Barnell Bohusk

For the Phineas and Ferb episode of the former superhero name, see The Beak (Phineas and Ferb).

Beak (Barnell Bohusk), formerly known as Blackwing, is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

Barnell Bohusk
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	New X-Men #117 (September 2001)
Created by	Grant Morrison Ethan Van Sciver
In-story information
Species	Human mutant
Team affiliations	Xavier Institute Special Class Brotherhood of Mutants Street team X-Men Exiles New Warriors
Notable aliases	Beak Blackwing

Publication history

Barnell Bohusk first appeared in New X-Men #117 (September 2001). He was created by Grant Morrison and Ethan Van Sciver. He later appeared in New Warriors (vol. 4).^[1]

Fictional character biography

Barnell Bohusk experienced difficult life following the manifestation of his mutation leading him to have bird-like appearance and abilities. He enrolled at the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning, where he developed a close friendship with Beast, bonding over their shared experience of severe physical mutations. He adopts the Beak codename and Beast gifts him a baseball bat. However, Cassandra Nova manipulates Beak into attacking Beast. Although Beast recovers, the incident leaves Beak with lasting guilt.^[2][3]

Beak joins the Special Class, a group of young mutants with limited abilities. The class includes his girlfriend Angel Salvadore, with whom he later has children.^[4] The class is mentored by Xorn, who believes himself to be Magneto. Under his influence, Beak joins the Brotherhood of Mutants. Beak eventually rejects Xorn's extremist actions and works with the Street X-Men to defeat him, freeing New York City.^[5][6]

Beak briefly becomes a member of the multiversal Exiles before reuniting with his family during "M-Day", when they lose their mutant powers to the Scarlet Witch's spell. After being depowered, Barnell joins the New Warriors as Blackwing, using a powered suit that grants him flight, superhuman strength, and Vibranium claws.^[7][1] In X-Men Blue, Blackwing regains his powers after being exposed to Mothervine, a drug designed to trigger mutant abilities.^[8]

Powers and abilities

Barnell Bohusk has several avian traits, including feathered limbs, a beak, talons, and hollow bones. Despite these features, he lacks the ability to fly but is capable of limited gliding. His talons can be used as weapons, and he possesses enhanced night vision. While not among the most physically powerful mutants, he is noted for his strong interpersonal skills.^[9]

Reception

• In 2014, Entertainment Weekly ranked Beak 54th in their "Let's rank every X-Man ever" list.^[10]
• In 2024, CBR ranked Beak 3rd in "12 Weakest X-Men Members" list.^[2]
• In 2025, CBR ranked Beak 4th in The 10 "X-Men With the Worst Powers" list (strongest to weakest).^[9]