Beast (comics)

Beast
Beast as he appears on the cover of A+X #7 (June 2013). Art by Dale Keown and Norman Lee.
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	X-Men vol. 1 #1 (September 1963)
Created by	Stan Lee (Writer) Jack Kirby (Artist)
In-story information
Alter ego	Henry Philip "Hank" McCoy
Species	Human mutant
Team affiliations	X-Men Avengers Defenders X-Factor Illuminati
Notable aliases	Blue Gorilla, Kreature, Mutate #666
Abilities	Animal-like physiology with enhanced physical attributes, razor sharp claws and teeth, and a genius-level intellect

Beast (Henry Philip "Hank" McCoy) is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics and is a founding member of the X-Men. Originally called "The Beast", the character was introduced as a mutant possessing ape-like superhuman physical strength and agility, oversize hands and feet, a genius-level intellect, and an otherwise normal appearance. Eventually being referred to simply as "Beast", Hank McCoy underwent progressive physiological transformations, permanently gaining animalistic physical characteristics. These include blue fur, both simian and feline facial features, pointed ears, fangs, and claws. Beast's physical strength and senses increased to even greater levels.

Despite Hank McCoy's inhuman appearance, he is depicted as a brilliant, well-educated man in the arts and sciences, known for his witty sense of humor. He is a world authority on biochemistry and genetics, the X-Men's medical doctor, and the science and mathematics instructor at the Xavier Institute (the X-Men's headquarters and school for young mutants). He is also a mutant political activist, campaigning against society's bigotry and discrimination against mutants. While fighting his own bestial instincts and fears of social rejection, Beast dedicates his physical and mental gifts to the creation of a better world for man and mutant.

One of the original X-Men, Beast has appeared regularly in X-Men-related comics since his debut. He has also been a member of the Avengers and Defenders.

The character has also appeared in media adaptations, including animated TV series and feature films. In X2, Steve Bacic portrayed him in a very brief cameo in his human appearance, while in X-Men: The Last Stand he was played by Kelsey Grammer. Nicholas Hoult portrays a younger version of the character in X-Men: First Class. Both Hoult and Grammer reprise their roles in X-Men: Days of Future Past. Hoult also reprised the role in X-Men: Apocalypse.