Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Hank McCoy made his debut in 1963 with X-Men #1 and became one of the founding members of the team. Dedicating himself to bettering the lives of his fellow mutants, McCoy worked as the X-Men's medical doctor and resident scientist and eventually went on to become a political activist trying to combat the rising hatred of mutants. Throughout his heroic career, McCoy has undergone various physical transformations, becoming the ape-like Beast, and has struggled to find acceptance in a harsh world.

Receiving widespread positive feedback, the character came to embody "everything about the mutant struggle in the Marvel Universe." Despite such praise from his comic-book readers and fans of the 1992 animated series, Beast didn't receive the recognition he deserved in the X-Men films. Although one of the original members and intended to appear in the early drafts of the 2000 film, the character didn't make his first appearance until the third installment and his timeline was dramatically changed in the subsequent prequel films. Speaking of his timeline, CBR has scoured every resource to reveal the top 20 strange secrets about Beast. How many will leave you shouting "Oh my stars and garters"?

20 BORN TO BE AN X-MAN

Henry "Hank" McCoy was born to Norton and Edna McCoy. After being exposed to radiation from a nuclear power plant where his father was working, Hank was given immense intelligence and unusually long appendages including large hands and feet. His enhanced dexterity allowed him to perform multiple tasks at the same time, using both hands and feet. Hank could apply a vice-like grip on surfaces as he climbed; wedging his fingers and toes in-between the tiniest of cracks. Despite his massive, ape-like physique, Hank's advanced agility allowed him to perform otherwise impossible physical feats with great ease.

This ability allows him to survive incredible falls without suffering much of any physical harm. His incredible legs grant him the ability to jump almost 30 feet vertically into the air, and he can run at almost 50 miles per hour! While at Bard College, Hank's hidden abilities allowed him to become a star athlete; his football teammates nicknaming him "Magilla Gorilla." After being exposed as a mutant, he attracts the attention of Professor Charles Xavier, who invites him to join his fellow kind at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. Realizing this school offers him a much needed sanctuary, Hank expands his knowledge and joins the X-Men team.

19 THE BRAINS AND THE BRAWN

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Along with his superhuman abilities, Beast also possesses a highly superior intellect and is regarded as one of eight smartest people in the world. With six PhDs and a vast knowledge of mutant genetics and evolutionary biology, he is a world-renown biochemist and works as the X-Men's resident scientist. He also has insight into various topics such as differential equations, nano-effusive technology, chemistry, and more. His technological prowess has allowed him to design and build Cerebra and the Danger Room, hack into Bruce Banner's computer, build many deus ex machina devices that rival those of Reed Richards, and build a time-travel device. During the construction of the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning, he even updated the facility with Shi'ar technology and a thermonuclear reactor.

Though acting humble about his knowledge of physics, he has impressed those around him with his knowledge of theoretical and bio- physics as well as basic anatomy. He also possesses an "eidetic memory," able to recall highly-complex mathematical and chemical formulas and remember historical texts and quotes from literature. Outside of scientific knowledge, Beast is well-versed when it comes to literature, art history, and is an accomplished musician. Being multilingual, he can speak Russian, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Arabic and Latin. Despite an intelligence that rivals even the best of minds, McCoy has yet to receive a Nobel Prize or be considered for the United States National Academy of Sciences.

18 DEFEATING THE UNDEFEATABLE

Feeling stressed about his new heroic career and frustrated by growing backlash against mutants, Hank decides to take a temporary leave from the X-Men and becomes a professional wrestler, still keeping his "Beast" title. During one of the matches, he is pitted against Unus the Untouchable, a fellow mutant with the power to generate an invisible barrier that shields him from harm. Desperate to join The Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, Unus is told by Mastermind that he must prove his worth and is tasked with defeating one of the X-Men. While interfering with a bank robbery, Unus is discovered by the X-Men, who are easily thwarted in their attempt to stop him.

When the team returns to the mansion to think of a new plan, they find Hank in the laboratory working on a ray gun that will increase Unus' powers. Thinking Hank's been influenced by The Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, the X-Men try to stop him, but he manages to get away with the device. Back at the gym, Hank uses his new creation on Unus, significantly increasing his powers much to the devastation of the X-Men. Unus comes to discover he is unable to control his powers, losing the ability to touch anything, including food. On the brink of starvation, he makes an agreement with Hank that he won't join The Brotherhood of Evil Mutants if Hank reverses the effects of his machine. After his powers return to normal, Unus continues his wrestling career and Hank rejoins the X-Men.

17 A BEASTLY TRANSFORMATION

After graduating from Xavier's school, Hank went on to work for the Brand Corporation as a genetic researcher where he met Doctor Carl Maddicks. During an experiment, he discovered a hormonal extract responsible for genetic mutation and attempted to inform Doctor Maddicks, who he found trying to steal top secret government documents. Wanting to stop Maddicks, Hank decided to inject himself with the extract, causing him to undergo a dramatic physical transformation. Enhancing his agility and strength, Hank begins to grow fangs and sprouts blue fur. He soon realizes that if he remains in this new state for too long, he can't return to his original form. Struggling to accept this change at first, Hank learned to embrace his new beastly form.

Along with his altered appearance, Hank came to realize the full potential of his mutant powers. His newly enhanced physique allowed him to exert himself for extended periods of time without suffering from fatigue and can withstand greater impacts without suffering intense harm. When injured, Hank can heal himself within a matter of minutes to a few days. In his ape-like form, he can use his acute senses to hear someone from a distance and track them purely using their scent. With retractable claws and elongated fangs, he is capable of tearing through flesh and hard surfaces with great ease.

16 ALL ABOUT TEAMWORK

In Avengers #137, the team holds try-outs to replenish their group after the loss of Swordsman and Mantis. Taking a temporary leave from the X-Men, Beast attempts to become a member but the Avengers are hesitant. When trying to explain his desire to remain a superhero, Beast is interrupted by "The Stranger." Threatening the team with his army of hover-mines, "The Stranger" easily defeats each member one by one, severely injuring Wasp, until Beast and Moondragon are the only two left. Beast is able to disarm the mines while Moondragon challenges "The Stranger" to a battle of the minds. Frustrated by the Avengers' attempts to thwart his plans, "The Stranger" disappears, vowing revenge. Beast is granted full membership into the Avengers in Issue #151, remaining with the team for a number of years and becoming close friends with Wonder Man.

After working with the Avengers, Beast joins The Defenders, working closely with Doctor Strange and aiding in the creation of The "New" Defenders; made up of Angel, Iceman, Valkyrie, Gargoyle and Moondragon. Shortly after, Beast and his fellow X-Men teammates are contacted by Jean Grey and Cyclops to form X-Factor. Initially, the team is tasked with operating undercover; posing as investigators of mutant "threats." In reality, they try to secure and protect those that share their mutant genetics. When the team needed to rely on their powers, they posed as a rogue team called X-Terminators, which eventually gave way to its own comic miniseries and the development of New Mutants.

15 DAZZLED BY BEAUTY

In the four-issue series Beauty and the Beast, the blue fur-ball begins a romantic relationship with the radiant Dazzler. Taking some time away from The Defenders, Beast travels to Hollywood to take in the sights of the glamorous city. Seeing a poster of Dazzler, he reminisces about the first time he saw her perform and the bright aura that surrounded her as she sang. Despite her star power, she has also become a victim of the growing hatred for mutants when she was exposed as one of them. After meeting Alexander Flynn, who takes advantage of her talent and exposes her to life of hedonism by spiking her drinks, Dazzler finds that she is having a harder time controlling her powers. She encounters Beast on the set of "The Mutant Theater," as he is being given a tour by Wonder Man.

When she is later kidnapped, Beast tracks her down to the Heartbreak Hotel and feeling drawn to her, promises to take care of her. During a moment outside, the two get caught in the rain and begin to innocently flirt with each other. Unsure of each other's feelings, the two continue to spend more time together, finding themselves unable to think about anyone else. Giving into their growing attraction for one another, Beast and Dazzler share a kiss. The lovers are constantly threatened by Flynn's growing influence over Dazzler and she soon gives into temptation, once more leaving Beast to regretfully end their relationship.

14 A WONDERFUL FRIENDSHIP

While working for the Avengers, Beast developed a friendship with teammate Wonder Man. Throughout their time on the team, both members continued to be plagued with self-doubts and concerns about their worthiness to be a part of the group. The two bonded over their shared struggles and found their escape by joining the nightlife scene, going to the movies and attending concerts. Recognizing that their superhero lifestyles have made them public figures, Wonder Man is encouraged by Beast to ease into the spotlight and decides to become an actor.  After returning to the Avengers in issue #194, the duo is established as the more easy-going, lovable troublemakers of the team.

Their "bro-mantic" dynamic continued long after they left the Avengers in issue #211; receiving their own spin-off comic series entitled Avengers Two: Wonder Man and Beast. In the three issue limited series, the guys take a road-trip back to Wonder Man's hometown in the West Coast, where they encounter familiar enemies including Lotus and It the Living Colossus. After parting ways once again, making some poor decisions and nearly destroying their teams, the two reconnect in A+X #12 Stopping by a familiar restaurant they would frequent in their early years together, the two begin to reminisce and come to terms with their mistakes. After a few rounds at the bar, Wonder Man and Beast decide to rekindle their friendship by engaging in wild shenanigans throughout the night; including giving Wolverine a haircut and singing karaoke with Absorbing Man.

13 TROUBLE WITH TILBY

During his time with X-Factor, Beast delved into a tumultuous relationship with a TV anchor named Patricia "Trish" Tilby, who was investing in the team. Operating as a strained ally to the X-Men, Tilby often leaked private information she received from certain members to the public in order to keep up the news network's image of seeing mutants as a threat to human society. During the battle with Apocalypse, she meets Hank, who has been infected by Pestilence's touch so every time he uses his strength, his intelligence drastically decreases. When he is cured and returns to his beastly form, Hank shares a kiss with Trish.

His relationship with Trish becomes tense when she reports on the Legacy Virus and how it has infected one of the X-Men's closest human allies, Moira MacTaggart. Feeling betrayed and crediting her reporting with the increase of human violence against mutants, Hank ends the relationship. After escaping from Dark Beast, Hank reconciles with Trish and the two rekindle their romance. During the events of New X-Men, Hank undergoes a second transformation; going from his ape-like appearance to more feline. Trish rejects this new change, fearing ridicule and embarrassment if their relationship was made public, and breaks up with him.

12 FINDING A CURE

Desperate to make a worthy achievement t in his life, Beast encounters a challenge when he tries to find a cure for the deadly Legacy Virus. Crafted by Stryfe who sought to eliminate all mutants, the original virus was based on one Apocalypse unleashed on the human race many years into the future. Looking through the research Professor Xavier and Moira MacTaggart have found on the issue, Beast realizes finding a solution will be harder than he previously thought and begins to obsessively dedicate his time trying to find a cure. Against his better judgement, Beast turns to Mister Sinister for help, granting him access to a mutant named Threnody who could sense the virus' effects.  He later breaks into Sinister's fortress and steals his notes regarding his findings about the virus.

When doing experiments of his own, Beast discovers that some of his work-in-progress formulas have been completed for him by an evil version of himself known as "Dark Beast." Finally, Beast creates an anti-virus, only to come to the realization that it will kill the first mutant who unleashes it. After losing his sister to the deadly disease, Colossus decides to sacrifice himself to spread the cure. Activating his powers, the cure is supercharged, instantly destroying the virus and killing Colossus.

11 DARK BEAST

In an alternate reality (Earth-295), Hank McCoy is a cruel, sadistic scientist and geneticist working for Mister Sinister to create more powerful mutants. Due to the harsh nature of his experiments on his test subjects, he is given the nickname "Beast." During the breeding stage of his experiments, if he found any to be not worthy of survival, he used their genetic material to create Apocalypse's Army of Infinites. Escaping from his reality and into the established Marvel Universe (Earth-616), Dark Beast infiltrates the X-Men by kidnaping Beast and posing as him. Finding himself in constant danger of being discovered, Dark Beast found that he had to torture and kill many of Beast's childhood friends to learn more information to better convince his teammates.

He finally confronts his better half during the events of M-Day where the two form a tense alliance to prevent the extinction of all mutants. In the Dark Reign storyline, Dark Beast is a member of Norman Osborn's Dark X-Men. Working as the team's scientist, he creates "The Omega Machine" designed to remove a mutant's powers. In its early stages, Dark Beast decides to test his creation on Beast, leading to devastating consequences as Beast begins to slowly deteriorate. Not wanting to kill his test subjects, Osborn orders Dark Beast to continue improving the machine. When he decides to try a different test subject, Dark Beast is ambushed by X-Force and brutally stabbed by Wolverine and Warpath.

10 A CONTROVERSIAL CLAIM

After ending her relationship with Beast, Trish visits the mansion to interview Jean Grey for an exclusive story and is attacked by Cassandra Nova. When she is rescued by Beast, she attempts to apologize for how she had treated him but he cuts her off by announcing that their relationship couldn't work because he was gay. He continues to claim his homosexuality thinking it will lead to sympathy and tolerance from those who fear mutants. His attempts to quell the growing hatred are challenged by Emma Frost, acting as his telepathic therapist. Maintaining that he is trying "to challenge the preconceived notions about language, gender, and species", Frost warns that his lies are only fanning "the flames of controversy."

Beast later admitted his reason for the false announcement was because he wanted to humiliate Trish after her harsh rejection of him. In 2015, it was announced that one of the X-Men would be "coming out." In All-New X-Men #40,  a young Bobby Drake / Iceman is informed by Jean Grey that is he gay. After Bobby makes a comment about Magik's "hotness", Jean pulls him aside and asks him "why do you say things like that?" Not understanding the question, she reveals she is aware of his homosexual thoughts. Strongly denying the accusation, Bobby tries to convince himself he's bisexual since his older self dated women. Eventually, he comes to realize Jean is right and asks if she thinks Angel is also gay.

9 WANTING TO BE NORMAL

During the events of New X-Men, Beast finds out about a "cure" for mutants that could potentially return him back to his normal stage. Despite a strong desire to take it, Beast is convinced by Wolverine not to as it would send a poor message to his fellow mutants. Returning to Xavier's Institute, he becomes a scientist and teacher of higher learning. While at the school, he undergoes another transformation, taking on a more feline appearance.

In Astonishing X-Men, Beast encounters Ord of the Breakworld and learns more about this mysterious mutant "cure." Breaking into Doctor Kavita Rao's lab, Beast obtains a sample to explore further, much to the concern of his fellow X-Men teammates. Finding that the results of "cure" remain inconclusive, Beast is interrupted in his research by Wolverine who strongly urges him to get rid of the sample, learning from Emma that Beast's inner thoughts have been "calling out" for a release. The two argue and begin to get physical when Emma Frost telepathically threatens to make them dance with each other if they don't stop their fighting. Learning that Roa has been testing the "cure" on dead mutants, including a former X-Man, Beast angrily gathers the rest of the X-Men to put a stop to her and Ord's experiments.

8  LOSING THEIR SPARK

During the events of Ultimate X-Men, Beast and Storm develop romantic feelings for each other. Called upon Jean Grey to be members of the X-Men, the two first meet each other during a mission to recruit Bobby Drake and are attacked by a group of Sentinels. Despite saving New York, the team is soon attacked by an angry mob threatened by the presence of mutants. Struggling to understand how an attractive woman could ever develop affectionate feelings for him, Beast is wary of his growing relationship with Storm. After being tortured by Weapon-X, mutating into his beastly form, he feels even more undeserving of her love and promptly ends their relationship.

The emotional aftermath of their break-up deepens after Beast accidentally helps the Brotherhood of Mutants release Professor Xavier's sworn enemy Magneto. Despite reconciling moments after, Beast ultimately leaves the X-Men when he begins to notice the newest recruit Angel has developed feelings for Storm. Joining the New Mutants, Beast appears to have died in the aftermath of another attack by the Sentinels and in her grief, Storm lashes out and begins to distance herself from the memories of her former lover. She ends up growing closer to Wolverine, the two sharing a kiss during a mission to rescue a kidnapped Rogue.

7 THE HUNTER BECOMES THE PREY

In X-Men: The Hidden Years #17, a non-furry Hank finds himself playing "a most dangerous game" with Kraven The Hunter. After poisoning Avia, Kraven offers to give the X-Men the cure in exchange for making Beast his newest hunting trophy. Setting up various traps around the Xavier Mansion, the hunter hopes to sharpen his skills with his latest target. Barely escaping three of Kraven's traps, Hank is left contstanly questioning whether he has made the right decision as he swings from the treetops, hoping to avoid any dangers below. Distracted by his thoughts, Hank is caught in a spring-loaded net and is hurled against a massive tree. Cursing his momentary stupidity, Hank is unaware that many of the traps he believes he's avoided have been laced with a toxin that is gradually affecting the blood flow to his brain.

Tracking his prey, Kraven is pleased to learn his traps are working to his advantage and eagerly beings hunting. Starting with a surprise attack from Kraven, the physical confrontation turns into a battle of wits as each tries to prove they are the better opponent. However, as the intensity of their fight grows, Kraven realizes his toxins are making Hank more aggressive. In a savage attack, Hank begins to brutally beat Kraven to a bloody pulp until he is blasted by one of Cyclop's beams as the rest of the X-Men (who have been following the entire time), try to break up the fight.

6 KEEPER OF A COSMIC POWER

In New Avengers #3, Beast visits Xavier's apartment in New York after receiving a letter upon the professor's death. Inside the envelope is a piece of paper with the word "remember," which triggers a memory of the Illuminati and one of the Infinity Stones. After retrieving the stone, he is met by Black Bolt, Captain America, and Namor who transport him to Wakanda. It is later explained that each member of the Illuminati  is in procession of a certain stone, which will be used to power the Infinity Gauntlet to prevent their universe from potentially colliding with another during an apocalyptic event. Four days after their meeting, the incursion begins and the Gauntlet is assembled and given to Captain America to wield.

Three entities known as The Watcher, Galactus, and Thanos are alerted to the Gauntlet's presence and send feedback that halts Captain America's progress. The powerful force is enough to shatter all of the Infinity Stones, except the Time Stone which instantly vanishes. The Illuminati quickly turn on one another as they discuss what to do next. Captain America is steadfast in his belief that there must be a better, safer option than creating a doomsday machine to be used as a last resort. Coming to the conclusion that he will not waver in his stance on the situation, the rest of the group decide to wipe Captain America's memory.

5 RECEIVING DIVINE ASSISTANCE

In All-New X-Men Vol 2 #8, the team finds themselves transported from the past into a present time where hatred for mutants is running rampant. Trying to find a way back to their own timeline, Hank realizes their only hope may be Doctor Strange. Much to Hank's surprise, Strange denies his request for help and the two suddenly find themselves under attack by 12th dimension shadow goblins. During their fight with a worm-like creature, Hank and Strange learn to see things from each other's perspective and discover they aren't as different from one another as they previously believed. Given "The Third Eye of Horus", Hank begins to dabble in magic as he tries to find a way to time-travel.

After many failed trial runs, Hank discovers that the mask Strange gave to him has the ability to send whomever wears it through time. After further experimentation, he realizes he's able to time-travel within the timeline he currently finds himself in. With each experiment, Hank is unaware that he is widening a rift allowing for the Goblin Queen and her demonic spawn to travel to the present world. Using the X-Men to distract the enemy, Hank begins working on a way to send the demonic horde back to their own world. After a series of embarrassing failures, Hank suddenly transforms into an all-powerful Beast and using his new powers, sends the Queen and her armies back to Hell.

4 A QUESTION OF BELIEF

Though a man of science, it appears Hank may have also been interested in religion. In All-New X-Men #1, he undergoes a painful transformation and directly prays to God asking "please let me do something worth something before I go." However, in Issue #5, his younger self blatantly states that "I don't believe in Heaven. I don't believe in Hell. I believe in the biological functions of higher organisms." Many point out the fact that Hank has worked alongside powerful deities such as Thor and Hercules and heard fellow teammates' first hand encounters with God and the Devil. Even his fellow scientists, well-respected in their areas of study, have acknowledged and even explored the existence of the divine. In Amazing X-Men #3, the team directly faces the forces of Heaven and Hell during a battle against Azazel.

Despite all this, he maintains a sense of atheism. While not outright saying if he's a believer, saying "maybe I just like a good argument," Hank has a conversation with Spider-Man about the belief in God in The Amazing Spider-Man #1.3. Parker firmly states he doesn't believe in "some bearded guy standing on a cloud" despite McCoy's attempts to explain how certain cultures would view both of them as gods or demons because of their superhuman abilities. In the end, Hank tells Spider-Man "your theological disquiet won't vanish until you stop to consider why it bothers you so much."

3 THE UNTOLD STORIES

After being removed as the writer for Uncanny X-Men, Chris Claremont expressed the desire to "write X-Men that wouldn't be impaired by the ever-present continuity or intertwining with all the other adventures of all the X-books." Marvel's Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada suggested giving Grant Morrison and Claremont each one X-Men book; the latter receiving X-Treme X-Men while Morrison received New X-Men. The writers then chose the characters they wanted to focus on, picking from Storm, Beast, Sage, Rogue, Psylocke and Bishop. After doing a year's worth of stories revolving around Beast, Claremont was shocked to learn that the character had been pulled and added to Morrison's roster.

Deeply frustrated by the turn of events, he was forced to edit his stories to the point where they either "had to go in one direction... had to be postponed, and others pulled completely." One of the main changes came in the form of the Savage Land arc which became centered around Storm instead of Beast. In his "Cordially Chris" forum in 2003, the writer revealed in his original Beast-centric story arcs, he also "had plans for" Rachel Summers, Rahne Sinclair (Wolfsbane), Danielle Moonstar, and Forge. He also regretfully stated to Cinescape.com that he was forced to leave behind characters and unresolved plot-lines that he had introduced during his time writing Uncanny X-Men. In 2006, Claremont was let go from writing the X-Men; his final contribution being Uncanny X-Men #474.

2 CONTINUITY COMPLAINTS

The X-Men film franchise is one of the highest-grossing film series with six X-Men films, a Wolverine trilogy, and various spin-offs and works-in-progress. However, what the franchise has suffered from is a growing lack of continuity. In regards to Hank McCoy's story, his origin and entire timeline has been drastically altered much to the disappointment and confusion of fans of the lovable fur-ball. Meant to appear as one of the founding members of the X-Men, the films and their specific canons didn't properly introduce Hank McCoy until X-Men: The Last Stand (although the character appeared in a brief cameo by Steve Basic in X2). Played by Kelsey Grammer, McCoy has long since left the team and is now working as Secretary of Mutant Affairs for the U.S Government.

There are various references to his comic-book days such as his friendship with Storm and strained professionalism when dealing with Doctor Rao. When the team prepares to battle Magneto and his growing army, he changes into his former X-Man suit commenting "hard to believe this once fit me." A younger McCoy, played by Nicholas Hoult, appears in X:Men First Class as a young Harvard graduate who is approached by Charles Xavier in 1962 during the early stages of the X-Men's development. Working on a serum that removes his physical mutation (large feet) while keeping his superhuman abilities, he injects himself only to further enhance his mutation and become more beast-like.

1 CAMEO AND DELETED SCENE

Some fans were surprised to learn that Grammer's cameo during X-Men: Days of Future Past was his idea. In an interview, Grammer admits he expressed a desire to Bryan Singer to make a return as the character in future films. After a run-in with co-star Hugh Jackman, Grammer called Singer, asking to make an appearance and much to the actor's delight "Bryan arranged for it and I had a lovely time." Eager to don the blue fur again, the actor is keeping his fingers crossed that "they will find some way to come up with a new story that involves Beast in my timeline."

In a deleted scene from X-Men: The Last Stand, during Wolverine's rousing speech as Iceman, Kitty Pryde, and Colossus prepare for their first battle as X-Men, McCoy tries to inspire the group by reciting Shakespeare. Beginning with "we few, we happy few, we band of brothers", the excerpt is part of the St. Crispin's Day Speech from the play "Henry V." Watching the scene, it's easy to see that such a dramatic moment felt out-of-place and put a damper on Wolverine's call for courage; especially when he mentions the shedding of blood, which causes confusion and panic in the eyes of the younger members.