In the Ultimate Marvel Universe, Cain Marko was a very different Juggernaut from the powerhouse villain who’s bothered the X-Men for years.
Despite being one of the more popular X-Men characters, the Juggernaut has never actually been a mutant. Cain Marko’s unstoppable power originates from the Crimson Gem of Cyttorak, a mystical artifact.
Even though the Marvel Universe’s Juggernaut may not be a mutant, Ultimate Marvel Universe radically altered Marko’s backstory to give him mutant abilities.
This version of the Juggernaut, who debuted in Mark Millar and Adam Kubert’s Ultimate X-Men #8, grew up in a trailer park alongside Rogue of the X-Men. Even with his less educated background, Marko had an understated intelligence. The young mutant also possessed powers of strength, durability and speed, leading to his capture by the Weapon X Program. Juggernaut was forced to become a living weapon, provided with a near-unbreakable suit of armor by his captors.
As part of Weapon X, Marko was placed onto a team that captured the X-Men, forcing the heroes to join as well. The X-Men’s capture briefly reunited Marko with Rogue, and the two even shared a cell together. When Magneto and his Brotherhood of Mutant Supremacy arrived, Juggernaut fought alongside his fellow mutants for freedom. Offered a choice between the X-Men and the Brotherhood, Marko chose the latter.
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Later on, after leaving the Brotherhood, Juggernaut was caught and arrested by S.H.I.E.L.D. However, an accident occurred which led to Marko’s escape. Juggernaut then tracked down Rogue and her partner, Gambit, while they tried to steal the Cyttorak Gem. Marko was furious about Rogue’s new relationship, revealing that he always had a crush on her. Before Rogue and Gambit could acquire the Cyttorak Gem, Marko used its power to enhance his own natural abilities.
Juggernaut became stronger than ever, only stopped when Gambit dropped a building on him. During “Ultimatum,” Marko and Sabretooth were caught by Rogue and Vindicator in an attempt to uncover Magneto’s plans. Although unaware of his boss’ intentions, Marko was still tortured.
Still, when anti-mutant terrorists led by William Stryker attacked the Xavier Institute, Juggernaut stepped in to help the school. Unfortunately, Marko was shot in the eye with a poison dart. In his final moments, Juggernaut got Rogue to touch him and absorb his powers.
Clearly, the Ultimate Universe’s Juggernaut has some striking differences from Cain Marko of the mainstream Marvel Universe. First and foremost, Earth-616’s Juggernaut gained his powers mystically, with no natural mutant abilities. The Gem of Cyttorak essentially made Marko immortal, with no need for food, water or rest, and gave Marko his helmet and armor.