Barnell Bohusk

Barnell Bohusk
Barnell as Blackwing.
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	New X-Men #117 (Oct. 2001)
Created by	Grant Morrison (Writer) Ethan Van Sciver (Artist)
In-story information
Alter ego	Barnell Bohusk
Species	Human Mutant
Team affiliations	Teen Brigade New Warriors Exiles Street Team X-Men Xavier Institute Brotherhood of Mutants New Mutants X-Men
Notable aliases	Beak, Blackwing
Abilities	Currently: Advanced bird suit grants: Superhuman strength Flight Energy blasts Enhanced protection Formerly: Bird-like mutation which grants: Enhanced agility and durability Hollow bones Beaked nose Finger talons Wings that fold up along his arms and allow limited flight

Barnell Bohusk, currently known as Blackwing, formerly known as Beak, is a fictional character, a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is usually depicted as being associated with the X-Men and its spinoff the Exiles. Beak first appeared in New X-Men #117 and was created by Grant Morrison and Ethan Van Sciver.

Born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Beak started developing his powers at puberty. His body changed into that of a humanoid-bird form, with a beaked face, bulbous eyes, wing-like arms that give him the ability to fly (albeit clumsily), talons on his hands and feet, and double-jointed knees. He also possesses heightened agility, and he may possess heightened senses and a lighter skeletal structure like the avian X-Man formerly known as the Angel. Feeling disgusted and ashamed because of his appearance, Beak ran away from home and went into hiding. He tells Beast that his nickname originated from other teenagers in Rotterdam, who would find him hiding behind beer barrels.

After the Xavier Institute For Higher Learning publicly revealed that the school was a training ground and sanctuary for mutants, Beak traveled to the United States and enrolled there. There, Beast helped him with his powers. Tragically, the fledgling relationship between Beast and Beak never got a chance to fully develop because of the evil tamperings of Cassandra Nova. While in the body of Professor X, Cassandra Nova took control over the Beak's mind, leaving him just enough sentient thought to realize what he was doing but not have any control over his actions. She then ordered him to beat Beast almost to death with his prize titanium baseball bat, which he intended to give as a gift to Beast as a token of gratitude. At the institute Beak fell in love with another classmate, Angel Salvadore (not to be confused with Angel). Though Angel originally started the relationship on a bet, she later fell in love with him too. They slept together, and Angel became pregnant. Fearing that the X-Men would kick them out, and what their babies would be like (due to their drastically different mutant physiologies; Angel's mutation is house fly-related) they didn't know what to do. Luckily, the X-Men weren't angry with them and the babies turned out fine. Angel had taken over Wolverine's old shack and laid six eggs which hatched healthy babies with wings. Angel and Beak were given a small house next to the mansion to raise their family. Beak was put into the 'Special Class', taught by the new X-Man Xorn. At one point Xorn leads his class in an overnight camping trip. An attack by the U-Men happen, who wish to take mutant organs. Separated from their teacher, the students look to Beak for leadership, a role he reluctantly accepts.