Season one continues to introduce numerous comic book characters on screen for the first time since Pryde of the X-Men and The Unstoppable Juggernaut not only brings in the eponymous villain, but also the Russian X-Men stalwart Colossus.

Juggernaut (Cain Marko) emerges as a titanic force, both physically and metaphorically. Clad in an indestructible helmet and possessing immense strength, he tears through banks and vaults, driven by a singular purpose – to find Professor Xavier. His oversized footprints leave a trail of destruction, setting the stage for an epic showdown with the X-Men.

On the other hand, we meet Colossus (Piotr Rasputin), a Russian mutant with a heart of gold. Covered in organic steel, he works tirelessly to help demolish buildings. When wrongly accused of destroying the X-Men mansion, Colossus faces imprisonment. However, his unwavering loyalty and innate goodness lead him to join forces with Rogue and Storm to break free.

The clash between Juggernaut and Colossus epitomizes the struggle within mutants – the battle between power and compassion. While Juggernaut seeks vengeance, Colossus embodies selflessness. Their paths intersect, leaving an indelible mark on X-Men history – a collision of raw might and unwavering heroism.

As the rubble settles and the dust clears, the X-Men rebuild their shattered home, with Colossus lending a helping hand. Little do they know that this encounter is just the beginning – a prelude to greater challenges and deeper connections in the mutant saga.

In the aftermath of the mansion’s destruction, the team scours the debris for any sign of Professor X, only to discover a note indicating his prior departure. Logan, picking up the assailant’s trail, sets out in pursuit. Meanwhile, Cyclops dispatches Storm, Jubilee and Rogue to monitor Wolverine‘s progress.

Subsequently, Jubilee spots a metal-encased mutant, Colossus, and suspects him of the mansion’s ruin following his observed demolition of a construction site. Confronted by irate co-workers accusing him of job theft, Colossus remains bewildered by their hostility, effortlessly dismissing their attacks. Wolverine and Jubilee confront Colossus, who, perplexed by their aggression, denies any knowledge of the mansion. Wolverine’s keen senses confirm Colossus’s innocence, noting the distinct difference in scent from the true perpetrator. Colossus then departs the site.

An urgent call from Rogue summons Wolverine and Jubilee to a bank under siege by a formidable figure. They arrive to find Colossus detained, protesting his innocence and intent to thwart the robbery. Wolverine’s revelation that the bank robber shares the scent of the mansion’s destroyer prompts Storm and Rogue to infiltrate the jail holding Colossus, seeking insights into the enigmatic assailant. Inside, they encounter Beast, who declines liberation, opting to await his trial. Reaching Colossus’s cell, they persuade him to flee. Colossus breaches the prison wall, and upon their escape, Storm reseals it with a layer of ice.

As Wolverine and Jubilee witness another bank robbery, Wolverine recognizes the culprit as Juggernaut, who effortlessly dispatches the police and tanks sent to stop him. Wolverine succeeds in slashing the bags filled with stolen money, which Jubilee returns to the bank. A battle ensues between Juggernaut and Wolverine, with Jubilee assisting, but the villain overpowers both X-Men. Rogue and Colossus join the fray, only to be defeated by Juggernaut as well. Juggernaut discloses his search for Xavier, resorting to bank robberies to draw his attention after failing to find him at the mansion.

Cyclops, Storm, and Jean Grey arrive, and Jean attempts a psychic assault on Juggernaut, hindered by his helmet. Cyclops coordinates the X-Men and Colossus to collaboratively subdue Juggernaut. They strive to disorient Juggernaut and remove his helmet. Rogue absorbs some of his power and consciousness, momentarily overwhelming her, and discloses Juggernaut’s deep resentment towards Xavier, his half-brother, for being the favoured child. Weakened by Rogue, Juggernaut’s short-term memory is erased by Jean using Cerebro.

Subsequently, Colossus aids the X-Men in repairing the mansion and declines an offer to join the institute, expressing a desire to locate his sister and explore America. Wolverine and Jubilee resolve to locate Xavier.

The original broadcast of this episode was delayed due to animation issues, causing it to air out of order. This created a continuity blip, as some viewers went straight from Slave Island to The Cure, leaving the Mansion’s destruction unexplained.

Jean scans for the Professor but cannot reach him on Muir Island. Her powers grow progressively throughout the series, becoming significantly stronger by the finale. At the end of this episode, she needs Cerebro to amplify her abilities.

“Me and Wolverine can handle anything!” – This episode solidifies the bond between Logan and Jubilee, mirroring their father-daughter relationship from the comics.

Colossus never reveals his real name in this episode, though Beast calls him Piotr at one point. He is offered a place on the team but decides to find his sister. This is unclear, as he finds Illyana exactly where she should be in season two’s Red Dawn.

Rogue flirts with Colossus in this episode. In X-Men #100, Rogue contemplated a relationship with him as in his armoured form he was impervious to her powers.

Cain Marko, aka the Juggernaut, has been harassing the X-Men since Uncanny X-Men #12. His origins are covered by the series later, in season four’s The Juggernaut Returns.

Colossus and Juggernaut had a stunning fight in a bar in Uncanny X-Men #183. They also go up against each other on the big screen in Deadpool 2 and at one point in the comics, Colossus even became the Juggernaut for a time!

COLOSSUS: COMRADE-IN-ARMS

Colossus (Piotr Nikolayevich Rasputin) is a Russian mutant who first appeared in Giant-Size X-Men #1 in May 1975. Created by writer Len Wein and artist Dave Cockrum, he quickly became a mainstay of the X-Men comic book series where he remains to this day.

Colossus possesses the unique ability to transform himself into a metallic form, making him the physically strongest member of the X-Men. Despite his immense power, he remains portrayed as quiet, honest, and virtuous. His unwavering loyalty to his teammates and commitment to using his abilities for the betterment of both humans and mutants define his character.

Within the X-Men team, Colossus plays a crucial role. His selflessness and sense of duty make him an invaluable asset. He reluctantly agrees to use his powers in combat, believing it’s his responsibility to protect others. His artistic talents contrast with his formidable strength, adding depth to his persona.

Beyond the comics, Colossus has left his mark in various media adaptations. In the X-Men movies, he has been portrayed by Donald Mackinnon, Daniel Cudmore, and voiced by Stefan Kapičić. His enduring legacy as a powerful mutant and unwavering hero continues to resonate with fans across different platforms.

Slave Island | The Cure