The New Mutants of 'X-Men: First Class'

"X-Men: First Class" marks the fifth film set in the X-men universe. Taking place before the previous "X-Men" films this prequel deals with future enemies Professor Xavier, played by James McAvoy, and Erik Lensherr aka Magneto, portrayed by Michael Fassbender, when they were still friends. The pair forms a school for mutants and create the first team of what will be known as the X-Men. While there are a number of familiar faces there is also a great deal of new blood as well. This article will examine the fresh faces in the franchise.

The Good Guys
There are a number of young recruits that Xavier and Lensherr enlist into their newly formed school. Among these is young Alex Summers also known as Havok, played by Lucas Till. In the comic book Havok is the younger sibling of the X-Men member known as Cyclops. Here due to the fact that this film takes place well before "X-Men" where Cyclops appeared he would seem to be an older brother rather than a younger one. Havok is able to absorb energy and then release it in the form of energy blasts, which he initially has difficulty controlling. Joining him is Banshee, played by Caleb Landry Jones. As the name would imply Banshee's powers derive from his voice, and he is able emit sonic blasts. Some are even so powerful that when directed at the ground he can propel himself into flight.

One of the more unusual newcomers is Darwin, played by Edi Gathegi. Darwin's mutation is "reactive evolution." This means that his body will evolve almost instantly depending on his situation. For example if he is underwater for a prolonged time he will develop gills. It's not all boys though who are the newcomers to the franchise. There is also Angel, portrayed by Zoe Kravitz, who has a mutation giving her similar attributes to a butterfly. These include beautiful wings and acidic saliva.

The Bad Guys
Not all of the new mutants are on the side of the righteous. Kevin Bacon leads the villains of the film as Sebastian Shaw, leader of the Hellfire Club. Shaw can absorb kinetic energy, such as when somebody punches him, and convert that into augmented strength and speed. Meaning the more physical punishment he takes the more powerful he becomes. Joining Shaw as a newcomer to the franchise is Riptide, played by Alex Gonzalez. Riptide is able to create powerful whirlwinds that emanate from his hands. Also on the side of the unrighteous is Azazel, played by Jason Flemyng. Red skinned and demon like in appearance he should look somewhat familiar to fans of the series. Azazel is the father of Nightcrawler, who appeared in "X2: X-Men United," and has the same set of powers. These include a dexterous tail and the ability to teleport in a puff of smoke.

There newcomers join such returning characters as Beast, Mystique and the White Queen (who appeared as a cameo in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine.") By bringing so many previously unseen characters into the franchise this film looks to be avoiding one of the major pitfalls of prequels. That is the issue of the audience knowing the ultimate fate of the characters. While movie goers may know what will happen down the line to the returning characters there is enough new blood to keep it fresh and exciting.