In this pivotal installment, we meet Fred Dukes, also known as the Blob – a colossal mutant hailing from Lubbock, Texas. Fred’s immense size and strength make him a force to be reckoned with, but his lack of intelligence often lands him in confrontations.

Bullied due to his weight, Fred’s social isolation draws the attention of Mystique, who recruits him into the Brotherhood of Mutants. After his run-in with the X-Men, particularly kidnapping Jean Grey, Fred fails to make new friends outside of his team, leading him to grow closer to his fellow mutants.

Mutant Crush not only introduces us to the formidable Blob but also sets the stage for the complex dynamics that define this chapter in the X-Men universe.

A young teenage mutant, Fred Dukes, also known as the Blob, is flexing his muscles in a monster truck show. Raven Darkhölme extends an invitation to join the Brotherhood. But the Blob’s first day at Bayville takes an unexpected turn when he confronts Duncan Matthews, a typical high school bully. Jean Grey steps in, calming the situation and guiding him to his first class.

Meanwhile, in drama class, Rogue and Scott Summers (Cyclops) are paired up for a scene from Henry V. Scott, ever the gentleman, checks if Rogue is comfortable working with him. She asserts her fearlessness and warns him about her “weirdo friends.”

Lunchtime brings chaos. Fred enters the cafeteria with a mountainous tray of food. His temper erupts, flipping tables and launching food projectiles. Jean tries to soothe him, but he nearly crushes her with a table. Scott’s optic blast reduces the table to splinters, and Jean takes Fred aside for a private chat.

Rogue observes the camaraderie among the X-Men, while Mystique lurks nearby. Jean advises Fred on controlling his powers and invites him to meet Professor Xavier. Later, Fred discovers a photo of Jean and Scott in her backpack. He tears out Scott’s image, but the piece with Jean remains intact.

The next day, Fred’s misguided affection leads to a confrontation with Jean. Their struggle topples scaffolding, knocking Jean unconscious. Fred carries her away, setting up a candlelit dinner. Jean telepathically calls for help, reaching Professor Xavier.

Meanwhile, Xavier and Wolverine monitor Kurt and Kitty’s training. Rogue and Scott rehearse their drama scene, and Rogue confides in Scott about her longing for connection. Kurt teleports in, urgently seeking Cyclops. Rogue remains tight-lipped about Jean’s kidnapping, prompting Scott’s frustration.

As the rescue mission unfolds, Wolverine faces off against the Blob, but the massive mutant knocks him out. Scott arrives, firing optic blasts, only to suffer the same fate. Jean, now conscious, slams a filing cabinet into Fred’s face. Rogue enters the fray, absorbing powers and defending Jean. She launches Blob into the sky, leaving him stranded in a junkyard.

Jean questions Rogue’s unexpected aid, but Rogue herself is unsure. Wolverine prevents Jean from pursuing her, recognising that Rogue isn’t ready for such responsibility. Kitty believes they owe Rogue, and Scott concurs.

The Blob made his debut in Uncanny X-Men #3, initially showcased as a circus performer, which explains his disdain for the role in subsequent appearances. Consistently portrayed as part of the Brotherhood in animated series, he has recently been depicted as a remarkably adept bartender in the comic books.

Fred’s act of defacing a photo of Scott and Jean echoes Wolverine’s similar deed in Captive Hearts, a moment that has evolved into a widely recognized internet meme.

Rogue offhandedly describes Kurt as “as annoying as a little brother,” unaware of how prophetic her words are.

Rogue Recruit | Speed and the Spyke