Thunderbird (John Proudstar)
Thunderbird | |
---|---|
Art Adams. | |
Publication information | |
Publisher | Marvel Comics |
First appearance | Giant-Size X-Men #1 (May 1975) |
Created by | Len Wein (writer) Dave Cockrum (artist) |
In-story information | |
Alter ego | John Proudstar |
Species | Human Mutant |
Team affiliations | X-Men United States Marine Corps |
Abilities |
|
Thunderbird (John Proudstar) is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Len Wein and artist Dave Cockrum, the character first appears in Giant-Size X-Men #1 (May 1975).[1] Thunderbird was a short-lived member of the Second Genesis group of X-Men gathered together in this issue, as he died on their second mission.
An Apache Native American and Human Mutant, John Proudstar possesses superhuman athletic ability. Since his death, Thunderbird was temporarily brought back to life during the Necrosha and Chaos War storylines, before being permanently resurrected after the establishment of Krakoa.[2] His brother James Proudstar, known first as Thunderbird, and then as Warpath, is also a mutant and X-Men with similar capabilities.
In addition to his
Publication history
Writer
The character debuted in Giant-Size X-Men #1 (May 1975). While working on the first issues of the regular series, the creative team realized that having Thunderbird as a regular character was problematic. According to Cockrum, "...we created him as an obnoxious loudmouth, and we already had an obnoxious loudmouth in Wolverine. So one of us decided to kill him off after all, just for shock value."[3] Chris Claremont, who scripted the story, confirms that it was Wein who decided to kill the character, and added, "He figured there are two ways to do this. One, you spend years, if not decades, building up a relationship between the audience and a character, building the emotional bonds between them so when something happens to that character the audience is devastated. Or you do it right off the bat, when no one is expecting it."[4][5] The story culminating in Thunderbird's death appeared in X-Men #94-95.[6]
In 2000, for the 25th anniversary of the introduction of Thunderbird, writer
John Proudstar was finally resurrected in the main comics continuity in X-Men: The Trial of Magneto #5 (2021), over 45 years after his initial death in X-Men #95.[10] He starred in a solo one-shot Giant-Size X-Men: Thunderbird #1 (2022), where he received a new costume.[11] He continued appearing sparingly as a minor character in various ongoing X-related books.
Fictional character biography
John Proudstar was born into an
While he was a teenager, John's mother Maria fell sick as
Proudstar was drafted into the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and earned the rank of corporal. He returned to his tribe after the war, but he was unhappy and listless.
He was then recruited by Professor Charles Xavier to join his third group of X-Men.[14] Eager to prove his prowess, Proudstar agreed and assumed the superhero codename Thunderbird. He assisted the other X-Men in rescuing the original X-Men from Krakoa the mutant island.[C 1]
During the weeks of training that followed, the ill-tempered and individualistic Thunderbird often found himself going head to head with the X-Men's leader Cyclops. The new team's second mission took them to Valhalla Base, Colorado, to combat Count Nefaria and the Ani-Men.[C 2][15] When Nefaria attempted to make his escape in a jet plane, Proudstar leapt on board. Disregarding Professor X's orders to jump to safety, Thunderbird hammered at it with his bare fists. The plane exploded, killing Proudstar.[15][C 3] Count Nefaria is later revealed to have survived the crash.[C 4][16]
James Proudstar has similar powers, although to a much greater degree. He is also an X-Man who first used the codename Thunderbird and then switched to Warpath when he joined X-Force team.[12]: 220 [17]
When Warpath goes to visit Thunderbird's grave during the
During the "
When the X-Men made Krakoa a mutant paradise, the resurrection protocols brought back many dead mutants including Thunderbird. He was seen at The Green Lagoon watching Dazzler's concert.[20] However, his resurrection is explicitly shown on-panel in the concluding chapter of the Trial of Magneto arc (during Reign of X) as a consequence of the Scarlet Witch's magic.[10]
After a flashback to his revival, John Proudstar pays a visit to the Apache reservation. Upon arrival, he learns from some kids about how the local law enforcement arrested some of the inhabitants when they wouldn't give up the ones who are mutants. Becoming Thunderbird later that night, he went to the police station to demand the release of the people from Camp Gozhoo. When the local sheriff declined, Thunderbird went on the attack while driving away the punks awaiting to be detained. One hiding police officer contacts Edwin Martynec of the Heritage Initiative (which is secretly funded by
Powers and abilities
Thunderbird is a
Thunderbird has military training in hand-to-hand combat.
Analysis
In Native Americans in Comic Books - A Critical Study, Michael A. Sheyahshe compared John Proudstar to Tupac Shakur, noting that "Thunderbird becomes even more popular, posthumously, than he ever was while living."[22]
In September 2001, Bill Rosemann, the marketing communications manager of Marvel Comics, announced that "The death of Thunderbird!", Uncanny X-Men #95 had been classed number 32 in the 100 best Marvel Comics.[23]
Reception
- In 2014, Entertainment Weekly ranked Thunderbird and Warpath 62nd in their "Let's rank every X-Man ever" list.[24]
Other versions
Age of Apocalypse
In the
Earth X
In the Earth X reality, John Proudstar's life is very similar.[C 13] Thunderbird is seen in the Realm of the Dead talking with Professor X both believing they are still alive.[C 14]
Exiles
An alternate version of John Proudstar is an original member of the
Thunderbird's time with this group is relatively short, several months at most. He serves mainly as the powerhouse of the group. In the third story arc, he meets another alternate version of himself, who has become the
During his time with the Exiles, he develops a romantic relationship with teammate Nocturne,[C 19] who is pregnant with his child when he becomes comatose.[C 17][25] (However, she later loses the child for unexplained reasons.[volume & issue needed]) Issue #16 shows flashbacks of previously unseen scenes between the two characters that further develop their relationship.[C 20]
This version of Thunderbird is considerably more powerful than the mainstream one, due to Apocalypse's augmentations. His skin is covered by retractable armor plates that harden when he enters battle, considerably increasing his durability, and even at the base level, his power statistics are above his main continuity counterpart. His power increases with his rage, akin to the Hulk who he once defeated in close combat, and his appearance becomes more bestial as he does so.[C 21]
A side-effect of Apocalypse's modifications is that Thunderbird no longer has a sense of taste.[C 21] He nevertheless enjoys smelling things.[C 20]
Thunderbird wakes up and escapes the stasis wall in the Panoptichron.
House of M
In the
Ultimate Marvel
The Ultimate Marvel version of John Proudstar operates as Shaman appears as a member of Alpha Flight debuting in Ultimate X-Men #94 and this version of Shaman is a mutant who possesses enhanced strength, speed, agility, and senses which have been enhanced through the mutant-enhancement drug Banshee instead of the magical abilities of his Marvel Universe counterpart.[28]
What If?
Alternate versions of the character are present in some issues of What If? which is a series of comic books whose stories explore how the Marvel Universe might have unfolded if key moments in its history had not occurred as they did in mainstream continuity.
- In "What If the X-Men Died on their First Mission?," Thunderbird was among the original line-up that died when Krakoa was hurtled into space.[C 29]
- In "What If Professor X Become the Juggernaut?," Thunderbird was part of Juggernaut's X-Men.[C 30]
- In "What If an All-New All-Different X-Men Never Existed?," Thunderbird was never recruited by Professor X and was allied with Erik the Red. He was quickly frozen by Iceman.[C 31]
In other media
Television
- Thunderbird appears in the Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends episode "The X-Men Adventure", voiced by John Stephenson. This version is a member of the X-Men who possesses the ability to shapeshift into a variety of North American animals instead of his comic book abilities.[29][30]
- Thunderbird makes non-speaking appearances in Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, a decision made by series producers Larry F. Houston and Will Meugniot, who sought to find equilibrium between the X-Men and their adversaries.[29][31][32] In the episode "Slave Island", Thunderbird makes a cameo appearance as a resident of Genosha. In the book Previously on X-Men: The Making of an Animated Series, series showrunner Eric Lewald explained that Thunderbird was originally intended to die in the opening episodes, but was ultimately replaced with Kevin Sydney / Morph, who seemingly dies in the two-part pilot "Night of the Sentinels" and resurfaces alive in later episodes.[29][33]
- Thunderbird appears in
Miscellaneous
Thunderbird received a bust from Dynamic Forces in 2003.[38]
Notes and references
Comic books
w: writer, p: penciler, i: inker
- ^ Len Wein (w), Dave Cockrum (p), Dave Cockrum (i), Peter Iro (i), "Deadly Genesis!", Giant-Size X-Men #1 (May, 1975). Marvel Comics.
- ^ Chris Claremont (w), Dave Cockrum (p), Bob McLeod (i), "The Doomsmith Scenario!", Uncanny X-Men#94 (August, 1975). Marvel Comics.
- ^ Chris Claremont (w), Len Wein (w), Dave Cockrum (p), Sam Grainger (i), "Warhunt!", Uncanny X-Men #95 (October, 1975). Marvel Comics.
- ^ Jim Shooter (w), John Byrne (w, p), Pablo Marcos (i), "To Fall by Treachery!", Avengers #164 (October, 1977). Marvel Comics.
- vol.3 #10 (February, 2009). Marvel Comics.
- Chris Yost (w), Clayton Crain (p, i), Alina Urusov (p, i), "Who the Hell is Eli Bard?", X-Forcevol.3 #11 (March, 2009). Marvel Comics.
- Chris Yost (w), Clayton Crain (p, i), "Necrosha" (Part 1), Necrosha#1 (December, 2009). Marvel Comics.
- Chris Yost (w), Clayton Crain (p, i), "Necrosha: Conclusion", X-Forcevol. 3 #25. Marvel Comics.
- Chaos War: X-Men#1 (February, 2011). Marvel Comics.
- Chaos War: X-Men#2 (March, 2011)
- X-Calibre#1 (March, 1995)
- X-Calibre#2 (April, 1995). Marvel Comics.
- ^ Jim Krueger (s), Alex Ross (s), John Paul Leon (p), Bill Reinhold (i), Earth X #6 (September, 1999). Marvel Comics.
- ^ Jim Krueger (s), Alex Ross (s), John Paul Leon (p, i), Bill Reinhold (i), Earth X #7 (October, 1999). Marvel Comics.
- ^ Judd Winick (w), Mike McKone (p), Mark McKenna (i), "Down The Rabbit Hole", Exiles #1 (August, 2001). Marvel Comics.
- ^ Exiles #5-6. Marvel Comics.
- ^ a b Exiles #10. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Exiles #62. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Exiles #1-10. Marvel Comics.
- ^ a b Exiles #16. Marvel Comics.
- ^ a b Exiles #6. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Exiles #97. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Exiles #98-99. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Chris Claremont (w), Juan Santacruz (p), Raul Fernandez (i), X-Men: Die by the Sword #1-5 (December 2007-February 2008). Marvel Comics.
- ^ Exiles #100. Marvel Comics.
- Christos N. Gage (w), Mike Perkins (p, i), Drew Hennessy (i), House of M: Avengers#2 (February, 2008). Marvel Comics.
- Christos N. Gage (w), Mike Perkins (p, i), House of M: Avengers#3 (February, 2008). Marvel Comics.
- Christos N. Gage (w), Mike Perkins (p, i), House of M: Avengers#4-5 (March–April, 2018). Marvel Comics.
- ^ Roy Thomas (w), Rich Buckler (p), Sam De La Rosa (i), "What If... The New X-Men Had Died On Their Very First Mission?", What If? vol. 2 #9 (January, 1990). MArvel Comics.
- ^ Kurt Busiek (w), Vince Mielcarek (p), Ian Akin (i), Brian Garvey (i), "What If Professor X Had Become the Juggernaut?", What If? vol. 2 #13 (May, 1990). Marvel Comics.
- ^ Kurt Busiek (w), Rodney Ramos (p), Doug Hazlewood (i), "What If... The All-New All-Different X-Men Had Never Existed?", What If? vol. 2 #23 (March, 1991). Marvel Comics.
References
- ISBN 978-1-4654-7890-0.
- ^ X-Men: The Trial of Magneto #5 (December 2021)
- ^ a b Meth, Clifford (August 1993). "How a Typhoon Blew in Success". Wizard: X-Men Turn Thirty. pp. 50–52.
- ^ Christensen, William; Seifert, Mark (August 1993). "From Gofer to Comic Great". Wizard: X-Men Turn Thirty. pp. 36–40.
- ^ Richards, Dave (November 20, 2013). "Claremont Celebrates the Past with "X-Men: Gold"". cbr.com. Comic Book Resources. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
- ^ CBR Staff (June 9, 2005). "Taking An Early Look at "Giant-Size X-Men" #4". cbr.com. Comic Book Resources. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
- ^ Brian, Cronin (May 23, 2014). "Comic Book Legends Revealed #472". cbr.com. Comic Book Resources. Retrieved January 6, 2018.
- ^ CBR Staff (September 16, 2010). ""All New, All Different, All Dead" X-Men Teaser". cbr.com. Comic Book Resources. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
- ^ Richards, Dave (November 11, 2010). "Simonson Raises the Dead in "Chaos War: X-Men"". cbr.com. Comic Book Resources. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
- ^ a b The Trial of Magneto #5 (2022). Marvel Comics.
- ^ Giant Sized X-Men: Thunderbird #1 (2022)
- ^ ISBN 9780786458004. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
- ^ X-Force #-1. Marvel Comics.
- ISBN 9780820488929. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
- ^ a b Cornnell, Mike (2004). "Glossary of Characters: Thunderbird". jsaw.lib.lehigh.edu. Lehigh Student Award Winners (L-SAW). Archived from the original on 2012-03-04. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
- ISBN 9780780809772.
- ^ Damore, Meagan (October 23, 2017). "The Gifted: Redford Wants Thunderbird to Team Up With Warpath". cbr.com. Comic Book Resources. Retrieved January 6, 2018.
- ^ Zawisza, Doug (December 29, 2010). "Chaos War: X-Men #1 - Comic Book Review". cbr.com. Comic Book Resources. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
- ^ Zawisza, Doug (January 29, 2011). "Chaos War: X-Men #2 - Comic Book Review". cbr.com. Comic Book Resources. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
- ^ X-Force Vol. 6 #9. Marvel Comics.
- ^ Giant-Size X-Men: Thunderbird #1. Marvel Comics.
- ISBN 9780786435654.
- ^ CBR Staff (2001-09-20). "100 Greatest Marvels: The Countdown". CBR. Retrieved 2017-05-13.
- ^ June 09, Darren Franich Updated; EDT, 2022 at 12:31 PM. "Let's rank every X-Man ever". EW.com. Retrieved 2023-01-26.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ ISBN 9780786451159. Retrieved 13 May 2017.
- ^ CBR Staff (November 30, 2007). "Marvel Previews for December 5th". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on January 4, 2018. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
- ^ CBR Staff (February 22, 2008). "Marvel Comics On Sale February 27, 2008". CBR. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
- ^ Ultimate X-Men #94
- ^ a b c Cronin, Brian (May 11, 2017). "Comic Legends: Why Didn't Thunderbird Die on the X-Men Animated Series?". cbr.com. Comic Book Resources. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
- ^ Goldman, Eric (May 31, 2011). "The History of X-Men on TV". IGN. Retrieved December 17, 2013.
- ^ Cronin, Brian (June 10, 2017). "Why was Thunderbird on the Villain Side on the X-Men Cartoon?". cbr.com. Comic Book Resources. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
- ^ Cronin, Brian (November 3, 2017). "Comic Legends: Who's the Mystery Villain in the X-Men Opening Credits?". cbr.com. Comic Book Resources. Retrieved December 18, 2017.
- ISBN 9780998866321.
- ^ Wagmeister, Elizabeth (May 9, 2017). "[VIDEO] Fox Greenlights Marvel's 'The Gifted' to Series — Watch First Teaser". Variety. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
- ^ Shedeen, Jesse (September 21, 2017). "Comparing the comics X-Men to their Gifted counterparts". IGN. Retrieved January 3, 2018.
- ^ Ching, Albert (October 20, 2017). "The Gifted: Blair Redford Happy to Avoid Thunderbird's Comic Book Fate". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved January 6, 2018.
- ^ Melrose, Kevin (October 16, 2017). "The Gifted's Love Triangle Is the Most X-Men Thing You'll See On TV". cbr.com. Comic Book Resources. Retrieved January 6, 2018.
- ^ CBR Staff (July 30, 2003). "'Colossus' and 'Thunderbird' immortalized by Dynamic Forces". CBR. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
External links
- Thunderbird (John Proudstar) at the Marvel Universe wiki
- Thunderbird (John Proudstar) at Marvel Wiki
- Thunderbird (John Proudstar) at the Comic Book DB (archived from the original)
- Spotlight on Thunderbird I at UncannyXmen.net