Marvel has hundreds of mutant heroes, and the X-Men simply don't have room for all of them. Even with the various spin-off teams like X-Force, X-Factor and Excalibur, there are always some heroes who fall by the wayside. Now, Marvel is itting that it's never found the right way to use one incredibly promising character.

In a preview of the Weapon X-Men #4, Cable attempts to reassure Jono Starsmore's Chamber that he belongs with this new team. In a meta moment, Jono calls out the many different roles he's played in the X-Men franchise, and the fact that none of them have had any staying power, yelling, "Look - I've been around! Been a student! Been a bloody X-Man! An' it never worked out for me! ... I'm not gonna get my hopes up!"

He's aware that nothing ever works out for him and insists that he isn't going to get overly involved in something else that will "crash an' burn." Despite being around for over three decades and having one of the most unique powers among mutantkind, it's been years since Chamber has been a major figure with the X-Men, but he's perfect for a bigger role.

Weapon X-Men Proves that X-Men Has Been Squandering Chamber's Potential

Weapon X-Men #4 by writer Joe Casey, artist ChrisCross, colorist Yen Nitro, and letterer Joe Sabino

Jonothon Starsmore, aka Chamber, was introduced back with the original Generation X class, alongside fellow students Husk, Synch, M, and Skin in 1994. Jono's X-Gene activated with a particularly traumatic event that left him so disfigured that he lives with a massive open wound in his chest and no lower jaw. Both have been replaced with a constant inferno of psionic flame, essentially turning his body into a walking furnace. He's been teased as a true powerhouse, but Chamber rarely gets to show off what he's capable of.

Cable's faith in Jono and his role on the Weapon X-Men team is a refreshing reminder that he hasn't been completely forgotten. Although Chamber has never fully been benched and has played a role on several different teams over the years, including teaching at Wolverine's Jean Grey School, g up with Nightcrawler's Legionaries on Krakoa, and even a stint with the New Warriors, he's right to point out that nothing ever lasts for him. He's never become a critical player in anything, left to bounce between short-lived projects.

Cable may simply be seeing what, until now, the X-Men have failed to notice: Jono Starsmore is capable of great things, and he's always had the makings of a striking, memorable hero.

His role within the Weapon X-Men team seems more critical, as Cable insists that he was chosen for a reason, albeit one he can't reveal just yet. It's interesting to see Chamber assigned to a team of explicitly lethal heroes, and yet fans already know that this too cannot last...

Weapon X-Men Had Plans for Chamber, But History Is About to Repeat

The Series' Cancellation Is Another Tragedy for Jono Fans

Unfortunately for Chamber and any fans hoping to see more of the Weapon X-Men, Marvel recently announced the series will end with issue 5. Marvel has already nixed the title, meaning that Jono's complaint continues to be true. Whatever greater purpose he was meant to serve on the team likely won't be revealed, and if it is, it won't matter for long. With any luck, X-Men will take a cue from Cable and recognize the inherent value a complex character like Jono actually has... but it won't be on this team.

Not only is Chamber completely unique in appearance, as a third of his body is covered in flame, but his mutant abilities have always been more complex and impressive than they're given credit for. He's capable of doing significant damage with psionic energy blasts and is a strong telepath, with a unique perspective as a cynical Brit whose powers take a staggering toll on his body. Moreover, he has strong bonds with several other X-Men, having been part of multiple X-teams, and is capable of the same kind of glow-up that his classmate Synch experienced during the Krakoan Era.

With a unique design and a rebellious attitude, Chamber deserves a permanent home within the X-Men franchise, but as the hero himself just guessed, Weapon X-Men won't be it.

Weapon X-Men #4 will be available from Marvel Comics May 21, 2025.