Vargas (comics)
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Vargas was a fictional supervillain in the Marvel Comics Universe and an enemy of the X-Treme X-Men.
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[edit] Character History
The X-Men were not aware of Vargas's 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 Irene Adler (Destiny) around the same time as Storm's team of X-Men. During one of the team's earliest missions, Vargas surprised them with his sword skills by murdering Psylocke 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. During the invasion of Madripoor, Vargas returned in the midst of the battle, spearing both Rogue and Gambit with his blade before escaping.
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 'fulfilled her destiny' by possibly finishing Vargas off with his own weapon. It is later revealed that Rogue may in fact have let him live, and is referenced in later issues of the series.
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 in fact let him live in order to defy the diaries.
[edit] Powers
Vargas' powers were never fully explained. He was stated to not 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.
[edit] Questions
Because he is not a mutant, and seems to be born with his powers (claiming he is the real Homo superior), there are at least four alternatives. He could be the result of a unique and new form of mutation which is not the same kind as seen in other mutants. Instead of a mutation which releases the potential already present in humans, it is perhaps the mutation itself that is the source of his powers. This mutation possibly occurred in a part of the human DNA which was not altered by the Celestials (or derived from a new source of power), causing him to show no signs of the special signature seen in other superhumans or mutants. Another explanation could be a combination of the altered (and non-altered) DNA which has never occurred in humans before. Even if the genes themselves are still the same, a third alternative is that he is telling the truth. He is a human that has somehow taken one more step on the evolutionary ladder. In that case, the question is again if this is because of the altered DNA or because he was born with unique genes. A fourth alternative is that it is a case of some dormant potential which is present in all humans from the time before the Celestials vistited earth, but has never been released before. If this should turn out to be the case, he then represents an evolutionaly direction the human race could have taken had the Celestials not intervened. If he is unique or if there are others like him is currently unknown. Vargas's abilities could be mystical in nature, having been transformed by some supernatural force that left no impression on his DNA. The origin of Vargas has yet to be fully explained.
[edit] Alternate version
With in the story 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, and Bishop, X-23, Iceman, and M.
