X-Men: A rough guide to the pupils of First Class: Part three

The new X-MEN movie is finally here and with our third installment of the ‘rough guide’ it’s time to look at the pupils that made the new class. With a history as rich and varied as Marvel Comics’ X-Men, there’s a whole world of characters to choose from – so THN has provided a little refresher course for those of you not familiar with the intricate ins and outs of the X-Universe. As a loose adaptation of the comic of the same name, X-MEN: FIRST CLASS was always set to delve into Marvels’ back catalogue of mutants for its line-up; some of these names you may recognise and some you may not, and as with any movie adaptation, a number of liberties and changes have been made in their transference from page to screen. So here is part three of our guide to the new (or should that be old) X-MEN, the faces that will carry the original superhero franchise into the next decade…

The comics' Havok

Havok

Real Name: Alex Summers

Mutant Abilities: Able to absorb ambient cosmic energy and transfer it into destructive blasts that release from his body.

Nationality: U.S. Citizen

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #156 (1982)

Played By: Lucas Till

Comic History: The younger brother of Scott Summers (also known as X-Men member Cyclops), Alex was orphaned at a young age when his and Scott’s parents were killed in an alien attack on their airplane.

He discovered his mutant powers after graduating college, though was unable to control them at first. Sentinels later abducted Alex – now known as Havok –though eventually the X-Men rescued him and he took his place in their team alongside his brother. He has had an on-off relationship with the X-Men over the years, and has also been a part of X-Factor and the Brotherhood of Mutants. He wears a suit that enables him to focus his energy blasts from the chest and arms.

Different How? There is no mention of Alex’s early years, orphaning, or brother Scott. However, his inability to control his powers is faithfully recreated. His unique suit is also present, developed by Hank McCoy and Charles Xavier. Alex was not included in the original X-Men line-up in the FIRST CLASS comic, though it’s safe to assume his inclusion here will lead to the introduction of brother Cyclops at a later date.

Zoe Kravitz as Angel

Angel

Real Name: Angel Salvadore

Mutant Abilities: Has wings which enable her to fly, can vibrate at high speeds to create ultrasonic sounds, and can vomit an acidic substance.

Nationality: U.S. Citizen

First Appearance: New X-Men #118 (2001)

Played By: Zoe Kravitz

Comic History: Not to be confused with another Angel from the X-Men (a certain Warren Worthington III) this Angel was the victim of an abusive stepfather and fled home at a young age. After taking refuge in the woods, a cocoon formed around her and she awoke to find she had developed wings and mutant abilities. She was later saved from the clutches of the U-Men (a group that harvest the limbs of mutants) when Wolverine rescued her and took her back to the X-Men. After enrolling in Xavier’s academy, she fell in love with fellow student Beak and together they had children (which involved her laying eggs, if you can stomach the thought).

Different How? Aside from her ability to take flight, little is made of her similarity to a fly, which is emphasised in the comics. This version of Angel also works as a stripper, which could come as a result of her rough upbringing, though this aspect remains undeveloped. And there’s very little egg laying to be seen in X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, which is a shame…

The original Banshee

Banshee

Real Name: Sean Cassidy

Mutant Abilities: Can release an ultrasonic scream that enables him to fly, overwhelm foes by deafening them, and entrance people. Can also be used as a sonar radar.

Nationality: Irish

First Appearance: X-Men #28 (1967)

Played by: Caleb Landry Jones

Comic History: Sean Cassidy is from a noble Irish family, and as a youngster kept his mutant powers secret. He was first forced to reveal his ability to save the life of himself and another as they plummeted from a cliff on a motorcycle. Sean spent his early adult years in law enforcement, working for both Interpol and the NYPD. Charles Xavier eventually recruited him for a new squad of X-Men that were set to rescue the older team from Krakoa. He would eventually retire from the X-Men but occasionally teamed with them or certain members, such as Forge. Following the death of his lover, Sean battled alcoholism and after straightening himself out, formed a group of mutant police called X-Corps. Though he was apparently killed in a recent mid-air collision, it seems he has recently been revived (this is comics after all).

Different How? He’s not Irish for a start. Additionally, the movie Banshee is far too young to be troubled by the perils of heartbreak and alcoholism. This version is also unaware of his potential, and it’s up to Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr to convince him to fly. Now a part of the original line-up – and a long standing character in the comics – we can assume that Banshee will be a prominent part of the X-Men.

The classic version of Hank McCoy

Beast

Real Name: Hank McCoy

Mutant Abilities: Increased strength, agility, speed, and acrobatic abilities. Also has a night vision and slight regenerative power (also looks like a massive blue… well, beast).

Nationality: U.S. Citizen

First Appearance: X-Men #1 (1963)

Played By: Nicholas Hoult

Comic History: When Norton McCoy was exposed to high levels of radiation, his son was born as a mutant. With large hands and feet and unusual physical capabilities, Hank was set apart from the crowd. In addition, he had a brilliant mind and was lured to Charles Xaviers’ institute on the basis of advanced academic development. During a mission in which it was necessary to disguise himself, Hank injected himself with a mutant hormonal extract which transformed him into a fanged and furry creature. Though he could change back and forth between forms at first, eventually his body stuck in his ‘beast’ form. Though devastated at first, he learned to live with his appearance.

Hank was later considered a world’s expert on mutations and genetic engineering, and has been part of the Defenders, X-factor, and even the Avengers. Though Hank’s physiology has changed over the years, he always reverts back to his beast form, which continues to mutate towards a more animalistic appearance.

Different How? The Hank McCoy we see in X-MEN: FIRST CLASS is relatively faithful to the comic’ version, and perhaps the closest rendition of all the X-Men. Also, t’s good to see that at least one of the original comics’ X-Men team made it into the movie line-up. If the promotional posters are to be believed, we can also expect to see his transformation. At the start of this movie, Hank is already working for the CIA, developing weapons and technology. The most notable aspect of this film version is that he is credited with the creation of Cerebro (which is quite astounding seeing he has no means of using or even testing it). What a clever clogs.

Darwin

Real Name: Armondo Munoz

Mutant Abilities: Body adapts to his environment. For instance, he grows gills whilst underwater or becomes fireproof if exposed to fire. His adaptability appears limitless.

Natioanlaity: U.S. Citizen

First Appearance: X-Men: Deadly Genesis #2 (2006)

Played by: Edi Gathegi

Comic History: Dubbed ‘the evolving boy’, Armondo had a tough upbringing. He came from a broken home and was bullied relentlessly for his unusual appearance. His mutant abilities became apparent after he fought back at his bullies with rock-like hands and later saved his mother from a fire.

Armondo – now known as Darwin – was eventually enlisted into the X-Men as part of a rescue mission and would rejoin them again at a later date. He is perhaps most famous for saving Charles Xaviers’ life from a race named the Starjammers.

Different How: The movie version of Darwin works as a cab driver, and little is known about his background. Though this Darwin doesn’t suffer from the same abnormal physical appearance, his mutant abilities remain much the same.

The comics' version of Mystique

Mystique

Real name: Unknown

Mutant Abilities: Able to shape-shift into any human form. She ages slowly and has regenerative powers.

Nationality: U.S. Citizen (assumed from her U.S. criminal record though her birthplace is unknown).

First Appearance: Ms Marvel #16 (1978)

Played by: Jennifer Lawrence

Comic History: Little is known about Mystique’s past and her age remains a mystery. She is so adept at concealing her true self, that, as Raven Darkholme, she was able to rise through the United States Department of Defense, having access to national secrets for her own sinister means. She later created a new version of the Brotherhood of Mutants (after Magneto’s original faction) and would go on to clash with not only the X-Men, but also the Avengers. Her version of the Brotherhood at one point worked for the government and she had all criminal charges against her dropped.

Mystique eventually made a deal with Charles Xavier and agreed to work as his undercover spy. She has expressed interest in joining the X-Men to become closer to her foster daughter, Rogue. She has recently joined Norman Osborn’s X-Men team, posing as different individuals (just leave it, seriously).

Different How? Perhaps the most altered of the FIRST CLASS characters, not only is Mystique – real name here Raven – a member of the original X-Men, she is also Charles Xaviers’ adopted sister. She spends much of her time in human form, and has a great complex about not only her appearance but others’ acceptance of her. Seeing as we know she will end up as part of the Brotherhood of Mutants, is it possible we will see her turn to the dark side by the end of the film? Or is that a story for another time?