By [ad_1]
Sunfire just revealed what he said to be elected to the X-Men — and it makes a good case for his growth as a character.
WARNING: The following contains spoilers for X-Men #2 from Marvel Comics, available now.
The recently elected X-Men present a major change for how the superhero team operates, serving as the best and brightest of the mutant population — chosen by them to represent them on a global scale — coming together for the common good. With Cyclops and Marvel Girl at the helm, the election of Rogue, Wolverine, Sunfire, Synch, and Polaris was a huge achievement for all of them.
For Sunfire in particular, the decision to run for a position on the team was an interesting one. He revealed exactly why he placed his name into contention in X-Men #2 by X-Men #2 by Gerry Duggan, Pepe Larraz, Marte Gracia and VC’s Clayton Cowles — and it’s a perfect sign of growth for the long-time firestarter and former Avenger.
RELATED: Doctor Doom’s Embarrassments Could Unleash Marvel’s Most Vicious Tyrant
Sunfire has had a long and varied history in the Marvel Universe since he was introduced in X-Men #64 by Roy Thomas and Don Heck. The Japanese-born mutant always had a deep loyalty to the nation of his birth, coming into conflict with the X-Men when he first appeared. He joined the X-Men briefly to save the original roster from Krakoa, but quickly refused full membership. He was briefly involved with the Marauders and the Horsemen of the Apocyaplse, before being offered a position with the Avengers Unity Squad. Currently, he’s been elected to the X-Men.
The Japanese mutant has already proven himself repeatedly in this capacity, especially in X-Men #2 when he uses his powers to bring down an entire attacking Annihilation Wave. Afterward, he’s approached by some of the locals, who cheer for him and the X-Men due to their actions saving numerous lives. Sunfire admits that he hasn’t always used his powers for the greater good. He’s spent his whole life fighting for someone or some cause, serving at the behest of others to give himself purpose in service. Sunfire admits it’s left him feeling empty as time wore on — but that Krakoa and the promise of enrichment for all instead of just himself seems to have inspired him going forward. He doesn’t seek to fight for nations anymore, whether they be Japan or Krakoa, human or mutant.
Instead, he wishes to only be in service of the future where places like Krakoa and Arakko can exist and spread. Sunfire reveals these were the words he shared with the other mutants of the world as his pitch for being an X-Man — and that it swayed enough of them to earn him a spot on the final roster. The words also prove convincing enough for the humans, who quickly invite Sunfire and his teammates to enjoy some celebratory barbecue after the battle. It’s an interesting observation of who Sunfire is, and what he fights for. It’s telling this admission of his motivations over the years hints at his previous stand-offish nature. The character, as he explains, has always been defined by combat. He’s a fighter at his core, always looking for someone to lead him into battle and let him loose.
But he’s never fought for a people instead of just a specific team or government. His decision that he wants to be service of all mutants and all peoples instead of just some nation is a major step forward for Sunfire, proving that he’s learned how empty non-stop battle can feel when there’s no true cause behind his actions. The dream of Krakoa is an interesting one for him to latch onto, specifically because he claims he has no more interest in specifically fighting for a nation. Instead, he just wishes to serve the people, and finds honor in that. It makes Sunfire a champion of all mutants instead of Krakoa, likely endearing him to the population. It advances Sunfire’s character in an interesting way, allowing him to grow from his past team-ups and become a more committed hero instead of a self-assured soldier.
KEEP READING: X-Men: SWORD Has A Plan For Mutants That Could Ruin The Marvel Universe
About The Author
[ad_2]
