Rhapsody (Rachel Argosy) is a

mutant In biology, and especially in genetics, a mutant is an organism or a new genetic character arising or resulting from an instance of mutation, which is generally an alteration of the DNA sequence of the genome or chromosome of an organism. It ...

supervillain A supervillain or supercriminal is a variant of the villainous stock character that is commonly found in American comic books, usually possessing superhuman abilities. A supervillain is the antithesis of a superhero. Supervillains are oft ...

ess appearing in

American comic book An American comic book is a thin periodical originating in the United States, on average 32 pages, containing comics. While the form originated in 1933, American comic books first gained popularity after the 1938 publication of ''Action Comics'' ...

s published by

Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is an American comic book publishing, publisher and the flagship property of Marvel Entertainment, a divsion of The Walt Disney Company since September 1, 2009. Evolving from Timely Comics in 1939, ''Magazine Management/Atlas Co ...

. She first appeared in ''

X-Factor ''The X Factor'' is a television music competition franchise created by British producer Simon Cowell and his company Syco Entertainment. It originated in the United Kingdom, where it was devised as a replacement for ''Pop Idol'' (2001–2003 ...

'' #79.

Fictional character biography

Rachel Argosy was a teacher, until, at age twenty, her hair and skin turned light blue when her mutant powers developed. Despite being popular with the children, who nicknamed her Rhapsody, the parents complained about having an obvious mutant teacher and, after a meeting of the school board, was fired. (v1 #79) Two days later, while trying to use her power to convince Harry Sharp, the leader of her detractors on the school board, to reverse its decision, he died of a heart attack while in ecstasy from her power. While fleeing from the police, she stole a violin and used the music from it to fuel her power of flight. The police then called X-Factor, who sent Quicksilver and

Jamie Madrox James Arthur Madrox, also called the Multiple Man, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editor Len Wein, he first appeared in '' Giant-Size Fantastic Four'' #4 (February 1975). ...

to help capture her. (v1 #79) While Quicksilver helped bring her down and smashed her violin, she influenced the core Madrox with a flute, who, after his duplicates helped stop her, became angered and convinced Quicksilver to help him break her out. However, when she admitted to Madrox that Sharp had died, albeit not deliberately, at her hands, he rejected her angrily and returned her to prison (v1 #79). She is emotionally dependent on music and becomes depressed after an extended period without hearing it. She most recently serenaded the attendees of the Hellfire Gala (Marauders 21).

Powers and abilities

While music is playing in the vicinity - usually through her playing her own violin - she can fly and warp minds to manipulate emotions, induce hallucinations in others, or control minds completely - though some are more susceptible than others. Rhapsody retains her powers post- M-Day. She is a talented violinist and flute player.

References

{{reflist

Appearances

*''X-Factor'' v1 #79-81 (Marvel Comics; June 1992 - August 1992) *''X-Men: The 198 Files'' (Marvel Comics; 2006)

External links

Marvel Appendix entry on RhapsodyUncannyXmen.net Character Profile on Rhapsody
Marvel Comics supervillains Fictional schoolteachers Fictional musicians Marvel Comics mutants Marvel Comics telepaths Characters created by Peter David