| Barnell Bohusk | |
|---|---|
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| First appearance | New X-Men #117 (September 2001) |
| Created by | Grant Morrison Ethan Van Sciver |
| In-story information | |
| Species | Human mutant |
| Team affiliations | Xavier Institute Special Class Brotherhood of Mutants Street team X-Men Exiles New Warriors |
| Notable aliases | Beak Blackwing |
Beak (Barnell Bohusk), formerly known asBlackwing, is a fictionalsuperhero appearing inAmerican comic books published byMarvel Comics.
Barnell Bohusk first appeared inNew X-Men #117 (September 2001). He was created byGrant Morrison andEthan Van Sciver. He later appeared inNew Warriors (vol. 4).[1]
Barnell Bohusk experienced difficult life following the manifestation of his mutation leading him to have bird-like appearance and abilities. He enrolled at theXavier Institute for Higher Learning, where he developed a close friendship withBeast, bonding over their shared experience of severe physical mutations. He adopts the Beak codename and Beast gifts him a baseball bat. However,Cassandra Nova manipulates Beak into attacking Beast. Although Beast recovers, the incident leaves Beak with lasting guilt.[2][3]
Beak joins the Special Class, a group of young mutants with limited abilities. The class includes his girlfriendAngel Salvadore, with whom he later has children.[4] The class is mentored byXorn, who believes himself to be Magneto. Under his influence, Beak joins theBrotherhood of Mutants. Beak eventually rejects Xorn's extremist actions and works with theStreet X-Men to defeat him, freeing New York City.[5][6]
Beak briefly becomes a member of the multiversalExiles before reuniting with his family during "M-Day", when they lose their mutant powers to theScarlet Witch's spell. After being depowered, Barnell joins theNew Warriors as Blackwing, using a powered suit that grants him flight, superhuman strength, andVibranium claws.[7][1] InX-Men Blue, Blackwing regains his powers after being exposed to Mothervine, a drug designed to trigger mutant abilities.[8]
Barnell Bohusk has several avian traits, including feathered limbs, a beak, talons, and hollow bones. Despite these features, he lacks the ability to fly but is capable of limited gliding. His talons can be used as weapons, and he possesses enhanced night vision. While not among the most physically powerful mutants, he is noted for his strong interpersonal skills.[9]