Thunderbird (Neal Shaara)

Last updated
Thunderbird
ThunderIII.png
Thunderbird
Brett Booth, artist
Publication information
Publisher Marvel Comics
First appearance X-Men (vol. 2) #100
Created by Chris Claremont
Leinil Francis Yu
In-story information
Alter egoNeal Shaara
Species Human Mutant
Team affiliations X-Men
X-Corporation
AbilitiesGeneration of superheated plasma, super strength, speed, durability, and stamina

Neal Shaara, also known as Thunderbird, is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was depicted briefly a member of the X-Men. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Leinil Francis Yu, he first appeared in X-Men (vol. 2) #100 (May 2000). He is the first Indian member of the X-Men.

Contents

The mutant is also set to appear in Deadpool and Wolverine (2024) and will be played by an Indian actor yet to be confirmed.

An Indian pyrokinetic, he has no connection to the previous X-Men characters called Thunderbird. He is a vegan and was originally intended to be called Agni, after the Hindu god of fire. [1]

Fictional character biography

Early life

Neal Shaara comes from an affluent family in Kolkata, where his father is the city's chief of police. His family also owned a large tea estate, where they all lived.

He was popular among girls because of his good looks. When his journalist brother Sanjit disappears, Neal decides to investigate, against his parents' wishes. Neal is shadowed by his father's best detective Karima Shapandar, and after Karima saves him from a group of thugs, the two began a romantic relationship while they search for Neal's missing brother. [2]

Karima turned into a Prime Sentinel

They are ultimately captured by the villain Bastion, who plans to turn them into Prime Sentinels as he has done to Sanjit. However, the shock of the transformation causes his latent mutant powers to manifest, the power to generate and control solar plasma and heat. [3]

Sanjit is able to disable the other Sentinels, but is severely wounded in the attempt. Karima, who is able to temporarily rebel against her programming, tells Neal to leave her, as her own transformation process commences, which will result in her killing him when the transformation is complete. [2]

Joining The X-Men

Neal was now lost, alone and with strange powers that he neither comprehends nor wants. Neal goes to see family friend Moira MacTaggert on Muir Island, and he meets the X-Men, although he does not know this when he first meets them. Later, the X-Men revealed themselves, when they used their powers to stop Cable when his techno-organic virus runs out of control. Neal is initially frightened, but is eventually convinced to join the team. He chooses the codename Thunderbird, becoming the third bearer of that name so after the Proudstar brothers. [2] He later adopted a more armored yellow and red uniform with wire mesh padding. [4]

Psylocke

While with the X-Men, Thunderbird struggles with his fear of killing or hurting someone with his plasma. In addition, he also falls in love with the X-Man Psylocke, even though she is in a relationship with Archangel. Thunderbird and Psylocke often engage in flirtatious behavior [5] in front of Archangel, who makes his displeasure felt to Thunderbird. [6] [7] The couple eventually breaks up, and Psylocke pursues a romantic relationship with Thunderbird. [8] [ volume & issue needed ] [9]

Thunderbird becomes friends with Colossus, who like him, has also lost his brother. [10] He also introduces him to the game of cricket. During one of their conversations, he says that though he is happy with Psylocke, he still retains his feelings for Karima, who is a Prime Sentinel.[ volume & issue needed ] [5]

Thunderbird's lack of control over his powers often caused problems during combat. He refrains from using them on his opponents due to the fear of killing them. Archangel mocks him and questions his place in the X-Men.[ volume & issue needed ] [3]

X-Treme X-Men

A short while, Thunderbird and five other X-Men formed a splinter group of X-Men dubbed the X-Treme X-Men, cutting all ties with the rest of the team while searching for Destiny's Diaries. [11] He trains with Psylocke to gain better control of his powers, and learns to use only a small amount of plasma to blind or singe his opponents. [12] Psylocke dies at the hands of Vargas, leaving behind a grief-stricken Thunderbird.[ volume & issue needed ] [8] [13]

For a time he is seen working with the X-Man from the future, Lucas Bishop, another mutant with energy-related powers, in an attempt to overcome his fears and gain greater control over his powers. [14] He comes to think of Bishop as his mentor. After Psylocke's death, he begins questioning the purpose of his life. Bishop tells him that while none of the X-Men are mentioned in the history books of his time, Neal is, a revelation that greatly motivates Neal.[ volume & issue needed ] [15]

During this time, he also visited the ruins of the island of Genosha, destroyed in a surprise Sentinel attack. [16]

Relationship with Lifeguard

Some time after, Neal started a relationship with Heather Cameron, who was also known as Lifeguard. [17] She and her brother Davis (who would become Slipstream) joined the offshoot group of the X-Men. After the inter-dimensional Invasion at Madripoor by the villain Khan, Thunderbird and Lifeguard left to search for her brother Slipstream, who left the team. [18]

X-Corporation

Neal and Heather would later be seen as a member of the X-Corporation in Singapore, although Slipstream was nowhere to be seen. [19] However this was short-lived as there was a synchronized attack on several of the X-Corporation offices after the catastrophic events of M-Day, leading Cyclops to call for the disbanding of all offices. [20] Whether they aborted their search for Slipstream, or did find him, is not yet known.

Current status

In the "Decimation" storyline, it is seen in the 198 files, that he is one of the few mutants to retain their powers after the events of M-Day.[ volume & issue needed ]. During the X-Men battle versus X-Man, aka Nate Grey, Jean Grey called help of all current and former X-Men to assist in the fight. Neal Shaara was one of those who joined the final fight. Though most of those who were at the end fight appeared in the Age of X-Man crossover, Neal was not seen.

He later appears in the Reign of X phase of the X-Men reboot, being interviewed by Monet and Angel for a seat in the X-Corp directors' board. [21]

Powers and abilities

Thunderbird has the ability to transform the molecules of his body into solar plasma, enabling him to convert portions of himself into thermodynamic energy furnaces that release luminescent radiance, pyrotechnic displays, concentrated plasma beams, shaped plasma charges that can deflect solid matter or displace volumes of air on impact for a heatless release of concussive force, and explosive thrust from his legs for flight or projection of focused blasts, flashes, or explosive spheres. Because plasma is a superheated, ionized state of matter, it can melt or destroy most objects, with the exception of adamantium. Thunderbird can also use his power to generate sufficient propulsive thrust to fly at supersonic speeds. In his initial appearances, Thunderbird is relatively unskilled in the use of his powers, but receives further training from Psylocke and Bishop.[ volume & issue needed ] [12] [14]

During his time being mentored by Bishop, he achieves greater control over his powers, learning how to use his blasts to only single targets. He can also use only a small amount to create a blinding flash.[ volume & issue needed ]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">X-Men</span> Comic book superhero team

The X-Men are a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer/editer Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby, the team first appeared in The X-Men #1. Although initially cancelled in 1970 due to low sales, following its 1975 revival and subsequent direction under writer Chris Claremont, it became one of Marvel's most recognizable and successful franchises. They have appeared in numerous books, television shows, 20th Century Studios's X-Men films, and video games. The X-Men title may refer to the superhero team itself, the eponymous comic series, or the broader franchise including various solo titles and team books such as the New Mutants, Excalibur, and X-Force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bishop (Marvel Comics)</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Lucas Bishop is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer John Byrne and artist Whilce Portacio, the character first appeared in The Uncanny X-Men #282. Bishop debuted as a member of a mutant police force from a dystopian future of the Marvel Universe Xavier's Security Enforcers (XSE). He traveled to the 20th century and joined the X-Men. The character possesses the ability to absorb energy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sage (Marvel Comics)</span> Fictional character

Sage, also known as Tessa, is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. She has most often been associated with the X-Men and the Hellfire Club, whom she spied upon for Professor Charles Xavier.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lifeguard (comics)</span> Comics character

Lifeguard is a character, a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Salvador Larroca, the character first appeared in X-Treme X-Men #6. She is primarily associated with the X-Men.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Warren Worthington III</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Warren Kenneth Worthington III is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The X-Men #1. Warren is a founding member of the X-Men, having used the moniker Angel. Later stories would reveal that prior to joining the team, he had acted as a vigilante under the moniker Avenging Angel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Betsy Braddock</span> Comic book character

Elizabeth "Betsy" Braddock is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly in association with Captain Britain and the X-Men. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Herb Trimpe in 1976, she first appeared in the Marvel UK series Captain Britain.

The X-Treme Sanctions Executive is a fictional paramilitary police force appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, in particular those featuring the X-Men, and related spinoffs. The organization is charged with keeping the peace between mutants and humans in the Marvel Comics universe. The team was first mentioned in X-Treme X-Men #40, when Storm presents her team with an offer to join a new, government-backed squad, and debuts in Uncanny X-Men #445.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">X-Force</span> Group of fictional characters

The X-Force is a team of superheroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, most commonly in association with the X-Men. Conceived by writer/illustrator Rob Liefeld, the team first appeared in New Mutants #100 and soon afterwards was featured in its own series called X-Force. The group was originally a revamped version of the 1980s team, the New Mutants.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sunfire (comics)</span> Marvel Comics fictional character

Sunfire is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Sunfire is a mutant and sometime member of the X-Men.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Warpath (comics)</span> Comics character

James Proudstar, known first as Thunderbird and then as Warpath, is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics, commonly in association with the X-Men. Proudstar first appears as the second Thunderbird in New Mutants #16.

<i>Uncanny X-Men</i> Comic book series

Uncanny X-Men, originally published as The X-Men, is an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics since 1963, and is the longest-running series in the X-Men comics franchise. It features a team of superheroes called the X-Men, a group of mutants with superhuman abilities led and taught by Professor X.

<i>Astonishing X-Men</i> Comic book series

Astonishing X-Men is the name of four X-Men comic book series from Marvel Comics, the first two of which were limited series. The third volume, an ongoing series, began in 2004, with its first run written by Joss Whedon and art by John Cassaday. It was then written by Warren Ellis with art by Simone Bianchi and Phil Jimenez. Daniel Way and Christos Gage then took over the title writing alternating stories. They were followed by James Asmus who wrote one issue, then Greg Pak, who took over for four issues in November 2011. Marjorie Liu wrote the final 21 issues of the series until its end at issue #68 in 2013.

<i>X-Treme X-Men</i> Marvel Comics X-Men spin-off series

X-Treme X-Men is the name of two comic book series published by Marvel Comics, the first from 2001 through 2004, and the second from 2012 through 2013. All 46 issues of the first series were written by Chris Claremont, and featured a globetrotting X-Men team led by Storm. The first 24 issues were drawn by Salvador Larroca, and the final 22 issues were drawn by Igor Kordey.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shadow King</span> Comic book character

The Shadow King is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is particularly associated with the X-Men family of comics. His nemesis is the X-Men's leader, Professor X, while he also figures into the backstory of the X-Man Storm. As originally introduced, Farouk was a human mutant from Egypt who used his vast telepathic abilities for evil, taking the alias Shadow King. Later writers established Farouk as only the modern incarnation of an ancient evil entity that has been around since the dawn of humanity, who became one with Farouk when he grew older.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prime Sentinel</span> Fictional comic book androids

Prime Sentinels are an advanced type of fictional Sentinel appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They are depicted as a humans-turned-cyborgs that uses nanotechnology from the "Days of Future Past" alternate future.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Karima Shapandar</span> Fictional character

Omega Sentinel is a superhero later supervillain appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is associated with the X-Men and its spinoff Excalibur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slipstream (comics)</span> Comics character

Slipstream is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is depicted as a superhero associated with the X-Men. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Salvador Larroca, he first appeared in X-Treme X-Men #6.

The Horsemen of Apocalypse are a team of supervillain characters appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Led by Apocalypse, they are loosely based on the Biblical Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse from the Book of Revelation, though its members vary throughout the canon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Destiny (Irene Adler)</span> Fictional comic book character

Destiny is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist/co-writer John Byrne, the character first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #141, published on October 21, 1980.

The Purifiers, also known as the Stryker Crusade, are a fictional paramilitary/terrorist organization appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They are usually depicted as enemies of the X-Men. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Brent Anderson, they first appeared in the 1982 graphic novel X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills.

References

  1. Young, Andrew (2017-03-04). "10 Most Interesting X-Men You've Never Heard Of". WhatCulture.com. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
  2. 1 2 3 X-Men Unlimited #27. Marvel Comics.
  3. 1 2 X-Men (vol. 2) #103. Marvel Comics.
  4. X-Men (vol. 2) #100. Marvel Comics.
  5. 1 2 X-Men (vol. 2) Annual 2000. Marvel Comics.
  6. X-Men (vol. 2) #103, 109. Marvel Comics.
  7. X-Men: Black Sun #2 (2000). Marvel Comics.
  8. 1 2 Weiner, Robert G. (October 17, 2007). Marvel Graphic Novels and Related Publications: An Annotated Guide to Comics, Prose Novels, Children's Books, Articles, Criticism and Reference Works, 1965-2005. McFarland & Company, p.110. Archived at Google Books. Retrieved February 18, 2017.
  9. X-Men (vol. 2) #109. Marvel Comics.
  10. X-Men Unlimited #27 (2000). Marvel Comics.
  11. X-Treme X-Men #1-4 (flashback). Marvel Comics.
  12. 1 2 X-Treme X-Men #3 (flashback). Marvel Comics.
  13. X-Treme X-Men #3-4. Marvel Comics.
  14. 1 2 X-Treme X-Men #4. Marvel Comics.
  15. X-Treme X-Men #3. Marvel Comics.
  16. New X-Men #132. Marvel Comics.
  17. Claremont, Chris (w), Larocca, Salvador (a). X-Treme X-Men #6, 10. Marvel Comics.
  18. Claremont, Chris (w), Larocca, Salvador (a). X-Treme X-Men #19. Marvel Comics.
  19. Excalibur (vol. 2) #5 (2004). Marvel Comics.
  20. Decimation: The Day After one-shot (2006). Marvel Comics.
  21. X-Corp #2 (2021). Marvel Comics.