The following contains spoilers for Giant-Size X-Men: Thunderbird #1, now on sale from Marvel Comics.

Thunderbird is best known for being the first member of the all-new X-Men to die on a mission. However, thanks to Krakoa's Resurrection Protocols, John Proudstar was finally brought back to life, years later, as shown in Giant-Size X-Men: Thunderbird #1 (by Steve Orlando, Nyla Rose, David Cutler, José Marzan Jr., Roberto Poggi, Irma Kniivila and VC's Travis Lanham).

After John woke up on Krakoa, one of his immediate priorities was to acquire a new costume. When Thunderbird first joined the X-Men, it was Charles Xavier who selected his uniform. Upon his resurrection, it was important to John to choose his own look.

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X-Men Thunderbird Orchis Fight 2

As both a member of the Apache tribe and a mutant, Thunderbird had a lot of experience with other people stereotyping and judging him. He was used to other people projecting their notions of what it is to be Apache or a mutant onto him. His new costume, then, came in reply to those assumptions. It gave him a chance to define himself, not leave that to other people, even well-meaning ones like Professor X. The new suit allows him to proclaim his identity to the world on his own terms. It showed the world that he was proud to be both Apache and a mutant.

To realize his vision, Proudstar turned to mutant fashion designer Jumbo Carnation to design it. Thunderbird provided notes, including details he wanted Jumbo to incorporate into the fit. For example, he requested Jumbo use the colors red, black, and yellow as they represent three of the Four Directions, a concept important to Native people. He also specified that the color turquoise feature prominently because it represents strength and power in his culture.

Though Thunderbird wanted his new costume to reflect his Apache heritage, he also hoped that it would also reference his mutant identity. Since it was mutant knowledge and society that resurrected him after his death, he felt that it was necessary to honor that aspect of him. That's why John tapped Jumbo specifically. Jumbo's connection to the mutant community, and history of designing clothes especially for them, helped Proudstar feel comfortable. It helped Thunderbird feel he was acknowledging his version of dual citizenship.

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X-Men Thunderbird Orchis Fight 4

This resolved a lingering issue with the X-Men for Thunderbird. While he got to choose the codename Thunderbird, it was Xavier who picked out his costume. Xavier chose bright colors for Thunderbird's costume, reminiscent of the Avengers' uniforms. The professor hoped this would put the public at ease by evoking a group of heroes people did feel safe around.

However, Thunderbird did not want to wear a costume meant to put other people at ease at the expense of being true to himself. Instead, he wanted a look that expressed the whole of his identity, even if it made some people uncomfortable. Thunderbird's new costume was his first opportunity to show everyone his accurate and comprehensive self. With Jumbo Carnation's help, he redefined himself on his own terms.