Warning: this article contains spoilers for X-Force #16!
Superhero comics possess the unique ability to slip relatable themes under layers of over-the-top, zany, sometimes cosmic, action. Hoping readers see aspects of themselves or someone they may know in their characters, good creators have a way of willing humanity onto the page. It’s how they’ve lasted, nearly unchanged thematically, for going on a century. They can show us what we aspire to, or what we X-Men antihero Quentin Quire’s monologue is a promise to himself to be better, to not become his own worst enemy. An imminently relatable theme for readers regardless of class, gender, or racial boundaries.
Quentin Quire, otherwise known as Kid Omega, was the main antagonist in “Riot at Xavier’s”, one of the connective arcs in Grant Morrison’s X-Men run. But he wasn’t always bad. He was introduced as a well meaning, thoughtful telepathic peer to the other students at the X-Mansion. He helped a classmate with her disability, he encouraged others to take pride in themselves. But he proved to be vulnerable to slow radicalization which would lead to violence and a place alongside the most Hellfire Club.
When the Wolverine. After staving off threats to Krakoa from anti-mutant groups and other nations, the X-Force team find themselves investigating disease-infected corpses washing up onto the island’s shores. In X-Force #16, Quire s an underwater investigative team with Wolverine and Forge. The team discovers Lovecraftian horrors in the depths of the sea. In the face of death, Quentin reflects on the ongoing battle with his inner demons:
Strong stuff coming from anyone. But those words become particularly strong coming from someone who has given in to hate and killed for a “cause.” Kid Omega’s worst moments were indeed during his drug-fueled rampage in “Riot At Xavier’s,” but he hasn’t exactly embraced comion and empathy since. His acts of heroism have often been marred by selfishness and ego. It’s been an ongoing struggle for him since he held the X-Mansion hostage for his militant mutant agenda. By facing that struggle here, in the depths of the Krakoan sea, Quentin Quire seems to be promising himself and readers that he will not succumb to “the rot” inside himself. That if he can't truly overcome what's inside him, he'll keep it at bay.
Promises made do not equal promises kept, though. It remains to be seen how the character will continue to change in Krakoa, as a new proper X-Men team is set to debut. Quire has also experienced love of late (an adorable and heart-warming relationship with teammate Phoebe Cuckoo), not to mention the process of death and resurrection at the hands of The Five numerous times since ing X-Force. Quentin Quire's time with the team, and this moment in particular, could be his final shift toward redemption.
