Warning: Contains Spoilers for X-Men #16!!

The Marvel Universe is home to plenty of characters that ping-pong between hero and villain, but none have so successfully run the gauntlet as Magneto. Though he was introduced as the X-Men's primary antagonist, he's since become quite the savior to mutantkind. After losing control of his powers, he's had little opportunity to be hero or villain, but now Magneto is back on the map in a huge way.

In X-Men #16, by Jed MacKay and Netho Diaz, Cyclops and his group end up in a surprisingly difficult battle against 3K's off-brand, wannabe X-Men. And the fight couldn't have come at a better time. Just as the X-Men need an extra hand, Beast's temporary "cure" for RLDS, currently dubbed D-X, is ready to go with Magneto as its first test subject.

Max's powers have been unusable for the entirety of the new X-Men series, and D-X at last grants him a reprieve. The Master of Magnetism is finally back, feeling "like Magneto" again, and ready to make it everyone's problem.

Magneto Proves He’s Still Marvel’s Greatest Threat

X-Men #16 by Writer Jed MacKay, Artist Netho Diaz, Colorist Fer Sifuentes-Sujo, and Letterer Clayton Cowles

Magneto hasn't been considered a true villain in the Marvel Universe since well before the Krakoan era. He worked alongside the X-Men, specifically allying himself with Cyclops, for years before he helped found the mutant nation. Yet, despite his turn toward heroism and all the iration and praise he received from mutantkind, Magneto has always retained the capacity to be one of the franchise’s most powerful villains. It's all a question of perception, and regaining control of his powers with D-X is an immediate reminder. Magneto doesn't just the fight; he pilots an entire Sentinel into it.

Since his introduction, Max Eisenhardt has easily been one of the most impressive mutants in the world. When his abilities aren't on the fritz or otherwise out of reach, he demonstrates unsured control over magnetism and has some awe-inspiring feats under his belt. Not only is he incredibly powerful, but he's always shown a willingness to do whatever is necessary to protect mutantkind, which has often landed him firmly in 'villain' territory. Some will always see him as a mutant terrorist, and co-opting a Sentinel will add fuel to that old fire.

Magneto’s Return Is Exactly What the X-Men Need

The Master of Magnetism Is Back in Action, But Old Habits Die Hard

Regardless of how the rest of the world perceives him, D-X's success is excellent news for the X-Men. Magneto has been benched since Cyclops reformed the team following the fall of Krakoa, and he has partially stepped into Professor X's former role as an advisor and mentor. It is a position that has never suited him. Max is not used to letting others fight his battles. He even went so far as to risk using his unstable magnetism rather than call on the Avengers. But the X-Men need him. He is the perfect cavalry to bring in against 3K and Cassandra Nova to secure a win.

Yet in doing so, Max shows that he still values his own judgment above anyone else's. Beast warns him about the possible side effects of D-X, and it is unclear whether the rest of the team actually s him jumping into the fight without knowing the drug’s efficacy or consequences. Magneto acts based on what he feels is right in the moment, which is a classic move from the Master of Magnetism and a major reason why he spent so long acting as a villain. His intent is usually to help, but he insists on doing it his way.

Magneto’s Comeback Isn’t Built to Last

D-X Powers Him Up, But At What Cost?

It's undeniably cool to see Magneto piloting an abandoned Sentinel and turning the anti-mutant monstrosity into a weapon for his own use, but the future remains uncertain. Beast made it clear that D-X isn't a permanent solution to the RLDS issue. When its effects wear off, Max will, at the very least, lose control of his magnetism again. He has to make this fight count and deliver a major blow against 3K and Cassandra Nova, as his ability to help in the future is uncertain. He's back in action for now, but that might not last.

Getting a taste of his abilities and feeling like himself again, only to be rendered unstable (or worse) once D-X wears off, could turn Magneto into a wildcard. While it's unlikely that fans will see him turn on the X-Men and revert to outright villainy, that doesn’t mean he won’t start taking extreme measures against their enemies, with or without his powers. No matter what the future holds, his return serves as a clear reminder that Magneto is still more than capable of being Marvel's greatest villain, even when he chooses to stand with the X-Men.

X-Men #16 is available now from Marvel Comics.