X-Men #9 Graduation Day, Hope You Survive the Experience

 

My name is Hank McCoy. I am was a student at the Charles Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters. My father, Norton McCoy was their mathematics professor. Recently, I got to accompany the famous X-Men on a mission to the island nation of Santo Marco. My father disapproved and immediately turned in his resignation and my transfer papers to the Massachusetts Academy. For a moment, I was an X-Man.

After leaving the school, I don’t think I’ll keep the moniker that Scott Summers gave me the first time he saw me without my shoes. I think Beast is more fitting. Besides, I am almost certain that Sasquatch is already taken.

I felt melancholy like never before, as I packed my bags for Massachusetts and watched my new friends head into the Danger Room to test for their diplomas. To know that I will not be one of them, hurts me more than I could have imagined.

In the test, a missile came through the ceiling. It didn’t detonate but it did have a timer. Cyclops worked diligently to defuse the explosive projectile, then robots began firing lasers at him. Wolverine, Havok, and Mystique fought the robots with grand results. Mystique had these small magnetic scramblers she put on two of the robots. They collapsed almost immediately. Wolverine of course, clawed his way through one mechanical monster and turned a stream of electrical current. Havok showed of his superior leadership skills and even got a few licks in himself.

The test was was a thrilling success. Everyone passed with flying colors. Of course, everyone being Scott and Alex. Jean wasn’t there. Sent away on a solo mission, I suppose.

My father and I went to the graduation following the Danger Room session. He spoke about how the seniors were intelligent and well rounded young men and women.

Professor Xavier sat in his wheelchair nearby, unable to do little more than smile with pride at his pupils and their progress. He’s still recovering from injuries he sustained in Santo Marco. After all, he did throw himself on a bomb to protect us.

Xavier’s school is growing. More students are coming in. The graduates have taken positions here at the school. And the X-Men are gaining popularity, not just among the public, but with the government too. In one of his first appearances after taking office, President Johnson said that we (the X-Men) were a stunning example of patriotic youth and then he praised us for liberating Santa Marco from Magneto’s tyranny. Our intervention has opened up doors for Santa Marco and the United States to have solid relations. That doesn’t change the fact that my father doesn’t approve of me being an X-Man.

Well, to the young mutant that finds this letter… be yourself. Mutant, student, and strong. And never back down from a fight if it means protecting the ones you care about.

Good Luck. Headmistress Emma Frost and her school await.

Hank McCoy aka The Beast

ps- Keep an eye on Mystique. As everyone was filing into the ceremony room, I caught her changing from the resident robot, Jim, back into her blue skinned form. But I’m sure it’s nothing.