This Day In Comic Books: The Debut of the Mad External, Crule
March 26th marks a noteworthy day in comic book history, particularly for fans of Marvel’s X-Force. On this date in 1992, the formidable and utterly ruthless mutant known as Crule made his dramatic entrance in X-Force #12. This blog post explores the initial appearance of this memorable villain and his surprising role within the X-Force narrative.
Crule’s Introduction in X-Force #12
Crule stands out as one of the Externals, an ancient race of immortal mutants within the Marvel Universe. Among his brethren, Crule is distinguished as the most malevolent and mentally unstable. His debut in X-Force #12 immediately established him as a significant threat. Gideon, another prominent External, provides a chilling glimpse into Crule’s past, revealing his involvement in World War II. Allegedly, Crule found grim satisfaction operating a gas chamber in a concentration camp.
Adding to his terrifying persona, Crule is depicted as an ancient berserker. His attire, reminiscent of a barbarian, further emphasizes his primal nature. His age is so vast that he claims to remember the era of Mithras, highlighting his long and violent history.
Crule’s initial mission, orchestrated by Gideon, was to attack X-Force. This assault occurred after the team successfully rescued Sunspot. However, the confrontation took an unexpected turn. Rictor, a member of X-Force with seismic powers, blasted Crule from their ship. The resulting fall of several thousand feet left Crule severely injured, requiring a full body cast.
The Unexpected Alliance with X-Force
Despite his initial antagonistic role, Crule’s story takes a surprising twist. When the other Externals kidnapped members of X-Force and held them for ransom, the young mutant team devised a daring plan. They infiltrated Crule’s hospital room and abducted him. Surprisingly, Crule was not angered by this turn of events. Instead, he expressed a strange delight at the prospect of helping X-Force “humble” his fellow immortals.
Driven by his own twisted sense of justice or perhaps simply a desire for chaos, Crule willingly provided X-Force with crucial information. He revealed the location of the Externals’ hideout and, more importantly, shared details about their weaknesses. This unexpected alliance proved instrumental in X-Force’s efforts to rescue their captured teammates.
The introduction of Crule in X-Force #12 showcased a complex and unpredictable character. While initially presented as a purely evil force, his willingness to betray his fellow Externals adds layers to his personality. This event highlights the often morally grey landscape of comic book narratives, where even the most villainous characters can have surprising motivations.
On this day, March 26th, we remember the debut of Crule, a character who left a lasting impression on the X-Force series with his brutality and unexpected cooperation. His first appearance marked a significant moment in the ongoing saga of this dynamic mutant team.
