Kurt Marko

Kurt Marko was an American nuclear physicist. He worked on an early atomic-bomb test in Alamogordo, New Mexico alongside Brian Xavier, who was killed in the blast. Marko found himself in a situation where he could have saved Xavier, but hesitated and failed to do so. Marko comforted Brian's widow Sharon after his death, and the two were married months later. Kurt's stepson Charles Xavier distrusted him, and their relationship became even more strained when Cain, Kurt's son from a previous marriage, moved in and bullied his new stepbrother. Through unknown means, Kurt understood that Charles had a special mutant power. Kurt had been jealous of Brian's wealth and success during his life, and truly only married Sharon to attain that wealth for himself. He and Sharon quickly grew apart, and she soon passed away. Cain confronted his father in his lab, accusing him of killing Brian deliberately. Charles stormed in and demanded an explanation, and Cain knocked over some volatile chemicals in rage. An explosion ensued and Kurt took the brunt of the blow, but used his dying strength to carry the boys out of the flames. With his last breaths, he told Charles that he hadn't killed Brian, but he had neglected to save him from the blast. He begged his forgiveness and warned him to beware of Cain when he found out about his power.