Externals

• Core Identity: The Externals are an exceptionally rare subspecies of mutant, homo superior immortalis, defined by a unique cellular structure that grants them true biological immortality and the ability to resurrect from death.
• Key Takeaways:
• Role in the Universe: Functioning as a secretive cabal of ancient and powerful mutants, the Externals (or “High Lords” as they sometimes call themselves) have manipulated events from the shadows for centuries, viewing both humans and most other mutants as fleeting, lesser beings. Their primary focus has historically been their own survival and the preservation of their unique immortal lineage, particularly concerning the prophecy of a new External joining their ranks. mutant.
• Primary Impact: Their existence introduced the concept of a mutant “immortal class” into Marvel lore, serving as a major catalyst for the development of characters like Cannonball, who was revealed to be one of them. They are intrinsically linked to Apocalypse, the so-called “First External,” and their unique biology has become a cornerstone of mutant resurrection technology in the modern Krakoan Era.
• Key Incarnations: The Externals are a concept exclusive to the Earth-616 comic book universe and have no direct equivalent or appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to date. Their potential adaptation in the MCU would likely be tied to the introduction of ancient, long-lived mutants like Apocalypse or Selene.

The Externals were created during a transformative period for the X-Men line of comics in the early 1990s. Conceived by writer Fabian Nicieza and artist/co-plotter Rob Liefeld, the concept of this elite, immortal mutant group was seeded throughout the initial run of X-Force. The term “External” was first uttered and the group formally introduced in X-Force #10 (May 1992). Their creation reflected the era's fascination with powerful, mysterious cabals and ancient conspiracies. The 90s were characterized by “bigger is better” storytelling, featuring characters with immense power, complex backstories rooted in ancient history, and morally ambiguous motivations. The Externals fit this mold perfectly, providing a new, high-level threat for the proactive and aggressive X-Force team. They served as a narrative device to elevate Cannonball (Sam Guthrie), transforming him from a “rookie” New Mutant into a character of prophesied cosmic importance, thereby adding significant depth and stakes to his personal journey. The initial mystery surrounding their identities and motivations drove several key story arcs in X-Force and Cable.

The in-universe origin of the Externals is a matter of ancient history and, more recently, significant retcon and debate. They are not a formal organization but a biological classification: a mutant whose X-Gene grants them a unique “immortality spark.” This spark allows their consciousness to reconstitute their body from even the most catastrophic injuries, effectively making them ageless and capable of resurrection. This process is distinct from the accelerated healing factors of mutants like Wolverine or Sabretooth. When an External dies, the remaining members feel a psychic “pull” or summons, an event known as “The Gathering,” compelling them to convene. For millennia, these immortal mutants operated independently or in small groups, observing and often manipulating the course of human and mutant history. The first among them, chronologically, is believed to be Apocalypse (En Sabah Nur), born nearly 5,000 years ago in ancient Egypt. Over the centuries, others emerged, including the sorceress Selene Gallio, the information broker Gideon, the healer Nicodemus, and the protector Saul. They came to see themselves as the pinnacle of mutant evolution, the “High Lords,” and believed their purpose was to guide the future. A central piece of their lore was a prophecy that a new External would emerge in the modern era, one destined to lead them into a new age. This prophecy became their central focus, leading Gideon to mentor the New Mutants' Sunspot under the mistaken belief he was the chosen one, before realizing the prophecy pointed to his teammate, Cannonball. This revelation set in motion a long-running conflict with X-Force, who sought to protect their friend from the Externals' machinations. The nature of their very existence was dramatically re-contextualized during the Krakoan Era. In the Hellions series, it was revealed by Mister Sinister that the “External” classification may not be a natural evolutionary step but rather a specific type of mutation that he learned to identify and even replicate through cloning. He claimed to have created his own “farm” of Externals, including clones of John Proudstar (Thunderbird), suggesting their status was not as unique as they believed. This cast their entire history and self-proclaimed superiority into doubt, reframing them as subjects of Sinister's millennia-long genetic experiments rather than a naturally occurring mutant aristocracy.

As of now, the Externals do not exist within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Earth-199999). The concept of a subspecies of immortal mutants has not been introduced. The MCU has only recently begun to explore the existence of mutants, with characters like Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel) and the nation of Talokan being identified as such. However, the thematic groundwork for their potential introduction is present. The MCU has already established long-lived and ancient beings, such as the Eternals, Asgardians, and sorcerers like Agatha Harkness. If and when a character like Apocalypse is introduced to the MCU, he could serve as the anchor for the concept. An MCU adaptation might streamline the idea significantly:

• Apocalypse and his Followers: The Externals could be reimagined not as a random biological subspecies, but as the original mutants that Apocalypse personally empowered or “activated” in ancient times, granting them extended life. They could function as his original Four Horsemen or a hidden court that has secretly influenced history.
• Connection to Other Mythologies: Their immortality could be linked to established MCU concepts. Perhaps their “spark” is a result of exposure to a specific cosmic energy (like the Mind Stone) or a substance like the Heart-Shaped Herb, explaining its rarity.
• Simplified Roster: Instead of the dozen or so members from the comics, an MCU version would likely focus on 3-4 key figures, such as Selene, Gideon, and Candra, each controlling a different sphere of influence (magic, finance, organized crime) to make them a more tangible and focused threat.

The introduction of the Externals would provide a powerful way to establish a deep, hidden history for mutants in the MCU, showing that they have existed for far longer than the public (or even heroes like the X-Men) might realize.

The core of an External's identity is their unique brand of immortality, which differs from other forms seen in the Marvel Universe.

• The Immortality Spark: Each External possesses a bio-energetic “spark” tied to their life force. This spark is the engine of their resurrection. When their physical body is destroyed, this spark endures and can regenerate a new body over time. The process can be nearly instantaneous or take longer depending on the individual and the circumstances of their death.
• Resurrection, Not Just Healing: Unlike Wolverine's healing factor, which repairs existing tissue at an accelerated rate, the Externals' ability is true resurrection. They can be completely disintegrated and still return. This was demonstrated when Selene systematically hunted and absorbed them, and later when they were ritually sacrificed to open a gateway during X of Swords, only to be resurrected by Krakoa's The Five.
• The Gathering: The death of an External triggers a psychic phenomenon known as “The Gathering.” The remaining Externals feel a powerful psychic summons, drawing them together. This innate connection underscores that they are more than just a group of individuals with similar powers; they are a biologically linked network.
• Weaknesses and Limitations: While incredibly difficult to kill permanently, it is not impossible. The sorceress Selene developed a method to drain their life force, seemingly killing them for good by consuming their “spark.” The Legacy Virus also proved capable of killing them, as it did with Burke and Absalom. Furthermore, Mister Sinister's genetic meddling suggests their immortality can be manipulated, copied, and potentially nullified by scientific means.

The group's membership has been a subject of debate, with some members being more central than others. Selene's status was long debated until she was confirmed, and Apocalypse's role as the “First One” sets him apart.

In the absence of the Externals, the MCU has explored themes of immortality and ancient power through different avenues.

• The Eternals: This race of cosmic beings, created by the Celestials, are the most direct parallel. They are functionally immortal, have lived in secret on Earth for 7,000 years, and have guided human history. If mutants are introduced as an offshoot of Celestial experimentation (as they sometimes are in the comics), a group like the Externals could be a bridge between the two concepts.
• Sorcerers: The Masters of the Mystic Arts, like The Ancient One, have demonstrated the ability to extend their lives for centuries by drawing power from other dimensions. An MCU Selene could easily be introduced as a dark counterpart to this, a sorceress who uses life-force instead of dimensional energy to achieve immortality.
• Mythological Beings: The Asgardians and Olympians are established as ancient, long-lived alien races who were perceived as gods. An MCU Apocalypse could be framed in a similar light—an ancient, powerful mutant from Earth's history who was mistaken for a deity, with his “Externals” being his original, long-lived acolytes.

An adaptation would need to clearly differentiate the Externals' source of immortality from these existing groups, likely by tying it directly to the mutant X-Gene, making it a biological, Earth-based phenomenon rather than cosmic or magical in origin.

The Externals are not known for their alliances, as their arrogance and power often lead to conflict. Their primary “alliance” is with each other, born of shared biology and a mutual desire for self-preservation. This pact, however, is fragile and often devolves into infighting and betrayal. For centuries, they operated under a loose non-aggression pact, convening only when one of their number died. Their most significant collective action in millennia occurred during the X of Swords event, where they reluctantly agreed to be sacrificed to create a gateway to Otherworld, understanding that Krakoa's resurrection protocols would eventually restore them.

• Selene Gallio: Ironically an External herself, Selene is their most dangerous foe. Believing that their individual life forces could be combined into one, she began a systematic campaign to hunt and absorb the energy of her fellow immortals to achieve true godhood. Her ambition and power-lust make her a predator to her own kind, turning their shared nature into a source of conflict rather than unity.
• X-Force: From their inception, the original X-Force, led by Cable, stood in direct opposition to the Externals. The conflict was deeply personal, centered on the Externals' belief that Cannonball was the prophesied new member of their race. Cable and X-Force fought to protect Sam Guthrie's autonomy and prevent him from being manipulated by figures like Gideon and Saul, leading to numerous direct confrontations.
• Mister Sinister: In the Krakoan era, Nathaniel Essex emerged as their most insidious enemy. Sinister's genetic obsession with mutants led him to view the Externals not as divine beings, but as a biological puzzle to be solved and exploited. His revelation that he could clone them and had created his own “External farm” was a devastating blow to their self-perception, reducing their unique status to a replicable genetic sequence. His murder of the resurrected Burke in Hellions was a clear message that he held their lives and their supposed immortality in contempt.

As a group, the Externals' only true affiliation is to their own kind. However, individual members have amassed significant power and influence through other organizations over the millennia.

• Clan Akkaba: Apocalypse has always stood apart, viewing the other Externals as lesser beings. His primary affiliation is with Clan Akkaba, the cult-like society formed by his descendants to ensure his survival and eventual return whenever he falls.
• Hellfire Club: Selene was a prominent and powerful member of the Hellfire Club's Inner Circle, holding the position of Black Queen. She used the Club's vast resources and political influence to further her own mystical and power-gathering ambitions.
• New Orleans Guilds: Candra established herself as the immortal patron of the Assassins Guild and the Thieves Guild of New Orleans. She granted them power from her own life force in exchange for their servitude and regular tithes, making her a major power player in the criminal underworld, which frequently brought her into conflict with Gambit.
• Krakoa: In the modern era, all living Externals became citizens of the mutant nation of Krakoa. This was a significant shift, forcing these ancient, aloof beings to integrate with the larger mutant population. Their unique biology became a critical component of the nation's defense during X of Swords, and their presence on the Quiet Council (through Apocalypse and Selene) gave them unprecedented influence over the future of their species.

This sprawling storyline, running through the first 25 issues of X-Force, served as the formal introduction of the Externals. The arc began with the industrialist Gideon manipulating Roberto da Costa (Sunspot), believing him to be the next External. The plot pivots with the supposed death of Cannonball, which triggers the Gathering. The Externals (Saul, Gideon, Absalom, etc.) reveal themselves and their belief that Sam Guthrie is the prophesied immortal. This storyline defined the group's initial motivations, established their power, and positioned Cannonball as a character of great importance, forcing him and his X-Force teammates to confront beings of immense age and power for the first time.

Later in the 90s, a significant storyline saw Selene begin her quest for godhood. She, along with her followers, began hunting down the other Externals to drain their life forces. She successfully captured and drained several members, seemingly killing them permanently. This arc repositioned the Externals from manipulators to victims and established Selene as one of the most ruthless and powerful mutant villains. It culminated in a confrontation with Cable and X-Force, who intervened to stop Selene's power grab, though not before the ranks of the Externals were severely depleted.

This 2020 event brought the Externals back to the forefront of mutant affairs in a major way. To win a war against the demonic forces of Amenth, Apocalypse determined that a gateway to the dimension of Otherworld needed to be opened. The ritual required a massive sacrifice of immortal life force—specifically, the lives of the Externals. After a tense negotiation on the Quiet Council, the remaining Externals (minus Selene) were gathered and ritually slain by Apocalypse, their combined life energy creating the External Gate. This act was both a strategic necessity and a symbolic humbling of the once-proud High Lords, demonstrating that even their immortal lives served the greater good of Krakoa. Their subsequent resurrection via The Five showcased the superiority of Krakoa's methods over their own natural process.

The follow-up to X of Swords in the Hellions series delivered the most significant retcon to the Externals' lore. Mister Sinister, tasked with acquiring genetic material, led his misfit team into his old, abandoned labs. There, he revealed a hidden “farm” of John Proudstar clones, whom he claimed were also Externals. Sinister boasted that he had cracked their genetic code long ago and that their “special” status was merely a mutation he could replicate at will. To prove his point and sow chaos, he brutally murdered the resurrected External, Burke. This revelation shattered the Externals' foundational belief in their own uniqueness and divine right, reframing them as little more than a successful genetic experiment by one of their greatest enemies.

In this harsh reality ruled by Apocalypse, several Externals still existed but served different roles. Candra was a key lieutenant of Apocalypse, operating as the leader of the Shadow King's assassins. Gideon also worked for Apocalypse as one of his Riders of the Storm. Their immortal nature was less of a defining characteristic in a world where survival of the fittest was the only law, and their allegiance was sworn directly to the “First One,” Apocalypse, who had achieved his goal of world domination.

The Externals as a concept do not exist in the Ultimate Universe. The idea of ancient mutants was explored through a radically different version of Apocalypse, who was not the first mutant but rather a thrall of Mister Sinister, empowered to act as his herald. Immortality and resurrection were handled through different plot devices, and the notion of a special biological class of immortal mutants was never introduced in this continuity.

• Apocalypse
• Cannonball
• Selene Gallio
• X-Force
• Mister Sinister
• Krakoa

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