The Skull is the pilot of the Sonic Phantom, and is a former F-MAX pilot from the 24th century. Having died 200 years prior to F-Zero X, The Skull rose from the grave by the power of science and magic to compete in the F-Zero X Grand Prix, and the F-Zero GX Grand Prix which followed a year later.
History[]
Before F-Zero X[]
F-MAX Grand Prix[]
The Skull was once a notable legend in the F-MAX Grand Prix races of the 24th Century.
F-Zero X[]
By the powers of science and black magic, he rose from the grave to participate in the F-Zero X Grand Prix. Despite having just risen from the dead after two centuries, The Skull's experience in F-MAX as a racer came in handy during the F-Zero X Grand Prix.
| F-Zero X US Manual |
|---|
| Age: 240
Skull was once a great legend among drivers. Using science and black magic, Skull returned from the grave to compete one more time. |
Note: US Manual lacks the mention of F-MAX and other things that appear in the JP Manual for some reason.
| F-Zero X JP Manual |
|---|
| Age: 240
Arbin Gordon (JP): 『F-ZERO』の前身である『F-MAX グランプリ』において、素晴らしい成績を残した伝説のレーサー。科学と黒魔術の力により、200年ぶりに墓場から蘇った。そのテクニックとレースでの駆け引きは、まったく衰えていない。 |
| Arbin Gordon (English Translation by Sidier): The legendary racer who achieved wonderful achievements in the predecessor of the F-Zero, the F-Max Grand Prix. He's come back from the grave through a combination of science and black magic after 200 years of being dead. His technique and race tactics haven't deteriorated at all. |
F-Zero GX[]
In F-Zero GX, one year after the X Grand Prix, The Skull once again participated. Adjusting more to F-Zero's standards, The Skull aimed to be as big of a legend in the Grand Prix as he once was in the F-MAX Grand Prix so long ago.
| F-Zero GX in-game JP Pilot Profile |
|---|
| Sex: M | Age: 241
The Skull was once the greatest driver in the F-MAX Grand Prix, a competition that predates the coming of F-ZERO by some 200 years. Thanks to the inexplicable powers of science and black magic, he has returned to this world to compete again. With his remarkable technique and decision-making powers, he now has a chance to extend his legacy into a new generation. |
| F-Zero GX in-game JP Pilot Profile |
|---|
| Sex: M | Age: 241
The Skull (JP): 「F-ZERO」の前身である「F-MAXグランプリ」において数々の記録を残した200年以上前に活躍した伝説のパイロット。科学と黒魔術の力により現世に復活し，「F-ZERO」パイロットとして，前回の「F-ZERO X グランプリ」よりゲスト参戦している。その卓越したテクニックと駆け引きは，「F-ZERO」レースにおいても十分通じるものであり，「F-ZERO」のスピードにもすっかり慣れた今回は，新たなる伝説を刻みそうな勢いである。 |
| DeepL Translation: A legendary pilot who raced in the F-MAX Grand Prix, the predecessor of F-Zero, over 200 years ago. He has been resurrected by the power of science and dark magic, and has been participating as an F-Zero pilot since the F-Zero X Grand Prix. His excellent technique and tactics from the past shine even now in the F-Zero races, and now that he has become accustomed to the speed of F-Zero, he is determined to become a new legend. |
| F-Zero GX US Manual |
|---|
| Sex: M | Age: 241
A Legend Raised From The Grave. The Skull was once the greatest driver in the F-MAX Grand Prix, which predates the coming of F-ZERO by some 200 years. Thanks to the inexplicable powers of science and black magic, he has returned to this world to compete again. |
F-Zero GX Interviews[]
The Skull's autograph in F-Zero GX.
The Resurrection Of The Skull[]
F-Zero GX- Skull Pilot Profile Movie -HD-
The Skull's Master Pilot video in F-Zero GX.
Upon beating any Grand Prix on Master mode with the Sonic Phantom, it will unlock a special video for The Skull, which also features his theme song.
In a lab-like crypt area, thunder strikes as The Skull is seen resting in his coffin. He begins to shake and rises from his coffin, but is struck by lightning, causing his arm to fall off. Though he puts it back on, he is struck again, causing his head to fall off. The Skull then spends the rest of the video trying to reach for his head.
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- The Skull does not have a real name, but perhaps his name in the JP version of F-Zero X may imply his real name is Arbin Gordon.
- A member of the F-Zero community, known as FZeroKid, has suggested that this name may have intended to be translated as "Alvin Gordon."
- Sterling LaVaughn is not a canon name, and neither is the entire instance of The Skull being involved in the "Horrific Grand Finale" which supposedly killed him and 13 other F-Zero pilots.
- This odd information is derived exclusively from Nintendo of America's F-Zero X website bios. The bios or portions of the bios are infamously known, spread across Wikipedia, the F-Zero fandom wiki, and Mute City wiki. Referred to as "Snaky Lore" by some people, the bios are full of inconsistencies and clashing information with actual canon and official content.
- The Skull often mentions the Netherworld, but mentions "the Underworld" once in F-Zero GX.
- However, the Netherworld and Underworld mentioned by The Skull are in a different context from Deathborn and Blood Falcon's mentions of the Underworld. It is explained in this tweet.[1]
- Given that the Skull died 200 years before F-Zero X and had only just risen from the grave by the time of the Grand Prix's reopening, it can be assumed that he may have died around the age of 40.
- His F-Zero GX interview may also allude to how he may have died, as he is quoted saying "It's okay to go at full speed, but if you don't watch out for accidents, you'll end up like me." This could, however, just be a general warning, as the Skull is now an undead skeletal racer.
References[]
| Main Universe Content |
|---|
| Mainverse Lore - Mainverse Timeline - F-Zero (SNES) - BS F-Zero Grand Prix - BS F-Zero Grand Prix 2 - F-Zero X (F-Zero X Expansion Kit) - F-Zero GX - F-Zero AX - F-Zero Maximum Velocity |
| Main Universe Characters |
|---|
| Deathborn - Mighty Gazelle - Jody Summer - Dr. Stewart - Baba - Samurai Goroh - Pico - Captain Falcon - Octoman - Mr. EAD - James McCloud - Billy - Kate Alen - Zoda - Jack Levin - Bio Rex - The Skull - Antonio Guster - Beastman - Leon - Super Arrow - Mrs. Arrow - Gomar & Shioh - Silver Neelsen - Michael Chain - Blood Falcon - John Tanaka - Draq - Roger Buster - Dr. Clash - Black Shadow - Don Genie - Digi-Boy - Dai San Gen - Spade - Daigoroh - Princia Ramode - Lily Flyer - PJ - QQQ - Phoenix - Megan - Jane B. Christie - Alexander O'Neil - Mickey Marcus - Nichi - Lord Cyber - Kent Akechi - Kumiko - Blitz Wagner - Yazoo Jr. - Mr. Zero - Minor Characters |
| Main Universe Machines |
|---|
| Dark Schneider - Red Gazelle - White Cat - Super Cat - Golden Fox - Iron Tiger - Fire Stingray - Super Stingray - Wild Goose - Blue Falcon - Super Falcon - Deep Claw - Great Star - Little Wyvern - Mad Wolf - Super Piranha - Death Anchor - Astro Robin - Big Fang - Sonic Phantom - Green Panther - Hyper Speeder - Space Angler - King Meteor - Queen Meteor - Twin Noritta - Night Thunder - Wild Boar - Blood Hawk - Wonder Wasp - Mighty Typhoon - Mighty Hurricane - Crazy Bear - Black Bull - Fat Shark - Cosmic Dolphin - Pink Spider - Magic Seagull - Silver Rat - Spark Moon - Bunny Flash - Groovy Taxi - Rolling Turtle - Rainbow Phoenix - Hot Violet - J.B. Crystal - The Stingray - Fire Ball - Wind Walker - Sly Joker - Falcon Mk-II - Fighting Comet - Silver Thunder - Jet Vermillion - Custom Machine (F-Zero X Expansion Kit) - Custom Machine (F-Zero GX) - Blue Thunder - Luna Bomber - Green Amazone - Fire Scorpion |
| Main Universe F-Zero Locations, Planets, & Venues |
|---|
| List of Main F-Zero Universe Locations - List of Main Universe F-Zero Planets - List of Main Universe F-Zero Venues |