Ra-Ra-Rasputin, Lover of the Russian queen, There was a cat that really was gone, Ra-Ra-Rasputin, Russia's greatest love machine
It was a shame how he carried on 
History
Early Life[]
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The Wandering Monk
Rasputin, born into a peasant family in the Siberian village of Pokrovskoye within Russia, known there as "Grishka the Fool", a lazy, drunken womanizer. His life took a transformative turn when, during a pilgrimage to a Siberian monastery, he claimed to have experienced a religious awakening, spurred by visions of the Virgin Mary, compelling him to undertake a holy quest.[1]
Romanov Family[]
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Rasputin with Romanov Family
In 1903, Rasputin arrived in St. Petersburg dressed in mere rags, already establishing himself as a mystic and faith healer. His reputation reached Czar Nicholas II and his ailing son, Alexei. Rasputin, seemingly able to "cure" the young prince's haemophilia, swiftly gained the trust and fervent support of Alexandra, the czar's wife. Rumors circulated about his hypnotic influence, extending even to the empress herself who it was rumored he seduced.[1] The young Princess Anastasia feared the monk. He once told the queen in the princess' presence that if he died, Russia would fall.[7]
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The looming figure of Rasputin
The pivotal moment came in 1912 when Alexei, following a fall, began uncontrollable bleeding. Traditional medical interventions proved futile, yet Rasputin, with a mere wave of his hands, miraculously halted the flow of blood. This feat further solidified his standing with the royal family. Subsequently, Rasputin's life took a scandalous turn as he indulged in numerous affairs and participated in quasi-religious rituals with various women. His complex relationships and controversial influence on the imperial family would contribute to the downfall of the family.[1]
The Pale Man[]
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Rasputin demonstrating his powers
In 1915,[1] Mister Sinister arrived from England drawn by rumors shrouding the mysterious Rasputin and suspecting the enigmatic figure to be one of his "Essex Men," embarked on a quest that led him to the heart of Czarist Russia. There, amidst the vast landscapes and deep-seated mysticism, Sinister unraveled the enigma surrounding Rasputin. Rasputin's renown preceded him, with tales of his extraordinary powers echoing through the local pubs. One night, in a display that added to his mystique, Rasputin miraculously cured a disease-ridden prostitute. It was during these ventures that he encountered the formidable twins, Ivan and Elena, hailing from the distant Siberian lands. The siblings, in turn, demonstrated their own remarkable powers to Rasputin, forming a unique connection between them. Intrigued by Elena's abilities, Rasputin sought to bring her and her brother under his influence. However, as he attempted to seduce Elena, their encounter caught the attention of Mister Sinister. Approaching the group as they were leaving, Sinister was mistaken for an assassin by Rasputin, leading to a confrontation. Sinister, revealing his own formidable powers through a potent energy blast, turned the tide of the encounter, showcasing the depth of his abilities.
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Experimenting on Rasputin
Despite their initial clash, Rasputin and Sinister found common ground. Sinister, with a growing comprehension of Rasputin's unique capabilities, managed to convince the Russian mystic of a shared mission—to forge a generation of superhumans. Their collaboration took shape, with a plan that involved Rasputin sharing his genetic material with numerous women. The objective was to explore the potential of breeding fully active mutants, a venture that aligned with Sinister's grand vision. Rasputin, initially resistant to Sinister's overtures, eventually succumbed to the persuasive power of Sinister's mission. Together, they embarked on a controversial journey, with Rasputin's unique DNA becoming the catalyst for a series of clandestine unions. One such liaison unfolded in Rasputin's humble apartment, where he successfully seduced Elena, leading to her return with an illegitimate child—a child bearing the name of Grigory. This unexpected turn of events stirred emotions within the group, particularly Ivan, who, repulsed by his sister's choices, found himself torn between loyalty and righteous anger. As the unconventional alliance between Rasputin and Sinister deepened, the seeds of a profound transformation were sown, forever altering the destinies of those entangled in the web of mysticism and ambition.[3]
Death[]
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Assassination attempt
Fueled by disgust over Rasputin's influence and the mistreatment of his sister, Ivan sought solace in a meeting with Grand Duke Dmitri Pavlovich, the Tsar's first cousin, and Prince Felix Yusupov. In a moment of desperation, he painted a narrative of secret dealings with German agents and, to his surprise, found willing allies in the Grand Duke and Prince. They agreed to collaborate in removing the perceived threat posed by Rasputin. As the night of reckoning approached, on December 29, 1916, Ivan orchestrated a covert gathering. The assembly brought together a cadre of conspirators, including the Grand Duke and Prince, united by a shared determination to destroy Rasputin.
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Outnumbered
As Rasputin entered the lavish palace, a sense of trepidation hung in the air. The conspirators, with a mix of anticipation and nervousness, ushered him into a private chamber. Once secluded, they presented him with an assortment of refreshments, cunningly laced with a lethal dose of cyanide. The hope was that the poison would swiftly incapacitate Rasputin, rendering him powerless against their scheme. To their bewilderment, Rasputin partook in the poisoned offerings, yet the expected effects failed to manifest. The mystic remained seemingly unaffected, his resilience against the deadly concoction raising doubts among the conspirators. Undeterred, however, they pressed on with their nefarious plan. Growing impatient and desperate, the conspirators changed tactics. In a macabre turn of events, they resorted to firearms, shooting Rasputin multiple times in a desperate bid to end his life. The echoes of gunfire reverberated through the once serene palace, marking the violent climax of their conspiracy. With Rasputin finally lifeless, the conspirators faced the task of concealing their dark deed. They hastily wrapped his limp body in a heavy carpet, creating a shroud that concealed the extent of their malevolence. Under the cover of darkness, they transported the bundled remains to the icy waters of the nearby river, where they callously discarded Rasputin's lifeless form.
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Surviving the attack
Rasputin, miraculously revived, emerged from the frigid waters and embarked on a journey to the clandestine laboratory of Mister Sinister. Faced with the imminent specter of death, Rasputin urgently implored Sinister to summon his brides. The very mothers of his unborn children, summoned by the urgent call, converged around him. With an otherworldly grace, Rasputin initiated a mystic ritual, splitting his consciousness among the dormant, unborn children nestled within the wombs of his brides. As the ritual reached completion, Rasputin's corporeal form succumbed to the inevitability of mortality, laying lifeless upon the laboratory table.[3]
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Splitting his soul
Legion of the Lost[]
Rasputin, burdened by the weight of his misdeeds in life, part of his soul found himself consigned to the depths of Hell. In this infernal realm, his soul became a coveted recruit for the Legion of the Lost, a formidable assembly of damned souls. This legion, under the malevolent command of Mephisto, was summoned to wage unholy battles against powerful adversaries, and Rasputin became an unwilling conscript in this diabolical army. Rasputin was thrust into conflict against none other than Thor, the God of Thunder. Summoned by Mephisto to do battle in a sinister spectacle, the Legion of the Lost, clashed with the mighty Thor in a cosmic struggle that transcended the boundaries between the mortal realm and the underworld.[8]
Resurrection[]
Rasputin was resurrected, emerged once more as a mysterious and influential force, silently manipulating the intricate tapestry of the 20th century. In the shadows, he took Alexa Lukin as his protégé, sharing with her the arcane arts that had sustained him through the ages. As Alexa delved deeper into the secrets unveiled by her enigmatic mentor, she found herself entwined in a web of destiny that led her back to him. Faced with the complexities of her own life, she sought Rasputin's guidance and assistance, particularly in navigating the challenges presented by her formidable husband, Aleksander Lukin.[4]
Rasputin became part of a loose knit immortal society, who numbers included Comte Saint Germain, Dragon Tong leader Yi Yang and English astrologer John Dee. Though their goals differed they would assist each other in keeping their longevity secret.[9]
Bloodline[]
In the ominous quest for Rasputin's resurrection, Mister Sinister, patiently plotted for decades. He eliminated Rasputin's descendants systematically, as the more diminished the bloodline, the hastier his return. He spared only the most potent to serve as the vessel for Rasputin's rebirth. This twisted destiny was coveted by Mikhail Rasputin, who harbored a desire to claim it for himself. After the murders of Klara Rasputina, Konstantin Rasputin and Dimitriy Rasputin their cousin Colossus came to investigate.[2] This left Colossus, Mikhail, Uncle Vlad, and Larisa Mishchenko as the last vestiges of the Rasputin lineage.[1] Vlad, succumbed to madness, chose to set himself on fire, all while confessing an ironic disdain for Boney M, revealing it to be Rasputin's favorite song.[3] Tragically, Larisa was killed by Sinister, leaving only Colossus and Mikhail to confront the impending doom. The brothers clashed, with Sinister orchestrating the final act of this macabre drama. However, in a twist of fate, Colossus, at the eleventh hour, appealed to Mikhail's lingering humanity. Betraying Sinister, Mikhail joined forces with Colossus, and the latter returned home, visibly shaken by the traumatic events.[10]
Shadow Council[]
Rasputin aligned himself with the Shadow Council's ambitious plot to conquer the world. However, his nefarious intentions were thwarted when Agent Venom and the Secret Avengers intervened, arriving in Moscow to put an end to his machinations. Despite Rasputin's attempt to unleash a powerful blast on Agent Venom, the formidable agent remained impervious to his mystical powers. Unfazed, Agent Venom swiftly responded by delivering a precise shot to Rasputin's head, ultimately vanquishing the Russian mystic and thwarting his plans.[5]Attributes
Powers
Rasputin, a mysterious figure, possessed both Mutant abilities and formidable magical prowess, making it challenging to discern the origin of his powers.
- Sorcery: In the realm of sorcery, Rasputin emerged as a potent practitioner, skilfully manipulating magical energies to achieve diverse outcomes. His mastery allowed him to unleash energy blasts with devastating impact upon his adversaries.[5] Furthermore, he demonstrated a remarkable talent for crafting lifelike illusions that could deceive even the most discerning observers. Additionally, Rasputin's mystical command extended to summoning and controlling demons, compelling them to carry out his wishes. The intricate interplay between his mutant gifts and magical skills rendered Rasputin a formidable and enigmatic force.[4]
- Superhuman Strength: Rasputin, possesses an extraordinary level of physical strength. This allows him to grapple with potential assassins effortlessly and dispatch them with ease. His strength also enables him to engage in combat with multiple opponents simultaneously.[3]
- Superhuman Durability: Rasputin demonstrated remarkable physical resilience, surviving multiple stabbings and injuries that, should have been fatal. He attributed his survival to a divine purpose, claiming that God saved him for a higher calling.[3]
- Toxic Immunity: Rasputin displayed an unusual immunity to poison, as evidenced when the Prince attempted to poison him with cyanide-laced wine. This resistance to toxins suggests an enhanced physiological resilience.[3]
- Healing: Rasputin exhibited the extraordinary ability to heal others. One notable instance of this power was when he successfully cured the ailing Prince Alexei, the son of the Czar.[1]
- Charismatic Persuasion: Possessing a captivating charisma, Rasputin effectively sways individuals to comply with his desires. His mesmerizing eyes and compelling voice function as tools of hypnotic suggestion, particularly effective on women and even members of royalty.[1]
- Consciousness Dispersal: Rasputin possesses a unique mutation that allows him to disperse his consciousness into his descendants. This haunting ability manifests as a voice in their minds, leading many family members to madness and eventual suicide. In some instances, Rasputin regains control of a descendant's body and mind, recalling more of his past as Grigory Rasputin. Rasputin achieves a form of psychic immortality through a dark bargain. To maintain his consciousness and memories, he must periodically kill his own descendants. This gruesome act allows his mind fragments to return to a locus of strength, enabling him to divide and reconstitute himself centuries after his physical demise.[3]
Paraphernalia
Equipment
Notes
- This is a fictionalized version of Grigori Rasputin, a real historical figure.
See Also
- 8 appearance(s) of Grigory Efimovich Rasputin (Earth-616)
- 1 minor appearance(s) of Grigory Efimovich Rasputin (Earth-616)
- 5 mention(s) of Grigory Efimovich Rasputin (Earth-616)
- 2 mention(s) in handbook(s) of Grigory Efimovich Rasputin (Earth-616)
- 15 image(s) of Grigory Efimovich Rasputin (Earth-616)
- 1 quotation(s) by or about Grigory Efimovich Rasputin (Earth-616)
- 1 item(s) used/owned by Grigory Efimovich Rasputin (Earth-616)
Links and References
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 X-Men: Colossus Bloodline #2
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 X-Men: Colossus Bloodline #1
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 X-Men: Colossus Bloodline #3
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Captain America (Vol. 9) #6
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Secret Avengers #29
- ↑ Marvel Legacy: The 1960s Handbook #1 ; Mister Rasputin's entry
- ↑ Strange Tales #24
- ↑ Thor #205
- ↑ FF: Fifty Fantastic Years #1
- ↑ X-Men: Colossus Bloodline #4
- ↑ Doctor Strange (Vol. 4) #20