In the first issue of Dark Ages, a Marvel mutant who has served for years as a fundamental member of the X-Men undergoes a terrifying new mutation.
WARNING: The following contains major spoilers for Dark Ages #1, available now from Marvel Comics.
For years, the Marvel Multiverse has introduced thrilling new versions of many heroes and villains, and the latest foray into an alternate reality is no exception. The first issue of Dark Ages (by Tom Taylor, Iban Coello, Brian Reber and VC’s Joe Sabino) subjects a classic mutant to a grisly transformation as Beast, a founding member of the X-Men and respected member of the Avengers, is mutated into what is arguably the most terrifying form he has ever taken.
When the Unmaker awoke from his imprisonment at the center of the Earth, a strike team that included Doctor Strange journeyed to the planet’s core to stop the ancient, living machine from tearing the world apart. Although the heroes were successful, the cost of victory was the permanent expulsion of all light and electricity from planet. The actions of the heroes also created an unsteady power vacuum that the mutant Apocalypse appears to have stepped up to fill. The powerful mutant isn’t alone in his endeavor, and he has chosen a few surprising allies including Hank McCoy, aka Beast. Not only is the founding X-Man standing alongside one of his oldest enemies, but it also appears that Hank has undergone a horrifying mutation.
Beast has always been an odd sort of figure, even as far back as his first appearance in 1963’s X-Men #1 (by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby). It would be some time before he evolved from his original apish human form to the blue furred Beast that is his most iconic look, but transformations didn’t stop there. 2001’s New X-Men #114 (by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely) introduced a Beast who was more feline than apelike as a result of a run-in with the mutant Sage. This came with a heavy psychological toll as Beast believed he was devolving into something less than human. This, coupled with other stressors, drove Beast to meddle with the timeline before he overcame his condition and mutated into a new, more simian body.
Still, none of those forms have been as vicious-looking as the one seen in Dark Ages, which has given Beast a much more feral look. Hunched like a werewolf and having a more feline face than before, this Beast is even more intimidating than the “Dark Beast” version of himself from the Age of Apocalypse timeline, and is likely more ferocious as well. It’s hard to imagine that this established hero has become a “true” beast or that he has given into his animalistic nature entirely, but it looks like he has certainly taken a much darker turn than in previous iterations.
The harsh environment of Marvel’s Dark Ages could very well have something to do with Beast’s latest transformation. It wouldn’t be outside the realm of possibility that this is his powers reacting to his new environment.
Of course, this says nothing about his mental state, which is questionable if his appearance is any indication. This Beast appears to be a real monster in every sense of the word, which may not bode well for the heroes of this dark new reality.
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