Colossus (Earth-1610)

Colossus, born Piotr Rasputin, is a Russian mutant hero and a member of the X-Men. He is exceptionally tall and powerful and possesses the ability to change his skin into a virtually impenetrable metal.

Biography

Piotr Rasputin was a member of the Russian mafia in New York City before he was recruited to the X-Men in early 2001. His criminal dealings were a means to an end rather than a vocation, as he would send his profits back to his poor family in Russia. After a deal gone awry, Rasputin was shot at by a helicopter, forcing him to reveal his metallic mutation. Marvel Girl approached him moments later, offering him refuge from the inevitable backlash by joining the X-Men. He agreed, and was granted the codename "Colossus" by senior team member Cyclops. Colossus joined at the same time as Beast and Storm. The five team members were sent together on a recruiting mission soon after their arrival for a teenage boy in New York named Bobby Drake. They were attacked by Sentinels in the process, and Colossus' strength proved a significant asset. Drake was successfully protected and recruited, and given the moniker "Iceman."