Warning! Spoilers for X-Factor #8 below!
Although not one of the most appealing or outwardly powerful mutants, Eye Boy is becoming one of the X-Men's most useful heroes. Bringing to mind the multi-eyed god Argus from Greek mythology, Trevor got his start in Wolverine and the X-Men where he defied expectations and obscurity with his enhanced visual abilities and psychological intuition, which has made him an asset as a member of the latest incarnation of X-Factor. He may be bound for future greatness as one of the elite mutant superheroes.
Created by Jason Aaron and Nick Bradshaw, Trevor Hawkins appeared as a new student in Wolverine and the X-Men #19, his mutant powers activated as a result of the Avengers vs. X-Men event involving the Phoenix Force. With more than 57 eyes all over his entire body, Trevor's abilities aren't useful offensively, but he has proven essential with his ability to see things other's cannot, including clues about teammates and opponents through body language, micro expressions, and non-verbal clues. After an encounter with Doctor Strange gifted him a magic lens that enhanced his abilities, they were pushed even further following imprisonment in the Mojoverse, where he was experimented on by X-Men villain Mojo. Having been a key player in a number of prominent X-Men storylines, Eye Boy is currently a member of X-Factor, a team tasked with investigating mutant murders and disappearances to help effectively prioritize and manage the overwhelmed resurrection protocols on Krakoa.
In X-Factor #8 by Leah Williams and David Baldeon, X-Factor is investigating the mystery behind the deaths of former X-Factor member Theresa Cassidy aka Siryn. They are unaware that Siryn is the host of Morrigan, an ancient death goddess upset by the X-Men's inability to die, who tries to throw X-Factor off her trail. When members like Eye Boy realize the depths of Morrigan's manipulations and spells, the goddess begins to kill X-Factor members one by one. Trevor's hyper perception proves to be a crucial tool that allows him to see and track Morrigan's activities throughout the ominous Boneyard. Eye Boy is one of the few survivors, enthusiastically briefing the other members about what happened following their resurrection before they challenge Morrigan yet again.
Considering the X-Men's old tagline about being heroes who protect a world that fears and hates them, one could easily dismiss Eye Boy's powers as being gross, useless or not as powerful as other X-Men. However, this mistake underestimates his tactical advantage behind the scenes. His abilities allow him to analyze and read a situation better than any coroner or medical examiner and it's that advanced perception that allows him to survive Morrigan's attack, being powerful enough to even show others what he sees when they are in close proximity. Wolverine and the X-Men #29 hinted his potential would continue into the future where Eye Man, an older version of Trevor, helps to coordinate mutant forces throughout the world from his base, a Sentinel head orbiting the planet. Acting similar to DC's Justice League headquarters the Watchtower, Trevor's future abilities become the perfect balance of science fiction and action as he teams up with his former headmaster Wolverine and is seen no longer as a student but as an equal.
Although this future is one of many potential possibilities for Eye Boy, he continues to prove his worth as the X-Men comics seek to leave no stone unturned, giving every published mutant a purpose and time to showcase their unique abilities. While X-Factor will explore Siryn's relationship to Morrigan in the next issue, Trevor will no doubt be there to keep an eye on the situation, proving that the more he uses his abilities, the closer he gets to making that legendary legacy a reality.
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April 06, 2021 at 05:37AM
