Croaker, the original Frog-Man

Croaker, the original Frog-Man Croaker is François LeBlanc, the Ani-Men's original Frog-Man. This is the criminal from that group, not the later would-be hero who shares the Frog-Man name. His transformed body makes him a mobile opponent, with powerful leaps that suit the confined, messy fighting inside Valhalla. Nightcrawler encounters him while trying to get the rest of the X-Men into the base. Kurt gets the better of that first meeting, but keeping a prisoner under control while opening the way for everyone else is another problem. Croaker gets loose and returns to the fight with his teammates. Once the larger battle starts, his movement keeps Kurt busy until Cyclops intervenes. The first encounter is also a reminder of how useful Kurt is when a conventional entrance is unavailable. Croaker is guarding a place the X-Men need to reach; Nightcrawler can appear inside it. Being able to jump around the room is less helpful against someone who can choose a completely different point of arrival. Once the teams meet in force, the conditions change. Croaker has allies, the X-Men have been through more of the base's defenses, and Kurt has other dangers competing for his attention. Their rematch does not repeat the first result. Scott has to step in, and that creates the next opening for Bird-Man. That small sequence gives him a useful place in the story. The X-Men do not have the luxury of clearing a room, resting and starting fresh. They are trying to enter a defended base, deal with its guards and stop Nefaria's scheme all at once. An enemy who escapes one encounter can become trouble again a few minutes later.