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Warpath (comics)
Encyclopedia
James Proudstar, previously known as the second Thunderbird but also known as Warpath, is a fictional character
, a Marvel Comics
superhero
associated with the X-Men
.
An Apache
Native American
, Proudstar possesses mutant
superhuman strength and speed, like his older brother, the short-lived X-Man Thunderbird
, though Warpath's power-levels are much higher.
He originally blamed the X-Men for his brother’s death and joined the villain
group the Hellions
to get revenge. He later reconsidered his views and became a longtime member of the militant X-Men offshoot X-Force
. After a long journey to the Shi'ar Empire with the Uncanny X-Men
, Warpath became a member of the new incarnation of X-Force but he left after the events of Necrosha.
and artist Sal Buscema
, he first appeared as the second Thunderbird in New Mutants
#16 (June 1984).
. James' brother, John Proudstar
, was one of the "All New, All Different" X-Men
. John was killed on one of the team's earliest missions. James angrily blamed the X-Men for his brother's death and made it his life's mission to murder its founder, Professor Charles Xavier
.
's Hellions, a team intended to be her answer to Charles Xavier's New Mutants. The Hellions were students at Frost's Massachusetts Academy
; as a Hellion, James clashed with the New Mutants
and Shadowcat
. His hatred led him to attack the X-Men on his own, with the unexpected, and unwanted, aid of Roulette
, Empath
, and Firestar
. James donned his brother's costume, and kidnapped the X-Men member Banshee
to draw the team to Cheyenne Mountain
where John was killed. However, when the opportunity arrived, James was unable to kill Professor X in cold blood. James was reconciled with the X-Men, and Professor X offered membership into the New Mutants to James, but he declined.
. James enjoyed his stay at home so much, that he originally turned down Cable
's offer to join the New Mutants
. After the meeting, in New York
, James returned home, to find his entire tribe murdered. James originally thought that the Hellions committed the act to punish him for leaving the team, due to a foot soldier's mask he found alongside the bodies of his fallen tribesmen. He then joined the New Mutants, hoping to track down the Hellions and gain revenge.
and James changed his codename to Warpath. Alongside X-Force, Warpath first battled the Mutant Liberation Front
. Alongside X-Force and Spider-Man
, he battled the Juggernaut
. With the team, he fought the likes of Toad
's Brotherhood of Evil Mutants
, and then Weapon P.R.I.M.E.
X-Force rescued Sunspot
from Gideon
, and fought the X-Men and the second incarnation of X-Factor
, being taken prisoner by them. Warpath later traveled to Nova Roma to tell Magma
that most of the other Hellions were dead. With Boomer
and Siryn
, he was taken prisoner by Gideon and the Externals
; they were rescued by their X-Force teammates. Warpath was a part of X-Force for the duration of the team. As a member of X-Force, James became more calm and controlled and struck up a close friendship with his teammate Theresa Rourke Cassidy
. Despite his strong attraction to her, Theresa only saw James as a friend.
. Risque was instrumental in helping James with his confidence and the two began a love affair. However, Risque was being blackmailed by a man named Sledge, who forced her to drug Warpath and bring him to his lair. Sledge gave him information about a member of the tribe that was still alive, but in turn James had to retrieve his partner, the Vanisher
, who had disappeared in another dimension. Sledge hints at abilities within James that make him adept at surviving in this alternate dimension, which is corroborated by a mysterious being in the dimension under the guise of Coyote (James's childhood pet cat), but these abilities are never expanded upon. James found the Vanisher and in turn Sledge gave information on one of his tribesman, Michael Whitecloud, whom James had presumed deceased. Whitecloud told him that Stryfe
, X-Force's adversary, was behind the killing of his tribe. James went to Hell
to gain revenge, but was returned to the living world by Blackheart
. When James found out Risque's involvement in the whole ordeal, he ended their relationship despite her deepest remorse. She would eventually reunite with X-Force on several occasions as an ally.
branch of the international mutant agency, X-Corporation
, in India
. His new team was a mix of old and new friends: Feral
, Sunfire, and Thornn
. He stayed there with the X-Corporation for a while, helping to save Professor X's life, who was surprised that he was still alive.
. The Helix worship a demon called the Skornn
, which Cable had defeated before. After defeating the Helix, they go in search of the Five Fingers of Annihilation, a blade that is the only thing that can kill the Skornn. They meet up with Shatterstar, and are then attacked by more Helix ninjas. The threat proves more than he and Domino can handle, so they enlist the help of Warpath, Sunspot, and Meltdown. Warpath tells Cable that he and Sunspot have responsibilities with the X-Corporation, and doesn't really want to be involved with him. Cable explains that he needs people that he can trust on his team. They all agree to join Cable, and go onto to help Cannonball
who is being approached by another time traveler. X-Force is eventually joined by Wolverine
, and the Fantastic Four
. They fight the Skornn, and eventually Cable kills it once again. X-Force disbands, with Warpath apparently returning to the X-Corporation.
, and soon after found himself living in the Mutant camp at the X-Mansion
. Shortly afterwards, he joined the ranks of the X-Men for the first time at Professor X
's request. Along with Professor X
, Marvel Girl
, Nightcrawler
, Havok, Darwin
, and Polaris
, he journeys into space to track down Vulcan. He shows his superb fighting prowess while fighting cyborg drones as the X-Men attempt to commandeer a Shi'ar
ship. During the final fight with Vulcan, Warpath fought bravely and in the end was on the spaceship with half of the team when Lilandra
sent it back to Earth.
Since she is stuck on Earth and has nowhere else to go, Hepzibah
joins Professor X's team of X-Men. She and Warpath have already created a bond of sorts, with Hepzibah remarking that his presence has helped her through her mourning of Corsair
. Together, they confront one of the X-Mansion's guardian Sentinels when Caliban
, a long time X-Men ally, runs onto the grounds.
Warpath enters the Morlock
Tunnels along with Hepzibah, Storm, and Caliban. As a group, they are attempting to discover the reason for the Morlocks' increased activity, which has included the capturing of X-Men ward Leech. Warpath's name has been written on a Morlock wall, along with the names of the other X-Men team members.
After the Morlock encounter, Hepzibah speaks with Scott, who accepts her having Warpath as her new mate and they begin a relationship.
Later when the Hulk
attacks the mansion looking for Professor Xavier, Warpath is one of the X-Men who answers the Stepford Cuckoos
' call for help.
, to meet up with Hepzibah, Warpath, and Iceman
. All four are caught in the effects of a city-wide illusion created by Martinique Jason, who thanks to her powers has transformed the city into a hippie
paradise. Now calling himself "Running Sun", he and the others are sent by Jason to confront Cyclops and Emma Frost. After Emma manages to break through Jason's illusion, Warpath and the others are returned to normal, after which they begin to reestablish the X-Men organization in San Francisco.
cells. James joins out of a desire for revenge for the death of his friend Caliban at the hands of the Purifiers. While physically the strongest member, he has shown to be shocked at the amount of blood shed on his and his teammates hands. During X-Force's encounter with the Purifiers, James comes across Eli Bard
attacking X-23; after rescuing her, Eli swears a personal vendetta against him.
Since the team was not allowed to contact anyone from the outside world, he is shown regret being with the team then being with his girlfriend, Hepzibah. James takes a break from duty, in order to make peace with the deaths he has caused and travels to visit the grave of his brother, John. En route, his truck is destroyed and James crawls from the wreckage to confront the attacker; the Demon Bear
. After a fight with the Demon Bear, he realizes he can't hurt the Bear and is badly beaten before being rescued by Ghost Rider
. When he comes to, Ghost Rider says he is going to teach him how to kill a demon.
After defeating the creature with the aid of Ghost Rider, it is revealed that this Demon Bear was created when the animal spirits of his people were disturbed. They tell James that Eli Bard has dug up Thunderbird, Caliban, and everyone else buried there. They show him Eli's entire life up until that point and what he's planning for his beloved Selene.
When the Sapian League starts abducting mutants and infecting them with modified versions of the Legacy virus, turning them into living bombs, Warpath teams up with Vanisher to investigate a possible hit. When Surge, Hellion and Boom-Boom are kidnapped, Warpath, along with the rest of X-Force attempt to try and save them but at the last second are teleported off to the future to find Cable and Hope Summers leaving Tabitha at the hands of the Leper Queen, who kills her.
, where she pleads with him get away from her before she is controlled again by the T-O Virus. He is rescued by Archangel who informs him this is Eli Bard's doing. They meet up with Cyclops and are confronted by Selene's Inner Circle. During the battle, Eli takes on Warpath who wants the knife responsible for creating the Demon Bear, unaware that Selene
needs it to complete her ritual. James is kidnapped by Selene's Inner Circle, who take him to Genosha.
On Genosha, James fights with his deceased brother Johnny only to be saved by Vanisher. When James confronts Johnny a second time, James kills his brother. With the help of some old ancient rituals from his tribe along with Selene's knife, James defeats Selene by stabbing her in the heart and frees his brother's soul at last. After the battle, James quits X-Force with Wolverine claiming he “has made his peace”.
who possesses superhuman physical ability in virtually all areas:
He possesses superhuman strength (used as his main power in X-Force, as the team 'strong guy') with his current power levels showing him capable of toppling a Sentinel by clapping, the resulting air pressure causing it to collapse. He has even directly fought with and managed to hold his own against the Juggernaut .
He possesses superhuman resistance to injury, at least enough to withstand short-range firepower, grenade explosions, and even a direct telekinetic attack from a Alpha-level mutant psionic such as Exodus. He also repairs and regenerates damaged and destroyed tissue much faster than a normal human, as well as revives and recuperates from exhaustion and fatigue much faster than a normal human.
He possesses superhuman agility & flexibility, as he has been officially stated to "move with the grace an Olympic gold-medalist would envy" and "swim with the ease of a porpoise."
His power of flight was discovered by his one-time mentor and team leader Peter Wisdom
, who analyzed his mutation after the High Evolutionary devolved and re-evolved all mutants on Earth, and forced James to incorporate this ability in his fighting style. This power has not been depicted in later comic storylines, although writer Ed Brubaker
has said that he chose not to depict Warpath's flight power because he didn't understand how Warpath's speed and strength would allow it. However, his fighting style in the Messiah Complex
storyline has shown him to return to using his flight powers. In X-Force he can be seen flying even for long distances. It has since been suggested by writer Christopher Yost that "I thought he was a little embarrassed by the whole flying thing".
Warpath's senses, particularly sight, smell and hearing, are enhanced to levels beyond the capabilities of a normal human. He is able to see with perfect clarity at much greater distances than an ordinary human. He retains this same level of visual clarity, even in near-total darkness. His hearing is similarly heightened, enabling him to both clearly hear sounds that ordinary humans can't and sounds that they can detect but at much greater distances.
After nearly getting killed by Reignfire
, Warpath experienced an increase in senses and speed that allowed him to perform feats he had previously not been aware he was capable of, such as run at high speeds up to at least 150 km/h (roughly 93 mph) for long distances and quickly climb building walls by rapidly digging his hands and feet into the bare concrete. He can even evade weapon fire with rapid reflexes and reactions.
Aside from his natural physical attributes, Warpath is well versed in hand-to-hand combat, which is enhanced by his superhuman reflex/reaction rate and eye/ear-hand/foot coordination. He was trained in unarmed combat under the guidance of White Queen
and was personally extensively trained in the use of the staff by his long-time teammate star Mojoverse gladiator Shatterstar
- who he eventually matched in a record time of only a dozen tries - at the insistence of their mentor Cable
. He currently wields a pair of bowie knives
composed of vibranium
, given to him by Storm, with which he has proved to be highly proficient in combat. James is also a skilled hunter and tracker in his native Apache tradition.
Ghost Rider activated limited Apache shaman abilities within James, in order to help him fight the Demon Bear. He could perceive the creature's wounds and the resulting spirit energy when it was destroyed.
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
, a Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
superhero
Superhero
A superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...
associated with the X-Men
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in the . They were created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, and first appeared in The X-Men #1...
.
An Apache
Apache
Apache is the collective term for several culturally related groups of Native Americans in the United States originally from the Southwest United States. These indigenous peoples of North America speak a Southern Athabaskan language, which is related linguistically to the languages of Athabaskan...
Native American
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
, Proudstar possesses mutant
Mutant (Marvel Comics)
In comic books published by Marvel Comics, a mutant is an organism who possesses a genetic trait called an X-gene that allows the mutant to naturally develop superhuman powers and abilities...
superhuman strength and speed, like his older brother, the short-lived X-Man Thunderbird
Thunderbird (comics)
Thunderbird is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics superhero who was briefly a member of the X-Men. Created by writer Len Wein and artist Dave Cockrum, he first appeared in Giant-Size X-Men #1 ....
, though Warpath's power-levels are much higher.
He originally blamed the X-Men for his brother’s death and joined the villain
Supervillain
A supervillain or supervillainess is a variant of the villain character type, commonly found in comic books, action movies and science fiction in various media.They are sometimes used as foils to superheroes and other fictional heroes...
group the Hellions
Hellions (comics)
There have been several groups of fictional characters in the Marvel Comics universe who have been known as the Hellions. These groups were rivals of various teams of younger mutant heroes in the X-Men franchise....
to get revenge. He later reconsidered his views and became a longtime member of the militant X-Men offshoot X-Force
X-Force
X-Force is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero team, one of several spin-offs of the popular X-Men franchise. Conceived by writer/illustrator Rob Liefeld, the team was formed in New Mutants, vol. 1 #100 and soon afterwards was featured in its own series.The group was a new incarnation of the 1980s...
. After a long journey to the Shi'ar Empire with the Uncanny X-Men
Uncanny X-Men
Uncanny X-Men, first published as The X-Men, is the flagship Marvel Comics comic book series for the X-Men franchise. It is the mainstream continuity featuring the adventures of the eponymous group of mutant superheroes...
, Warpath became a member of the new incarnation of X-Force but he left after the events of Necrosha.
Publication history
Created by writer Chris ClaremontChris Claremont
Chris Claremont is an award-winning American comic book writer and novelist, known for his 17-year stint on Uncanny X-Men, far longer than any other writer, during which he is credited with developing strong female characters, and with introducing complex literary themes into superhero...
and artist Sal Buscema
Sal Buscema
Silvio "Sal" Buscema is an American comic book artist, primarily for Marvel Comics, where he enjoyed a ten-year run as artist of The Incredible Hulk...
, he first appeared as the second Thunderbird in New Mutants
New Mutants
The New Mutants are a group of teenaged mutant superheroes-in-training published by Marvel Comics. They have been the main characters of three successive comic book series, which were spin-offs of the popular X-Men franchise....
#16 (June 1984).
Origin
James Proudstar was born on the Apache reservation at Camp Verde, ArizonaCamp Verde, Arizona
Camp Verde is a town in Yavapai County, Arizona, United States. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the town is 10,610....
. James' brother, John Proudstar
Thunderbird (comics)
Thunderbird is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics superhero who was briefly a member of the X-Men. Created by writer Len Wein and artist Dave Cockrum, he first appeared in Giant-Size X-Men #1 ....
, was one of the "All New, All Different" X-Men
X-Men
The X-Men are a superhero team in the . They were created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, and first appeared in The X-Men #1...
. John was killed on one of the team's earliest missions. James angrily blamed the X-Men for his brother's death and made it his life's mission to murder its founder, Professor Charles Xavier
Professor X
Professor Charles Francis Xavier, also known as Professor X, is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics superhero known as the leader and founder of the X-Men....
.
Taking retribution
James' hatred of the X-Men made him an ideal recruit for Emma FrostEmma Frost
Emma Grace Frost is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #129 , and was created by writer Chris Claremont and artist/co-writer John Byrne....
's Hellions, a team intended to be her answer to Charles Xavier's New Mutants. The Hellions were students at Frost's Massachusetts Academy
Massachusetts Academy (comics)
The Massachusetts Academy is a fictional prep school in the Marvel Universe. Created by Chris Claremont and Bob McLeod, it first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #151 .-Fictional history:...
; as a Hellion, James clashed with the New Mutants
New Mutants
The New Mutants are a group of teenaged mutant superheroes-in-training published by Marvel Comics. They have been the main characters of three successive comic book series, which were spin-offs of the popular X-Men franchise....
and Shadowcat
Kitty Pryde
Katherine Anne "Kitty" Pryde is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #129 and was created by writer-artist John Byrne....
. His hatred led him to attack the X-Men on his own, with the unexpected, and unwanted, aid of Roulette
Roulette (Marvel Comics)
Roulette is a fictional character, a mutant in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:Roulette was created by Chris Claremont and Sal Buscema in New Mutants vol...
, Empath
Empath (comics)
Empath , is a fictional mutant in the Marvel Universe.-Publication history:Empath was created by Chris Claremont and Sal Buscema and first appeared in New Mutants #16-17 as a member of Emma Frost's original Hellions.The character subsequently appears in The Uncanny X-Men #193 , Firestar #2-4...
, and Firestar
Firestar
Firestar is a fictional mutant superhero in the . Debuting in 1981 on the NBC animated television series Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, she has the ability to generate and manipulate microwave radiation, which allows her to generate intense heat and flames, and to fly...
. James donned his brother's costume, and kidnapped the X-Men member Banshee
Banshee (comics)
Banshee is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics superhero who operates as a member of the X-Men. Created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Werner Roth, Banshee first appeared in X-Men #28 ....
to draw the team to Cheyenne Mountain
Cheyenne Mountain
Cheyenne Mountain is a mountain located just outside the southwest side of Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S., and is home to the Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station and its Cheyenne Mountain Directorate, formerly known as the Cheyenne Mountain Operations Center .Throughout the Cold War and...
where John was killed. However, when the opportunity arrived, James was unable to kill Professor X in cold blood. James was reconciled with the X-Men, and Professor X offered membership into the New Mutants to James, but he declined.
A quiet life interrupted
Months later, James came to realize that the Massachusetts Academy wasn't the place for him. So, he left to return home to his family's reservationIndian reservation
An American Indian reservation is an area of land managed by a Native American tribe under the United States Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs...
. James enjoyed his stay at home so much, that he originally turned down Cable
Cable (comics)
Cable is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared as an infant in Uncanny X-Men #201...
's offer to join the New Mutants
New Mutants
The New Mutants are a group of teenaged mutant superheroes-in-training published by Marvel Comics. They have been the main characters of three successive comic book series, which were spin-offs of the popular X-Men franchise....
. After the meeting, in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, James returned home, to find his entire tribe murdered. James originally thought that the Hellions committed the act to punish him for leaving the team, due to a foot soldier's mask he found alongside the bodies of his fallen tribesmen. He then joined the New Mutants, hoping to track down the Hellions and gain revenge.
X-Force
Before long, the New Mutants cut ties with the X-Men and became the militant adventurers known as X-ForceX-Force
X-Force is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero team, one of several spin-offs of the popular X-Men franchise. Conceived by writer/illustrator Rob Liefeld, the team was formed in New Mutants, vol. 1 #100 and soon afterwards was featured in its own series.The group was a new incarnation of the 1980s...
and James changed his codename to Warpath. Alongside X-Force, Warpath first battled the Mutant Liberation Front
Mutant Liberation Front
The Mutant Liberation Front, or MLF, is a Marvel Comics supervillain group, primarily enemies of X-Force. Created by writer Louise Simonson and artist/co-writer Rob Liefeld, the original MLF first fully appeared in The New Mutants #87 ....
. Alongside X-Force and Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
, he battled the Juggernaut
Juggernaut (comics)
The Juggernaut is a fictional character that appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in X-Men #12 , and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby....
. With the team, he fought the likes of Toad
Toad (comics)
Toad is a Marvel Comics supervillain, an enemy of the X-Men. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby, he first appeared in X-Men #4 ....
's Brotherhood of Evil Mutants
Brotherhood of Mutants
The Brotherhood of Mutants, originally known as the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, is a fictional Marvel Comics supervillain team devoted to mutant superiority over normal humans. They are among the chief adversaries of the X-Men...
, and then Weapon P.R.I.M.E.
Weapon P.R.I.M.E.
Weapon P.R.I.M.E. is a group of superhuman operatives acting under the authority of Canada's Department K. They became Canada's preeminent superhero team in 1994 after the demise of Alpha Flight. Their first appearance and mission was in X-Force #11-14...
X-Force rescued Sunspot
Sunspot (comics)
Sunspot is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics superhero most commonly associated with X-Men-related groups the New Mutants and X-Force....
from Gideon
Gideon (comics)
Gideon is a fictional character, a mutant supervillain appearing in the Marvel Comics universe. He was created by Rob Liefeld and Fabian Nicieza...
, and fought the X-Men and the second incarnation of X-Factor
X-Factor (comics)
X-Factor is an American comic book series published by Marvel Comics. It is a spin-off of the popular X-Men franchise, featuring characters from X-Men stories. The series has been relaunched several times with different team rosters, most recently as X-Factor Investigations.X-Factor launched in...
, being taken prisoner by them. Warpath later traveled to Nova Roma to tell Magma
Magma (comics)
Magma is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics series New Mutants, also associated with various X-Men-related comics. She was created by author Chris Claremont and artist Bob McLeod, and debuted in New Mutants #8...
that most of the other Hellions were dead. With Boomer
Tabitha Smith
Tabitha Smith is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by Jim Shooter and Al Milgrom, the character first appeared in Secret Wars II #5 . She later appeared as a member of the X-Force and, more recently, as a member of Nextwave...
and Siryn
Siryn
Theresa Maeve Rourke Cassidy is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in books published by Marvel Comics, usually those belonging to the X-Men family of titles...
, he was taken prisoner by Gideon and the Externals
Externals
The Externals were a fictional group of X-Men antagonists and subspecies of mutants.-Background:All of the Externals were originally portrayed as immortal and important, playing an extremely major role in the future and Apocalypse's rise to power , but eventually most were killed off. Only Selene,...
; they were rescued by their X-Force teammates. Warpath was a part of X-Force for the duration of the team. As a member of X-Force, James became more calm and controlled and struck up a close friendship with his teammate Theresa Rourke Cassidy
Siryn
Theresa Maeve Rourke Cassidy is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in books published by Marvel Comics, usually those belonging to the X-Men family of titles...
. Despite his strong attraction to her, Theresa only saw James as a friend.
Coming to terms with life
James finally had a face to face meeting with Emma Frost. The two talked about the deaths of his tribesmen, but Emma swore she wasn't involved. Warpath eventually met a woman, by the name of RisqueRisque (comics)
Risque is a fictional character, a mutant in the Marvel Universe. Her first appearance was in X-Force vol. 1 #51.-Early life:...
. Risque was instrumental in helping James with his confidence and the two began a love affair. However, Risque was being blackmailed by a man named Sledge, who forced her to drug Warpath and bring him to his lair. Sledge gave him information about a member of the tribe that was still alive, but in turn James had to retrieve his partner, the Vanisher
Vanisher
The Vanisher is a fictional character, a mutant supervillain of the Marvel Universe, and an opponent of the X-Men. The Vanisher is one of the X-Men's oldest enemies having first appeared in X-Men #2...
, who had disappeared in another dimension. Sledge hints at abilities within James that make him adept at surviving in this alternate dimension, which is corroborated by a mysterious being in the dimension under the guise of Coyote (James's childhood pet cat), but these abilities are never expanded upon. James found the Vanisher and in turn Sledge gave information on one of his tribesman, Michael Whitecloud, whom James had presumed deceased. Whitecloud told him that Stryfe
Stryfe
Stryfe is a fictional character, a supervillain in the . The character was created by Louise Simonson and Rob Liefeld, and first appears in The New Mutants #87...
, X-Force's adversary, was behind the killing of his tribe. James went to Hell
Hell
In many religious traditions, a hell is a place of suffering and punishment in the afterlife. Religions with a linear divine history often depict hells as endless. Religions with a cyclic history often depict a hell as an intermediary period between incarnations...
to gain revenge, but was returned to the living world by Blackheart
Blackheart
Blackheart is a fictional demon in the . The character was created by Ann Nocenti and John Romita, Jr., and first appeared in Daredevil #270...
. When James found out Risque's involvement in the whole ordeal, he ended their relationship despite her deepest remorse. She would eventually reunite with X-Force on several occasions as an ally.
X-Corporation
After X-Force's disintegration, Warpath joined the MumbaiMumbai
Mumbai , formerly known as Bombay in English, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India, and the fourth most populous city in the world, with a total metropolitan area population of approximately 20.5 million...
branch of the international mutant agency, X-Corporation
X-Corporation
The X-Corporation is a fictional institution from the X-Men comic book series by Marvel Comics. This organization was created to ensure the protection of mutant rights throughout the world due to the increasing number of mutants....
, in India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. His new team was a mix of old and new friends: Feral
Feral (comics)
Feral is a fictional character that appears in the Marvel Universe. She has been both a superhero and a supervillain and most recognizably associated as a member of X-Force.-Fictional character biography:...
, Sunfire, and Thornn
Thornn
Thornn is a fictional character created by Marvel Comics for their series, X-Force. She was one of the few Morlocks to survive the Mutant Massacre and is the sister of former X-Force member, Feral...
. He stayed there with the X-Corporation for a while, helping to save Professor X's life, who was surprised that he was still alive.
X-Force Reunion
A threat from Cable's past comes back to haunt him, when a group of time-traveling ninjas called the Helix attack him and DominoDomino (comics)
Domino is a Marvel Comics character, best known as a member of the X-Men offshoot X-Force. Created by writer Fabian Nicieza and artist/co-writer Rob Liefeld, she first fully appeared in X-Force, vol...
. The Helix worship a demon called the Skornn
Skornn
The Skornn is a fictional character created by writer Fabian Nicieza for Marvel Comics.-History:The Skornn is an ancient evil demon. The monster was very well known throughout the universe, and its horrors were even known in the Shi'ar Empire. On Earth, the Skornn's evil plans were mostly thwarted...
, which Cable had defeated before. After defeating the Helix, they go in search of the Five Fingers of Annihilation, a blade that is the only thing that can kill the Skornn. They meet up with Shatterstar, and are then attacked by more Helix ninjas. The threat proves more than he and Domino can handle, so they enlist the help of Warpath, Sunspot, and Meltdown. Warpath tells Cable that he and Sunspot have responsibilities with the X-Corporation, and doesn't really want to be involved with him. Cable explains that he needs people that he can trust on his team. They all agree to join Cable, and go onto to help Cannonball
Cannonball (comics)
Cannonball is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero, associated with the X-Men. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Bob McLeod, Cannonball first appeared in Marvel Graphic Novel #4: The New Mutants ....
who is being approached by another time traveler. X-Force is eventually joined by Wolverine
Wolverine (comics)
Wolverine is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Born as James Howlett and commonly known as Logan, Wolverine is a mutant, possessing animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, three retracting bone claws on each hand and a healing...
, and the Fantastic Four
Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four is a fictional superhero team appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The group debuted in The Fantastic Four #1 , which helped to usher in a new level of realism in the medium...
. They fight the Skornn, and eventually Cable kills it once again. X-Force disbands, with Warpath apparently returning to the X-Corporation.
X-Men
Warpath was one of the few mutants to retain their powers after the events of DecimationDecimation (comics)
Decimation is the late 2005 Marvel Comics storyline spinning off from the House of M limited series. It focuses on the ramifications of the Scarlet Witch stripping nearly all of the mutant population of their powers, thereby reducing a society of millions to one of scant hundreds.This event, which...
, and soon after found himself living in the Mutant camp at the X-Mansion
X-Mansion
In the fictional Marvel Comics universe, the X-Mansion is the common name for Professor Xavier's mansion. It is the base of operations and training site of the X-Men and the location of a school for mutant teenagers, the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning, formerly Xavier's School for Gifted...
. Shortly afterwards, he joined the ranks of the X-Men for the first time at Professor X
Professor X
Professor Charles Francis Xavier, also known as Professor X, is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics superhero known as the leader and founder of the X-Men....
's request. Along with Professor X
Professor X
Professor Charles Francis Xavier, also known as Professor X, is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics superhero known as the leader and founder of the X-Men....
, Marvel Girl
Rachel Summers
Rachel Anne Summers is a fictional character, a comic book superheroine created by writer Chris Claremont and artist/co-writer John Byrne for Marvel Comics....
, Nightcrawler
Nightcrawler (comics)
Nightcrawler is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the Marvel Universe. He has been associated with both the X-Men and Excalibur, originally appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Len Wein and artist Dave Cockrum, he debuted in Giant-Size X-Men #1...
, Havok, Darwin
Darwin (comics)
Darwin is a mutant character in the Marvel Comics Universe. He first appeared in X-Men: Deadly Genesis #2, and was created by writer Ed Brubaker and artist Pete Woods. Darwin was one of the "Missing X-Men"...
, and Polaris
Polaris (comics)
Polaris is a fictional comic book character appearing in books published by Marvel Comics, in particular the X-Men family of books. Created by Arnold Drake, Don Heck, Werner Roth and Jim Steranko, Polaris first appeared in The X-Men #49...
, he journeys into space to track down Vulcan. He shows his superb fighting prowess while fighting cyborg drones as the X-Men attempt to commandeer a Shi'ar
Shi'ar
The Shi'ar are a fictional species of aliens in the Marvel Comics universe. The Shi'ar Empire also called the Aerie, is a vast collection of alien species, cultures and worlds situated close to the Skrull and Kree Empires, and alongside them, is one of the three main alien empires...
ship. During the final fight with Vulcan, Warpath fought bravely and in the end was on the spaceship with half of the team when Lilandra
Lilandra Neramani
Lilandra Neramani is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics Universe. She is the Empress of the Shi'ar Empire and shares a lifelong bond with the leader of the X-Men, Charles Xavier. She and Xavier were married but their marriage was annulled after the Cassandra Nova incident. She first...
sent it back to Earth.
Since she is stuck on Earth and has nowhere else to go, Hepzibah
Hepzibah (comics)
Hepzibah is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe. She is a member of the intergalactic enforcers known as the Starjammers and currently a member of the Uncanny X-Men. She first appeared in X-Men #107 and was created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum.-Origin:Hepzibah was born on...
joins Professor X's team of X-Men. She and Warpath have already created a bond of sorts, with Hepzibah remarking that his presence has helped her through her mourning of Corsair
Corsair (comics)
Corsair is a fictional character, a star-faring hero in the Marvel Comics universe. He leads the space-faring team the Starjammers and was best known as the father of X-Men superheroes Cyclops, Havok, and Vulcan...
. Together, they confront one of the X-Mansion's guardian Sentinels when Caliban
Caliban (comics)
Caliban is a mutant character in the Marvel Comics universe.-Publication history:Caliban's first appearance was in Uncanny X-Men #148 , written by Chris Claremont and illustrated by Dave Cockrum.-Fictional character biography:...
, a long time X-Men ally, runs onto the grounds.
Warpath enters the Morlock
Morlocks (comics)
The Morlocks are a group of several fictional comic book mutants associated with the X-Men in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Paul Smith, they were named after the subterranean race of the same name in H. G. Wells' novel The Time Machine. They first appeared...
Tunnels along with Hepzibah, Storm, and Caliban. As a group, they are attempting to discover the reason for the Morlocks' increased activity, which has included the capturing of X-Men ward Leech. Warpath's name has been written on a Morlock wall, along with the names of the other X-Men team members.
After the Morlock encounter, Hepzibah speaks with Scott, who accepts her having Warpath as her new mate and they begin a relationship.
Later when the Hulk
Hulk (comics)
The Hulk is a fictional character, a superhero in the . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 ....
attacks the mansion looking for Professor Xavier, Warpath is one of the X-Men who answers the Stepford Cuckoos
Stepford Cuckoos
The Stepford Cuckoos are a set of fictional mutant psychically linked quintuplets . They are students at the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning and appear in comic books published by Marvel Comics...
' call for help.
Messiah Complex
Warpath rejoins X-Force as they search a Cooperstown Hospital to pick up the trail of the fugitive Cable. Wolverine doesn't trust that Warpath will be willing to kill Cable should the need arise, and he asks Wolfsbane to keep an eye on him. She learns that while he won't like it, he'll do what needs to be done. As X-Force finishes dispatching the remaining Reavers, Caliban sacrifices himself to save Warpath by jumping into the path of a line of bullets meant for him. In the final battle, Warpath and the rest of the X-Force team are charged with taking down Predator X. James jumps on top of Predator X, stabbing it in the back. However, he realizes that Predator X has a healing factor. He is later seen standing around Professor Xavier when he is thought dead.Divided We Stand
Archangel goes to San Francisco, CaliforniaCalifornia
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, to meet up with Hepzibah, Warpath, and Iceman
Iceman (comics)
Iceman is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero, a member of the X-Men. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby, he first appeared in X-Men vol. 1 #1, ....
. All four are caught in the effects of a city-wide illusion created by Martinique Jason, who thanks to her powers has transformed the city into a hippie
Hippie
The hippie subculture was originally a youth movement that arose in the United States during the mid-1960s and spread to other countries around the world. The etymology of the term 'hippie' is from hipster, and was initially used to describe beatniks who had moved into San Francisco's...
paradise. Now calling himself "Running Sun", he and the others are sent by Jason to confront Cyclops and Emma Frost. After Emma manages to break through Jason's illusion, Warpath and the others are returned to normal, after which they begin to reestablish the X-Men organization in San Francisco.
Cyclops's X-Force
Warpath is one of the founding members of the new X-Force, Cyclops's covert wetworks team, charged with finding and eliminating PurifiersPurifiers
The Purifiers, also known as the Stryker Crusade, are a fictional paramilitary/terrorist organization in the Marvel Comics universe and enemies of the X-Men...
cells. James joins out of a desire for revenge for the death of his friend Caliban at the hands of the Purifiers. While physically the strongest member, he has shown to be shocked at the amount of blood shed on his and his teammates hands. During X-Force's encounter with the Purifiers, James comes across Eli Bard
Eli Bard
Eli Bard is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain from the Marvel Comics universe. He is a member of the Purifiers and an enemy of the X-Men.-Fictional character biography:...
attacking X-23; after rescuing her, Eli swears a personal vendetta against him.
Since the team was not allowed to contact anyone from the outside world, he is shown regret being with the team then being with his girlfriend, Hepzibah. James takes a break from duty, in order to make peace with the deaths he has caused and travels to visit the grave of his brother, John. En route, his truck is destroyed and James crawls from the wreckage to confront the attacker; the Demon Bear
Demon Bear
The Demon Bear is a fictional villain featured in the comic book series The New Mutants and X-Force, both published by Marvel Comics.-Fictional character biography:...
. After a fight with the Demon Bear, he realizes he can't hurt the Bear and is badly beaten before being rescued by Ghost Rider
Ghost Rider (comics)
Ghost Rider is the name of several fictional supernatural antiheroes appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Marvel had previously used the name for a Western character whose name was later changed to Night Rider and subsequently to Phantom Rider.The first supernatural Ghost Rider is...
. When he comes to, Ghost Rider says he is going to teach him how to kill a demon.
After defeating the creature with the aid of Ghost Rider, it is revealed that this Demon Bear was created when the animal spirits of his people were disturbed. They tell James that Eli Bard has dug up Thunderbird, Caliban, and everyone else buried there. They show him Eli's entire life up until that point and what he's planning for his beloved Selene.
When the Sapian League starts abducting mutants and infecting them with modified versions of the Legacy virus, turning them into living bombs, Warpath teams up with Vanisher to investigate a possible hit. When Surge, Hellion and Boom-Boom are kidnapped, Warpath, along with the rest of X-Force attempt to try and save them but at the last second are teleported off to the future to find Cable and Hope Summers leaving Tabitha at the hands of the Leper Queen, who kills her.
Messiah War
Arriving in the future, X-Force is ambushed by a future version of Deadpool who leads them to Cable. Eventually they come across Stryfe's Celestial city, learning he is in control of that era and are attacked by Stryfe's forces. After defeating them, later that night Stryfe attacks X-Force and Cable himself. During the battle Stryfe kidnaps Hope and Warpath taking them back to his fortress where he tortures James in front of Hope. Stryfe frees Hope from her restraints and tries to trick her into believing he is Cable. James breaks free and attacks Stryfe. After being beaten, Stryfe is about to kill James when Bishop intervenes. After taking part in the final battle against Stryfe, James flies Domino and X-23 back where they first appeared in the future, passing out in mid-air from the strain caused by the time-travel devices.Not Forgotten
When reappearing in the present, X-23 appears a few seconds before the Leper Queen can kill Tabitha, killing the Leper Queen before she gets the chance but is captured by H.A.M.M.E.R. agents straight afterwards. One of the agents tasked with getting a DNA sample from Tabitha attempts to rape her. James appears and kills the agents before they get a chance to. Later while checking out Angel's Aerie for Wolfsbane, they come across Hrimhari holding an unconscious Rahne.Necrosha
On the way back to Utopia, the Blackbird is shot down by a bolt of lightning. Making it to shore they encounter a resurrected Pyro and Berserker. After taking them out, James is confronted by his ex-girlfriend, RisqueRisque (comics)
Risque is a fictional character, a mutant in the Marvel Universe. Her first appearance was in X-Force vol. 1 #51.-Early life:...
, where she pleads with him get away from her before she is controlled again by the T-O Virus. He is rescued by Archangel who informs him this is Eli Bard's doing. They meet up with Cyclops and are confronted by Selene's Inner Circle. During the battle, Eli takes on Warpath who wants the knife responsible for creating the Demon Bear, unaware that Selene
Selene (comics)
Selene Gallio is a fictional character, a comic book supervillainess from the Marvel Comics universe. She is a mutant, and an enemy of the X-Men often associated with the Hellfire Club's Inner Circle.-Publication history:...
needs it to complete her ritual. James is kidnapped by Selene's Inner Circle, who take him to Genosha.
On Genosha, James fights with his deceased brother Johnny only to be saved by Vanisher. When James confronts Johnny a second time, James kills his brother. With the help of some old ancient rituals from his tribe along with Selene's knife, James defeats Selene by stabbing her in the heart and frees his brother's soul at last. After the battle, James quits X-Force with Wolverine claiming he “has made his peace”.
Powers and abilities
Warpath is a mutantMutant (Marvel Comics)
In comic books published by Marvel Comics, a mutant is an organism who possesses a genetic trait called an X-gene that allows the mutant to naturally develop superhuman powers and abilities...
who possesses superhuman physical ability in virtually all areas:
He possesses superhuman strength (used as his main power in X-Force, as the team 'strong guy') with his current power levels showing him capable of toppling a Sentinel by clapping, the resulting air pressure causing it to collapse. He has even directly fought with and managed to hold his own against the Juggernaut .
He possesses superhuman resistance to injury, at least enough to withstand short-range firepower, grenade explosions, and even a direct telekinetic attack from a Alpha-level mutant psionic such as Exodus. He also repairs and regenerates damaged and destroyed tissue much faster than a normal human, as well as revives and recuperates from exhaustion and fatigue much faster than a normal human.
He possesses superhuman agility & flexibility, as he has been officially stated to "move with the grace an Olympic gold-medalist would envy" and "swim with the ease of a porpoise."
His power of flight was discovered by his one-time mentor and team leader Peter Wisdom
Peter Wisdom
Pete Wisdom is a fictional secret agent published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in Excalibur vol.1 #86 , and was created by Warren Ellis and Ken Lashley...
, who analyzed his mutation after the High Evolutionary devolved and re-evolved all mutants on Earth, and forced James to incorporate this ability in his fighting style. This power has not been depicted in later comic storylines, although writer Ed Brubaker
Ed Brubaker
Ed Brubaker is an Eisner Award-winning comic book writer and cartoonist. Brubaker first early comics work was primarily in the crime fiction genre with works such as Lowlife, The Fall, Sandman Presents: Dead Boy Detectives and Scene of the Crime...
has said that he chose not to depict Warpath's flight power because he didn't understand how Warpath's speed and strength would allow it. However, his fighting style in the Messiah Complex
X-Men: Messiah Complex
"Messiah Complex" is a comic book crossover storyline published by Marvel Comics from October 2007 to January 2008, which ran through the various X-Men books....
storyline has shown him to return to using his flight powers. In X-Force he can be seen flying even for long distances. It has since been suggested by writer Christopher Yost that "I thought he was a little embarrassed by the whole flying thing".
Warpath's senses, particularly sight, smell and hearing, are enhanced to levels beyond the capabilities of a normal human. He is able to see with perfect clarity at much greater distances than an ordinary human. He retains this same level of visual clarity, even in near-total darkness. His hearing is similarly heightened, enabling him to both clearly hear sounds that ordinary humans can't and sounds that they can detect but at much greater distances.
After nearly getting killed by Reignfire
Reignfire
Reignfire is a fictional character and villain created by Marvel Comics for their series X-Force. His original creators were Fabian Nicieza and Matt Broome, who had completely different plans for the villain than what evolved....
, Warpath experienced an increase in senses and speed that allowed him to perform feats he had previously not been aware he was capable of, such as run at high speeds up to at least 150 km/h (roughly 93 mph) for long distances and quickly climb building walls by rapidly digging his hands and feet into the bare concrete. He can even evade weapon fire with rapid reflexes and reactions.
Aside from his natural physical attributes, Warpath is well versed in hand-to-hand combat, which is enhanced by his superhuman reflex/reaction rate and eye/ear-hand/foot coordination. He was trained in unarmed combat under the guidance of White Queen
Emma Frost
Emma Grace Frost is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #129 , and was created by writer Chris Claremont and artist/co-writer John Byrne....
and was personally extensively trained in the use of the staff by his long-time teammate star Mojoverse gladiator Shatterstar
Shatterstar
Shatterstar is a fictional character, a mutant superhero in the .-Publication history:Shatterstar first appeared in The New Mutants vol. 1 #99 , and was created by Fabian Nicieza and Rob Liefeld. Since his debut Shatterstar has mainly appeared in the original X-Force title, with some issues...
- who he eventually matched in a record time of only a dozen tries - at the insistence of their mentor Cable
Cable (comics)
Cable is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared as an infant in Uncanny X-Men #201...
. He currently wields a pair of bowie knives
Bowie knife
A Bowie knife is a pattern of fixed-blade fighting knife first popularized by Colonel James "Jim" Bowie in the early 19th Century. Since the first incarnation was created by James Black, the Bowie knife has come to incorporate several recognizable and characteristic design features, although its...
composed of vibranium
Vibranium
Vibranium is a fictional metal that appears in the Marvel Universe. It is most commonly known as one of the materials used to construct Captain America's shield, but it is also noted for its connection to the Black Panther and his native homeland of Wakanda .-Publication history:Vibranium first...
, given to him by Storm, with which he has proved to be highly proficient in combat. James is also a skilled hunter and tracker in his native Apache tradition.
Ghost Rider activated limited Apache shaman abilities within James, in order to help him fight the Demon Bear. He could perceive the creature's wounds and the resulting spirit energy when it was destroyed.
Television
- Warpath made a cameo in the X-MenX-Men (TV series)X-Men, also known as X-Men: The Animated Series, is an American animated television series which debuted on October 31, 1992, in the United States on the Fox Network as part of its Fox Kids Saturday morning lineup...
episode "Slave Island" as one of the mutant slaves. He also appears as a member of Magneto'sMagneto (comics)Magneto is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is the central villain of the X-Men comic, as well as the TV show and the films. The character first appears in X-Men #1 , and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby...
team in the opening credits.
External links
- Warpath at Marvel.com
- UncannyXmen.net Spotlight on Warpath