Domino (pronounced “doh-MINO”) is a game played with flat, thumbsized blocks that bear from one to six pips or dots. Those pips determine the rank or weight of each piece, with more pips on the domino signifying it as a “heavier” piece than a domino with fewer pips. A domino is placed on a flat surface such as a table or floor, and then the player aims to place another domino on top of it in a line or angular pattern. This will cause the first domino to fall and start a sequence of events that lead to other pieces falling in an organized way.
The term “domino” can be applied to any object or action that initiates a chain reaction that eventually leads to destruction, redemption, change, or at least a shift in the status quo. In fact, a single domino can trigger a chain reaction that knocks over objects more than one-and-a-half times its size, according to University of British Columbia physicist Lorne Whitehead.
Whether used in the context of an intricately constructed board game or a powerful organizational principle, this word has a mystical quality to it that conveys a sense of control and mastery. The word’s Latin roots and historical significance also give it a lofty aura, making it a common first name and a popular brand of products that impart a sense of excellence and sophistication.
In the comics, a domino effect refers to an action that causes a series of events that affect many people or things at once. For example, the actions of a superhero can have ripple effects throughout their worlds, impacting even the most distant and unrelated individuals. A series of dominoes can be the catalyst for a revolution or a war that leads to chaos and tragedy, but it can also serve as the basis for redemption and new beginnings.
The domino is a symbol of power and control, which is why it’s not surprising that the word has been adopted by various organizations, brands, and games to imply a sense of authority and expertise. It’s even found in the name of some cities and counties, giving the impression that they are in control of their environments.
Despite her reputation for luck, Domino is also a skilled fighter and leader. She helped form the mercenary group known as Six Pack and led X-Force when Cable was away. She later took part in a mission to investigate mutant rights violations in Rumekistan, where she assassinated Flag-Smasher, the dictator of this rogue nation who was under the control of the anti-national terrorist ULTIMATUM.
When Hevesh builds a large domino display, she carefully tests out each individual section before assembling the whole thing. She makes sure that each domino has a specific point of contact with the next, and she can make exacting corrections when needed. This process allows her to create a beautiful chain of events that is both breathtaking and meaningful. When a domino display is set up properly, each domino will have its own unique moment in time before it falls, and then the potential energy stored in each individual piece becomes unleashed.