Eight Immortals

[Janne Pietikainen]

Purpose: To defend the ancient Chinese homeland
First Appearance: X-Men (2nd series) #158
Current Members: Chuan Chung Li, Chang Kuo-Lao, Lu Dong-Pin, Tsao Guao-chiu, Tieh Guai Li, Han Hsian Tzu, Lan Tsai Ho, Ho Hsien Ku
Bases of Operations: China
Known Associates: X-Men, Xorn II

Profile: The Eight Immortals are the chosen protectors of China. They fought Havok's team of X-Men, when they came to investigate a new mutant signature in China.

History: When the Chinese mutant known as Xorn accidentally destroyed a village in China, the Eight Immortals arrived to the scene. There they saw the X-Men trying to leave taking Xorn with them. As the protectors of China, they felt Xorn was their responsibility and attacked the X-Men. When Xorn's containment helmet cracked and opened the black hole, the Eight Immortals realized the destruction caused by Xorn wasn't the X-Men's doing and offered their assistance. Even though they didn't want to help the X-Men fight the Chinese military, in whose possession a spare containment helmet was, they guided the X-Men to the military base.

Appearances:
X-Men (2nd series) #158-159

[Angelicknight]

The Eight Immortals were all named in the China entry in the Marvel Atlas #1. They are Chuan Chung Li, Chang Kuo-Lao, Lu Dong-Pin, Tsao Guao-chiu, Tieh Guai Li, Han Hsian Tzu, Lan Tsai Ho and Ho Hsien Ku

[Janne Pietikainen]

Thank you! I wonder if the Eight Immortals are based on real-world myths, like Thor and Hercules.

[John H]

They are loosely based on Chinese myth/folklore. I thought they had potential, would like to see them used again. Salvador had some nice designs. I would love to see Marvel publish a title similar to DC's the Global Guardians, only incorporate many of their underused international heroes.