athletic prowess earned him recognition on the gridiron. When the telepathic, telekinetic Charles Xavier learned of Hank's existence, he invited him to enroll in his School for Gifted Youngsters. The prestigious, private institution offered limitless academic opportunities and personalized study amid a small, select student body.
Few suspected that some of the Professor Xavier's pupils were also the X-Men. Under Xavier's tutelage, Hank assumed the nom de guerre "Beast." Hank's days were rich with differential equations, Proust and workouts in the Danger Room. The latter training stood the X-Men in good stead on their periodic field trips to discourage Magneto, mutant Master of Magnetism, from his plans for world domination.
Hank left the team after graduation, accepting a position as a genetic researcher with the Brand Corp. There, he isolated a chemical catalyst that triggered mutation. Hank tested the serum on himself, with unintended results. The experiment caused him to grow fur, enlarged his canine teeth and amplified his already prodigious athletic abilities. By remaining too long in this hirsute state, he discovered he could not return to his former appearance. At first, he tried to hide his mutation. Later, he learned to accept his more beast-like form.
Leaving the Brand Corp., the Beast joined the Avengers, Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Hank parted ways with the Avengers following a distinguished term of service and joined the Defenders -- originally a loose-knit collection of loners like the Incredible Hulk. Eventually, Beast returned to the ranks of the X-Men -- once again applying his athletic prowess and vast intellect to aid the team in its fight for genetic equality. |
