Gentle (comics)
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Gentle | |
Gentle by Skottie Young |
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Publication information | |
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Publisher | Marvel Comics |
First appearance | New X-Men vol. 2 #23 |
Created by | Craig Kyle Chris Yost |
In story information | |
Alter ego | Nezhno "Nez" Abidemi |
Species | Human Mutant |
Team affiliations | New X-Men Xavier Institute |
Abilities | extreme strength, by temporarily increasing the muscle mass of his body to impossible levels |
Gentle (Nezhno Abidemi[1] ) is a fictional character, a mutant in the Marvel Comics Universe, and a member of the student body in the Xavier Institute. He is one of only 27 students to have retained his powers after M-Day.
Contents |
[edit] Fictional character biography
[edit] Xavier Institute/M-Day
Prior to M-Day, he was part of Storm's unseen squad[2]. He kept his powers in the wake of Decimation and thus still resides at the Xavier Institute.
Emma Frost told him to step out from a sparring match to determine who would become the team of X-Men trainees.
It is later noted that Nezhno is from Wakanda, and he was the only student allowed to attend the wedding of Storm and the Black Panther[3].
[edit] Quest for Magik
Nezhno is among the students who are listening to Blindfold's story about Magik, Belasco and Limbo. He, with the other students are transported to Limbo. It is revealed that Nezhno's code-name is Gentle and he has the ability to temporarily increase the mass of his muscles.
[edit] Messiah Complex
During his return to the school after Limbo, Nezhno went into a deep meditative state to calm himself and to pray about his "violence" in defense of his friends. It was at this point that he revealed that his power was a dangerous one, and that it would eventually take his life. He also retained his calm while fellow student Pixie, whom he had saved in Limbo, showed obvious interest in him [4].
This was nothing more, however, than a calm before the storm because soon he was thrust head first into a life changing battle when the O*N*E Sentinel went rogue and attempted to not only destroy the Xavier Institute but to kill him and his fellow students. Springing into action Nezhno used his power like never before and increased his muscle mass, height, and weight to dangerous degrees. Despite the health risks and being told to stay put by headmaster Scott Summers, he jumped into the fray and may have saved many lives by his intervention. Despite knowing that his life may be forfeit he did his best to halt the Sentinels and was apparently neutralized by one and lay depowered and unconscious on the battlefield [5].
Nezhno proved himself quite durable however and was not seen in the infirmary with the sick and injured but turned up in defense of his sick friends when Predator X attacked the school looking for an easy meal. Nezhno and Armor use a combination of their powers to hold of the beast while Pixie teleports them to what remains of Muir Island. Once there they continue their fight with the monster [6].
[edit] Divided We Stand
Just three days after the events of Messiah Complex, Nezhno decided to head back to his homeland, Wakanda. He was relieved to be free of the pestering of his former classmates, saying that they "nearly destroyed [him] with their insanity". During his return however, he found himself ostracized not only by his fellow Wakandans, but also by his own mother - due to the facts that his biological father was Russian, and therefore he is only seen as an outsider to his people. He then reflects that the only people who accepted him were the New X-Men, and he regrets having pushed them away. [7]
[edit] Powers and abilities
After Belasco had kidnapped the New X-Men to Limbo, Nezhno was able to protect Pixie and defeat N'astirh before passing out. Nezhno's powers have been described as "Extreme strength". His power is the ability to temporarily increase the muscle mass of his body to impossible levels. However, he cannot sustain this form for long since it causes massive strain on his body and leads to seizures. The vibranium tattoos adorning his body help to keep his powers in check but Nezhno indicated that eventually his powers will kill him[8]. Also important to note is the fact that when his powers are in use his vibranium tattoos glow. It was revealed that the tattoos are actually Vibranium-based paints that were intended to be fused with his skin, due to his powers. However, due to his mutation, They have bonded to his muscles, possibly enhancing his strength and durability further.
Nezhno has also said that he lacks any sense of touch, but it is possible that he might have felt Mercury touch him at some point.
Nezhno was excused from Emma's New X-Men brawl for his own safety and only participated in minimal violence while in Limbo. He saves this power for emergencies as it can only be used for a short period of time.
[edit] Personality and beliefs
Nezho is a calm and passive individual. Though not cold, he does not speak much. He seems to hold strong pacifistic beliefs and refrains from any sort of violence, though those may originate from the self-lethal nature of his mutation. His codename spawns from these beliefs. Likewise, he only uses his powers "in emergencies."
[edit] References
- ^ His forename is a Russian word meaning "tenderly", "gently". His surname is a Yoruban word meaning "born during father's absence".
- ^ Nezhno's position as a member of Storm's former squad was revealed by his creators on the uncannyxmen.net forum.
- ^ New X-Men vol. 2 #29
- ^ New X-Men vol. 2 #42
- ^ Uncanny X-Men #493
- ^ New X-Men vol. 2 #46
- ^ X-men: Divided We Stand #1
- ^ New X-Men vol. 2 #42