Polaris (Marvel Comics)
Lorna Dane Polaris | |
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Malice | |
Abilities |
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Polaris (Lorna Dane) is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Arnold Drake and artist Jim Steranko, the character first appeared in The X-Men #49 (October 1968).[1] Lorna Dane belongs to the subspecies of humans called mutants, who are born with superhuman abilities.[2] She can control magnetism in a manner similar to her father Magneto.[3][4] The character has been known as Polaris, Malice, and Pestilence at various points in her history.[5] Dane has also been a member of the X-Men and the X-Factor.[6]
The character has been featured in various other Marvel-licensed products, including
Publication history
1960s
Lorna Dane debuted in The X-Men #49 (October 1968),[7] created by writer Arnold Drake and artist Jim Steranko.[8] She appeared in the 1975 Giant-Size X-Men series. She appeared in the 1986 X-Factor series.
2000s
Lorna Dane appeared in the 2019 Captain Marvel series.[9][10] She appeared in the 2020 X-Factor series.[11] She appeared in the 2020 X of Swords: Creation one-shot.[12] She appeared in the 2021 X-Men series.[13] She appeared in the 2021 X-Men Unlimited Infinity Comic series.[14] She appeared in the 2022 Marauders series.[15] She appeared in the 2023 Scarlet Witch series.[16]
Fictional character biography
Origin
Lorna Dane met the original team of
When the X-Men attempted to rescue her,
Unbeknownst to Lorna, the Magneto who claimed to be her father is revealed to be an android. Shortly after, Lorna was captured by Sentinels, but was rescued by the X-Men.[25] Lorna joined the X-Men and began living at Xavier's mansion.[26] Lorna aided Havok and the X-Men in repelling the alien Z'Nox's attempted invasion of Earth.[27]
Lorna Dane's first "code name" was Magnetrix, but she quickly decided that she did not like this name. However, that did not keep Havok from continuing to use that name as a way to annoy and flirt with her.[28] The two leave the X-Men to pursue their mutual interest in geophysics.[29] They moved to the Diablo mountain range in California.[volume & issue needed]
Lorna, with Havok, is later seen battling the
Mind controlled
Lorna received a new costume of
Polaris and Havok remained inactive as members of the X-Men, though they did return from time to time to assist the team. With the X-Men, they battled
Under Malice's control, Lorna attacked the X-Men as leader of the Marauders.
Having nowhere else to go, Lorna went to
Muir Island
Upon examination, Dr. MacTaggert was at a loss to explain Lorna's new mutation, although she did confirm that the only way Zaladane could have taken her powers away was if she had been a biological sibling.
Prior to this time, it had not been clear that Polaris was actually drawing strength from being a nexus for negative emotional energies. Polaris’ status as a nexus, however, was perceived by the villainous Shadow King. The Shadow King used Polaris as a gateway to allow him access to the physical world from the astral plane, causing a worldwide increase in anger, hatred, and violence in the process.[47] Polaris was freed of his influence with the help of X-Factor and the X-Men during the Muir Island Saga.[48] Upon the defeat of the Shadow King, Polaris’ magnetic powers return due to a combination of Zaladane's death a short time before and the neural-disruptive psionic blade of the X-Man Psylocke, leaving no trace of her increased size, strength, or emotion-control powers.[49]
X-Factor
Polaris was then asked to join the newly formed X-Factor by Valerie Cooper, and, tired of hiding out on Muir Island, she accepted.[50] Havok and Polaris were set as its leaders. Although joining X-Factor offered Polaris the chance to reunite with Havok, their relationship remained largely unresolved.[51] Polaris was able to come to terms with her experiences with mind control thanks to psychiatrist Dr. Leonard Samson, helping her to develop her confidence.[52] Polaris developed a strong belief in Xavier's dream while a member of X-Factor.[53] Polaris became the government's secret weapon against a possible attack from Magneto, with the government hiring the mercenary Random to test her abilities.[54] Malice later returned to bother her once more but Havok and Polaris, out of their love for each other, each tried to absorb her, preventing the other from being possessed. In the end, Malice perished at the hands of Mister Sinister.[55]
Shortly thereafter, Havok was kidnapped by agents of the
After recovering from her injuries, and learning that Havok's "terrorist" activities had been a front for his true undercover work, Polaris forgave him, although she rejected him romantically.
The Twelve
Weeks later,
Acolyte
After
Although Quicksilver was discovered and forced to leave Genosha, Polaris maintained a low profile to covertly transport refugees from the war to other nations, as well as monitor Magneto's actions.[67] After Magneto's spine was severed by Wolverine, Polaris was able to steal a blood sample from his medical tests, which she used to confirm that Magneto was her biological father.[68] When Cassandra Nova’s Sentinels destroyed Genosha and massacred millions, Polaris was one of the few survivors. She was left emotionally scarred after witnessing the massacre after being unable to save them.[69]
Trauma
Later, some of the X-Men went to Genosha to survey what occurred there. They encountered a nude and deranged Polaris in Genosha after its population was massacred by
Iceman later admitted to Polaris that he still had feelings for her and after some mild flirtation, the two began a relationship.[73] The relationship was not to last, however, since Lorna's other relationships (namely with Havok) were still unresolved. Havok has confessed to still loving her after Annie had left him, however, Polaris pushed him away.[74]
Decimation
It was revealed that Polaris had lost her powers on
Horseman of Apocalypse
The Rise and Fall of The Shi'ar Empire
After being rescued from an anti-Apocalypse cult by the new team, Polaris agreed to join
Starjammers
Following the death of
X-Men: Kingbreaker
Lorna was later shown to still be a prisoner of Vulcan and his forces. Vulcan ordered her to be heavily drugged so they can further study this.[83] She was later freed by Havok and the other Starjammers, who vowed to kill Vulcan.[84]
War of Kings
Polaris and the Starjammers played a large role in the War of Kings storyline, which also featured Vulcan, The Inhumans, Nova, and The Guardians of the Galaxy.
Realm of Kings
Through Ch'od, and apparently due to the incident of Rachel and Korvus both losing the connection to the Phoenix Force, it is known that Polaris, Havok, Rachel and Korvus have departed for Earth.[90]
X-Men Legacy
Regenesis
Polaris along with Havok are seen joining Wolverine's side after Wolverine suggests that they go out on their own away from their family and join X-Factor.[95]
Return to X-Factor
During the Breaking Points storyline,[96] Longshot used his psychometric powers to read a photograph of Lorna's mother and nominal father from which Longshot learned the truth about their death. Lorna forced Longshot to show her what he had seen, using M's telepathic powers to make a connection. Lorna was devastated to learn that the first outbreak of her powers led to their death in a plane crash. Magneto had Mastermind manipulate her memories to repress her involvement in her parents' death.[96] Later, Polaris and Havok have broken up, due to Havok agreeing to lead the Uncanny Avengers,[97] and Polaris wanting to remain with X-Factor.[98]
All New X-Factor
Polaris is now the leader of X-Factor. The name was bought from Maddox by Serval's CEO Harrison Snow. X-Factor is a corporate team that protects the interest of the company.[99] It is revealed that Harrison secretly had nanos put in her right eye, without her consent.[100] Her half brother Quicksilver is on the team and is secretly spying on her for her ex Havok.[100]
Secret Wars (2015)
During the "Last Days" part of the Secret Wars storyline, Polaris assisted Magneto during the incursion between Earth-616 and Earth-1610. As the energies of the two planets inched closer to impact cascade and send chaos through the streets, Magneto and Polaris are taking the fight to this "other" Earth, battling the parallel Sentinels sent after them. Polaris is shocked to see the energy levels her father is exhibiting, all the while trying to protect the people caught in the crossfire of Magneto and the Sentinels.[101]
Secret Empire
During the Secret Empire storyline, Polaris breaks in on a prison in New Tian when Havok is about to attack the time-displaced Jean Grey and Jimmy Hudson.[102] While Jean and Jimmy look for their teammates, Polaris manages to defeat Havok and helps the young mutants to escape. Upon escaping, Polaris and Danger reveal to the team that Magneto assigned them to look after them, which they've done secretly.[103]
Dawn of X
In the new status quo for mutants post House of X and Powers of X, Professor X and Magneto invite all mutants to live on Krakoa and welcome even former enemies into their fold.[104] Polaris is seen with Magneto as he explains the process of resurrection for mutants involving the combined powers of The Five (Hope Summers, Goldballs, Proteus, Eva Bell and Elixir).[104]
Polaris is seen attacking the last compound of
Powers and abilities
Lorna Dane possesses the ability to control magnetism.[107] She regained her magnetic powers after M-day by celestial technology that reactivated her X-gene.[108][109] She can manipulate metals which are susceptible to magnetism. She has the power to manipulate the iron in a body to reverse the blood flow.[110] Polaris is able to generate magnetic energy pulses. She can create magnetic force-fields. She has the power to manipulate magnetic fields.[111] Polaris can use her abilities to allow herself to fly.[112] She is able perceive the world around her solely as patterns of magnetic and electrical energy. She has the ability to perceive the natural magnetic auras surrounding living beings as well.[113] Polaris can also absorb energy.[114]
Polaris had shown the ability to ingest virulent diseases without harm, absorbing their traits, and according to Apocalypse is able to spread a "meta-plague" that will kill anyone who has not been inoculated with the virus' vaccine, the Blood of Apocalypse. She had also been shown to fight off toxins and drugs quicker than normal.[83]
Additionally, Lorna Dane possesses expertise in geophysics, and has earned a doctorate in that field.[115]
Reception
Critical response
Alex Schlesinger of Screen Rant described Polaris as one of the "X-Men's most iconic mutants" and as an "iconic hero."[116] Deirdre Kaye of Scary Mommy called Polaris a "role model" and a "truly heroic" female character.[117] Maite Molina of ComicsVerse referred to Polaris as an "iconic X-Men hero," writing "Why are so many comic book readers die-hard fans of Polaris? Well, there is a multitude of reasons. Lorna Dane exemplifies an air of authenticity. She does not believe there is a point in one’s heroic journey where you have to establish yourself. Polaris has fought against the tension of her agency. She has lived a history where much was taken from her. Ultimately, she has endured. So, despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles and countless foes, Lorna has never faltered in her steadfast role as a member of the X-Men. This is why she is so beloved."[118]
Lukas Shayo of Comic Book Resources ranked Polaris 9th in their "10 Best Female X-Men Characters" list, writing, "Lorna Dane is a force to be reckoned with in the field, and she is remarkably creative with her powers."[119]
Darren Franich of Entertainment Weekly ranked Polaris 67th in their "Let's Rank Every X-Man Ever" list, stating, "Controlled metal, like her father Magneto. Was a woman, unlike Magneto. Had really cool green hair. We're in the sixties here, people, "cool green hair" still counts for something."[120]
Impact
Polaris was the winner of a popularity contest held by Marvel Comics in 2021,[121][122] which served to determine who would be the final member of a new X-Men team that would debut during the Hellfire Gala storyline.[123][124]
Other versions
Age of Apocalypse
An alternate version of Polaris appears in the
House of M
An alternate version of Polaris appears in the "House of M" storyline. Magneto becomes romantically involved with Susanna Dane an American exchange student in Europe who is helping smuggle him from place to place. When Magneto finds out she is having a child he tells her to go home because what she is doing is likely to get her and her child killed. Lorna Dane grows up in California and watches Magneto declare war on the human governments as a child.[126] Eventually Magneto reveals he is her father when he becomes ruler of Genosha. Polaris is shocked and storms off due to him never having been there for her. She eventually comes around as she is seen later when the new world order began, where mutants were the ruling class and with Magneto being their monarch. Lorna is still residing with him in his palace on Genosha with all his children. Polaris, Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch were considered royalty in this reality, and Lorna eventually develops a close relationship with her father.[127]
Mutant X
An alternate version of Polaris appears in Mutant X. She works as a long-term member of the X-Men, after Magneto takes over from an ill Professor Xavier. This Polaris knows she is the daughter of Magneto. The X-Men briefly fight and lose against an insane Madelyne Pryor. Later, they seemingly perish in an atomic explosion but survive this as well. Polaris is one of the victims in the reality-threatening battle involving Pryor and the Beyonder. Badly injured, she dies in her father's arms, reassured that everything will be okay.[128]
Ultimate Marvel
An alternate version of Polaris appears in the Ultimate Marvel continuity of Ultimate X-Men. She is an attractive teenage mutant girl who is a member of the Academy of Tomorrow, a mutant peacekeeping squad led by Emma Frost. In this continuity, she is also the girlfriend of Havok but as a twist, she was also the ex-girlfriend of his brother Cyclops, whom Havok resents with a passion.[129]
Polaris is framed for killing dozens of people with her powers during a rescue mission, and imprisoned in the Triskelion of the
Exiles
An alternate version of Polaris is drafted onto the interdimensional superhero team the Exiles. Originating from Earth-8149, she is seemingly killed in battle with a group of Sentinels engineered to destroy her, but is plucked out of time moments before her death to join the Exiles.[133] In the end Polaris finds out Magneto her father has turned to the side of good because of her death to avenge her murder at the hand of Sentinels.[134]
In other media
Television
- Lorna Dane / Polaris appears in X-Men: The Animated Series,[135] voiced by Terri Hawkes.[136] This version is a former member of the X-Men who left the group with her then-boyfriend Iceman to pursue a normal life. However, they later separated, with Polaris going on to join X-Factor and enter a relationship with Havok.
- Lorna Dane / Polaris appears in Wolverine and the X-Men, voiced by Liza del Mundo.[137] This version is the sheltered daughter of Magneto, who forbade her from leaving their home on Genosha. Additionally, a possible future version who became the sole survivor of an attack on Genosha appears in the episode "Badlands" and the three-part episode "Foresight".
- Lorna Dane / Polaris appears in The Gifted, portrayed by Emma Dumont.[138][139] This version is a co-founder of the Mutant Underground who later has a daughter named Dawn with her boyfriend Eclipse and defects to the Hellfire Clubafter losing faith in her original group.
Video games
- Lorna Dane / Polaris appears in Magneto's ending in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3.[citation needed]
- Lorna Dane / Polaris appears as a playable character in Lego Marvel Super Heroes,[140][141] voiced by Tara Strong.
- Lorna Dane / Polaris appears as a playable character in Marvel Puzzle Quest.[142]
- Lorna Dane / Polaris appears as a playable character in Marvel Future Fight.[143][144]
- Lorna Dane / Polaris appears as a playable character in Uncanny X-Men: Days of Future Past.[145][146]
- Lorna Dane / Polaris appears as a playable character in Marvel Super War.[147]
- Lorna Dane / Polaris appears as a playable character in Marvel Snap.[148][149]
Merchandise
- In 2022, HeroClix released a Lorna Dane / Polaris figure as part of the Hellfire Gala Premium Set.[150]
References
- ComicBook.com. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
- ^ Zachary, Brandon (November 24, 2021). "One X-Man May Be an Omega-Level Mutant - Or Something Even More Powerful". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
- ^ Austen, Chuck. Uncanny X-Men #421(2003). Marvel Comics.
- ^ Harth, David (December 18, 2019). "X-Men: 10 Mutants With The Same Powers". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
- ^ Gaber, Nabeel (February 2, 2021). "X-Men: Polaris Is Marvel's Most Mistreated Mutant - Which Makes NO Sense". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
- ^
- Cronin, Brian (June 18, 2022). "X-Men: Many of Polaris' Major Moments Happened Off-Panel". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2023-07-30.
- Marnell, Blair (July 6, 2017). "Meet THE GIFTED's Latest X-MEN Export, Polaris — Nerdist". Nerdist. Retrieved 2023-07-30.
- ISBN 978-1-4654-7890-0.
- ^ Brown, Jonathan Rikard (July 2013). "X-Factor vs. X-Factor: A Look at the Role of Identity in Peter David's X-Factor". Back Issue! (65). Raleigh, North Carolina: TwoMorrows Publishing: 73–78.
- Marvel.com. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
- ^ "Marvel Preview: Captain Marvel #44 • AIPT". AIPT Comics. December 2, 2022. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
- Marvel.com. Retrieved 2023-07-30.. Retrieved 2023-07-30.
- Bacon, Thomas (July 31, 2020). "Marvel's X-FACTOR Just Called Out 50 Years of X-Men Comics". Screen Rant
- Johnston, Rich (April 15, 2021). "It's Official - Polaris Has Won the X-Men Vote". Bleeding Cool.
- Holub, Christian (April 16, 2021). "Marvel unveils the full, surprising lineup of new X-Men team". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2023-07-30.
- Brooke, David (December 22, 2022). "Full March 2023 Marvel Comics solicitations: New X-Men, Spidey series and more • AIPT". AIPTComics.com. Retrieved 2023-07-30.
- Dodge, John (March 12, 2023). "Scarlet Witch is Repairing The House of Magneto". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 2023-07-30.
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External links
- Polaris at the Marvel Universe wiki
- UncannyXmen.net Spotlight on Polaris at UncannyXMen.net
- Investigating Polaris and her History at ComicsVerse.com