Mister Rasputin

Pavel Plotnick (né Rasputin), better known as Mister Rasputin, is a fictional character, a super villain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics.

Mister Rasputin
Publication information
PublisherMarvel Comics
First appearanceStrange Tales #145 (1966)
Created byDennis O'Neil (writer)
Steve Ditko (artist)
In-story information
Full namePavel Rasputin
SpeciesHuman
Notable aliasesPavel Plotnick
AbilitiesSorcery, force-field generation, energy projection, teleportation

Publication history

Mister Rasputin made his official debuts in June 1966's Strange Tales #145, which was edited by Stan Lee, written by Dennis O'Neil, drawn by Steve Ditko, and lettered by Artie Simek. The issue was a double feature, showcasing both Doctor Strange and Nick Fury.[1]

Fictional character biography

1960s

An alleged descendant of Russian mystic Grigori Rasputin, Pavel Rasputin craves world domination. Adopting the moniker of Mister Rasputin, he starts to hone his sorcery skills, before stealing classified papers from various government sites. Aware of Rasputin's treachery, Doctor Strange tracks him down and fights him. However, having had already exhausted his reserves during his recent encounter with Tazza, Strange is unable to attack Rasputin full-force. Just as he is about to call upon his mystic cloak to subdue Rasputin, the villain withdraws a firearm and shoots the Sorcerer Supreme. Greatly weakened, Strange barely makes his way to the hospital, where he recuperates.[2]

Not contented with his pseudo-victory, Rasputin sends an assassin to murder Strange. Using his astral form, Strange confronts Rasputin for the second time. This time, he is able to defeat him. Strange uses sorcery to remove all knowledge about magic from Rasputin's mind, before turning him in to the police.[2]

1980s

Reflecting on his own actions in prison, Rasputin decides to change his legal name to Pavel Plotnick. He relocates to Ohio and joins the insurance industry. Finding a wife, he fathers two children. His son Lamar later learns about the dark arts by accident. This newfound information allows him to capture Cloak. Plotnick discovers what has occurred and apologetically frees Cloak, before admonishing his son.[3]

2000s

During the Dark Reign storyline after Doctor Strange is stripped of his "Sorcerer Supreme" title because he utilized dark magic, the Eye of Agamotto greets Plotnick and proposes that he be a candidate for the vacant title.[4]

2010s

Mister Rasputin has returned to his mischievous ways and was apprehended by S.H.I.E.L.D. Operatives of Mys-Tech working for Commander Myrrden infiltrated the Sanctum Sanctorum causing S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Phil Coulson to bring Mister Rasputin in with a promise that if he helps them against Mys-Tech, his debt to S.H.I.E.L.D. will be paid. After placing some spying charges into the Sanctum Sanctorum, Mister Rasputin accompanied Phil Coulson and Spider-Man into the Sanctum Sanctorum where they defeated the Mys-Tech Agents. When Commander Myrrden is defeated and the Book of Morphesti that was opened was closed, Mister Rasputin removed the spell that was used on Wong. Phil Coulson then asked Spider-Man to stick around to make sure that Mister Rasputin remained long enough for Phil Coulson to get his release papers filled out.[5]

During the "Death of Doctor Strange" storyline, Doctor Strange deals with Mister Rasputin who is sensing that the Seven Sons of Cinnibus are dying as Doctor Strange severs the connection to keep them from entering his dimension.[6]

Powers and abilities

A mystic himself, Mister Rasputin was capable of energy manipulation, force-field generation, illusion creation, and teleportation.[1]

See also

References
  1. Marvel Legacy: The 1960s–1990s Handbook. Marvel Comics. 2007. p. 40. ISBN 9780785120827.
  2. Dennis O'Neil (w), Steve Ditko (a), Stan Lee (ed). "To Catch a Magician!" Strange Tales, no. 145 (June 1966). New York City: Marvel Comics.
  3. Terry Austin (w), Dan Lawlis (p), P. Craig Russell (i). "Blind Salvation" Cloak and Dagger, vol. 3, no. 1 (Oct. 1988). New York City: Marvel Comics.
  4. Brian Michael Bendis (w), Billy Tan (p), Matt Banning (i). New Avengers, no. 53 (July 2009). New York City: Marvel Comics.
  5. S.H.I.E.L.D. vol. 3 #3. Marvel Comics.
  6. Death of Doctor Strange #1. Marvel Comics.
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