THUNDERBIRD: JOHN PROUDSTAR JOINS THE RESCUE

THUNDERBIRD: JOHN PROUDSTAR JOINS THE RESCUE John Proudstar makes his debut in Giant-Size X-Men #1. Xavier finds him on an Apache reservation in Arizona, where his physical abilities are demonstrated by his pursuit and takedown of a bison. His strength and speed put him among the team's physical fighters. There isn't a visible transformation like Colossus's armor or an energy effect like Cyclops's blast. John looks human while doing things a normal human body couldn't manage. The recruitment conversation is confrontational. John distrusts Xavier and challenges his approach; Xavier responds by pressing him. Agreeing to come along leaves that tension in place. The mission brings together people whose consent has been won in very different ways, and John's exchange with Xavier makes that especially apparent. The red-and-blue costume, bird emblem, headband and fringe identify his original design. The dialogue repeatedly emphasizes his Apache identity, sometimes through dated stereotypes and racial taunts. Even his exchanges with prospective teammates can become hostile on those terms. John brings his distrust of authority with him to the mansion and onto the mission. Scott's leadership doesn't come with John's automatic respect, any more than Xavier's invitation did. Yet he goes with them. The missing X-Men need rescuing, and John is willing to put his strength into that effort while continuing to challenge the people directing it.