Plague

Plague Plague appears as an elderly woman among Callisto’s followers in Uncanny X-Men #169. Her mutant ability makes physical contact dangerous: she can transmit an illness severe enough to leave someone feverish, weak, and delirious. Her introduction establishes that a brief encounter with her can have consequences long after the fighting ends. Kitty Pryde discovers this while scouting ahead of the X-Men. Plague reaches for her, and Kitty’s attempt to phase away fails to prevent infection. She escapes the immediate confrontation, but her deteriorating condition separates her from the team and leaves her dependent on Caliban’s help. In #170, Plague changes the outcome of another confrontation. Nightcrawler has captured Callisto and appears to have secured leverage for the X-Men’s release. Plague touches Storm, brings her down, and threatens a further touch that would kill her. The X-Men surrender. The community’s healer can mend injuries but cannot cure Plague’s sickness, making Kitty’s condition especially urgent. Plague therefore shapes both issues through the continuing effects of her power: she weakens the rescuers, endangers their youngest teammate, and helps Callisto hold the group captive.