Beast, (or The Beast) (Dr. Henry Philip "Hank" McCoy), is a fictional character and Marvel Comics superhero who is a member of the mutant team of superheroes known as the X-Men. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby, he first appeared in X-Men #1 (September 1963).
A mutant, Beast possesses ape-like physical strength and agility and oversized hands and feet. After latent transformations to his physiology were activated, he has gained increasingly animalistic physical characteristics, extending to blue fur, feline facial features, pointed ears, fangs, and claws, and enhanced physical power and senses.
Despite his savage appearance, he is a brilliant man of the arts, literature, and science; he is a world authority on biochemistry and genetics, the X-Men’s medical doctor, and the science and mathematics instructor at the Xavier Institute (the X-Men's headquarters and school for young mutants). He is also a mutant political activist. Fighting his feral urges and fear of rejection, Beast dedicates his physical and mental gifts to the creation of a better world for man and mutant. He also has a witty sense of humor.
One of the original X-Men, Beast has appeared consistently in X-Men-related comics throughout the years. He has also been a member of the "all-star" teams The Avengers and The Defenders.