Beast
Henry 'Hank' McCoy
A mutant of extraordinary intellect and increasingly monstrous appearance. Originally nimble and ape-like, Hank McCoy's secondary mutations transformed him into a blue-furred cat-like creature, then something even more bestial. His journey from jovial scientist to morally compromised government operative mirrors the X-Men's own loss of innocence.
Appearances Over Time
Most Appearances By Series
The Uncanny X-Men (1981) 140 issues
The X-Men (1963) 107 issues
X-Men (1991) 79 issues
X-Factor (1986) 72 issues
Astonishing X-Men (2004) 62 issues
X-Force (2020) 46 issues
All-New X-Men (2013) 46 issues
X-Men: Blue (2017) 38 issues
New X-Men (2001) 38 issues
X-Men (2024) 36 issues
Event Participation
The X-Men #1
1963
The X-Men #1
September 1963
Beast's modern characterization has become deeply divisive, with many fans lamenting how far he's strayed from the beloved, compassionate genius of the 90s animated series. His increasingly morally gray decisions during the Krakoa era (particularly his unethical experiments and manipulations) prompted significant backlash, with some storylines explicitly calling out his descent into villain territory. Despite this controversy, fans still appreciate his classic portrayal in runs like Joss Whedon's Astonishing X-Men, where his intelligence, wit, and fighting prowess as an original X-Man were on full display.