Saturday, November 4, 2023

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month: Thunderbird, superhero Apache member of the X-Men


John Proudstar, also known as Thunderbird, is a superhero that appeared with the X-Men in the Giant-Size X-Men #1 in May 1975. As a mutant, Proudstar possesses superhuman athletic ability.  Unfortunately, he died on the second mission. After his death, his brother James became Thunderbird and later Warpath.

Proudstar was born into the Apache tribe in Camp Verde, Arizona.  When he became a teenager, he realized he possessed superhuman senses, strength, speed, stamina, and sturdiness. He was drafted into the Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam War.  He returned to his tribe after the war, having changed significantly  

Professor Charles Xavier recruited him to join his third group of X-Men.  Due to his bad temper and individualism, he clashed with Cyclops.  He was killed when he refused to jump off a jet plane, pursuing Count Nefaria.  The plane exploded and Thunderbird was killed.

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