Mister M (character)

Mister M
Image from X-Men 198 #5 Art by Jim Muniz
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	District X #2 (2004)
Created by	David Hine David Yardin
In-story information
Alter ego	Absolon Zebardyn Mercator
Species	Human mutant
Team affiliations	The 198
Abilities	Molecular manipulation

Mister M (Absolon Zebardyn Mercator) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by David Hine and David Yardin, and debuted in District X #2. Mister M wears a black suit and hat, and has the ability to manipulate molecules.

Fictional character biography

Early life

Not much is known about the enigmatic man called Mr. M. He grew up in a small village near Ghent, Belgium. After his powers manifested, he left for the United States, and after much wandering, settled in Mutant Town. Once there, he mostly stayed to himself, only leaving his apartment at night to get drunk.

Mutant Town

After seeing a painting (by an artist who painted his premonitions) of himself as a destroyer, Mr. M decides that the only way he can help Mutant Town is by destroying it. Despite the efforts of Bishop and Ismael Ortega, Mr. M levels Mutant Town with his energy. When he is finished, his friend and neighbor Hanna Levy asks Mr. M if he would want to take his actions back. He agrees that he would, and then Lara the Illusionist reveals that Mutant Town's destruction had been an illusion. Ortega had recruited Lara to avert the disaster and Bishop had absorbed all of Mr. M's energy.

Decimation/The 198

After the events of M-Day, Mr. M is one of the few mutants to retain their powers. He visited his hospitalized friend Hanna Levy, who had been driven insane by the bugs who had begun to attack her when she lost her mutant power, and helps to heal her mind. At Hanna's suggestion, Mr. M heads to the Xavier Institute on foot.

When Mr. M arrives at the Institute, he passes through the walls surrounding the school and is attacked by Sentinels. He effortlessly brushes them off, explaining that the robot almost stepped on a rare caterpillar. Cyclops suggests he "must really love caterpillars" and Mister M replies "Not really... I like butterflies". The X-Men are very leery about the intentions of Mr. M and the concern over his god-like abilities. It is suggested by an agent of the Office of National Emergency that he is an Omega-level mutant.

Mr. M disables the 198's tracking chips after learning that they are actually intended to generate disabling electronic pulses. He then declares that he is leaving for a new sanctuary and that any are welcome to follow. When the X-Men attempt to convince Mr. M and his followers to return, Cyclops is attacked by a mind-controlled Erg. When he retaliates, Mr. M declares he shall protect his followers.

"Death"

Johnny Dee uses his "voodoo dolls" to make Leech take away Mr. M's powers and then uses Magma to annihilate Mr. M. Lorelei Travis and Leech are assigned to watch over Mr. M's coffin, but fall asleep while doing so and discover that his body has disappeared overnight.

Mercator

When Krakoa is established as a mutant nation, Absolon Mercator is among the few mutants who choose not to live there. The Krakoans finally learn of Absolon's whereabouts during the X of Swords tournament held in Otherworld. After taking control of Avalon, Apocalypse gives Absolon a part of the realm to shape as he pleases and the Siege Perilous to watch over. Apocalypse tells Absolon to keep his realm closed off to mutantkind until they need the Siege Perilous.

A team of mutants led by Captain Britain travel to Avalon in search of the Siege Perilous, but are followed by the mutant-hating King Arthur. Absolon greets Arthur personally before pushing him into quicksand.

Powers and abilities

Similar to Molecule Man, Mister M has complete control over the atomic structure of molecules. He can transmute all matter and energy on a subatomic level. His powers have been described as virtually omnipotent.

External links

• Mister M at Marvel.com