Colossus (character) and Carlingford, New South Wales: Difference between pages

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Revision as of 06:04, 4 July 2007

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{{Infobox Australian Place | type = suburb

{{Superherobox| <!--Part of Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->

| name = Carlingford

|image=[[Image:AstonColossus.png|200px]]

| city = Sydney

|caption=Colossus<br>Art by [[John Cassaday]]

| state = nsw

|character_name=Colossus

| image = Carlingford_carlovillage.jpg

|alter_ego=Piotr "Peter" Nikolaievitch Rasputin

| caption = Carlingford Village Shopping Centre

|species=[[Mutant (Marvel comics)|Human Mutant]]

| lga = [[Baulkham Hills Shire]]<br>[[Hornsby Shire]]<br>[[City of Parramatta]]

|publisher=[[Marvel Comics]]

| parish = [[Field of Mars Parish, Cumberland|Field of Mars]]

|debut=''Giant-Size X-Men'' #1 (May 1975)

| postcode = 2118

|creators=[[Len Wein]]<br>[[Dave Cockrum]]

| pop = 19,678 (2001 census)

|alliances=[[X-Men]], [[Excalibur (comics)|Excalibur]]; [[Acolytes (comics)|Acolytes]]

| area = 7.9&nbsp;km²

|aliases=Rasputin, Peter Nicholas, The Proletarian

| est =

|powers=Ability to transform entire body into organic steel granting superhuman strength, stamina, and durability

| propval =

|}}

| stategov = [[Electoral district of Baulkham Hills|Baulkham Hills]]<br>[[Electoral district of Castle Hill|Castle Hill]]<br>[[Electoral district of Epping|Epping]]<br>[[Electoral district of Parramatta|Parramatta]]

'''Colossus''' ('''Piotr Nikolaievitch Rasputin''') is a fictional character, a [[Marvel Comics]] [[superhero]] in the [[X-Men]]. Created by writer [[Len Wein]] and illustrator [[Dave Cockrum]], he first appeared in ''Giant-Size X-Men'' #1 ([[1975#May|May 1975]]).

| fedgov = [[Division of Bennelong|Bennelong]]<br>[[Division of Berowra|Berowra]]<br>[[Division of Parramatta|Parramatta]]

| dist1 =

| location1= Hills District

| near-nw =

| near-n = [[Beecroft, New South Wales|Beecroft]]

| near-ne =

| near-w =

| near-e = [[Epping, New South Wales|Epping]]

| near-sw =

| near-s = [[North Parramatta, New South Wales|North Parramatta]]

| near-se =

}}

'''Carlingford''' (Postcode 2118, S33.777 E151.048) is a [[suburb]] located approximately 22&nbsp;km north-west of central [[Sydney]], [[Australia]], covering an area of 7.9 square kilometres on the south-eastern outskirts of the [[Hills District]]. It is one of the busier suburbs within the Hills with many businesses available in the large town centre. To the east lies [[Epping, New South Wales|Epping]]; to the north lie [[Beecroft, New South Wales|Beecroft]], [[North Rocks, New South Wales|North Rocks]] and [[West Pennant Hills, New South Wales|West Pennant Hills]]; to the west [[North Parramatta, New South Wales|North Parramatta]] and to the south [[Oatlands, New South Wales|Oatlands]] and [[Telopea, New South Wales|Telopea]].

==History and urban character==

A [[Russia]]n [[Mutant (Marvel comics)|mutant]], Colossus possesses the ability to transform his entire body into “organic [[steel]],” a state that grants him vast superhuman strength, stamina, and durability. He is by far physically the strongest X-man. Despite his intimidating appearance and great physical strength, Colossus is actually one of the gentlest and least-aggressive X-Men and would much prefer to pursue his long-time interest in painting rather than fight. He reluctantly agrees to use his powers in combat, feeling it is his responsibility to utilize his abilities for the betterment of human and mutant kind.

{{unreferencedsect}}

Originally, the area of Carlingford was called [[Mobbs Hill, New South Wales|Mobbs Hill]], named after the ex-convict settler William Mobbs, who is credited for bringing [[orange (fruit)|orange]]s to Australia. Carlingford received its current name after a vote in 1886 by the residents. The name was suggested by Frederick Cox after he heard one of his employees describe similarities between Mobbs Hill and the town of [[Carlingford, County Louth|Carlingford]], located in the east of [[Ireland]]. Carlingford was also probably named in honour of [[Chichester Parkinson-Fortescue, 1st Baron Carlingford|The Lord Carlingford]].

The area was settled in the mid-[[1800]]s and, at the time, was an [[agriculture|agricultural]] area on the outskirts of Sydney. Like much of the Hills District, Carlingford was a significant orange-growing area for the city. [[Pennant Hills Road]], then a major arterial road from Parramatta to the northern suburbs, was a major route of transportation for agricultural produce from the area. When the train line which terminates at [[Carlingford railway station, Sydney|Carlingford Railway Station]] was completed in 1896, it, too, became a major route for the area. Carlingford Produce, a gardening and agricultural-materials seller located next to the train station, is located in the former train workshops. This store, much like James Ruse Agricultural High School (see below) remain as testaments to the agricultural history of the suburb.

Colossus has had a fairly consistent presence in X-Men-related [[Comic book|comic books]] since he debuted. He plays a small role in the [[X-Men (film)|X-Men film franchise]], where he is portrayed by [[Daniel Cudmore]].

In April [[1923]] the [[Wesley Mission|Wesley Central Mission]] established the Dalmar Children's Homes on fifteen acres of land near Marsden Road in the eastern end of the suburb. The property eventually had many cottages, together with a hospital, an orchard and vegetable gardens. The land is now the site of the Alan Walker Retirement Village.

==Publication history==

A mainstay of the X-Men comic book series until the 1990s, Colossus then went on to appear regularly in the first series of ''Excalibur''. While a member of the team he had his own self-titled one-shot which depicted him and his teammate [[Meggan]] battling [[Arcade (comics)|Arcade]] at his new Murderworld facility.

After returning to the X-Men alongside Excalibur teammates, Shadowcat and Nightcrawler, he stayed with the title until his death.

He was later resurrected and has become a regular in the third series of ''Astonishing X-Men'', written by [[Joss Whedon]]. He also has a limited series, ''Colossus: Bloodlines'' which had him journey back to Russia.

As Sydney rapidly expanded, following [[World War II]], Carlingford underwent rapid [[urbanisation]] starting in the late [[1960]]s. The presence of James Ruse Agricultural High School, established in [[1959]], is a testament to the agricultural history of Carlingford as well as the rapid pace of urbanisation; which soon made the school, and its large farm, somewhat of an anomaly amongst the 1970s- and 1980s-style houses which dominate the suburb. More recently, in the [[1990]]s, the government policy of [[urban consolidation]] has seen the development of high-density units and [[apartment block]]s around the town centre and the train station. There have also been redevelopments of older houses into medium-density [[Rowhouse|townhouse]]s, and [[Semi-detached|duplex housing]].

==Fictional character biography==

===Joining the X-Men===

Piotr "Peter" Rasputin was born on a [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] [[Collective farming|collective farm]] called the Ust-Ordynski Collective near [[Lake Baikal]] in [[Siberia]]. He lived there with his mother, father and sister, [[Magik (comics)|Illyana]]. His older brother, [[Mikhail Rasputin|Mikhail]], had been a Russian [[Astronaut|cosmonaut]] and had apparently died in a rocket accident (the 2006 comic mini-series ''Colossus: Bloodline'' established that the family was descended from a real-life historical figure [[Grigori Rasputin]]).

In 1961, the [[HMS K13|K13]] memorial was unveiled, and stands as a prominent feature in Carlingford, passed by thousands of motorists along [[Pennant Hills Road]] each day.

[[Image:Piotrsavingsister.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Colossus's first appearance from [[Giant-Size X-Men]] #1. art by [[Dave Cockrum]].]]

Peter's superhuman powers emerged in adolescence while saving his sister from a runaway tractor. At first, Peter was content simply to use these powers to aid the other people of the collective; however he was soon contacted by [[Professor X|Professor Charles Xavier]], the founder of the X-Men. Xavier was recruiting a new team of X-Men to rescue the original team, most of whom had been captured by the sentient mutant island [[Krakoa]].

==Population statistics==

Peter agreed to leave the farm community in which he was born and raised to go to [[United States|America]] with Xavier. Xavier gave him the code name "Colossus" and together with the other new X-Men rescued the original team. After the battle was won, Colossus remained in the United States with the new X-Men.

[[Australian Bureau of Statistics]] data from the 2001 [[census]] records the population of Carlingford as 19,678 residents, with a gender mix of 49% males and 51% females in line with the rest of the Australian population. (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2002)

==Commerce==

Peter's family always remained in his thoughts and he frequently wrote letters home. Shortly after joining the X-Men, a woman known as [[Miss Locke]] kidnapped many of the team's loved ones to use as hostages in order to force the X-Men to aid her in freeing her employer, [[Arcade (comics)|Arcade]], from captivity by one of [[Doctor Doom]]'s robots. Among her captives was Colossus' younger sister Illyana, whom Locke had kidnapped from the Siberian collective farm and transported to the United States. The X-Men freed Illyana from captivity, and she went to live with her brother Peter at [[X-Mansion|Xavier's mansion]]. Due to her later captivity in a dimension known as [[Limbo (comics)|Limbo]] where she spent years while only mere moments elapsed on Earth, Illyana became the adolescent sorceress known as Magik.

[[Image:Carlingford carlocourt.jpg|thumb|300px|Carlingford Court Shopping Centre.]]

Carlingford has two [[shopping centre]]s - Carlingford Court, which underwent major reconstruction in the late [[1990]]s, and Carlingford Village. Carlingford Court is a typical suburban shopping centre, and is home to major businesses such as Target and Fitness First. Carlingford Village is a smaller shopping complex, which has many Asian food outlets and tends to appeal more to the Chinese community. {{fact}}

The Carlingford town centre, located on [[Pennant Hills Road]], also comprises a number of street shops. The centre recently underwent minor redevelopment, including the relocation of Target to the old second floor [[Myer]] store which closed on the March 31, 2006.

During this time, Peter started what was arguably his most significant relationship with fellow X-Man [[Shadowcat]]. Although they were only together as a couple for a short while, the relationship provided the foundation of a deep and lasting friendship.

There are also several shopping strips elsewhere in Carlingford - near Carlingford station, including the only [[pub]] in Carlingford (Carlingford Bowling Club).

Following the ''[[Inferno (Marvel Comics)|Inferno]]'' event, Illyana was returned to her original Earth age. Colossus decided it would be better for Illyana if she went back to live with their parents in Russia. Sadly, Peter's parents were slain and Illyana kidnapped by the Russian government, who hoped to genetically evolve Illyana to the point where she would have the use of her powers again, to defeat the mutant known as the [[Soul Skinner]]. Colossus, with the help of the X-Men, saved Illyana and brought her back to the Mansion.

==Politics==

The X-Men later found themselves in another dimension where they discovered Colossus' brother, Mikhail, was alive and acting as a [[messiah]] to the population of that world. Mikhail returned to Earth with the X-Men, but was distraught with having been responsible for the deaths of the original crew from his first trek into the other dimension. Mikhail established himself as leader of the [[Morlocks (comics)|Morlocks]] and transported them to another world. Peter was disappointed by his brother's abrupt departure and blamed himself.

Carlingford falls under the jurisdiction of several Local Government Areas: the [[City of Parramatta]] in the south, [[Hornsby Shire]] in the north-east, and [[Baulkham Hills Shire]] in the north-west. Similarly it falls under several [[Australia|Commonwealth]] ([[Division of Berowra|Berowra]], [[Division of Bennelong|Bennelong]], [[Division of Mitchell|Mitchell]], [[Division of Parramatta|Parramatta]]) and [[New South Wales|State]] ([[Electoral district of Epping|Epping]], [[Electoral district of Baulkham Hills|Baulkham Hills]], [[Electoral district of Parramatta|Parramatta]], [[Electoral district of The Hills|The Hills]]) electoral divisions/districts.

The population of Carlingford, as with the rest of northern Sydney is relatively affluent. [[Baulkham Hills Shire]] and [[Hornsby Shire]] councils generally have a majority of conservative councillors. Most of the electoral divisions that Carlingford lies within have historically been held by the [[Liberal Party of Australia]]. The exception is Parramatta City Council, and the electoral division and district of Parramatta which include sections of southern Sydney and tend to be marginal seats.

Later, Illyana became an early victim of the [[Legacy Virus]] and died from it. The loss of his immediate family, as well as brain damage that forced him to remain in armored form, caused Colossus to rethink his position with the X-Men and join [[Magneto (comics)|Magneto]] and his [[Acolytes (comics)|Acolytes]], who had offered him an alternative to the X-Men's [[Pacifism|pacifist]] philosophy of peaceful mutant/human coexistence. Colossus would eventually recover from the brain damage, but decided to remain with the Acolytes of his own volition, hoping he could temper the Acolyte's extremist methods with what he had learned from Professor Xavier.

The Commonwealth Electoral Divisions of [[Division of Berowra|Berowra]], currently held by The Hon. The [[Attorney-General]] [[Philip Ruddock]] MP, and [[Division of Mitchell|Mitchell]], currently held by The Hon. [[Alan Cadman]] MP; are safe [[Liberal Party of Australia|Liberal]] seats. The Commonwealth Electoral Division of [[Division of Bennelong|Bennelong]], currently held by The Hon. The [[Prime Minister]] [[John Winston Howard|John Howard]] MP is a marginal [[Liberal Party of Australia|Liberal]] seat. The Commonwealth Electoral Division of Parramatta, currently held by Ms [[Julie Owens]] MP, is an [[Australian Labor Party|ALP]] seat by a narrow margin; regained from the previous Liberal member [[Ross Cameron]] in the [[Australian legislative election, 2004|2004 election]].

===Excalibur===

His stay with Magneto was not long once he realized that Avalon was not the place for him, either. He left in search of the only person he felt truly cared for him, his former love and teammate [[Shadowcat]], now a member of [[Excalibur (comics)|Excalibur]]. Colossus traveled to [[England]], where he found Kitty in the arms of her new love, [[Pete Wisdom]]. Colossus, exhausted, mentally ill and enraged, attacked Wisdom, and although the battle was short-lived, they both sustained serious injuries. Colossus was cured by [[Moira MacTaggert]].

The State Electoral Districts of [[Electoral district of Baulkham Hills|Baulkham Hills]], currently held by Mr Wayne Merton MLA; Epping, currently held by Shadow [[Attorney-General]] Andrew Tink MLA; and [[Electoral district of The Hills|The Hills]], currently held by Shadow Environment Minister Mr Michael Richardson MLA; are safe [[Liberal Party of Australia|Liberal]] seats. The [[Electoral district of Parramatta|State Electoral District of Parramatta]], currently held by Ms Tanya Gadiel MLA, is a safe [[Australian Labor Party|ALP]] seat.

Colossus accepted Shadowcat's new life and chose to become a member of Excalibur. There he participated in many adventures, including helping to save London from an ancient demon. Excalibur eventually disbanded, and Colossus returned with Nightcrawler and Shadowcat to the X-Men. But as soon as they returned, they faced a group of [[Cerebro's X-Men|imposters]] following Cerebro, in the guise of Professor X. During this time he repaired his friendships with [[Wolverine (comics)|Wolverine]] and [[Storm (comics)|Storm]], that were broken when he had joined the Acolytes. He also created a deep friendship with [[Marrow (comics)|Marrow]]. Peter again found his long thought-dead brother [[Mikhail Rasputin|Mikhail]], but unfortunately lost him again when Apocalypse collected [[Apocalypse (comics)#The Twelve|The Twelve]] in his quest for power.

==Transport==

==="Death" and return===

[[Image:ColossusreturnCarlingford railway station.jpg|left|thumb|300px|The surprising returnend of Colossusthe andline Shadowcat'sat shockCarlingford inrailway ''[[Astonishingstation. X-Men]]''Also #4.visible, to Artthe left, byis [[JohnCarlingford Cassaday]]Produce.]]

[[Image:Carlingford cumbohwy.jpg|thumb|300px|Cumberland Highway, Carlingford]]

Using thoughts and notes from the recently murdered [[Moira MacTaggert]], the X-Men's resident scientist, [[Beast (comics)|Beast]], claimed to have found the [[cure]] for the Legacy Virus. Unfortunately, it could only be made airborne with the death of its first user. Rather than wait for a safer version and allow others to die as Illyana had in the meantime, Colossus injected himself with the cure. By using his powers and sacrificing himself, Colossus enabled the release of an airborne cure, effectively eradicating the disease. His body was cremated, and Shadowcat took his ashes back to Russia to be strewn on his native soil.

As with much of Sydney, Carlingford has relatively limited public transport access, which is reflected in the low public transport patronage by commuters. In the 2001 census, 6% of commuters travelled to work via trains while 2% used buses.

Nearly 2 years later it was brought to the attention of the X-Men that a medical company, entitled Benetech, had developed a mutant cure. After gaining a sample of the cure, Dr. McCoy discovered a string of DNA hidden deep within the recesses of the formula. After matching the DNA, the Beast and the other X-Men set out to investigate the truth behind Benetech. During their infiltration, they discovered that [[Ord (comics)|Ord]], an alien from the Breakworld, was responsible for the means with which the company was able to develop the cure. While the team was separated, Kitty descended down into a hidden complex beneath the Benetech building and was able to unlock the true secret behind the cure: shortly after Peter's self-sacrificing death, Ord had captured his body and left a duplicate that the X-Men had cremated. After reviving him, Ord had used the Legacy Virus cure in Peter's blood stream to develop his mutant cure. After unknowingly releasing Peter from his cell, Kitty rejoined him with the X-Men and together they subdued Ord as he tried to escape Earth. Since reuniting with his friends, Peter has returned to fight with the X-Men as Colossus, and he and Kitty have been able resume their romantic relationship.

There are a number of bus services which pass through Carlingford. Harris Park Transport, a now defunct bus company, used to operate routes 623, 624, 625, 628, and 629 which pass through the suburb. The 630 was operated by Red Arrow, a joint-venture of Harris Park Transport and [[Westbus]]. As of February 2005, these former Harris Park services (with the exception of route 630) are operated by [[Sydney Buses]] ([[State Transit Authority of New South Wales]]). Previously routes 513 and 521 were the only Sydney Buses services through Carlingford. The former 621 and 622 Citybus Direct (owned by Harris Park Transport) routes from Carlingford to the city proved to be uneconomical and were eliminated.

During the ''Colossus: Bloodline'' mini-series, Colossus made a trip to Russia in response to a call for help from his cousin, journalist Larisa Mishchenko. Her research had established that their family descended from [[Grigori Rasputin]], and that their relatives were being systematically murdered. Rasputin is established as having been a powerful mutant, whose power and life essence had been passed down to his descendants. As his descendants are murdered, his great power is invested in greater measure in the remaining descendants. When there is only one descendant left, Rasputin will be re-born within that individual. [[Mister Sinister]], an old ally of Rasputin, is revealed as the man behind the murders. Larisa is also murdered by Sinister, but Colossus and his brother [[Mikhail Rasputin|Mikhail]] foil Sinister's plot, and Mikhail banishes himself to a dimension where he can never die, but from which he can never return. If Sinister were to murder Colossus, Rasputin would be re-born in Mikhail, but locked in a dimension on his own. However, all those involved remained unaware of Colossus' son, Peter, in the [[Savage Land]], whose presence could severely alter the situation. Colossus returned to the X-Men, a man without family.

Current bus lines operated by Sydney Buses include:

During a recent attack on the institute Colossus engages [[Sebastian Shaw (comics)|Sebastian Shaw]]. As it turned out it was a mental attack put on by Cassandra Nova and Shaw was never actually there. Also, it has been revealed that Colossus is the mutant destined to destroy [[Ord (comics)|Breakworld]].

* 513 [[West Ryde, New South Wales|West Ryde]] to Carlingford

* 521 [[Parramatta]] to [[Eastwood, New South Wales|Eastwood]]

* 623 [[Beecroft, New South Wales|Beecroft]] to [[Parramatta]]

* 624 [[Parramatta]] to [[Epping, New South Wales|Epping]] via [[Pennant Hills Road]], Carlingford

* 628 [[Epping, New South Wales|Epping]] to Carlingford

* 629 [[Epping, New South Wales|Epping]] to [[North Rocks, New South Wales|North Rocks]]

Current bus lines operated by Hillsbus include:

==Powers and abilities==

* 610 [[Castle Hill, New South Wales|Castle Hill]] to City via Oakes Road M2 Bus Station

Colossus possesses the ability to transform his entire body into a form of 'organic steel', with properties analogous to [[osmium]] but of still unknown composition. In his armored form Colossus possesses extremely high levels of superhuman strength and stamina, the upper limits of which have never been revealed. Also, while in his armored form, Colossus is highly resistant to physical injury. He is capable of withstanding great impacts, high caliber bullets, falls from great heights, temperature extremes of hot and cold, electricity, and magical attacks without sustaining injury. Also, while in his armored form, he requires no food, water or even oxygen to sustain himself.

* 611 [[Blacktown, New South Wales|Blacktown]] to [[Macquarie Centre]] via Oakes Road M2 Bus Station

* 625 [[Parramatta]] to [[Pennant Hills, New South Wales|Pennant Hills]] via [[Pennant Hills Road]], Carlingford

* 627 [[Parramatta]] to [[Cherrybrook, New South Wales|Cherrybrook]] via [[Pennant Hills Road]], Carlingford

* 630 [[Blacktown, New South Wales|Blacktown]] to [[Macquarie Park, New South Wales|Macquarie Park]] (in conjunction with Westbus)

=== Railways ===

[[CityRail]] provides an infrequent train service at [[Carlingford railway station, Sydney|Carlingford Station]], which is the terminus of the [[Carlingford railway line, Sydney|Carlingford Line]]. The Carlingford Line is a mostly single-track line. There is currently only one service in the early morning which connects to the city directly, at other times a train-change at [[Clyde, New South Wales|Clyde]], is necessary to reach other stations, and consequently the service has a low patronage. As part of the [[CityRail Clearways Project]], a passing loop has been promised to the Carlingford Line with two services per hour all day to become effective in [[2010]].

Colossus cannot transform only a single portion of his body into this armored state; he must either transform completely or remain within his normal state. When he transforms, he gains around a foot in height and his weight is at least doubled. His armored form is highly resistant to certain magical beings and magical attacks as displayed when he faced The Adversary and a manifestation of Baba Yaga.

=== Roads ===

Colossus is also an excellent hand-to-hand combatant, having received training from [[Wolverine (comics)|Wolverine]] and [[Cyclops (comics)|Cyclops]]. He also has had training in acrobatics and sword fighting from [[Nightcrawler (comics)|Nightcrawler]]. In his human form, he is exceptionally strong and fit, though not superhumanly so.

Carlingford suffers from major traffic congestion during morning and afternoon peaks. Because of the limited public transport most residents travel to work by cars. In the 2001 census, 60% stated their main method of getting to work was driving their own vehicle. The Cumberland Highway, a major north-south route through greater Sydney, intersects Carlingford in the form of Pennant Hills Road. As well, many motorists commuting from the Hills District and the growing north-west areas of Sydney travel through Carlingford to the city.

The [[M2 Hills Motorway (Sydney)|M2 Hills Motorway]], part of the Sydney orbital road, runs through northern Carlingford providing a route to the city and [[North Sydney]]. Since the [[Westlink M7|Westlink M7 Motorway]] was finished, completing the Sydney Orbital, it has replaced the Cumberland Highway as the north-south national highway. This has, however, not relieved much of the traffic congestion on [[Pennant Hills Road]] (south of the M2 Hills Motorway), and has increased traffic congestion on the M2 Hills Motorway {{Fact|date=April 2007}}.

==Relationships==

Not long after Piotr joined the X-Men, he witnessed a girl being kidnapped. After saving her, he learned that she was also from Russia. Her name was Anya Makarova, a ballerina who had defected to the U.S. After spending some time together, they started to like one another. After she saw Piotr transform into Colossus, she was shocked and no longer trusted Piotr, running away from him.

The area of Carlingford to the east of Pennant Hills Road and North of Carlingford Road, was built mostly in the years, post WWII. There is an area of streets named after famous North African battle fields.

[[Image:Astonishing6.jpg|right|thumb|Colossus and [[Shadowcat]], cover to ''[[Astonishing X-Men]]'' #6. Art by [[John Cassaday]].]]

While celebrating their first Christmas with the X-Men, Piotr met an attractive flight-attendant named Betsy Wilford, with whom he often double-dated with [[Nightcrawler (comics)|Nightcrawler]] and Betsy’s friend, [[Amanda Sefton]]. However, while Kurt and Amanda started a full relationship, Betsy and Piotr were nothing more than close friends.

==Sport==

While in the [[Savage Land]], Piotr had an encounter with two native women, Nereel and Shakani, who wished to make love with him after Colossus saved them from a ''thunder lizard''. Nereel wished to bring new blood into their tribe. Piotr made love for the first time. The fruits of their union being a son, Peter, born long after Piotr, the elder, left the Savage Land. Colossus is unaware that Peter is his son, despite having met him.

Carlingford has many sporting clubs participating in many different sports, and at many locations around the Hills District including:

*[http://carlingfordbaseball.com.au/ Carlingford Baseball]

*[http://www.isport.com.au/netball/hills/hgchome.cl?PT=&C=CAR Carlingford Netball]

*Carlingford Redbacks Soccer

*Carlingford Cricket

*[[North Rocks Soccer Football Club|North Rocks Soccer Club]], which is actually in Carlingford, rather than in [[North Rocks, New South Wales|North Rocks]].

==Schools==

When [[Kitty Pryde|Shadowcat]] first met the X-Men she had a crush on Colossus from the start. Peter and Kitty became close, though at the time, both were too shy to fully admit their feelings for each other. However, after surviving a threat by the alien [[Brood (comics)|Brood]], Kitty and Piotr grew closer and started to date. After Piotr's life was in danger, Kitty promised [[Caliban (comics)|Caliban]] of the [[Morlocks (comics)|Morlocks]] her hand in marriage in exchange for aid in saving Peter's life, although later Caliban released her from that vow. Soon after this, even though Kitty had acted out of love to save him, Piotr started to question the time she was spending with [[Cypher (comics)|Douglas Ramsey]].

Carlingford is the ___location of a large number of [[public school|public]] and [[private school]]s. Indeed some residents have chosen to move to Carlingford because of the reputation of the schools there and in nearby suburbs.

===Public primary schools===

Soon after, all the X-Men but Kitty were summoned, with other heroes, to another world by the [[Beyonder]] to fight in the [[Secret Wars]]. Colossus was injured there, but healed by an alien girl named Zsaji whom he fell in love with. Zsaji died exhausting her healing powers to save fallen heroes, leaving Piotr heartbroken. After returning to Earth, Piotr confessed to Kitty and ended their relationship. Kitty left the team for a short time.

*[http://www.carlingfor-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/home.html Carlingford Public School]

*[http://www.carlingfow-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/ Carlingford West Public School]

*[http://www.murrayfarm-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/ Murray Farm Public School]

*[http://www.roselea-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/ Roselea Public School]

===Catholic Systemic primary schools===

Colossus has had other relationships, or potential relationships, develop over the years ([[Callisto (comics)|Callisto]], [[Rogue (comics)|Rogue]], [[Meggan]], [[Marrow (comics)|Marrow]]). In fact, Meggan had developed feelings for him.

*[[St. Gerard Majella Catholic Primary School]]

===Public high schools===

Following his return from the dead, Colossus and Kitty resumed a romantic relationship, finally consummating it in ''Astonishing X-Men'' #14 (2006).

*[http://www.carlingfor-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/public/index.html Carlingford High School].

*[[Cumberland High School (Carlingford)|Cumberland High School]]

*[[James Ruse Agricultural High School]] (selective)

==TriviaChurches==

[[Image:Carlingford ldstemple.jpg|thumb|150px|LDS Sydney Australia Temple, Carlingford]]

*The famous [[statue]] the [[Colossus of Rhodes]] inspired his codename. [[Grigori Rasputin]] inspired his surname. The 2005 [[mini-series]] ''Colossus: Bloodlines'' revealed that Colossus is Rasputin's great-grandson.

As with much of northern Sydney, Carlingford also has a comparatively large number of Christian churches of many denominations. These include:

*The main reason for Colossus and Kitty breaking up was due to [[Jim Shooter]] disapproving of their age differences.[http://uncannyxmen.net/db/issues/showquestion.asp?fldAuto=453]

* Carlingford [[Baptist Church]] [http://www.carlingford-baptist.org/]

*It was incorrectly believed that Co-creator [[Dave Cockrum]] drew inspiration for Colossus' powers from [[Ferro Lad]] of [[DC Comics]]' [[Legion of Super-Heroes]].[http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2006/05/18/comic-book-urban-legends-revealed-51/]

* Carlingford [[Uniting Church]] [http://www.carlingforduca.org.au/]

**To note, #2 of [[Access (comics)|Russian Mafia Unlimited Access]] has The Legionaires ending up in '''The Days Of Future Past''' era. During a team up between them and the X-Men, Colossus and Ferro double team against a Sentinel.

* [[Catholic Parish of Epping and Carlingford|St. Gerard Majella Catholic Church]] [http://www.eppcarl.org.au/carlingford/carl_index.htm]

*Colossus was raised as an atheist <ref>Uncanny X-men King Size Annual 1980 </ref>.

* St. Paul's [[Sydney Anglicans|Anglican Church]] [http://www.stpaulscarlingford.org.au/]

* [[Iglesia Ni Cristo]]

* [[Christian City Churches|Christian City Church]], Carlingford [http://www.ccccarlingford.org.au/about/]

* Parramatta City Presbyterian Church [http://www.homestead.com/nsw_act/ParramattaCityPresbyterian.html]

The Pacific headquarters and [[Sydney Australia Temple]] of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] was constructed in Carlingford in [[1984]].

==Alternate versions==

===Ultimate Colossus===

[[Image:UltPeter.jpg|left|thumb|150px|Ultimate Colossus, art by [[Ben & Ray Lai]].]]

In the [[Ultimate Marvel]] universe, Peter Rasputin reluctantly works as an arms smuggler for the [[Russian Mafia|Russian mob]]. Peter was saved from a firing squad as a young child by a boss in the [[Russian Mafia]] called Big Boris, who smuggles Peter from [[Siberia]] to the [[United States]].

==Telecommunications==

Colossus is revealed as a mutant during an illegal arms transaction gone wrong. Everyone is killed by gunfire except for Peter, whose mutant ability saves him. [[Jean Grey#Ultimate Jean Grey/Marvel Girl|Jean Grey]] finds him soon after and offers him a place among the [[Ultimate X-Men|X-Men]].

The Carlingford telephone exchange is located at 413 North Rocks Rd. It serves telephony for Carlingford and nearby suburbs such as Dundas Valley, Telopea and North Rocks.

==Other infrastructure==

When the X-Men embark on a world tour to promote [[Professor X#Ultimate Charles Xavier|Xavier's]] book, Colossus inexplicably disappears to Russia. [[Cyclops (comics)#Ultimate Cyclops|Cyclops]] and Jean Grey track him and find Peter working in a factory. Colossus tells them he left due to unhappiness with his place on the team and with life as a mutant, but Jean suggests that his true reason is because of unrequited feelings he has for a fellow team member. Peter later comes to term with his "gift," and becomes a Russian national hero when he rescues the crew of an incapacitated submarine. He leaves Russia to rejoin the X-Men.

Carlingford is the site for the control room for the New South Wales electricity grid. A major electricity [[Electrical substation|substation]], operated by [[Integral Energy]], is next to the building housing the control room. The same site also houses one of the major communications relay towers in northern Sydney. This substation used to be connected to Carlingford Station via a siding. While most of the line has since disappeared, some of the remains of the line can be seen from Jenkins Road. An image of this line can be viewed [http://www.nswrail.net/locations/photo.php?name=NSW:Carlingford:8&line=NSW:carlingford:0 here], which is from a website dedicated to railways in New South Wales.

Later, Colossus and the X-Men are forced out of the mansion with the U.S. Government on their tails. In a climactic battle between the [[X-Men]] and [[Ultimates|The Ultimates]], Colossus is able to defeat [[Iron Man#Ultimate Iron Man|Iron Man]] and [[Ultimate Thor|Thor]], but is finally incapacitated by a compact nuclear warhead (with a blast radius of about 20 feet) [[Hawkeye (comics)#Ultimate Hawkeye|Hawkeye]] shoots near him.

The X-Men locate [[Magneto (comics)#Ultimate Magneto|Magneto]]'s flying citadel using a signal sent by a captured Cyclops. Upon their arrival, Magneto subdues them. Despite being composed of metal, Colossus' great strength and willpower allow him to overcome Magneto's control and beat Magneto mercilessly for the harm inflicted on Wolverine.

In a significant change from his mainstream counterpart, Ultimate Colossus is [[homosexuality|gay]]<ref>http://www.gayleague.com/gay/characters/display.php?id=204 1</ref>.This is implied during the original writer's run on the title, through his interactions with fellow X-Man Wolverine. It is more openly addressed later during a series of mutant murders by [[Mister Sinister#Ultimate Universe|Sinister]], Colossus tends to [[Northstar#Ultimate Northstar|Northstar]], the only survivor. He is shocked when the openly gay Northstar asks if Colossus is single, which causes him to go into metal state. Colossus and Northstar amicably part ways and keep in touch even after Northstar's team, the [[New Mutants|Academy of Tomorrow]], comes to blows with the X-Men. Colossus later agrees to accompany Northstar to his [[homecoming]] dance. This utterly shocks [[Nightcrawler (comics)#Ultimate Nightcrawler|Nightcrawler]], Peter's friend who begins to avoid and resent him.

Following Xavier's death, Northstar has asked Colossus to move in with him at the Academy of Tommorrow.

=====Powers and abilities=====

Ultimate Colossus' powers are much like those of his [[Earth-616]] counterpart, except he appears to be significantly stronger, shown by his ability to lift up a [[Submarine|nuclear submarine]]. He is also highly resistant to physical injury. He has withstood being slashed by [[Wolverine (comics)|Ultimate Wolverine]]'s [[Adamantium (comics)|adamantium]] claws.

A few deviations from the Earth-616 version include the fact that Ultimate Colossus's height remains the same when he changes, and when he is knocked unconscious he remains in whatever form (i.e. steel or flesh) he was in. Unlike the mainstream version, his eyes remain vulnerable even in steel form, as shown when fighting [[Falcon (comics)|Sam Wilson]] during ''[[Ultimate Nightmare]]''.

===Age of Apocalypse===

In the [[Age of Apocalypse]] timeline, Colossus was a very haunted man, wearing a red mask to cover acid scars on his face. His sister, [[Magik (comics)|Illyana]], had died years prior, and his brother, [[Mikhail Rasputin|Mikhail]] joined Apocalypse as one of his Horsemen. Colossus was one of [[Magneto (comics)|Magneto's]] original recruits for his X-Men. Magneto eventually placed Rasputin and his wife, [[Shadowcat]], in charge of training Generation Next. On a mission, Colossus abandoned his students when the prize of being reunited with his sister was shown to him. He later barreled his way through many of the X-Men in a futile attempt to save Illyana, injuring or killing many of them, including [[Kitty Pryde|Shadowcat]]. Crazed, he was finally killed by [[Gambit (comics)|Gambit]].

===Other versions===

*In the [[Days of Future Past]], Colossus was again married to [[Kitty Pryde|Shadowcat]]. They had children, who had apparently been killed by Sentinels. He was killed while his wife was searching for what caused the cataclysmic future during a suicide run on the main Sentinel base.

*In [[Earth X]], Colossus has become [[Tsar]] Piotr of Russia. His country provides one of the greatest food sources for the world because of the sentience of all animals. Only mentioned in passing, it seems that this version of Colossus is actually [[Mister Sinister]], had developed a strange love for [[Jean Grey]], and traveled back in time to preserve her as a clone.

*[[What If (comics)|What if]] Colossus had never joined the X-Men? After [[Charles Xavier]] unwittingly prevented Colossus from saving his sister from a runaway tractor, Colossus turned down Xavier's offer to join the X-Men. Instead, he joined the [[Soviet Super-Soldiers]] and became romantically involved with teammate [[Darkstar (comics)|Darkstar]] and was called in to assist with the reality warping [[Proteus (comics)|Proteus]]. Proteus severed Rasputin's left arm, which the Russian then used to impale the Proteus-possessed Professor Xavier. He eventually settled down with Darkstar and had a daughter, named Illyana.

*Several versions of Colossus have been seen in the [[Exiles (Marvel Comics)|Exiles]] series. One was killed protecting an alternate version of [[Shadowcat]], and another was killed after betraying his Weapon X teammates in favor of a murderous alternate version of his sister, [[Magik (comics)|Magik]].

==Appearances in other media==

===Television===

[[Image:Piotr.gif|frame|right|150px|Colossus in [[X-Men Evolution]]]]

*Colossus made his television debut in 1984 in an episode of the animated series ''[[Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends]].'' He appeared in two episodes; 3.3, ''The Education of a Superhero'' and 3.7, ''The X-Men Adventure.'' He was voiced by [[John Stephenson (actor)|John Stephenson]].

*Colossus's next appearance was in 1989 in the 30 minute animated one-shot ''[[Pryde of the X-Men]]'', where he was voiced by [[Earl Boen]].

*In the 1992 animated television series ''[[X-Men (TV series)|X-Men]]'', the voice of Colossus was provided by [[Rick Bennett]] in episode 1.8, "[[The Unstoppable Juggernaut (X-Men episode)|The Unstoppable Juggernaut]]" and by [[Robert Cait]] in episode 2.4, "[[Red Dawn (X-Men episode)|Red Dawn]]".

*In the 2000 animated television series ''[[X-Men: Evolution]]'', the voice of the 19 year old Colossus was provided by [[Michael Adamthwaite]]. This Colossus is one of Magneto's Acolytes, but is an unwilling accomplice; Magneto is heard at least once to threaten him with the possibility that his family will be killed if Colossus does not obey him. He saved [[Kitty Pryde|Shadowcat]] from [[Apocalypse (comics)|Apocalypse]]'s attack robots, and it seemed that Colossus had feelings for her. When [[Professor X]] entered the mind of Apocalypse and saw the future, he saw Colossus as one of the X-Men. He appeared in only seven episodes. This Colossus was, interestingly, not immune to Rogue's touch.

===Films===

[[Image:Colossusx2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Daniel Cudmore]] as Colossus.]]

*In ''[[X-Men (film)|X-Men]]'', Colossus has a brief cameo as the well-built student sketching in the Xavier Institute's courtyard.

*In the 2003 film ''[[X2 (film)|X2]]'', Colossus is played by [[Daniel Cudmore]]. After the school is attacked, he rescues [[Siryn]] and leads the younger students to safety. He does not have his russian accent in this film.

*Cudmore reprises the role in the 2006 film ''[[X-Men: The Last Stand]]''. In the [[Danger Room]], he throws [[Wolverine (comics)|Wolverine]] up in the air (a [[Fastball Special]]), who then takes down a Sentinel. He also joins the battle with the other X-Men against [[Magneto (comics)|Magneto]] on [[Alcatraz Island]]. Like in the Danger Room, he throws Wolverine at Magneto, which is a distraction so that Beast can inject Magneto with the cure. Despite being in promotional art for the film, Colossus only has one line in the entire film, which is not even equal in length to his lines in X2, albeit not spoken in a Russian accent. This version of Colossus can also be affected by Rogue's power, as seen in the Danger Room scene.

===Video games===

[[Image:Colossus1280-thumb.jpg|right|thumb|300px| Colossus in X-Men Legends II]]

*Colossus has appeared in the video games ''[[Marvel's X-Men (video game)|Marvel's X-Men]]'', ''[[X-Men: Madness in Murderworld|X-Men: Madness in the Murderworld]]'', ''[[X-Men II: The Fall of the Mutants]]'', ''[[X-Men (arcade game)|X-Men: The Arcade Game]]'', ''[[X-Men: Children of the Atom (arcade game)|X-Men: Children of the Atom]]'', ''[[Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes]]'' ([[Non-player character|NPC]]), ''[[Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes]]'', ''[[X-Men: Reign of Apocalypse]]'' (NPC), ''[[X-Men Legends]]'', ''[[X2: Wolverine's Revenge]]'' (NPC), ''[[X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse]]'', ''[[X-Men: The Official Game]]'' (Exclusive to GBA, NPC otherwise) and ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance]]''(Exclusive to next-gen, NPC otherwise).

==See also==

*[[List of Russian superheroes]]

==References==

*Australian Bureau of Statistics (2002). [http://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/[e-mail]/4079a1bbd2a04b80ca256b9d00208f92/6f23e832c6e96cadca256bc00014643a!OpenDocument Basic community profile: Carlingford (SSC 11446)]. Retrieved 19 May 2005.

{{reflist}}

*Australian Electoral Commission [http://www.aec.gov.au/_content/who/profiles/B/Bennelong.htm Divisional Profile for Bennelong]. Retrieved 4 January 2006.

*Australian Electoral Commission [http://www.aec.gov.au/_content/who/profiles/B/Berowra.htm Divisional Profile for Berowra]. Retrieved 4 January 2006.

*Australian Electoral Commission [http://www.aec.gov.au/_content/who/profiles/M/Mitchell.htm Divisional Profile for Mitchell]. Retrieved 4 January 2006.

*Australian Electoral Commission [http://www.aec.gov.au/_content/who/profiles/P/Parramatta.htm Divisional Profile for Parramatta]. Retrieved 4 January 2006.

*Australian Electoral Commission [http://www.aec.gov.au/_content/How/newsfiles/124/index.htm#10 Definitions of 'marginal', 'fairly safe' and 'safe']. Retrieved 4 January 2006.

==LinksExternal links==

*[http://www.carlingfordcourt.com Carlingford Court homepage]

*[[MarvelDatabase:Colossus (Piotr Rasputin)]]

{{Mapit-AUS-suburbscale|long=151.048|lat=-33.777}}

*[[MarvelDatabase:Character Gallery Colossus (Piotr Rasputin)]]

*[[MarvelDatabase:Colossus (Ultimate)]]

* [http://uncannyxmen.net/db/spotlight/showquestion.asp?faq=10&fldAuto=77 UncannyXmen.Net's Spotlight on Colossus]

* [http://uncannyxmen.net/db/characters/showquestion.asp?fldAuto=1819 UncannyXmen.Net's Spotlight on Ultimate Colossus]

*[http://www.gayleague.com/gay/characters/display.php?id=204 Article about Colossus sexuality]

*[http://marvel.com/universe/Colossus_%28Piotr_Rasputin%29 Colossus on the Marvel Universe Character Bio Wiki]

*[http://marvel.com/universe/Colossus_%28Ultimate%29 Ultimate Colossus on the Marvel Universe Character Bio Wiki]

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