Martin Allen "Max" Xavier III

Martin Allen Xavier III (goes by Max) is a character from Legendhiro's Yu-Gi-Oh! DF, and a member of the Duel Force. He gets his nickname from his initials (Martin Allen Xavier). Max is the most mysterious member of the main cast. He shrouds himself in shadows and he considers himself the living embodiment of death. He has had a hard life. His parents both died when he was young, and so he learned of the finality of death early in life. He became almost obsessed with death. His first foster parents were abusive, and by the time he was placed in a second foster home, he was damaged. His second foster parents gave him up. He ended up in an orphanage where he met his first ever friend, Randy. Randy was later killed in front of Max by the leader of the Duelists of the Order, Yami Marik. Max, fearing for his life, followed Marik's instructions, becoming one of Marik's minions.

Max's favorite monster is the Spirit Reaper, including any form it may take.

Voice/Mannerisms
Max often wears cloths, such as hoods and hats, etc. that cast shadows on his face. He seems to prefer darkness, and doesn't mind hot weather. He keeps his hands in his pockets, hidden as well, unless he needs them. He is ruthless, attacking anyone who stands against him equally, whether friend or foe, regardless of the situation. He seems to take pleasure in violence, though his more evil tendencies are kept in check.

Max has problems with showing emotions, and he takes little interest in the affairs of others.

Story
Max starts out as an enemy of the Duel Force who is being manipulated by Yami Marik, who is using his fears against him. Max eventually changes after realizing that he must face his fears.

Reign of the Reaper
Max appears and challenges Jen and Tucker for their strongest cards. He defeats them with his deadly Spirit Reaper deck, taking their cards and challenging John to get them back. He aims to force John into a Shadow Game, defeat him, and win his Soul of Darkness. Max believes that anyone who holds the Soul of Darkness can draw the other Souls to him and take them for himself. John, who has recently changed his deck, and Sarah duel Max, barely defeating him. He retreats.

Later on, Max captures John's Mom, using her to lure John in for a final battle. Max has been given one more chance to capture John's Soul of Darkness. If he fails, Yami Marik (known only as Yami at the time) will kill Max and take his Soul. John defeats Max with his newly reformulated deck. When Yami Marik comes for Max, in the form of a Shadow Minion, John stands up for Max. But it isn't until Max stands up for himself that his Soul, the Soul of Life appears and pushes Yami Marik away.

Max tells the Duel Force his story, and them leaves, unsure of whether he wants to join them. He returns several weeks later and joins the Duel Force in order to protect John, who he believes is the only Duelist who can defeat Yami Marik and avenge Max's friend Randy.

The Dark Duel Force
Max duels against Archfiend Ruler alongside Karen, in an attempt to protect John. He fails, and his spirit and Soul are taken by Yami Marik.

Terror of Blackheart
Max duels Blackheart alongside Kristin, attempting to defeat Blackheart, banish him to the Shadow Realm, and free John, whose body Blackheart is possessing. He fights well, but ultimately he and Kristin are defeated by Blackheart's Sky Dragon of Osiris card.

Kaiba Corp Invitational Tournament
Max defeats Karen in the first round of the Second Kaiba Corporation Grand Championship, moving on to face the Masked Duelist. The masked duelist defeats Max and eliminates him from the tournament. But before the duel is over, the Masked Duelist is revealed to be Randy, his spirit having returned temporarily from the next life. Randy tells Max to keep doing good, and Max finally starts to let go of his past.

The Great Duel Force Tournament
Max competes in the Great Duel Force Tournament, where he is defeated by Tucker. Max reveals that he only agreed to participate in the tournament because he was searching for one last great duel. Now that Tucker has given him that, he leaves, moving on to continue doing good, just like Randy said.

The Soul of Life
Soul Quality: Confidence

Soul Monster: Berserk Dragon

Max's Soul, the Soul of Life, gives him power over fear, its power growing the more confident Max feels. He can dull his own fears, or make his enemy's fears seem to come alive. Also, because he controls his own fear, he controls his own livelihood, and in turn, his very life. Essentially, he has power over life and death, allowing him to extend his life span almost indefinitely.

Deck
Max's deck's always rely heavily on the powers of the Spirit Reaper card. His later decks also use heavy amounts or hand destruction. Even when they are not shown, it can be inferred that Max always has Berserk Dragon and Spirit Reaper in his deck, since they are his Soul Monster and favorite monster..

Reign of the Reaper
This version of Max's deck has less synergy than his later decks, but it has an added Removed from Play strategy that can be useful.

The Dark Duel Force
Max's deck remains mostly the same here.

Terror of Blackheart
Very little of Max's deck is shown during this arch.

Kaiba Corp Invitational Tournament
This is the first instance of Max's more focused deck build. Here he begins to use a much more targeted strategy dealing with hand destruction.

The Great Duel Force Tournament
More of Max's hand destruction deck is seen here.

Trivia

 * Out of all of the characters in Yu-Gi-Oh! DF, the author put the most thought into Max, especially his name and history. Next would be Tucker, followed by Rocky.