COPYCAT

 

COPYCAT

Real Name: Vanessa Geraldine Carlysle

First Appearance: The New Mutants (Vol. 1) #98, February 1991 (as Domino); X-Force (Vol. 1) #11, June 1992 (as herself)

Powers: Copycat’s mutation was empathic metamorphosis. In her default form, she possessed pale blue skin, white hair streaked with red and pink, and red pupils on a black iris.

Her mutant ability enabled her to attune herself with another person in her vicinity and duplicate their physical, mental and genetic traits. This generally happened automatically until she fully mastered her power. Initially, she would develop a semi-empathic bond with the person she was shape-shifting into, instinctively understanding their character better. As the process completed itself, she not only assumed the physical appearance of her template, but also their superhuman abilities and, presumably, at least some aspects of their memories, personality, and special skills like fighting maneuvers.

Once in character, she could remain that way permanently until she chose to consciously reverse the process. Even if she fell asleep or was knocked unconscious, she would still retain her altered appearance. In later years, however, the Weapon X Program apparently altered Copycat’s powers, allowing her to change shape at will like a typical metamorph (without needing a template), but now unable to duplicate special powers or memories with the morphing process.