After waiting for what feels like years, we will soon be seeing Marvel's X-Men spin-off, The New Mutants, receive a proper film adaptation. But before you see it in theaters, you should probably catch up on all the characters and get a brief understanding of them. One mutant who has been on almost every iteration of the team is Sunspot.
Roberto da Costa was born in Brazil and joined the Xavier School at age 14. His mutant abilities allow him to absorb the sun's rays and transform into a solar-radiated hero. With this character's history spanning over twenty years, there could be some things that everyone misses or forgets about the character. In this list you will learn some things you never knew about the solar-powered hero, Sunspot.
10 Where His Wealth Comes From (And How It Affects Him)
Bobby da Costa was born into a family that had billions. He is the only son of Emmanuel and Nina da Costa. His father made his first million in his twenties, and his first billion in his thirties.
Whereas most rich people from comics can be seen as being a jerk, or rude, Bobby was a playful teaser. Perhaps his years of being a superhero kept him humble, even after his student visa ran out and he had to move back to Brazil. There he hated the playboy life-style. His wealth has actually led to many more accomplishments and adventures as you will see on this list.
9 He Owned His Branch of Avengers
In Johnathan Hickman' run of New Avengers, we saw some of Earth's mightiest heroes and teams turn on their friends. Not wanting to see their allies in danger, Bobby does something different. He purchased AIM in a hostile takeover.
By purchasing Advanced Ideas Mechanics he assisted his fellow hero friends in escaping. After the Secret Wars story-line and the restarting of the entire universe, AIM turns into another branch of the Avengers. Here Bobby lead his own team of heroes helping to bring peace to the world.
8 Has Multiple "Costumed" Identities
Obviously Bobby's hero persona is Sunspot. It's a good name for what he can do with his powers. But over his years he has went by other names. First, after a time mishap (you know how those can be), Bobby turns into a villain named Reinfire. He kept similar powers but was more aggressive, and his friends couldn't believe it. Cable used his telepathic powers to suppress his alter ego.
Additionally, after buying his branch of the Avengers, Bobby went by the code-name Citizen V, an identity once belonging to Baron Zemo. Bobby used this code-name as he "lost" his powers to the M pox disease. Also, while he lead AIM, he became the Scientist Supreme.
7 He Became an Enemy of the United States
Since the original AIM was a terrorist organization, many believed they would return to their villainous ways. Bobby, being smart enough to realize this, allowed SHIELD to send Hawkeye to his base as a type of liaison. They did this to make sure AIM truly was on the straight and narrow.
However, after assisting Rick Jones by breaking him out a of a SHIELD prison, they made enemies of the government. After this act the military sent all their forces to attack Bobby and his team.
6 He Defeated Reed Richards
The Maker is the alternate version of Reed Richards (not the one we're usually rooting for) with criminal intent. After taking over AIM's base, the Maker attempted to kill off every single one of Bobby's teammates.
After thinking he killed Bobby, the Maker proceeds to make demands for the President of the United States, not knowing it was Bobby in disguise. After a brief fight Bobby reveals he still has his powers, and defeats the Maker.
5 His Girlfriend Died For Him
After gaining his powers during a soccer match, all the attendees looked on Bobby in disgust. The only person by his side was his high school sweetheart, Juliana. Soon after, mercenaries from the Hell Fire Club kidnapped Juliana, forcing Bobby to find her. He meets the mercenaries and almost defeats them.
His power runs out and and two other mutants come to his aid. However, as one of the mercenaries pulled out their gun, Juliana reacted fast and jumped in to protect Bobby, sacrificing her life.
4 Why He Joined the Hellfire Club
So why would Bobby join a villainous team that hired mercenaries to kidnap his deceased girlfriend? For that answer a little history has to be given. First, one of the seats of the Hellfire Club belonged to Bobby's father, Emmanuel.
Going back to Brazil, Bobby was approached by a member of the club to join them. Not wanting to, they offer him the the chance to bring his old girlfriend Juliana back to life. Bobby felt like it was the only choice in that case, and agreed to join the club.
3 Worked in Security
Now why would a rich young hero like Bobby need to work? On top of that, why does he keep picking security jobs? After a brief fight between Loki and the Enchantress, the New Mutants were separated across Asgard. We then pick up on Bobby as a security man for a tavern. After a scuffle with the Warriors Three, he does the impossible and lifts Volstagg over his head. This act earns praise aplenty from all who were there.
When the New Mutants hit the road they picked up some odd jobs, because Bobby's money couldn't accessed due to legal matters. Again, Bobby and his team found jobs as hired protection.
2 Betrayed his Best Friend
Bobby and Sam Guthrie, or Cannonball, have almost always been on the same team together. They are best teammates and best friends. In fact, during a friendly soccer game Bobby accidentally gave Sam a concussion.
Distraught, Bobby once left the New Mutants to live on the streets, fearing for his friends' safety. True friendship shined through, though. That is until Bobby kissed Cannonball's then-girlfriend Tabitha Smith. Their friendship was strained after this, but still continued to work as a team.
1 He Died
During the Secret Empire story line, when Bobby had his own team of Avengers, many thought this was the end for the hero. He was shot in the head and had severe brain damage. With the help of Toni Ho he survived. But what really got Bobby was the War of the Realms.
After grabbing Magik's amulet that was suppressing her power, it exploded, killing him. After his heroic sacrifice, Bobby would be dead for a whole couple of months, until he was reborn on Krakoa.