The Marvel's most powerful beings?

Any discussion among X-Men fans demonstrates just how murky who the Omega mutants are, but what does the term actually classify?

The Krakoan Age: "Omega-Level" Means The Strongest With Their Ability

With the relaunch of the X-Men line on the island of Krakoa, writer Jonathan Hickman made a renewed effort to set the record straight. By Hickman's definition, which (until recently) was the most current and accepted set of parameters, an Omega-level mutant tops the scale in their specific ability. On Krakoa, Magneto was classified as Omega-level for his Magnetism, Elixir for his Biokinesis, and so on.

According to the Krakoan definition, there could still be mutants of equal power, which has yielded multiple Omegas in some categories (Jean Grey and Kid Omega are both labeled as Omega-level telepaths, as neither is outright stronger than the other). When taking these power levels outside of the mutant community, an Omega could withstand, injure, or even defeat one of Marvel's mightiest cosmic beings.

Charles Xavier Has Re-Defined Omega-Level Once Again

Aside from (or in addition to) Hickman's effort to standardize the definition, Professor Xavier's new 'Omega' definition gives some added weight to the category. Specifically, Xavier claims that the true definition of the class of mutant is that Omegas actually possess limitless potential. This lines up fairly well with the Krakoan definition, as arguably none of the Omega-level mutants have reached the true ceiling of their powers. With the added clarification that such a 'ceiling' is infinite or unknowable.

But the greatest addition to this conversation comes from Xavier's other point, hypothesizing that if two Omegas are equally matched in the same power, the winner can still be decided upon. As if written specifically for fan debates, comic book shop arguments, or online message boards, Xavier concludes that any head-to-head battle of Omegas would be a draw, with a winner determined by other factors than raw power level.

Omega Level Mutants Are Not Undefeatable

Omega-level X-Men are not impossible to defeat. While some of them are effectively immortal, or at least can't die by ordinary means, they can certainly be taken down in battle. Storm, who was upgraded to the classification on Krakoa and is currently at the height of her power, still faced death in her ongoing solo title. Kid Omega has died countless times. They are not necessarily the most skilled on the battlefield - only the most gifted, or possessing the most innate ability, within their respective powersets.

X-Men's definition of "Omega" hasn't always been clear but remains an important distinction.