Bird-Man

Bird-Man Henry Hawk is the original Bird-Man, and Nefaria's experiments have given him real wings for this incarnation. His old criminal identity has become part of his body. Flying changes the shape of a fight inside a crowded base. Bird-Man can come down on an opponent who is already concentrating on somebody else, then carry that person away from help. Cyclops finds that out after intervening against Croaker. Scott helps Nightcrawler, and Bird-Man takes advantage of the opening to grab him. Kurt then returns the favor. The exchange gives both X-Men something to do beyond winning their assigned matchups. Scott spots trouble for Kurt; Kurt spots trouble for Scott. Bird-Man is beaten because the person he attacks has someone watching his back. The timing is what makes his attack work. Scott is concentrating on helping somebody else, and Hawk does not need to win a prolonged exchange of blows to take advantage of that. A grab followed by a rapid ascent can remove the X-Men's field leader from the immediate fight. Nightcrawler's answer is equally physical. He gets into position above Bird-Man and strikes him, using an angle the flying attacker has left exposed. The sequence is quick, but it gives both men's abilities a practical purpose. Flight provides an opening, and Kurt finds a way to approach that opening from somewhere Hawk is not expecting. Hawk is one of the older Ani-Men brought into this job, rather than a new character created alongside the new X-Men. Nefaria has taken an existing criminal crew, changed what their bodies can do and sent them into a much larger confrontation.