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Thunderbird (John)
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Creation & Design

Thunderbird was created by writer Len Wein and artist Dave Cockrum as part of the new team of X-Men in the 1970s, representing Native American heritage.

Early Years

John Proudstar was introduced as a member of the second generation of X-Men, showcasing his abilities and cultural background.

Character Development

Over the years, Thunderbird's character has evolved through various storylines, often reflecting themes of sacrifice, heritage, and the struggles of being a mutant.

Cultural Reception

Thunderbird has been recognized for his representation of Native American culture within the superhero genre, although his initial portrayal faced criticism for being underdeveloped.

Character Details

Real Name:
John Proudstar
First Appearance:
Giant-Size X-Men #1
Aliases:
Thunderbird
Species:
Mutant
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
X-Men, X-Force
Abilities:
Superhuman strength, Enhanced agility, Flight
Weight:
200lbs
Height:
6' 0"
Eye Color:
brown
Hair Color:
black

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Giant-Size X-Men #1
Marvel ⋅ 1975
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Giant-Size X-Men #1
 
Low
$700
Mid
$2.2k
High
$7k

Key Facts

1st appearance of the new X-Men: Storm (1st), Nightcrawler (1st), Colossus (1st), Thunderbird (1st), Wolverine (3rd)

Many resources label this the 2nd full appearance of Wolverine and The Incredible Hulk #182 a second cameo

1st appearance of Illyana Rasputin as a child, later becomes Magik

Introduction of Krakoa, the Living Island

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First use of the sound effect 'snikt' associated with Wolverine's claws

Uncanny X-Men #94
Marvel ⋅ 1975
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Uncanny X-Men #94
 
Low
$315
Mid
$960
High
$3.3k

Key Facts

2nd team appearance of the X-Men that debuted in Giant-Size X-Men #1

2nd appearance of Storm, Nightcrawler, Colossus and Thunderbird

4th appearance of Wolverine

1st appearance of Dragonfly

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Some resources refer to this as the 2nd full appearance of Wolverine and Hulk #182 a 2nd cameo appearance

Beginning of Chris Claremont's 16-year consecutive run on the title, ending with Uncanny X-Men #279

First new X-Men story following five years of reprints

Uncanny X-Men #95
Marvel ⋅ 1975
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Uncanny X-Men #95
 
Low
$30
Mid
$90
High
$315

Key Facts

Death of Thunderbird, John Proudstar, killed in a plane crash

3rd appearance of Nightcrawler

Earliest use of the word 'Bamf' to describe the sound of Nightcrawler teleporting via an alternate dimension

X-Men: The Trial of Magneto #5
Non-Key
Marvel ⋅ 2021
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X-Men: The Trial of Magneto #5
 
Low
$1
Mid
$2
High
$4

Key Facts

Resurrection of Thunderbird, John Proudstar who died in Uncanny X-Men #95 (1975)

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