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The X-Men have faced advanced Sentinels over the years, but it was the less sophisticated models that were able to do the most damage to the mutants.
Throughout the history of the X-Men, the greatest symbol of mutant oppression has been the Sentinels. These mutant killing machines have evolved over time, finding newer and more advanced ways to hunt down and terminate their prey. Oddly enough, while they were not the most sophisticated models, the Wild Sentinels were certainly the most destructive.
The Wild Sentinels made their debut in 2001’s New X-Men #114, by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely. The idea behind these particular Sentinels was to create evolving, self-sustaining Sentinels. The Master Mold of the Wild Sentinels scavenged any spare technology in a nearby radius, adapting to its environment to create new models. The potential behind the Wild Sentinels was great, considering these Sentinels could be formed out of any technology in the surrounding environment.
In this sense, there could be as many Wild Sentinels as there was machinery nearby, making these robots fairly big in stature, much like their original counterparts. The Wild Sentinels’ deadliest moment came when Cassandra Nova, the evil sister of Professor X, took control of these machines. Manipulating Donald Trask, a relative of the Sentinels’ creator, Bolivar Trask, Nova gained control of the Wild Sentinels. Four of the robots were sent to destroy Genosha, killing about sixteen million mutants, making it one of the biggest tragedies in the Marvel universe.
If this was the Wild Sentinels’ only appearance, they would have still left a massive mark. Yet the Wild Sentinels returned in 2002’s Mekanix #1, by Chris Claremont and Juan Bobillo. In this issue, a group of Wild Sentinels assembled themselves from the parts of a cargo ship. The Wild Sentinels went on a killing spree from Canada to Chicago, terminating anyone they recognized as a potential mutant. Fortunately, these Wild Sentinels were stopped by Kitty Pryde, Karma and Shola Inkose.
The next major appearance of the deadly robots took place in 2005’s Astonishing X-Men #11-12, by Joss Whedon and John Cassaday. One of the Wild Sentinels lying dormant on Genosha was revived by Danger and given intelligence. The robot was then sent to kill Professor X and the X-Men. Once again, Kitty Pryde saved the day, by unlocking the Sentinel’s memory of destroying Genosha. The now sentient robot elected to leave, pondering the horrific acts it committed.
This Wild Sentinel redeemed itself in 2008’s Giant-Size Astonishing X-Men #1, also by Whedon and Cassaday. When a giant bullet, from the alien planet, Breakworld, headed for Earth, this Wild Sentinel intercepted the bullet in an attempt to save the planet. Ultimately, this act destroyed the robot.
Overall, it’s true that the Wild Sentinels never achieved the sophistication of Sentinels such as Nimrod, Bastion or the Omega Sentinels. Considering the Wild Sentinels are made primarily of spare parts, and most lack true intelligence, they’re certainly not the most technologically advanced models.
Even so, the Wild Sentinels left their mark with their destruction of Genosha. This moment was crucial in X-Men history, and it’s looked back upon in infamy. In 2019’s House of X #4, by Jonathan Hickman and Pepe Larraz, Genosha’s destruction, as well as the mutant decimation, are looked back upon as the two worst events in mutant history. Looking at events this way, the Wild Sentinels definitely caused more destruction than any other Sentinels in the Marvel Universe, even without the intelligence or sophistication of other models.
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