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In the Marvel Universe, few mutants’ powers are as isolating as Rogue’s. The ability to absorb powers through touch has been both a gift and a curse, affecting her relationships greatly. However, in a scene from the second episode of the X-Men ’97 animated series, Rogue touches Magneto without any repercussions, leaving many to wonder how this is possible. Some alternate Marvel storylines may offer an explanation.
Rogue’s Powers
As mentioned, Rogue’s mutant power is a double-edged sword. With a single touch, she can temporarily claim the abilities and powers of others, leaving them in a weakened state. This power comes at a cost to Rogue’s personal life. Imagine how hard it is to feel human if you’re unable to experience human touch without causing harm. The emotional impact this has on Rogue is highlighted in season 2, episode 9, “A Rogue’s Tale” of X-Men: The Animated Series.
Magneto’s Immunity to Rogue’s Powers
Throughout the years, various story arcs in Marvel Comics have offered multiple explanations for Magneto’s apparent immunity to Rogue’s power. A popular theory involves the magnetic field Magneto can generate, shielding him from Rogue’s life-ending touch. Another explanation comes from the Age of Apocalypse storyline where a chain of events led to Rogue permanently absorbing Polaris, the mistress of magnetism’s, magnetic powers—and ending Polaris in the process. With Rogue’s new-found power equal to Magneto’s, the harmful effects of her touching Magneto are essentially canceled out.
Rogue and Magneto’s Relationship in X-Men ’97
The relationship between Rogue and Magneto swings between romance and conflict. Pivotal moments between the two play out in various comic timelines, including the Age of Apocalypse and Age of X scenarios where their relationship took on a romantic tone and even lead to them having a child together.
X-Men ’97 picks up on this complex relationship, potentially integrating threads of past narratives into new stories for the animated series. X-Men ’97 is currently streaming on Disney+.
