Polaris (Marvel Comics)

Last updated
Lorna Dane
Polaris
Polaris (2022 Design).webp
Lorna Dane / Polaris.
Textless variant cover of X-Men vol. 6 #6
(January 2022).
Art by Russell Dauterman and Matthew Wilson.
Publication information
Publisher Marvel Comics
First appearance The X-Men #49
(October 1968)
Created by Arnold Drake
Jim Steranko
In-story information
Alter egoLorna Sally Dane
Species Human mutant
Team affiliations Horsemen of Apocalypse
Starjammers
X-Factor
Acolytes
X-Men
Notable aliasesMistress of Magnetism
Pestilence
Polaris
Malice
Abilities
  • Magnetic field manipulation granting:
    • Electromagnetic spectrum manipulation and sight
    • Magnetic force fields, pulse, and flight
    • Organic iron manipulation
    • Energy absorption
  • Partial resistance to ionizing radiation
  • Fast elimination of toxins and drugs

Polaris (Lorna Dane) is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Arnold Drake and artist Jim Steranko, the character first appeared in The X-Men #49 (October 1968). [1] Lorna Dane belongs to the subspecies of humans called mutants, who are born with superhuman abilities. [2] She can control magnetism in a manner similar to her father Magneto. [3] [4] The character has been known as Polaris, Malice, and Pestilence at various points in her history. [5] Dane has also been a member of the X-Men and the X-Factor. [6]

Contents

The character has been featured in various other Marvel-licensed products, including video games, animated television series, and merchandise. Lorna Dane made her live-action debut in The Gifted (2018), portrayed by Emma Dumont.

Publication history

1960s

Lorna Dane debuted in The X-Men #49 (October 1968), [7] created by writer Arnold Drake and artist Jim Steranko. [8] She appeared in the 1975 Giant-Size X-Men series. She appeared in the 1986 X-Factor series.

2000s

Lorna Dane appeared in the 2019 Captain Marvel series. [9] [10] She appeared in the 2020 X-Factor series. [11] She appeared in the 2020 X of Swords: Creation one-shot. [12] She appeared in the 2021 X-Men series. [13] She appeared in the 2021 X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic series. [14] She appeared in the 2022 Marauders series. [15] She appeared in the 2023 Scarlet Witch series. [16]

Fictional character biography

Origin

Lorna Dane met the original team of X-Men while still a student. [17] When the villain Mesmero used his "psyche-generator" to summon mutants in North America with latent powers, [18] Lorna found herself compelled to travel to San Francisco, where Mesmero was. There she encountered the X-Man Iceman, who broke her trance by causing her to slip on a patch of ice and then convinced her to come to his apartment. At the apartment, Lorna met the rest of the X-Men who soon learned that she had latent mutant powers. [19] Mesmero and his android Demi-Men captured her and took her to their desert headquarters, with the X-Men in pursuit. The psyche-generator awakened her mutant powers and Mesmero named her "Queen of the Mutants".

When the X-Men attempted to rescue her, Magneto revealed himself as the leader of the group behind her abduction—and, more importantly, claimed to be Lorna's father. [20] Despite the X-Men's assertions that Magneto is evil, Lorna could not bring herself to fight her own father. [18] Iceman returns from meeting with her foster parents who told him that her birth parents had died in a plane crash years earlier. This information caused Lorna to turn against Magneto [21] but it was later revealed that she had caused the accident and Magneto had her memories of it erased with the help of Mastermind. [22] For a while, Iceman was attracted to her, but Lorna did not truly reciprocate the feelings. [23] She instead fell in love with their teammate Havok. [24]

Unbeknownst to Lorna, the Magneto who claimed to be her father is revealed to be an android. Shortly after, Lorna was captured by Sentinels, but was rescued by the X-Men. [25] Lorna joined the X-Men and began living at Xavier's mansion. [26] Lorna aided Havok and the X-Men in repelling the alien Z'Nox's attempted invasion of Earth. [27]

Lorna Dane's first "code name" was Magnetrix, but she quickly decided that she did not like this name. However, that did not keep Havok from continuing to use that name as a way to annoy and flirt with her. [28] The two leave the X-Men to pursue their mutual interest in geophysics. [29] They moved to the Diablo mountain range in California.[ volume & issue needed ]

Lorna, with Havok, is later seen battling the Hulk. [30] When the old and new X-Men fought the mutant island Krakoa, Lorna displayed the full potential of her powers for the first time by disrupting the Earth's magnetic field, which sent Krakoa into deep space. [31] They then joined Moira MacTaggert at her facility for genetic research on Muir Island. [32]

Mind controlled

Lorna received a new costume of Shi'ar design, when her mind came under the domination of the Shi'ar Intelligence agent Davan Shakari, also known as Erik the Red. It was Erik the Red who gave Lorna the codename Polaris, which she has continued to use ever since. At the time, Shakari served D'Ken, then emperor of the Shi'ar Galaxy. Shakari kidnapped Alex Summers and Lorna, and subjected them to a powerful form of mind control. He turned them against the X-Men in an attempt to assassinate Professor Charles Xavier. A massive battle ensued at Kennedy International Airport, with the duo battling the X-Men. Polaris was defeated by Storm, but Shakari managed to escape with both her and Havok. Xavier eventually freed both Polaris and Havok from Shakari's control. [33]

Polaris and Havok remained inactive as members of the X-Men, though they did return from time to time to assist the team. With the X-Men, they battled Proteus on Muir Island. [34] For the most part, Lorna and Alex remained in civilian life for a number of years, settling in New Mexico and completing their college degrees. They were forced to reluctantly help the X-Men in Arcade's Murderworld. [35] Their new life was interrupted when the Marauders ambushed them around the time of the Mutant Massacre. Polaris’ mind was overtaken by the psionic being known as Malice. [36] [37]

Under Malice's control, Lorna attacked the X-Men as leader of the Marauders. [38] Shortly thereafter, the Malice entity found that it had become permanently bonded to Lorna's body. [39] She led the Marauders against the X-Men during Inferno. [40] After Mister Sinister was seemingly killed, Malice's hold over Lorna weakened. Temporarily regaining control of her own mind, Lorna was able to place a phone call to the X-Men in Australia for help, but they arrived too late. Lorna had been taken to be with her alleged half-sister Zaladane, a priestess for the Savage Land's Sun People. [41] The X-Men arrived in time to witness Zaladane's getaway, though Havok managed to infiltrate her army in disguise while the X-Men followed. In the Savage Land, the X-Men found that Zaladane had amassed an army of Savage Land natives who were being mentally controlled for her by Worm, one of the Savage Land Mutates. Zaladane revealed that she is in fact Lorna's sister and, using the High Evolutionary's machinery, stripped Lorna of her magnetic powers, taking them as her own. In addition, the process managed to finally separate Lorna from Malice. Zaladane and her forces clashed with Ka-Zar and the X-Men. During the encounter, Lorna's secondary mutation activated: she grew in height, became invulnerable, and gained superhuman strength. Zaladane's army was released from Worm's control, and Lorna finally regained her freedom. [42]

Having nowhere else to go, Lorna went to Moira MacTaggert's mutant research station on Muir Island. On her way there, her secondary mutation activated again, as evidenced by a sudden increase in height. At this time, she discovered that her new mutation also affects those around her, amplifying negative emotions such as anger and hate. [43]

Muir Island

Upon examination, Dr. MacTaggert was at a loss to explain Lorna's new mutation, although she did confirm that the only way Zaladane could have taken her powers away was if she had been a biological sibling. [44] Shortly after her arrival, Lorna joined the Muir Island X-Men team formed by Moira and former X-Man Banshee. [45] This team defended Muir Island from the attacking Reavers, who were hunting for Wolverine. [46]

Prior to this time, it had not been clear that Polaris was actually drawing strength from being a nexus for negative emotional energies. Polaris’ status as a nexus, however, was perceived by the villainous Shadow King. The Shadow King used Polaris as a gateway to allow him access to the physical world from the astral plane, causing a worldwide increase in anger, hatred, and violence in the process. [47] Polaris was freed of his influence with the help of X-Factor and the X-Men during the Muir Island Saga. [48] Upon the defeat of the Shadow King, Polaris’ magnetic powers return due to a combination of Zaladane's death a short time before and the neural-disruptive psionic blade of the X-Man Psylocke, leaving no trace of her increased size, strength, or emotion-control powers. [49]

X-Factor

Polaris was then asked to join the newly formed X-Factor by Valerie Cooper, and, tired of hiding out on Muir Island, she accepted. [50] Havok and Polaris were set as its leaders. Although joining X-Factor offered Polaris the chance to reunite with Havok, their relationship remained largely unresolved. [51] Polaris was able to come to terms with her experiences with mind control thanks to psychiatrist Dr. Leonard Samson, helping her to develop her confidence. [52] Polaris developed a strong belief in Xavier's dream while a member of X-Factor. [53] Polaris became the government's secret weapon against a possible attack from Magneto, with the government hiring the mercenary Random to test her abilities. [54] Malice later returned to bother her once more but Havok and Polaris, out of their love for each other, each tried to absorb her, preventing the other from being possessed. In the end, Malice perished at the hands of Mister Sinister. [55]

Shortly thereafter, Havok was kidnapped by agents of the Dark Beast, who forged a note explaining that Havok needed to get away from Polaris. This devastated Polaris, causing her to feel abandoned and betrayed. [56] X-Factor's atmosphere changed as the criminals Mystique and Sabretooth were forced by the government to join the group. [57] [58] Polaris began to question her place on the team after this, especially as most of her original teammates were no longer active. She discovered Havok's fate as he attacked X-Factor with the Dark Beast's agents, apparently under mind-control. After Havok was defeated, Polaris tried to reach out to him, only to be attacked and severely injured when she felt she could trust him. [59] When Sabretooth betrayed and attacked the team, Polaris was severely injured. [60]

After recovering from her injuries, and learning that Havok's "terrorist" activities had been a front for his true undercover work, Polaris forgave him, although she rejected him romantically. [61] She also agreed to join Havok's new X-Factor team. However, during their first team meeting, she could only watch as Havok was seemingly killed in the explosion of a faulty time machine constructed by the mutant from the future, Greystone. [62] Although Havok had left Polaris in charge of his team while trying to stop Greystone, she apparently did not feel like she could keep the team together, and they disbanded shortly thereafter. [62]

The Twelve

Weeks later, Nightcrawler encountered Lorna in a church and she confided in him that she felt she was being followed and that she was sure Alex was still alive. [63] A group of Skrulls working with Apocalypse were indeed shadowing her and broke into her apartment to retrieve the headgear from Havok's original costume. Lorna then learned that she was one of The Twelve, a team of mutants supposedly destined to usher in a new golden age for mutant-kind. [64] Polaris journeyed with the X-Men to Egypt to battle Apocalypse. During the encounter, Magneto, another member of The Twelve, discovered that he could use Lorna to tap into the Earth's magnetic field with incredible force, effectively hiding the reduced state of his powers at the time. [65]

Acolyte

After Apocalypse was defeated, Polaris returned to Genosha with Magneto to supply him with power and help him keep order. She believed she was doing it for the greater good, but also enjoyed the education in her powers that she received. Magneto launched a full-scale assault on Carrion Cove, the last city opposing his rule, to gain access to technology that would restore his full abilities. Polaris attempted to stop him, but she was defeated and left the country with the Avengers. She later returned with Quicksilver to help oppose Magneto's tyrannical rule. [66]

Although Quicksilver was discovered and forced to leave Genosha, Polaris maintained a low profile to covertly transport refugees from the war to other nations, as well as monitor Magneto's actions. [67] After Magneto's spine was severed by Wolverine, Polaris was able to steal a blood sample from his medical tests, which she used to confirm that Magneto was her biological father. [68] When Cassandra Nova’s Sentinels destroyed Genosha and massacred millions, Polaris was one of the few survivors. She was left emotionally scarred after witnessing the massacre after being unable to save them. [69]

Trauma

Later, some of the X-Men went to Genosha to survey what occurred there. They encountered a nude and deranged Polaris in Genosha after its population was massacred by Cassandra Nova's Sentinels. [70] When Polaris rejoined the X-Men, the extremely traumatic experience had left her with a darker, more ruthless personality, even killing some members of the anti-mutant Church of Humanity. Havok broke up with Polaris after they were about to be married, leaving her at the altar for nurse Annie Ghazikhanian with whom he had an affair while he was in a coma using telepathy. Polaris now driven to instability yet again went berserk and commenced to go on a rampage that nearly resulted in her killing Havok. A case was made that it was due to the trauma from Genosha but nobody bought it. Juggernaut succeeded in knocking her out. [71] She remained this way until some psychic therapy with Professor Xavier. Polaris promised to do no more harm and she was accepted back to the X-Men. [72]

Iceman later admitted to Polaris that he still had feelings for her and after some mild flirtation, the two began a relationship. [73] The relationship was not to last, however, since Lorna's other relationships (namely with Havok) were still unresolved. Havok has confessed to still loving her after Annie had left him, however, Polaris pushed him away. [74]

Decimation

It was revealed that Polaris had lost her powers on M-Day, [75] but had avoided telling her teammates. When confronted by Valerie Cooper, who has knowledge of her power loss, Polaris claimed that her power loss is psychological and she believes she is preventing herself from using them. Polaris eventually was forced by circumstance to accept that her powers were gone and admit the fact to the rest of the team—whereupon all the other members of her squad, except her would-be-paramours Iceman and Havok, revealed to her that they had already guessed it. She then left the mansion with Havok to "search" for her lost powers, irrationally convinced they lay with an alien named Daap, a seeming twin to the deceased X-Statix member Doop, who she had seen on a recent mission in space. Daap soon crashed to Earth and kidnapped Polaris and the Leper Queen, the leader of the anti-mutant group known as the Sapien League. [76]

Horseman of Apocalypse

Apocalypse took them both, restrained the Leper Queen, and forcibly transformed Polaris into the new Pestilence. Seemingly mind-wiped, she ingested viruses from the World Health Organization and was attempting to create a meta-plague. In the climactic battle between the X-Men, the Avengers, and Apocalypse, Wolverine discovered a choking Pestilence was Lorna. [77] She was recovering in the X-Mansion when former Horsemen of Apocalypse Gambit and Sunfire returned to take her away. She arose and refused to go with them, but also decided to quit the X-Men. [78] Polaris decided to leave that night to search for Apocalypse in Egypt. She went alone and was later hunted until Havok and the new Uncanny X-Men team saved her. Emma Frost has also noted that her powers seem to be "strange and mutating". [79]

The Rise and Fall of The Shi'ar Empire

After being rescued from an anti-Apocalypse cult by the new team, Polaris agreed to join Professor X, Darwin, Havok, Marvel Girl, Nightcrawler, and Warpath on their mission to stop Vulcan. [79] Her current relationship with Havok is still developing. Polaris seemed to finally show concrete signs of forgiving Havok, telling him to "just shut up and kiss me" after the team won their first battle against the entire regiment of Shi'ar soldiers in their beginning struggle against D'Ken and in support of Lilandra. [80] Although Havok initially rebuffs her advances, hesitant to "start up again after" everything that happened between them, Lorna says that he needs to "blow off some steam" and the scene ends with them kissing. Polaris helps in the big fight and seriously hurts Vulcan and Gladiator with her powers, but in the end she is one of the X-Men left behind. [81]

Starjammers

Following the death of Corsair at the hands of Vulcan, Polaris joined the newest incarnation of the Starjammers, intending to kill Vulcan and restore Lilandra Neramani to the Shi'ar throne. [81] Their mission proved unsuccessful and Polaris, along with Havok, Ch'od, and Raza, was captured and incarcerated on an underwater planet by Vulcan. [82]

X-Men: Kingbreaker

Lorna was later shown to still be a prisoner of Vulcan and his forces. Vulcan ordered her to be heavily drugged so they can further study this. [83] She was later freed by Havok and the other Starjammers, who vowed to kill Vulcan. [84]

War of Kings

Polaris and the Starjammers played a large role in the War of Kings storyline, which also featured Vulcan, The Inhumans, Nova, and The Guardians of the Galaxy. [85] Pursued by a Shi'ar superdestroyer after escaping, Lorna uses the fact that she is Crystal's sister-in-law to allow the Starjammers through the Kree's defensive shield. [86] After the Shi'ar Imperial Guard's attack on Crystal and Ronan's wedding, Lorna plays a minor but pivotal role in regaining Kree popular support for the Inhumans by making sure that Crystal's humanitarian acts towards the injured Kree civilians are broadcast all over the Kree networks. [87] After this, she once again joins the Starjammers on their mission to rescue Lilandra. They promptly commandeer a Shi'ar Ironclad (which she helps capture by magnetizing the Starjammer to its hull) which they then use to join the main Shi'ar fleet until their cover is blown when they rescue Rocket Raccoon and his team, the Guardians of the Galaxy. [88] Following the surrender of the Shi'ar to the Inhumans, Lorna remains on the Shi'ar homeworld along with Havok and Marvel Girl. [89]

Realm of Kings

Through Ch'od, and apparently due to the incident of Rachel and Korvus both losing the connection to the Phoenix Force, it is known that Polaris, Havok, Rachel and Korvus have departed for Earth. [90]

X-Men Legacy

Magneto, Rogue, Frenzy, and Gambit respond to Rachel's distress call and Rogue uses Legion's powers to teleport to the space station they are on. [91] Lorna, Korvus and Alex are mind controlled by an alien force and are being used to help torture and kill Shi'ar. [92] When she meets up with Magneto their reunion is short lived as the Shi'ar attack the assembled group and Lorna, Alex and Korvus attack Magneto, Frenzy and Gambit. [92] Rachel's actions break them free of the mind control and the X-Men join forces. Polaris says she has many things she wanted to ask Magneto and he responds by saying at another time when they are out of danger. [93] The team works together to build a black hole that takes the space station and all aboard back to Earth ending Lorna's space arc. [94]

Regenesis

Polaris along with Havok are seen joining Wolverine's side after Wolverine suggests that they go out on their own away from their family and join X-Factor. [95]

Return to X-Factor

During the Breaking Points storyline, [96] Longshot used his psychometric powers to read a photograph of Lorna's mother and nominal father from which Longshot learned the truth about their death. Lorna forced Longshot to show her what he had seen, using M's telepathic powers to make a connection. Lorna was devastated to learn that the first outbreak of her powers led to their death in a plane crash. Magneto had Mastermind manipulate her memories to repress her involvement in her parents' death. [96] Later, Polaris and Havok have broken up, due to Havok agreeing to lead the Uncanny Avengers, [97] and Polaris wanting to remain with X-Factor. [98]

All New X-Factor

Polaris is now the leader of X-Factor. The name was bought from Maddox by Serval's CEO Harrison Snow. X-Factor is a corporate team that protects the interest of the company. [99] It is revealed that Harrison secretly had nanos put in her right eye, without her consent. [100] Her half brother Quicksilver is on the team and is secretly spying on her for her ex Havok. [100]

Secret Wars (2015)

During the "Last Days" part of the Secret Wars storyline, Polaris assisted Magneto during the incursion between Earth-616 and Earth-1610. As the energies of the two planets inched closer to impact cascade and send chaos through the streets, Magneto and Polaris are taking the fight to this "other" Earth, battling the parallel Sentinels sent after them. Polaris is shocked to see the energy levels her father is exhibiting, all the while trying to protect the people caught in the crossfire of Magneto and the Sentinels. [101]

Secret Empire

During the Secret Empire storyline, Polaris breaks in on a prison in New Tian when Havok is about to attack the time-displaced Jean Grey and Jimmy Hudson. [102] While Jean and Jimmy look for their teammates, Polaris manages to defeat Havok and helps the young mutants to escape. Upon escaping, Polaris and Danger reveal to the team that Magneto assigned them to look after them, which they've done secretly. [103]

Dawn of X

In the new status quo for mutants post House of X and Powers of X , Professor X and Magneto invite all mutants to live on Krakoa and welcome even former enemies into their fold. [104] Polaris is seen with Magneto as he explains the process of resurrection for mutants involving the combined powers of The Five (Hope Summers, Goldballs, Proteus, Eva Bell and Elixir). [104]

Polaris is seen attacking the last compound of Orchis on Earth with Magneto, Storm, and Cyclops. [105] Later, she joins Rachel Summers, Daken, Northstar and former X-students Eye-Boy and Prodigy in a new initiative in Krakoa: they are to investigate any mutant death and prepare a report for The Five as part of the Resurrection Protocols of Krakoa. Their first case involves the supposed death of Northstar's twin sister, Aurora. [106] Following the conclusion of the X-Factor title, Polaris was elected during the Hellfire Gala to become a new member of the main X-Men team.

Powers and abilities

Lorna Dane possesses the ability to control magnetism. [107] She regained her magnetic powers after M-day by celestial technology that reactivated her X-gene. [108] [109] She can manipulate metals which are susceptible to magnetism. She has the power to manipulate the iron in a body to reverse the blood flow. [110] Polaris is able to generate magnetic energy pulses. She can create magnetic force-fields. She has the power to manipulate magnetic fields. [111] Polaris can use her abilities to allow herself to fly. [112] She is able perceive the world around her solely as patterns of magnetic and electrical energy. She has the ability to perceive the natural magnetic auras surrounding living beings as well. [113] Polaris can also absorb energy. [114]

Polaris had shown the ability to ingest virulent diseases without harm, absorbing their traits, and according to Apocalypse is able to spread a "meta-plague" that will kill anyone who has not been inoculated with the virus' vaccine, the Blood of Apocalypse. She had also been shown to fight off toxins and drugs quicker than normal. [83]

Additionally, Lorna Dane possesses expertise in geophysics, and has earned a doctorate in that field. [115]

Reception

Critical response

Alex Schlesinger of Screen Rant described Polaris as one of the "X-Men's most iconic mutants" and as an "iconic hero." [116] Deirdre Kaye of Scary Mommy called Polaris a "role model" and a "truly heroic" female character. [117] Maite Molina of ComicsVerse referred to Polaris as an "iconic X-Men hero," writing "Why are so many comic book readers die-hard fans of Polaris? Well, there is a multitude of reasons. Lorna Dane exemplifies an air of authenticity. She does not believe there is a point in one’s heroic journey where you have to establish yourself. Polaris has fought against the tension of her agency. She has lived a history where much was taken from her. Ultimately, she has endured. So, despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles and countless foes, Lorna has never faltered in her steadfast role as a member of the X-Men. This is why she is so beloved." [118]

Lukas Shayo of Comic Book Resources ranked Polaris 9th in their "10 Best Female X-Men Characters" list, writing, "Lorna Dane is a force to be reckoned with in the field, and she is remarkably creative with her powers." [119]

Darren Franich of Entertainment Weekly ranked Polaris 67th in their "Let's Rank Every X-Man Ever" list, stating, "Controlled metal, like her father Magneto. Was a woman, unlike Magneto. Had really cool green hair. We're in the sixties here, people, "cool green hair" still counts for something." [120]

Impact

Polaris was the winner of a popularity contest held by Marvel Comics in 2021, [121] [122] which served to determine who would be the final member of a new X-Men team that would debut during the Hellfire Gala storyline. [123] [124]

Other versions

Age of Apocalypse

An alternate version of Polaris appears in the Age of Apocalypse reality. She was one of the many prisoners in Sinister's Breeding Pens, and a victim of the Dark Beast's tests. She had been rendered nearly powerless because Rogue had absorbed her abilities and permanently retained half of her powers when the two had a fallout prior to Rogue being taken to the X-Men. Prelate Scott Summers frees her, but she cannot recognize him; she mistakes him for Magneto, whom she believes is her father. [125]

House of M

An alternate version of Polaris appears in the "House of M" storyline. Magneto becomes romantically involved with Susanna Dane an American exchange student in Europe who is helping smuggle him from place to place. When Magneto finds out she is having a child he tells her to go home because what she is doing is likely to get her and her child killed. Lorna Dane grows up in California and watches Magneto declare war on the human governments as a child. [126] Eventually Magneto reveals he is her father when he becomes ruler of Genosha. Polaris is shocked and storms off due to him never having been there for her. She eventually comes around as she is seen later when the new world order began, where mutants were the ruling class and with Magneto being their monarch. Lorna is still residing with him in his palace on Genosha with all his children. Polaris, Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch were considered royalty in this reality, and Lorna eventually develops a close relationship with her father. [127]

Mutant X

An alternate version of Polaris appears in Mutant X. She works as a long-term member of the X-Men, after Magneto takes over from an ill Professor Xavier. This Polaris knows she is the daughter of Magneto. The X-Men briefly fight and lose against an insane Madelyne Pryor. Later, they seemingly perish in an atomic explosion but survive this as well. Polaris is one of the victims in the reality-threatening battle involving Pryor and the Beyonder. Badly injured, she dies in her father's arms, reassured that everything will be okay. [128]

Ultimate Marvel

An alternate version of Polaris appears in the Ultimate Marvel continuity of Ultimate X-Men . She is an attractive teenage mutant girl who is a member of the Academy of Tomorrow , a mutant peacekeeping squad led by Emma Frost. In this continuity, she is also the girlfriend of Havok but as a twist, she was also the ex-girlfriend of his brother Cyclops, whom Havok resents with a passion. [129]

Polaris is framed for killing dozens of people with her powers during a rescue mission, and imprisoned in the Triskelion of the Ultimates with mutant terrorist Magneto. After beating him at Chess after only 12 or so games, Magneto beats her into unconsciousness with a chair, and then uses her to goad Havok into rescuing her, so that he can escape the maximum-security cell by swapping places with Mystique. In the end, Polaris' name is cleared and she returns to the Academy of Tomorrow. [130] She was killed in Ultimatum along with the rest of the Academy of Tomorrow except for Havok. [131] It is implied in Havok's discussion of the events leading up to the explosion that there may have been more than meets the eye going on. [132]

Exiles

An alternate version of Polaris is drafted onto the interdimensional superhero team the Exiles. Originating from Earth-8149, she is seemingly killed in battle with a group of Sentinels engineered to destroy her, but is plucked out of time moments before her death to join the Exiles. [133] In the end Polaris finds out Magneto her father has turned to the side of good because of her death to avenge her murder at the hand of Sentinels. [134]

In other media

Television

Video games

Merchandise

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Professor X</span> Comic book character

Professor X is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The X-Men #1. The character is depicted as the founder and occasional leader of the X-Men.

Genosha is a fictional country appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. It is an island nation that exists in the Marvel Universe and a prominent location in the X-Men comics. The fictional nation served as an allegory for slavery and later for South African apartheid before becoming a mutant homeland and subsequently a disaster zone. The island is located off the Southeastern African coast northwest from Seychelles and northeast of Madagascar. Its capital city was Hammer Bay.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rachel Summers</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Rachel Anne Summers is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Chris Claremont and artist/co-plotter John Byrne.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">X-Factor (comics)</span> Comic book superhero team

X-Factor is a group of fictional mutant superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">X-Men</span> Comic book superhero team

The X-Men are a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by artist/co-writer Jack Kirby and editor/co-writer Stan Lee, the team first appeared in The X-Men #1. Although initially cancelled in 1970 due to low sales, following its 1975 revival and subsequent direction under writer Chris Claremont, it became one of the most recognizable and successful franchises of Marvel Comics. They have appeared in numerous books, television shows, Disney's 20th Century Studios X-Men films, and video games. The X-Men title may refer to the superhero team itself, the eponymous comic series, or the broader franchise including various solo titles and team books such as the New Mutants, Excalibur, and X-Force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Magneto (Marvel Comics)</span> Fictional character appearing in Marvel Comics publications and related media

Magneto is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly in association with the X-Men. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The X-Men #1 as an adversary of the X-Men.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Havok (comics)</span> Fictional character in Marvel Comics

Havok is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly in association with the X-Men. He first appears in The X-Men #54, and was created by writer Arnold Drake and penciller Don Heck. Havok generates powerful "plasma blasts", an ability he has had difficulty controlling. One of the sons of Corsair, he is the younger brother of the X-Men's Cyclops, and the older brother of Vulcan. He often resents Cyclops's authoritarian attitude and reputation as a model member of the X-Men.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Corsair (character)</span> Fictional superhero character in the Marvel universe

Corsair is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is depicted as a star-faring outlaw who leads the Starjammers, the father of X-Men members Cyclops and Havok, and the supervillain Vulcan, and the grandfather of Cable, Spider-Girl, and Rachel Summers. He first appeared in The Uncanny X-Men #104, and was created by Dave Cockrum.

<i>Uncanny X-Men</i> Comic book series

Uncanny X-Men, originally published as The X-Men, is an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics since 1963, and is the longest-running series in the X-Men comics franchise. It features a team of superheroes called the X-Men, a group of mutants with superhuman abilities led and taught by Professor X.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Starjammers</span> Comic book team of space pirates

The Starjammers are a fictional team of space pirates appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The Starjammers have often appeared in pages of the X-Men comic books. The Starjammers first appeared in X-Men #104 and were created by Dave Cockrum. The name "Starjammers" was created on the basis of the type of sailing ship known as "Windjammer".

<i>Ultimate X-Men</i> Comic book series

Ultimate X-Men is a superhero comic book series, which was published by Marvel Comics, from 2001 to 2009. The series is a modernized re-imagining of Marvel's long-running X-Men comic book franchise as part of the Ultimate Marvel imprint. The Ultimate X-Men exist alongside other revamped Marvel characters in Ultimate Marvel titles including Ultimate Spider-Man, Ultimate Fantastic Four and The Ultimates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marauders (comics)</span> Group of fictional characters

The Marauders refers to one of two teams of fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The original Marauders team included mutant warriors and assassins employed by the X-Men's enemy Mister Sinister, a mad scientist villain often intent on creating a perfect race of superhumans. At different times, the Marauders have been tasked with Sinister to perform kidnappings, assassinations, mass murder, or to simply fight Sinister's enemies. At different times, Marauders have been killed in combat, but often Mr. Sinister later uses his cloning technology to re-create them. This team of Marauders has appeared in many different stories of the X-Men franchise, as well as stories featuring other Marvel Comics heroes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joanna Cargill</span> Comics character

Joanna Cargill, also known as Frenzy, is a fictional character, a mutant superhuman appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. She has been a member of supervillain groups, including the Alliance of Evil and the Acolytes, as well as the superhero team, the X-Men.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">X-Men: Eve of Destruction</span>

"Eve of Destruction" is an X-Men crossover storyline in the fictional Marvel Comics Universe. The storyline was written by Scott Lobdell and features artwork from Leinil Francis Yu, Salvador Larroca, and Tom Raney.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lilandra Neramani</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Princess-Majestrix Lilandra Neramani is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, most commonly in association with the X-Men. She is the Empress, or Majestrix, of the Shi'ar Empire and shares a lifelong bond with the leader of the X-Men, Charles Xavier. She and Xavier were married, but their marriage was annulled after the Cassandra Nova incident.

The Horsemen of Apocalypse are a team of supervillain characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Led by Apocalypse, they are loosely based on the Biblical Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse from the Book of Revelation, though its members vary throughout the canon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vulcan (Marvel Comics)</span> Character in Marvel Comics

Vulcan is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in X-Men: Deadly Genesis #1. He is the third Summers brother to be revealed, the younger brother of X-Men characters Cyclops and Havok.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hepzibah (comics)</span> Comics character

Hepzibah is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Dave Cockrum and Chris Claremont, the character first appeared in The X-Men #107. Hepzibah belongs to the alien species called Mephitisoid. The character has also been a member of the X-Men and the Starjammers at various points in her history.

References

  1. Lovett, Jamie (October 2, 2017). "'The Gifted' Premiere: Who Is Polaris?". ComicBook.com . Retrieved 2023-11-16.
  2. Zachary, Brandon (November 24, 2021). "One X-Man May Be an Omega-Level Mutant - Or Something Even More Powerful". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved 2023-11-16.
  3. Austen, Chuck. Uncanny X-Men #421(2003). Marvel Comics.
  4. Harth, David (December 18, 2019). "X-Men: 10 Mutants With The Same Powers". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved 2023-11-16.
  5. Gaber, Nabeel (February 2, 2021). "X-Men: Polaris Is Marvel's Most Mistreated Mutant - Which Makes NO Sense". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved 2023-11-16.
  6. DeFalco, Tom; Sanderson, Peter; Brevoort, Tom; Teitelbaum, Michael; Wallace, Daniel; Darling, Andrew; Forbeck, Matt; Cowsill, Alan; Bray, Adam (2019). The Marvel Encyclopedia. DK Publishing. p. 272. ISBN   978-1-4654-7890-0.
  7. Brown, Jonathan Rikard (July 2013). "X-Factor vs. X-Factor: A Look at the Role of Identity in Peter David's X-Factor". Back Issue! (65). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 73–78.
  8. Damore, Meagan (May 12, 2023). "'Captain Marvel' #50 First Look Stages a Star-Studded Super Hero Extravaganza". Marvel.com . Retrieved 2023-11-16.
  9. "Marvel Preview: Captain Marvel #44 • AIPT". AIPT Comics. December 2, 2022. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
  10. Zachary, Brandon (October 6, 2020). "X of Swords: Polaris Almost DESTROYED a Marvel Landmark By Herself". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved 2023-11-16.
  11. Damore, Meagan (February 17, 2023). "'Marauders' #12 First Look Reunites Kate Pryde with Her Late Father". Marvel.com . Retrieved 2023-11-16.
  12. X-Men #49. Marvel Comics.
  13. 1 2 X-Men #50
  14. Wells, John (2014). American Comic Book Chronicles: 1965-1969. TwoMorrows Publishing. p. 201. ISBN   978-1605490557.
  15. Brevoort, Tom; DeFalco, Tom; Manning, Matthew K.; Sanderson, Peter; Wiacek, Win (2017). Marvel Year By Year: A Visual History. DK Publishing. p. 132. ISBN   978-1465455505.
  16. X-Men #51-52
  17. X-Factor #243, 2012
  18. X-Men #52
  19. X-Men #58, 1969
  20. X-Men #57-58
  21. X-Men #60, 1969
  22. X-Men #65
  23. X-Men: The Hidden Years #3 (2000)
  24. X-Men #94, 1975
  25. Incredible Hulk #150
  26. Giant-Size X-Men #1
  27. X-Men #94
  28. X-Men #97 (1976)
  29. Uncanny X-Men #125-128
  30. Uncanny X-Men #145-146
  31. Uncanny X-Men #219
  32. Gaber, Nabeel (2021-02-02). "X-Men: Polaris Is Marvel's Most Mistreated Mutant - Which Makes NO Sense". CBR. Retrieved 2022-10-04.
  33. Uncanny X-Men #221-222
  34. Uncanny X-Men #239
  35. Uncanny X-Men #240-241, 243; X-Factor #39
  36. Uncanny X-Men #249
  37. Uncanny X-Men #250
  38. Uncanny X-Men #253
  39. Uncanny X-Men #254
  40. Uncanny X-Men #255
  41. Uncanny X-Men #257-258
  42. Uncanny X-Men #269
  43. X-Factor #69
  44. Uncanny X-Men #278-280
  45. X-Factor #70
  46. X-Factor #71
  47. X-Factor #87
  48. X-Factor #94
  49. X-Factor #95
  50. X-Factor #104-105
  51. X-Factor #118
  52. X-Factor #114
  53. X-Factor #120
  54. X-Factor #125-126
  55. X-Factor #136
  56. X-Factor #148
  57. 1 2 X-Factor #149
  58. X-Men vol. 2 #94
  59. Uncanny X-Men #376
  60. X-Men vol. 2 #97
  61. Magneto: Dark Seduction #1-4
  62. X-Men vol. 2 #113
  63. Uncanny X-Men #430
  64. Uncanny X-Men #431
  65. New X-Men #132
  66. Uncanny X-Men #425-426
  67. Uncanny X-Men #429-434
  68. X-Men vol. 2 #165
  69. X-Men vol. 2 #173
  70. X-Men vol. 2 #177
  71. X-Men #180–181
  72. X-Men vol. 2 #182-185
  73. X-Men vol. 2 #186-187
  74. 1 2 Uncanny X-Men #475
  75. Uncanny X-Men #484
  76. 1 2 Uncanny X-Men #486
  77. X-Men: Divided We Stand #2
  78. 1 2 X-Men: Kingbreaker #1. Marvel Comics.
  79. X-Men: Kingbreaker #2
  80. "Marvel News, Blog, Articles & Press Releases | Marvel".
  81. War of Kings #1
  82. War of Kings #2
  83. Guardians of the Galaxy #13
  84. War of Kings: Who Will Rule #1
  85. Realm of Kings: Imperial Guard #2
  86. X-Men: Legacy #253
  87. 1 2 X-Men: Legacy #255
  88. X-Men: Legacy #256
  89. X-Men: Legacy #258
  90. X-Men: Regenesis #1
  91. 1 2 X-Factor #243
  92. Uncanny Avengers #1
  93. X-Factor #245
  94. All-New X-Factor #1
  95. 1 2 All-New X-Factor #3
  96. Magneto Vol. 3 #19
  97. X-Men: Blue #8
  98. X-Men: Blue #9
  99. 1 2 House of X #5. Marvel Comics.
  100. X-Men #1. Marvel Comics.
  101. X-Factor #1-10. Marvel Comics.
  102. McGuire, Liam (June 26, 2021). "The Next Magneto Being Hinted At in New Marvel Art?". Screen Rant . Retrieved 2023-11-16.
  103. X-Men: Legacy #259. Marvel Comics.
  104. Lealos, Shawn S. (2019-06-27). "X-Men: 10 Mutants Who Are Close To Being Omega Level". Screen Rant . Retrieved 2023-11-16.
  105. Sims, Chris (July 27, 2020). "Marvel's Most Powerful Siblings Ranked". Looper . Retrieved 2023-11-16.
  106. Austin, Michael (2019-06-12). "X-Men: The 10 Most Powerful Alpha Level Mutants, Ranked". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved 2022-10-04.
  107. X-Men: The Hidden Years #18 (2001). Marvel Comics.
  108. Cardona, Ian (2018-05-22). "Hath No Fury: Marvel's 15 Fiercest Female Mutants, Ranked By Raw Power". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved 2022-10-04.
  109. "The NeXt Level: 20 Mutants Who Are On The Verge Of Becoming Omega-Level". Comic Book Resources . November 10, 2018. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
  110. Scarlet Witch (vol. 3) #3 (Marvel Comics, 2023).
  111. Schlesinger, Alex (September 17, 2023). "Polaris Cosplay Unleashes the Jaw-Dropping Power of Magneto's Daughter". Screen Rant . Retrieved 2023-11-16.
  112. Kaye, Deirdre (November 16, 2020). "Looking For A Role Model? These 195+ Marvel Female Characters Are Truly Heroic". Scary Mommy . Retrieved October 16, 2022.
  113. Molina, Maite (March 28, 2018). "Polaris: The Iconic X-Men Hero Who Endured When All Was Lost". ComicsVerse .
  114. Shayo, Lukas (July 10, 2023). "10 Best Female X-Men Characters, Ranked". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved 2023-11-16.
  115. Franich, Darren (June 9, 2022). "Let's Rank Every X-Man Ever". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved 2023-01-26.
  116. Marvel (April 14, 2021). "Marvel Reveals the Results of the Groundbreaking X-Men Vote". Marvel.com . Retrieved 2022-10-04.
  117. Grunenwald, Joe (April 15, 2021). "Marvel previews the HELLFIRE GALA, reveals the winner of the X-Men Vote". ComicsBeat . Retrieved 2023-07-30.
  118. Bacon, Thomas (2021-04-15). "Marvel Reveals The Winner Of The X-Men Election". Screen Rant . Retrieved 2022-10-04.
  119. Holub, Christian (April 15, 2021). "Marvel reveals the winner of its fan vote to choose the newest X-Men team member". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved 2022-10-04.
  120. Factor X #1-4
  121. Civil War: House of M #2
  122. House of M #1-8
  123. Mutant X #32
  124. Ultimate X-Men #61
  125. Ultimate X-Men #65
  126. Ultimatum #3
  127. Ultimate X-Men #12
  128. Exiles vol. 3 #1
  129. Exiles vol. 3 #6
  130. Hoffer, Christian (July 2, 2016). "X-Men: The Animated Series - Every Mutant That's Ever Appeared On The Show". ComicBook.com . Retrieved 2023-11-16.
  131. "Voice Of Polaris – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Check marks indicates role has been confirmed using screenshots of closing credits and other reliable sources{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
  132. "Voice Of Polaris – Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors. Check marks indicates role has been confirmed using screenshots of closing credits and other reliable sources{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
  133. Goldberg, Lesley (March 2, 2017). "Amy Acker Set as Female Lead in Fox's Marvel Drama (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved October 17, 2021.
  134. Jason, Jay (March 2, 2017). "Emma Dumont to Play Polaris in Fox's X-Men TV Series". ComicBook.com . Retrieved 2023-07-30.
  135. Arrant, Chris (October 12, 2013). "NYCC 2013: Marvel Adds More Characters To LEGO MARVEL SUPER HEROES Game". Newsarama .
  136. Crecente, Brian (October 12, 2013). "Lego Marvel Super Heroes demo coming next week". Polygon . Retrieved 2023-07-30.
  137. Paige, Rachel (August 27, 2020). "Piecing Together Marvel Puzzle Quest: Polaris (Lorna Dane)". Marvel.com . Retrieved 2023-11-16.
  138. Botadkar, Tanish (December 6, 2022). "Marvel Future Fight's December 2022 update, Destiny of X, brings the mutants into the fray as the Dark Phoenix rises". Pocket Gamer . Retrieved 2023-11-16.
  139. Catig, Gary (December 8, 2022). "'Marvel Future Fight' Releases Destiny Of X Update". Comicon.com . Retrieved 2023-11-16.
  140. "NEW CHARACTERS & SPECIAL SALE FOR UNCANNY X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST". Marvel.com . July 24, 2014. Archived from the original on May 8, 2018. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
  141. Melrose, Kevin (July 24, 2014). "SDCC | 'Days of Future Past' mobile game adds Storm, Polaris". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved 2023-07-30.
  142. MARVEL Super War - Polaris. Marvel Super War. 1 December 2020. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12. Retrieved 18 April 2021.
  143. Mullins, Sarah (November 4, 2022). "The 5 Best Card Combinations in Marvel Snap". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved 2023-07-30.
  144. Adler, Kai (January 7, 2023). "Marvel Snap: 10 Best Cards To Combo With Silver Surfer". Game Rant . Retrieved 2023-07-30.
  145. Lovett, Jamie (November 2, 2022). "Marvel HeroClix: Avengers Forever and X-Men Hellfire Gala Premium Set Unboxing". ComicBook.com . Retrieved 2023-11-16.