HELLION: Page 7 of 7

Publication Date: 29th Feb 2024
Written By: Daytripper.
Image Work: Blanchett.
Biography

BIOGRAPHY - PAGE 7

Julian maintained a relatively low-profile following his harsh abandoning by Laura. He continued to attend class at the Jean Grey School and, during the X-Men's war with the Avengers when the Phoenix Force returned, like the other students, Julian seemed more interested in the goings-on of the war than their education. [Wolverine & the X-Men (1st series) #9-11] Similarly, Julian and the other students were very interested when Cyclops and his renegade X-Men group made a surprise visit to the Jean Grey School with the intention of inviting anyone interested to join the New Xavier School, which he and his X-Men had opened to help cope with the influx of newly emerging mutants. The faculty at the Jean Grey School were more concerned with holding Cyclops to account for the death of Charles Xavier during the Avengers debacle. Nevertheless, Julian did not accept Cyclops' invitation. [All-New X-Men (1st series) #9-11]

At some point, Omega Sentinel, still in stasis, was transferred to the Jean Grey School and placed in the Beast's laboratory. When an alien bacteria called Arkea, bent on world domination, arrived on Earth and possessed Omega Sentinel, the school was placed into lockdown to deal with the possessed Omega Sentinel, who eventually escaped. Possibly because he had previously defeated an out-of-control Omega Sentinel, Julian found himself called upon, along with a handful of other students, to assist with the clean-up and to ensure no trace of Arkea could be found at the school. Julian seemed bored during the diagnostics check, but there was little time for complacency as a dozen or so “Karima-bots” under the influence of Arkea were discovered in the Danger Room. However, as quickly as Julian and the others on clean-up duty could take the Karima-bots out, the Danger Room created more. Julian proved useful in the fight against Arkea, and the threat to the Jean Grey School was ended when Kitty Pryde phased herself through the server, crashing Arkea's influence over the Danger Room. [X-Men (4th series) #2-3]

The crisis with Arkea was not over and, under the perception he was invited to vacation on Catalina Island with Jubilee and several of his classmates, Julian packed nothing but his swim trunks. He soon discovered that the Arkea bacteria had spread across the globe and some of it found home in sunken, old-school Sentinels, which were reanimated and en route to the mainland. The combined effort of Julian and the others eventually took out the Sentinels, preventing any catastrophe. [X-Men (4th series) #10-12]

Seemingly over his slump following Laura's rejection, Julian gathered his longtime friends Anole and Rockslide, along with new classmate Broo, following the attacks on several of their classmates. Julian wanted the student body to form a response to the attacks, and suggested they start by furthering their combat training. Hacking into the Danger Room server, Julian and his companions found themselves under attack by a medieval army. As the massive army launched an attack, Julian and the others were shocked to find Psylocke within the Danger Room – Julian had hacked into one of her scenarios. Psylocke understood what Julian was trying to accomplish and suggested he start by taking the lead. Julian did so, commanding his friends in combat against the army, until it was time for Julian to unleash his own powers, taking out vast number of the soldiers. The battle ended when Psylocke cancelled the program, which annoyed Julian, who felt that he and the other students never got the chance to prove themselves. Julian was given a stern reminder about the dangers and realities of war. However, Psylocke understood what Julian was trying to achieve, and told him and his “team” to consider themselves promoted to being on mission standby. Julian didn't have to wait long until he and his classmates were called on to assist a squad of X-Men battle the villain known as the Future. Julian conducted himself well during the mission, proving once again to be a valuable asset to the X-Men. [X-Men (4th series) #13-17]

In addition to proving he still has what it takes as a leader and in the field, Julian once again demonstrated that he could still reach his fellow teammates on a person level, like when he found Armor crying following Wolverine's death. Julian comforted his classmate, as he had also experience in loss – his friends, his hands and Laura. Despite his secretly caring nature, he did ask Armor out on a date afterwards and was promptly rejected. [Death of Wolverine: Life After Logan #1]

Despite his continued growth, school was still in session for Julian, who was forced to participate in guest-teacher Spider-Man's Super Power Ethics class. Julian saw this as punishment, being placed alongside other misfits. Julian frequently found himself arguing with Spider-Man. The Ethics class became involved in foiling the latest plots of Sauron and Stegron, Mojo, a new Sinister Six and other villains. During the adventures, Julian was incensed when Shark Girl and Rockslide were instructed to lead the squad of students, despite Julian's extensive leadership experience. Julian also had no problem calling out authority, like confronting Abigail Brand over her ungratefulness when the Ethics class saved her space station, the Peak, from Venom Symbiotes. When Spider-Man did not show up for class one day, Julian led his classmates on a rescue mission to find him, and one of their classmates. Over the course of the Ethics class' time together, Julian found himself attracted to Lara Dos Santos a.k.a. Shark Girl, realizing in the process that he had a thing for fierce women. Despite some conflict with Shark Girl on missions given she was squad leader, Julian was surprised to learn his feelings were returned, and they shared a kiss. Afterwards, the Ethics class continued to work together and even accompanied Spider-Man on another mission. [Spider-Man & the X-Men #1-6]

When the Inhuman's Terrigen Mist was exposed to humanity, the mist proved toxic to mutants who were exposed to it and resulted in the infected mutants becoming sick, losing control over their powers, and in some case, exposure proved fatal. At some point, Julian came into contact with the Terrigen Mist and, unable to find any of the X-Men who were in a state of disarray, Julian flew to the Inhumans' home, New Attilan, where he unleashed his out-of-control powers. He had decided that, if he were to die, it would be witnessed by the Inhumans. Fortunately, the Inhuman Synapse was visiting New Attilan and was able to use her powers to switch off Hellion's powers, ending the chaos he was causing. In an attempt to prove that the Inhumans were not monsters, Queen Medusa ordered Julian to be cared for at New Attilan by the Inhumans' physicians. [Uncanny Avengers (3rd series) #6]

While recovering in New Attilan, Julian was granted leave to attend the funeral of Laura's “mother,” although he didn't speak to Laura at the funeral. [All-New Wolverine #31] Cured from the M-Pox, Julian began volunteering at the New Attilan General Hospital in New York as a way to repay the Inhumans for caring for him. Julian visited Synapse when she was admitted to the hospital and told her that he was in her debt. [Uncanny Avengers (3rd series) #30]

Julian found his way back to the X-Men when the Xavier Institute was relocated to Central Park in New York City, and was one of several students who participated in investigation missions when the X-Men scattered across the globe to look into various events related to the Phoenix. [Phoenix Resurrection: The Return of Jean Grey #2, 4] When the mutant-hating Ahab set a course to kill the time-displaced original X-Men, the Xavier Institute found itself under attack from Ahab and his Hound. Julian participated in the defense of the Institute from the attack. [Extermination #2, 4] Mutantkind continued to go through some dark days, and Julian's activities during this time are unknown.

When the mutant nation of Krakoa was established, Julian, like most of mutantkind accepted residency. There, he was reunited with his former Hellions Squad teammates, Mercury, Dust and Rockslide, living at the Akademos Habitat with other mutants of their age group. [New Mutants (4th series) #1] At some point, Julian had his flesh and bone hands recreated. Thanks to the Krakoan resurrection process, all of Julian's Academy X classmates were resurrected, and a party for all of that generation of mutants was held. It was Julian who happily greeted Wind Dancer upon her resurrection. Another important person in Julian's life that returned as part of the Academy X resurrections was Tag, Julian's best friend, who was seen standing near Julian upon Wind Dancer's resurrection. [X-Factor (4th series) #5]

On Krakoa, Julian maintains a relatively quiet presence. Perhaps he's now at peace with all of his friends around him once more. Nonetheless, things never stay calm for long where the X-Men are concerned, and it will only be a matter of time before they require the incredible power of Hellion!