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X-Men: A rough guide to the pupils of First Class: Part two

With the X-MEN: FIRST CLASS release just days away, now is an appropriate time to look at some of the mutants who are new to the silver screen. In this instalment we take a look at the mysterious Hellfire Club and its sinister members Sebastian Shaw, Emma Frost, Azazel, and Riptide. With the constant flux of superhero movies these days (not to mention a plethora of spandex-clad characters), it’s easy to forget just who these guys are, where they came from, and just what they can do. Allow THN to help you brush up on the X-Universe with part two of our ‘Rough Guide’…

The comic-book Hellfire Club

First appearance: X-Men#100 (1976)

Comic History: Originally an exclusive British gentleman’s establishment, the Hellfire Club is now a worldwide operation. Its membership is usually restricted to powerful businessmen, entrepreneurs, and politicians, and within this a secret Inner Circle seeks world domination through various sinister means. These powerful and secretive members are usually named after chess pieces (see Sebastian Shaw), and have, at times, formed alliances with the likes of Apocalypse or Mister Sinister.

The Hellfire Club had previously been involved with the persecution of mutants, with a former White King funding a project that saw the creation of the Sentinels, giant mutant-hunting robots. This initiative was brought to an end once Sebastian Shaw took control of the Club, and their efforts became focused on mutant world domination, something that brought them into constant conflict with the X-Men.

The club has seen a range of members over the years, and even welcomed Magneto into its Inner Circle at one stage. Club member Emma Frost also lured a number of Professor X’s young students into her charge as Hellions.

At present the Hellfire Club appears to have disbanded, though it is only a matter of time before it resurfaces (particularly as the film is sure to do HUGE box office).

Different How? The movie version of the Hellfire club appears to have only one chapter, located in the U.S., and its Inner Circle consists of only four members. However, similarly to the comics, Shaw does indeed attempt mutant world domination, in this case by bringing about nuclear war (he believes the atomic age to have advanced the evolution of mutants). Whether the Hellfire Club will survive X-MEN: FIRST CLASS remains to be seen, or is it possible (as is the case in the comics) that it will resurface at a later date with a whole new membership?

The original Sebastian Shaw

Sebastian Shaw

Aliases: Black King

Mutant Abilities: Able to absorb kinetic energy and transform it into human strength

Nationality: U.S. Citizen

Played By: Kevin Bacon

Comic History: By his twenties Sebastian Shaw had established himself as a successful businessman, and made a fortune producing weapons for the military. He was soon invited to join the elite Hellfire Club, and after joining its Inner Circle, overthrew its leader to become Black King.

Over the years, Shaw took on a number of adversaries, from attempted takeovers within the Club to the X-Men themselves. But his biggest challenge (and eventual defeat) came at the hands of his own son, Shinobi, who not only bought out Shaw Industries but also took his father’s place as Black King.

Kevin Bacon as Sebastian Shaw

However, Shaw returned years later and rebuilt the Hellfire Club in his own vision, eventually taking the coveted role of Lord Imperial. His lowest point was still to come perhaps, when he discovered his lifelong aide Tessa had been a spy for the X-Men all along.

At present, Shaw has stepped down from his position as Lord Imperial. He was severely injured in savage battle and handed the title over. But nothing in comics lasts forever…

Different How? Among other things, Shaw begins the movie as a Nazi (or at least working alongside them). Though he disapproves of their methods, he agrees that they get results – a consideration that has deadly consequences. He uses his time with the Nazis to seek out mutants (much like Charles Xavier would later), maybe in the hope of building toward a mutant revolution.

Additionally, his main grudge is with Erik Lehnsherr rather than the X-Men, a feud which began in Auschwitz. Despite this, Shaw’s radical views on mutant superiority may well shape the future Magneto’s agenda. He also pioneers the anti-telepath helmet that Magneto would later take on as his own.

Though one would assume the X-Men to be victorious in their first outing, is it possible that Shaw will bounce back just as his comic-book counterpart has?

The comics' version of Riptide

Riptide

Real Name: Janos Quested

Mutant Abilities: Creates a powerful vacuous suction through spinning his body at great speeds. Can also grow spikes of calcium through his skin that can be launched as he spins.

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #210 (1986)

Played By: Alex Gonzalez

Comics’ History: Riptide is part of the Marauders, a villainous team affiliated with Mister Sinister and future X-Men member Gambit.

Riptide was most notably involved in a battle against subterranean mutants the Morlocks, an event in which he clashed with X-Men Nightcrawler and Colossus. His dominance was short-lived however, as an infuriated Colossus broke his neck and killed him.

Alex Gonzalez as Riptide

Later, Mister Sinister cloned his defeated Marauders team, including Riptide. The cloned version of Riptide was one of the few mutants to have retained his powers following M-Day, in which Magento’s daughter The Scarlet Witch removed most traces of the mutant gene from existence (don’t ask).

Different How? The film version of Riptide appears quite different, and remains an interesting choice of villain considering his relatively minor status. This Riptide doesn’t appear to spin at high speeds to use his power, and is capable of creating huge winds in the palm of his hands. His abilities are more reminiscent of Storm from the previous films. Additionally, Riptide is now part of the Hellfire Club, which marks a change from his comic affiliations with the Marauders.

The original Azazel

Azazel

Aliases: Beezlebub, Satan

Mutant Abilities: Teleportation, psychic connections with his children, and the ability to generate energy blasts.

Nationality: Unknown

First Appearance: Uncanny X-Men #428 (2003)

Played by: Jason Flemyng

Comics History: A relatively late addition to the X-Universe, Azazel ia a manifestation of the devil himself, and his existence dates back to biblical times. In an effort to protect humanity fro his tyranny, he was banished to the Brimstone Dimension by the Angels.

Jason Flemyng as Azazel

Despite his banishment, he was able to return to Earth for brief periods, during which he fathered a number of children. His offspring include renowned mutants Nightcrawler, Abyss, and Kiwi Black. Through his psychic connection with his children, Azazel opened a portal to his dimension, and drew the X-Men there to battle him. Though he attempted to trap them there, he was defeated and the X-Men returned home.

Different How? Azazel is one sharp mutant. Always suited and booted, he is an aesthetically-pleasing yet deadly addition to the Hellfire Club. Though largely silent, his actions speak for themselves as he displays some particularly gruesome ways of utlising his teleportation abilities.

Whereas the comics’ version is an ancient and all-powerful mutant, the film Azazel is very much a follower, doing the bidding of his leader Sebastian Shaw. Will Azazel remain part of the villainous group? Or is he destined to join the X-Men like his son Nightcarwler?

The comics' version of Emma Frost

Emma Frost

Aliases: White Queen

Mutant Abilities: Telepathic, also able to transform her body into an (almost) indestructible diamond-like substance.

Nationality: U.S. Citizen

First Appearance: X-Men #129 (1979)

Played By: January Jones

Comics’ History: Beautiful, charming, and intelligent, Emma Frost excelled in the business world. This was, of course, aided by her powerful telepathic abilities. She can read and manipulate minds, and even cause pain to others through invisible psionic bolts (brain blasts, if you like). Her considerable success earned her a place in the notorious Hellfire club (though she may have used her powers to ascend above the role of dancer), and used her beauty to and skimpy dress sense to hold an advantage over men.

After striking a connection with Sebastian Shaw, the pair staged a coup and took over the group as Black King and White Queen. They attempted to draw more mutant blood into the Hellfire Club, an act which led them to oppose with the X-Men on several occasions.

January Jones as Emma Frost

She later joined the X-Men (it’s a very fickle business, this thing they call superheroics), and took the role of headmistress at Professor X’s academy. She later taught mutants on the island nation of Genosha, though Sentinels eventually destroyed the entire population. She currently acts as co-head master at the Xavier institute alongside X-Men original Cyclops, with whom she had a brief telepathic affair (which is probably more exciting than it sounds).

Different How? Perhaps the closest interpretation of all the Hellfire Club members, Emma Frost has remained relatively faithful in her transference to screen. Much like the comics’ version, she is uses her sexuality and telepathic powers to manipulate those to her own ends. She also changes to ‘diamond form’ when she has occasion to do so. Her relationship with Sebastian Shaw is also intact, and their control of the Hellfire Club is very close to that depicted in the original comics. The biggest mystery is whether Emma will continue her dastardly ways, or whether she will join the X-Men at any stage. As a prominent figure in the comics for a substantial period, it’s a safe bet that Emma’s story will be one of the most intriguing as the franchise develops.

Tom Fordy is a writer and journalist. Originally from Bristol, he now lives in London. He is a former editor of The Hollywood News and Loaded magazine. He also contributes regularly to The Telegraph, Esquire Weekly and numerous others. Follow him @thetomfordy.

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