Nocturne (Talia Josephine "T.J." Wagner) is a fictional character appearing in
American comic book
An American comic book is a thin periodical literature originating in the United States, commonly between 24 and 64 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publ ...
s published by
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
. The character is depicted as a member of the reality-hopping
Exiles
Exile or banishment is primarily penal expulsion from one's native country, and secondarily expatriation or prolonged absence from one's homeland under either the compulsion of circumstance or the rigors of some high purpose. Usually persons ...
and formerly associated with
New Excalibur
''Excalibur'' is the name of several superhero comic books published by Marvel Comics since 1988, generally featuring the team of the same name.
The first volumes ran for 125 issues, complemented by several one-shot special editions, between 19 ...
.
Fictional character biography
Nocturne is from an
alternative reality outside
Outside or Outsides may refer to:
* Wilderness
Books and magazines
* ''Outside'', a book by Marguerite Duras
* ''Outside'' (magazine), an outdoors magazine
Film, theatre and TV
* Outside TV (formerly RSN Television), a television network
* '' ...
the main
Marvel Universe
The Marvel Universe is a fictional shared universe where the stories in most American comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Comics take place. Superhero teams such as the Avengers, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Guardia ...
(
Earth-616
In the fictional Multiverse (Marvel Comics), Marvel Comics multiverse, Earth-616 is the primary continuity (fiction), continuity in which most Marvel Comics titles take place.
Origins of the term
The designation "Earth-616" has its origins in ...
). She is the daughter of that reality's
Nightcrawler and the
Scarlet Witch
The Scarlet Witch is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The X-Men #4 in March 1964, in the Silver Age of Comic Boo ...
.
[''Exiles'' #4] She is based on
Jim Calafiore's "Professor W's X-Men" entry of the ''X-Men Millennial Visions'' 2000 one-shot.
Life in the X-Men
T.J. grew up around the X-Men and under her father's care, while her mother remains a member of the
Avengers
Avenger(s) or The Avenger(s) may refer to:
Arts, entertainment, and media Marvel Comics universe
* Avengers (comics), a team of superheroes
**Avengers (Marvel Cinematic Universe), a central team of protagonist superheroes of "The Infinity Sag ...
.
Wolverine
The wolverine ( , ; ''Gulo gulo''), also called the carcajou or quickhatch (from East Cree, ''kwiihkwahaacheew''), is the largest land-dwelling species, member of the family Mustelidae. It is a muscular carnivore and a solitary animal. The w ...
attacks
Charles Xavier
Professor X (Prof. Charles Francis Xavier) is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 ( ...
while under the control of the
Shadow King
The Shadow King (Amahl Farouk) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, primarily as an enemy of the X-Men. His nemesis is the X-Men's leader, Professor X, while he also figures into the backstory of the X-M ...
. The Shadow King is expelled from Wolverine's mind, but Xavier is fatally wounded in the attack and Logan is left crippled.
Jean Grey
Jean Elaine Grey-Summers is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the character First appearance, first appeared in ''Uncanny X-Men, The X-Men'' #1 ...
dies shortly after the attack, and
Cyclops
In Greek mythology and later Roman mythology, the Cyclopes ( ; , ''Kýklōpes'', "Circle-eyes" or "Round-eyes"; singular Cyclops ; , ''Kýklōps'') are giant one-eyed creatures. Three groups of Cyclopes can be distinguished. In Hesiod's ''Th ...
blames Wolverine for both deaths and abandons the team. As a result, Wolverine and Nightcrawler take over as leaders of the
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 (September 1963). Although initial ...
and the
Xavier Institute
X-Mansion and Xavier Institute are the common names for a mansion and research institute appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The mansion is depicted as the private estate of Charles Francis Xavier and serves as the bas ...
. Nocturne becomes an active member of the X-Men when she is seventeen years old, and has faced several of the team's most dangerous foes, including
Apocalypse
Apocalypse () is a literary genre originating in Judaism in the centuries following the Babylonian exile (597–587 BCE) but persisting in Christianity and Islam. In apocalypse, a supernatural being reveals cosmic mysteries or the future to a ...
and a vengeance-seeking Cyclops. Nocturne saves Wolverine's life during Cyclops's attack by possessing her unconscious teammate
Armageddon
Armageddon ( ; ; ; from ) is the prophesied gathering of armies for a battle during the end times, according to the Book of Revelation in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Armageddon is variously interpreted as either a literal or a ...
and using his telekinetic powers to move Wolverine's paralyzed arms to impale Cyclops.
[''Exiles'' #42]
Exiles
At twenty years old, Nocturne is taken by the
Timebroker
The Timebroker is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, a ...
and told she had become "unhinged from time."
[''Exiles'' #1] The Timebroker tells Nocturne that if she does not work to right the wrongs that have occurred in a multitude of
alternate universes, her own timeline would remain altered and she would be returned to a universe in which Nightcrawler was murdered some time ago by his mother,
Mystique. As sycgm Nocturne becomes a member of the reality-hopping
Exiles
Exile or banishment is primarily penal expulsion from one's native country, and secondarily expatriation or prolonged absence from one's homeland under either the compulsion of circumstance or the rigors of some high purpose. Usually persons ...
.
Over the course of the Exiles' first adventures, Nocturne develops a romantic relationship with teammate
John Proudstar/Thunderbird, who is the former
horseman, War, for his reality's Apocalypse. By the time the team is trapped for a month on a
Skrull
The Skrulls () are a race of List of fictional extraterrestrials, extraterrestrial shapeshifters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They first appeared in ''Fantastic Four (comic book), Fantastic Four'' #2 and were crea ...
-dominated alternate Earth, Nocturne is pregnant with Thunderbird's child. However, John is wounded during his efforts to repel
Galactus
Galactus () is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Formerly a mortal man, he is a cosmic entity who consumes planets to sustain his life force, and serves a functional role in the upkeep of the p ...
during that mission, and is left behind when the team moves to the next reality. Nocturne later miscarries the baby; it is unclear whether the
miscarriage
Miscarriage, also known in medical terms as a spontaneous abortion, is an end to pregnancy resulting in the loss and expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the womb before it can fetal viability, survive independently. Miscarriage before 6 weeks ...
is natural or if she terminated the pregnancy herself. Although devastated by the loss of Thunderbird, Nocturne remains a competent member of the Exiles and eventually regains much of her sunny demeanor.
Nocturne, and the Exiles, go to the main Marvel Universe where they meet the
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the team first appeared in Uncanny X-Men, ''The X-Men'' #1 (September 1963). Although initial ...
after
Havok's cancelled wedding. The Exiles team up with the X-Men against an evil Havok from the ''
Mutant X'' universe, who shares a body with the good Havok. After Havok is subdued, the Timebroker arrives to personally eliminate the ''Mutant X'' Havok's consciousness. During this mission Nocturne meets this version of Nightcrawler, whom she accidentally calls "Dad" at first. The demeanor of the main Marvel Universe Nightcrawler is similar to that of the Nightcrawler from Nocturne's reality, so the two develop a close bond that resembles a father-daughter relationship.
After a few more missions the Exiles come back to the Marvel Universe, and are given a new teammate,
Namora
Namora () (Aquaria Nautica Neptunia) is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by artists Ken Bald and Syd Shores, the character First appearance, first appeared in ''Marvel Mystery Comics'' #82 (May 194 ...
, and a new mission from the Tallus: "Leave your possessions and earn your wings".
Mister Fantastic
Mister Fantastic (Reed Richards) is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The character is a founding member and the leader of the Fantastic Four. Richards has a mast ...
of the
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four, often abbreviated as FF, is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team debuted in '' The Fantastic Four'' #1 ( cover-dated November 1961), helping usher in a new level of realism i ...
eventually deciphered the mission's meaning:
Beak
The beak, bill, or rostrum is an external anatomical structure found mostly in birds, but also in turtles, non-avian dinosaurs and a few mammals. A beak is used for pecking, grasping, and holding (in probing for food, eating, manipulating and ...
of the X-Men has to go with the Exiles and Nocturne has to stay behind in the main Marvel Universe.
Brotherhood/Return from Mojoworld
Nocturne then infiltrates
Exodus
Exodus or the Exodus may refer to:
Religion
* Book of Exodus, second book of the Hebrew Torah and the Christian Bible
* The Exodus, the biblical story of the migration of the ancient Israelites from Egypt into Canaan
Historical events
* Ex ...
' new
Brotherhood, but is sucked into
Xorn
Xorn is the alias of two fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in ''New X-Men (2001 series), New X-Men Annual 2001'' (September 2001). He was created by Grant Morrison and Frank Qui ...
's head, along with several other members of the Brotherhood, while possessing
Black Tom Cassidy
Black Tom Cassidy (Thomas Samuel Eamon Cassidy) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is usually depicted as an enemy of the X-Men, and of his cousin, Banshee. In addition to fighting the X-M ...
. She ends up in Mojoworld with
Juggernaut
A juggernaut (), in current English usage, is a literal or metaphorical force regarded as merciless, destructive, and unstoppable.
This English usage originates in the mid-nineteenth century. ''Juggernaut'' is the early rendering in English ...
(another Brotherhood mole), and is enslaved by
Mojo
Mojo may refer to:
* Mojo (African-American culture), a magical charm bag used in Hoodoo
Arts, entertainment and media Film and television
* ''Mojo'' (2017 film), a 2017 Indian Kannada drama film written and directed by Sreesha Belakvaadi
* '' ...
. To escape, Nocturne takes control of Mojo's servant
Spiral
In mathematics, a spiral is a curve which emanates from a point, moving further away as it revolves around the point. It is a subtype of whorled patterns, a broad group that also includes concentric objects.
Two-dimensional
A two-dimension ...
and opens a portal to the X-Men's
Danger Room
The Danger Room is a fictional training facility appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. It first appeared in ''The X-Men'' #1 (September 1963) and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The facility is depicted as built for ...
, where they were reunited with the X-Men. However, this is a trap set by Spiral who was in more control of her body than thought, leaving a portal open to allow Mojo to cross over as well. Mojo turns the X-Men into
X-Babies
The X-Babies are a group of fictional characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They are depicted as being Mojo-manufactured child clones of the X-Men. They first appeared in ''Uncanny X-Men Annual'' #12 and were crea ...
and sends his "Exile Legal Eagles" after them, but they manage to overpower his forces anyway. The group is re-aged, and Nocturne remains with the X-Men for the time being.
''House of M''
During the ''
House of M
"House of M" is a 2005 comic book storyline published by Marvel Comics, consisting of an eight-issue comic book limited series with a number of crossover tie-in books written by Brian Michael Bendis and illustrated by Olivier Coipel. Its first i ...
'' reality, Nocturne is sought by
Callisto
CALLISTO (''Cooperative Action Leading to Launcher Innovation in Stage Toss-back Operations'') is a reusable VTVL Prototype, demonstrator propelled by a small 40 kN Japanese LOX-LH2 rocket engine. It is being developed jointly by the CNES, French ...
's
Marauders for having royal Magnus blood, but is protected by
Psylocke
Psylocke is the name of two connected characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly in association with the X-Men. Both characters are portrayed as Mutant (Marvel Comics), mutants, a subspecies of humans born w ...
and
Marvel Girl. Marvel Girl allows Nocturne to possess her to keep her out of the Marauders' reach, but Nocturne ends up taking control, and in a confused daze, flies away. Psylocke pursues, eventually culminating in a telekinetic blade battle, which Psylocke wins. This allows Marvel Girl's own consciousness to resurface. The three of them fight off the Marauders together and later help
Captain Britain
Captain Britain is a title used by various superheroes in comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly in association with Excalibur. The moniker was first used in publication by Brian Braddock in ''Captain Britain'' #1 by writer Chris Cl ...
and
Meggan prevent reality from being destroyed.
''New Excalibur''
Nocturne next appears in
New Excalibur
''Excalibur'' is the name of several superhero comic books published by Marvel Comics since 1988, generally featuring the team of the same name.
The first volumes ran for 125 issues, complemented by several one-shot special editions, between 19 ...
, alongside Juggernaut,
Sage,
Dazzler, Captain Britain, and
Pete Wisdom. During her time with New Excalibur, Nocturne developed the ability to possess people without knocking them unconscious.
She also suffered a
stroke
Stroke is a medical condition in which poor cerebral circulation, blood flow to a part of the brain causes cell death. There are two main types of stroke: brain ischemia, ischemic, due to lack of blood flow, and intracranial hemorrhage, hemor ...
while on the team. She suffered aftereffects, such as
hemiparesis
Hemiparesis, also called unilateral paresis, is the weakness of one entire side of the body (''wikt:hemi-#Prefix, hemi-'' means "half"). Hemiplegia, in its most severe form, is the complete paralysis of one entire side of the body. Either hemipar ...
, partial
memory loss
Amnesia is a deficit in memory caused by brain damage or brain diseases,Gazzaniga, M., Ivry, R., & Mangun, G. (2009) Cognitive Neuroscience: The biology of the mind. New York: W.W. Norton & Company. but it can also be temporarily caused by t ...
, and
aphasia
Aphasia, also known as dysphasia, is an impairment in a person's ability to comprehend or formulate language because of dysfunction in specific brain regions. The major causes are stroke and head trauma; prevalence is hard to determine, but aph ...
, but was making great strides towards recovery. Despite this, while only partially recovered, she was able to save numerous civilians in the battle against Albion by possessing one of Albion's evil Captain Britains. She was recently reunited with the Exiles, including her lover Thunderbird who is no longer comatose. However, her return to the Exiles is short, because after defeating
Mad Jim Jaspers
M-11
M-11 is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.
Originally known as the Human Robot, the character was named "M-11" in the 2006 to 2007 ''Agents of Atlas'' miniseries as an allusion to its first ...
, Nocturne and Thunderbird leave to help their relationship grow and to help Nocturne recover. Along with Blink, they go to
Heather's reality so she can monitor her health.
Return to the Exiles
Nocturne made a brief appearance in the final issue of ''Exiles'' vol. 2 seemingly having recovered from her stroke. She, along with the current team of Exiles, Morph, and Heather briefly merges with the Crystal Palace as a female version of
Kang explains the nature of the universe. Additionally, she takes charge of the current team of Exiles while Blink is off to recruit another group of superheroes.
Powers and abilities
Nocturne inherited abilities from both her parents, namely Nightcrawler's teleportation, night vision, camouflage, and agility.
She does not possess any of Scarlet Witch's abilities, instead having the ability to generate otherdimensional energy blasts, possess the bodies of others, and read their minds.
Reception
* In 2014, ''
Entertainment Weekly
''Entertainment Weekly'' (sometimes abbreviated as ''EW'') is an American online magazine, digital-only entertainment magazine based in New York City, published by Dotdash Meredith, that covers film, television, music, Broadway theatre, books, ...
'' ranked Nocturne 46th in their "Let's rank every X-Man ever" list.
* In 2018,
Comic Book Resources
''CBR'', formerly ''Comic Book Resources'', is a news website primarily covering comic book news, comic book reviews, and comic book–related topics involving movies, television, anime, and video games. It is owned by Valnet, parent of publicat ...
(CBR) ranked Nocturne 9th in their "8 X-Men Kids Cooler Than Their Parents (And 7 Who Are Way Worse)" list.
Other versions
* An alternate universe variant of Nocturne appears in ''
X-Men: The End''.
* Prior to Nocturne's introduction, a similar character named Blue appeared in ''
Days of Future Present
"Days of Future Present" is a storyline published by Marvel Comics, appearing in the 1990 annuals of ''Fantastic Four'', ''X-Factor'', ''The New Mutants'' and ''The Uncanny X-Men''. Centered on the appearance of an adult version of the powerful m ...
'' as part of a future incarnation of the
New Mutants
The New Mutants are a group of fictional mutant superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, generally in association with the X-Men. Originally depicted as the teenaged junior class at the Xavier Institute, sub ...
.
['']New Mutants
The New Mutants are a group of fictional mutant superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, generally in association with the X-Men. Originally depicted as the teenaged junior class at the Xavier Institute, sub ...
Annual'' #6. Marvel Comics.
Collected editions
* ''
Exiles
Exile or banishment is primarily penal expulsion from one's native country, and secondarily expatriation or prolonged absence from one's homeland under either the compulsion of circumstance or the rigors of some high purpose. Usually persons ...
''
** ''Exiles Volume 1: Down the Rabbit Hole'' (
TPB, May 2002, )
** ''Exiles Volume 2: A World Apart'' (TPB, October 2002, )
** ''Exiles Volume 3: Out of Time'' (TPB, February 2003, )
** ''Exiles Volume 4: Legacy'' (TPB, August 2003, )
** ''Exiles Volume 5: Unnatural Instinct'' (TPB, November 2003, )
** ''Exiles Volume 6: Fantastic Voyage'' (TPB, March 2004, )
** ''Exiles Volume 7: A Blink in Time'' (TPB, June 2004, )
** ''Exiles Volume 8: Earn Your Wings'' (TPB, November 2004, )
* ''X-Men''
** ''House of M: Uncanny X-Men'' (TPB, collects ''Uncanny X-Men'' #462–465, February 2006, )
** ''X-Men: The End Book One: Dreamers and Demons'' (TPB, March 2005, )
** ''X-Men: The End Book Two: Heroes and Martyrs'' (TPB, November 2005, )
** ''X-Men: The End Book Three: Men and X-Men'' (TPB, September 2006, )
* ''
New Excalibur
''Excalibur'' is the name of several superhero comic books published by Marvel Comics since 1988, generally featuring the team of the same name.
The first volumes ran for 125 issues, complemented by several one-shot special editions, between 19 ...
'' #1–24 (November 2005 – 2007):
** ''New Excalibur Volume 1: Defenders of the Realm'' (TPB, collects #1–7, August 2006, )
** ''New Excalibur Volume 2: Last Day of Camelot'' (TPB, collects #8–15, March 2007, )
** ''New Excalibur Volume 3: Battle of the Britains'' (TPB, collects #16–24, December 2007, )
References
External links
*
*
Nocturneat the Marvel Comics Database Project
{{Exiles
Characters created by Jim Calafiore
Comics characters introduced in 2000
Fictional characters who can teleport
Fictional characters with body or mind control abilities
Fictional characters with energy-manipulation abilities
Marvel Comics female superheroes
Marvel Comics mutants
Marvel Comics telepaths
Romani comics characters