otherwise, Marvel just made Blob one of theX-franchsie’s most powerful mutants.
Blob has an incredible resistance to injury…alongside ever-increasing amounts of superhuman strength and the ability to alter his own gravitational field to become immovable.
Fred Dukes became a fixture in the Marvel Universe upon joiningMagneto’s first incarnation of the Brotherhood, but that was merely his first of many forays into villainy. He’s spent decades opposing the X-Men in some fashion, and he’s had plenty of time to hone the gifts his mutation grants. Blob has an incredible resistance to injury, thanks to the layers of protection granted by his unique physiology, alongside ever-increasing amounts of superhuman strength and the ability to alter his own gravitational field to become immovable. All told, strength alone,even Juggernaut-level strength, is rarely enough to overcome Blob.
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Juggernaut and Blob are the definition of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object. Juggernaut is capable of battering down walls with ease,drew blood from Hulk with a punch, and hasgone toe-to-toe with all of Marvel’s other heavy-hittersat some point, overcoming Blob’s near-unparalleled durability proves too much. Considering their fight occurs afterDukes absorbed Cyclops' optic blasts, it technically required Scott Summers, Juggernaut, and Magik trading off attacks to bring him down.Blob’s power is so significant that it took nearly half the current X-Men to secure the winCain claims Magik stole.
It’s Happening: Spider-Man vs Juggernaut Is Set at Marvel, Marking a Long-Awaited Rematch
Marvel Comics is setting up a long-awaited rematch between magically amped-up Spider-Man and the unstoppable powerhouse that is The Juggernaut.
Blob’s primary motivation is often opposing the X-Men, so being turned against them in Greymalkin Prison is no surprise. He’s never made much effort to become one of the “good guys”. His incredible showing against the X-Men proves he deserves to be taken off the B-List of villains, however, and he’s capable of accomplishing more than just being another face on a team. With the right motivation and direction, Fred Dukes could be a serious problem.Juggernaut’sunstoppable energy wasn’t enough to defeat Blob, proving once and for all that he’s one of theX-Men’smost powerful and underrated threats.
X-Men #9will be available on June 29, 2025 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.
