'X-Men '97' Episode 7 introduces new villain Bastion who leaves Mr Sinister in the dust
Contains spoilers and speculations for 'X-Men '97'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In 'X-Men ‘97', Episode 5 shook things up with a tragic turn on Genosha, where countless mutants, including the beloved Gambit, met their end at the hands of a giant Master Mold. Episode 6 hinted that Mister Sinister might be behind the chaos, but Episode 7 revealed a bigger threat: Bastion.
Bastion poses a significant threat to the X-Men, but his origins are shrouded in mystery. As 'X-Men ‘97' unfolds, we'll likely learn more about Bastion and his nefarious plans for the mutants.
Bastion is a formidable foe in X-Men lore, known for his cunning and power. But who exactly is Bastion? Is he human, a Sentinel, or something else entirely? Here’s a breakdown of this Marvel villain and his potential role in the remaining episodes of 'X-Men ‘97'.
A look at Bastion's comic book origins
Bastion was introduced by writer Scott Lobdell and artist Pasqual Ferry in 1996’s 'X-Men #52'. He heads Operation: Zero Tolerance, a secret government program aimed at dealing with mutants.
Originally, Bastion believed he was a government agent named Sebastion Gilberti. But later, he learns his true nature. He's a fusion of a Master Mold and the futuristic Sentinel Nimrod.
This transformation happens after he passes through the mystical portal called Siege Perilous. Bastion gains incredible powers, including strength, energy projection, flight, and control over other Sentinels.
In the 1996 crossover 'Operation: Zero Tolerance', Bastion is the main antagonist. He captures Professor Xavier, accessing the Xavier Protocols, which provide crucial information about the X-Men’s weaknesses. Using this intel and new nanotechnology, Bastion transforms ordinary humans into powerful Prime Sentinels and launches a full-scale attack on the X-Men.
Despite his defeat and the shutdown of Operation: Zero Tolerance, Bastion continues to trouble the X-Men. In 2010’s 'X-Men: Second Coming' crossover, he emerges as the primary villain at a time when mutants are facing extinction. This highly advanced Sentinel remains one of the X-Men’s most dangerous adversaries.
Bastion's role in 'X-Men '97'
Early hints about Bastion popped up in the first episodes of 'X-Men ‘97', like a photo in Forge’s house in Episode 4. But Bastion really shows up in Episode 5, sending a big robot to Genosha, causing lots of people to die, including Gambit.
In Episode 7, Bastion finally comes out in the open as the X-Men mourn and start finding out about Operation: Zero Tolerance. He comes to kill Henry Peter Gyrich and is seen working with Mister Sinister, who seems to have helped make Bastion’s strong robot body.
The series seems to tweak Bastion’s origin, hinting that he's designed by Sinister using Nimrod’s cybernetics rather than being a fusion of Master Mold and Nimrod. Bastion hints at being a familiar adversary to the X-Men, suggesting ties to past villains like Graydon Creed or the X-Cutioner.
Bastion is set up as the ultimate foe of Season 1, with the final episodes titled 'Tolerance Is Extinction', hinting at adapting the Operation: Zero Tolerance storyline. With perfected Prime Sentinel technology and access to Xavier’s files, Bastion poses a dire threat to the X-Men.
Bastion also reveals plans involving Xavier and Magneto, aiming to expose Xavier's supposed death and manipulate public opinion against mutants using Magneto. Can Cable, the time-traveling hero, save the day? He’s raced against time to prevent Genosha's destruction and now must confront the looming threat of Bastion.
As the X-Men face their greatest challenge yet, they'll need every ally they can muster.
'X-Men '97' trailer