X-Men: Days of Future Past – Meet Iceman
Name: Bobby Drake
Alias: Iceman
Abilities: Iceman has the ability of cryokinesis where he can freeze anything around him and turn his own body into ice. He uses this ability to create many ice-structures, weapons and shields. As an Omega-level mutant, Drake’s full potential has yet to be reached. On occasion he’s survived as liquid water and even vapour. In the comics Iceman also has the ability to create and control ice-doubles of himself.
First Appearance: X-Men #1 (1963)
Portrayed by: Shawn Ashmore
Bio: Iceman was a founding member of the original X-Men in the comic book but is first seen in the movies when he befriends new student Rogue in the first X-Men movie welcoming her to the Xavier school, not long after they became a couple.
After the school is raided during the events of X2: X-Men United Bobby, Rogue, Pyro and Wolverine evade capture and travel to Bobby’s house to regroup and form a plan. Bobby’s parents, believing he was attending a school for the ‘gifted‘ don’t take well to discovering Bobby’s mutant powers and struggle to understand. Meanwhile Bobby’s younger brother reports the group to the police, leading to unfortunate confrontation with the law between Wolverine and Pyro. Once again the group evade capture but Bobby leaves knowing his relationship with his family will never be the same.
Bobby is seen again in X-Men: The Last Stand, this time his relationship with Rogue is in trouble due to the difficulties surrounding her mutation (tactile energy/power absorbing.) With Iceman and Rogue drifting further apart, Drake forms a bond with Kitty Pryde aka Shadowcat, much to the displeasure of Rogue. Over the course of the films Iceman has proved himself and becomes a full X-Man as part of the alpha team lead by Storm. During the final Battle he confronts Pyro and the two immediately lock into a grudge match. With Pryro seemingly taking the upper hand against Iceman, Bobby’s powers manifest in a new form. Freezing his entire body in solid Ice he withstands Pyros blasts and headbutts him, rendering him unconscious. After the battle Bobby discovers Rogue has taken the mutant cure and the two seemingly now overcome their difficulties.
Iceman will return in X-Men: Days of Future Past.
Must read issues:
X-Men #66 (1997) “Operation: Zero Tolerance” – Bobby steps up and proves his worth against a more advance type of sentinel while showing his leadership qualities.
Alternate versions:
Ultimate Universe – Bobby Drake comes to live with Peter Parker aka Spider-Man in Aunt May’s house along with Kitty Pryde, Gwen Stacy and Johnny Storm aka The Human Torch.
Fun Facts:
He is a founding member of the X-Men. Drake once had his body blessed by a priest so that he was essentially living ‘holy water’ as he fought waves of Vampires. A former member of X-Factor, The Champions and The Defenders. For a time, Iceman was forced to wear a belt that dampened his powers after they had been augmented by Loki.
