What Is The 'Fastball Special' in X-Men? Explained

What Is The "Fastball Special?"

The "Fastball Special" is an iconic move that's part of Marvel Comic Lore. As one of the most popular and compelling moves that are done by two X-Men characters, it’s one of the classic moves in Marvel Comic history. As a duo, Wolverine and Colossus execute this move in a combination of skill, agility and timing: this move will showcase the powers and skills of both these X-Men - helping to take down the villain in a spectacular moment.

In many cases: This move can be described as Wolverine "riding Colossus’ shoulders like he's a cannonball." With this in mind - the duo use their strengths - Colossus (the powerful X-Man) uses his ability to lift Wolverine (who is fast and agile). The Fastball Special allows these X-Men to successfully attack the villain in an exciting way.

Where Did The Fastball Special Originate In The Movies?

Wolverine getting thrown by Colossus, doing the 'Fastball Special' for the first time. Image

It’s not just in the comics that the "Fastball Special” appears - fans of the X-Men movie franchise have discovered that it’s also been featured. The movie adaptations (in many cases: have taken on a different approach as they've often tried to bring in those classic elements) of this movie has given the story a twist as the duo have changed – showing a different kind of power dynamic. The movies, have chosen to portray a darker kind of story: that involves those more personal events, relationships between Wolverine and other X-Men – showing how that could change.

The Fastball Special has a completely different meaning, purpose and a darker sense to the move: fans have often noticed that the Fastball Special that’s featured in the X-Men movies has a unique sense of betrayal as it’s based on the earlier moments that shape those relationships - particularly those between Wolverine and Sabretooth. It’s also interesting to notice, how those characters often come into contact as they’re each part of that larger world.

What Does This Tell Us About Wolverine?

Wolverine and Colossus standing together in X3: The Last Stand. Image

Fans of the X-Men franchise will often point out the relationship between those two characters and how that relationship has been interpreted - this shows just how the series has gone through a major transformation as it takes some core, important aspects: particularly those relationships.

When the move was first featured in X2: X-Men United, fans discovered a different approach as those X-Men faced challenges - those challenges have helped to show the darker, complex nature of their powers - the series was going to delve deep into a unique approach to some very powerful moments.

Who Is Sabretooth ?

Deadpool from his 2016 solo film next to the version from X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Image

Sabretooth is an interesting character: fans will be familiar with those X-Men who often had to face those darker elements – one of those iconic characters: the X-Men villain Sabretooth (one of those characters who's known for being a deadly - and powerful, villain). Fans will be ready to see how this particular character comes into play as he faces off against Wolverine and the X-Men - often making an appearance at a critical time.

It’s also important to notice, that this character has been portrayed in different ways in both X-Men and Wolverine. He's been known to pose a dangerous - and at times: challenging opponent - who might try to bring those X-Men characters to a dark moment in their stories. This character will make an interesting and potentially impactful role as he’s likely going to have a significant impact in House of the Dragon.

How Does The Fastball Special Contrast to the Comics?

Wolverine in Comic Art by Leinil Yu Image

Those who have followed the X-Men movie series and those classic X-Men comics: will have noticed that the Fastball Special - a key part of this universe - has had a variety of interpretations.

As those fans of the Comics have seen - the move is often an action-packed move that gives a sense of power, a dynamic, relationship between those X-Men – that is very much in line with those comic stories as fans discover what that particular universe is all about. When it comes to the movies - those characters who are involved in those relationships - have been changed.

What Is The 'Fastball Special' in X-Men? Explained