Supervillain Origins: Pyro

This guy is easy to get all hot under the collar – and elsewhere. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we will explore the comic book origin of Pyro. As with most comic book characters, there are often re-imaginations and different versions to a character’s past. We have chosen primarily to follow the storyline which unfolded in 1981's Uncanny X-Men #141-142 and which was expanded upon in 2001's Cable #87. The evil mutant known as Pyro was once named St. John Allerdyce. Although details of his past are sketchy at best, it’s universally accepted that Allerdyce was Australian in origin before he began his career with the Brotherhood. As his name implies, Pyro's mutant powers were connected with fire and flame. Although he was unable to actually create fire, he was able to control any fire within 100 yards of himself. He could take even a small flame and cause it to grow exponentially. Pyro became quite adept at manipulating the fire, often forming massive shapes and figures from it. As he could not create fire himself, the villain often carried special equipment to create the flames he needed to exercise his power. Pyro debuted in 1981's Uncanny X-Men #141, the first issue of what became one of the X-Men's most popular storylines, "Days of Future Past." The story began in the Manhattan of the future – a Manhattan that was virtually unrecognizable. As an adult Kitty Pryde made contact with Wolverine, readers learned that the world was in crisis. Mutant-hunting Sentinels have taken over North America; a small handful of mutants remain alive. The Sentinels have planned on expanding their power beyond America – and when they do, a full-scale nuclear war will be launched. In order to prevent this apocalyptic future from occurring, Kitty Pryde was sent back in time. Her mission was to change events and prevent the murder of Senator Robert Kelly, which triggered the rise of the Sentinels. That assassination was planned by the villainous mutant Mystique, leader of the latest incarnation of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. Pyro, a member of this team, demonstrated his power to readers by lashing out at the disrespectful villain Blob. Donning their costumes, the Brotherhood set in motion its plan to murder Senator Kelly. Fortunately, Kitty had alerted the X-Men in time and they were there to do battle with the Brotherhood. During that clash, Pyro showed just how formidable his power was, fighting with both the X-Men and the U.S. army. But not even Pyro could withstand the might of Storm's weather-derived might. More importantly, Kitty was able to prevent Senator Kelly's death. The Brotherhood was defeated and an apocalyptic future changed – just another for the X-Men. Pyro continued to wage war against the X-Men over the next few years. However, he also contracted the Legacy Virus, a deadly disease that killed mutants. In 2001's Cable #87, the attempted assassination of Senator Kelly was re-told; however, in this version, the dying Pyro used his powers to foil his own teammates' plot. With his last breath, he begged the Senator to stop the hatred between humans and mutants. The villain's final act was one of sheer heroism. Characters with fire-based abilities have a visual flare that works well in other media. Pyro has been a significant presence in a number of Marvel-related projects on TV and in film. Whether in costume or street clothes, Pyro always cuts a striking figure – especially once he turns the heat up. Are you a fan of Pyro? For more comic book origins, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.