Scott "Slim" Summers : CYCLOPS - The X-Men's Fearless Leader
“People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.” --John C. Maxwell
Overshadowed by the more popular Wolverine, let us learn more about this X-Men CBM Character - CYCLOPS. Who he is? What are his abilities? What are the changes he underwent? Who has portrayed him in Comic Book Movies?
Who is CYCLOPS?
CYCLOPS is Scott Summer, first a reluctant leader but now an effective commander of the X-Men. He shoots concussive blasts from his eyes. CYCLOPS has been deputy leader of the X-Men since his teen years, and has seen the team go through a myriad of changes.
CYCLOPS was created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby, he first appeared in The X-Men #1 September 1963. Scott is the first X-Man recruited by Charles Xavier, and as one of the original five X-Men.
What are his powers and abilities?
Optic Blast: CYCLOPS possesses the mutant ability to project a powerful beam of concussive, ruby-colored force from his eyes.
Spatial Awareness: CYCLOPS possesses an uncanny sense of trigonometry, in this sense used to describe his observation of objects around himself and the angles found between surfaces of these objects. CYCLOPS has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to cause his optic blasts to ricochet and/or reflect off those objects in a trajectory to his liking. This is commonly called a "banked shot" when applied to this talent. CYCLOPS has been observed causing beams to reflect from over a dozen surfaces in the course of one blast, and still hit his intended target accurately. It is his sense of superhumanly enhanced spatial awareness that allows him to perform these feats as well.
Energy Resistance: CYCLOPS is resistant to the effects of his own powers. This is linked to him being capable of withstanding his brother's ability with no ill effects. This is a result of their close genetics, a quirk of mutant genetics that is common among siblings.
Abilities
Expert Pilot: CYCLOPS is an expert pilot of fixed-wing aircraft, a skill he appears to have inherited from his father. It has also been implied that his trigonometric sense improves his abilities in the air.
Master Strategist and Tactician: CYCLOPS has spent most of his superhero career as the leader of either the X-Men or X-Factor and has developed exceptional leadership skills. It is notable that regardless of their general attitude towards him, all of the X-Men tend to obey his orders in battle - because they know that he's usually right.
Master Martial Artist: CYCLOPS also has extensive training in martial arts and unarmed combat, holding black belts in judo and aikido.
What are the changes he underwent?
1. First Class
X-Men #1 (September, 1963)
In his first appearance CYCLOPS and the other X-Men wore a simple blue and yellow uniform.
Later on Jean Grey, their costume designer change the color of their belts to red and modified the yellow part of their shirts.
2. Individual Costume
X-Men #39 (December, 1967)
After the team had proved themselves in several battles, Prof. Xavier rewarded them with the right for individual costumes. CYCLOPS did not veer away too much from their previous costume just removing the yellow part on his torso.
3. Erik the Red
X-Men #51 (December, 1968)
On a secret mission, CYCLOPS has to infiltrate a villainous organization. He came up with the cover identity of Erik the Red, who shoots powerful beams from his hands. This is made possible by special circuits built into the helmet and costume that redirects his optic beams.
4. X-Factor
X-Factor #1(February, 1986)
When the original first class of X-Men reunited, they came up with the idea of X-Factor. To the media, they acted as a mutant hunting group, while secretly they were trying to help mutants to handle their powers. Scott’s teammates wore similar dark shades so that he wouldn’t stick out. In situations that required the use of their powers, the team used the cover identities of the X-Terminators along with a new set of costumes.
in X-Factor costume:
Later on he'll change the yellow of his costume into white:
Feeling a little more confident about himself, CYCLOPS removed the skullcap and let his hair out.
In the last few issues of the original X-Factor, CYCLOPS went back into wearing the gold blue X-Factor uniform but with his hair out.
5. Back in the X-Men
X-Men Vol 2 #-1 (July, 1997)
After X-Factor disbanded all of the members returned to the X-Men, CYCLOPS became the leader of the X-Men blue team. He wears one of his iconic costume that was made famous by the 90s X-Men cartoons.
6. Apocalyptic CYCLOPS
In "the Twelve" storyline Apocalypse is busy gathering 12 mutants that he need to gain more power and a new vessel for himself. CYCLOPS in saving the vessel found himself bonded with Apocalypse.
7. Apocalypse Free
CYCLOPS was then extracted from the merged body by Jean Grey, Scott returned to the X-Men as a changed man. He acts were more ruthless and his new black costume reflected this change in personality.
8. The New CYCLOPS
With the popularity of the X-Men movie, the whole group in the comics are now wearing black leather outfits. CYCLOPS by this time is grimmer and edgier still due to the effect of Apocalypse on him.
9. Astonishing
A back to basics approach to superheroics. CYCLOPS reasoned out that they are descriminated because they are mutants, so they dress up colorful again that the general public may associate them to superheroes. CYCLOPS is back wearing a fully body suit that hides his hair, similar to his early costumes, with additional modern flair.
Who has played CYCLOPS in live media?
1. James Marsden
In the X-Men trilogy CYCLOPS is played by James Marsden. His characteristic is pretty much lifted from the comics.
2. Tim Pocock
Tim Pocock portrayed a younger version of CYCLOPS, that has been experimented upon by William Stryker.
sources: http://www.uncannyxmen.net/db/spotlight/showquestion.asp?faq=10&fldAuto=66&page=10 : http://www.comicbookdb.com/character_chron.php?ID=9 : http://marvel.wikia.com/Scott_Summers_(Earth-616) : http://www.comicvine.com/cyclops/29-1459/ : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclops_(comics)
Article requested by:
Herosave
Though I'd still like to something on She-Hulk, Darkseid or CYCLOPS!
[@Herosave… here's CYCLOPS for the meantime]
Armageddon26
POLLY,DO CYCLOPS NEXT BECAUSE HE IS AWESOME AND NOT A DOUCHE
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P0llMaster
5/5/2011
DCMU
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