SUNSPOT
An original New Mutant and a determined Avenger, Roberto Da Costa, AKA Sunspot, has defended mutantkind and humanity with his remarkable solar powers. A personal superhuman sun, Roberto can convert solar energy for durability and strength, plus project thermal heat to emit concussive blasts or even fly. Grab his complete comics history!
SPOTLIGHT ON SUNSPOT
First Appearance
In The New Mutants Marvel Graphic Novel (1982)
Meet the literal (and figurative) hothead in Sunspot’s first appearance! Born into a wealthy Brazilian family, Roberto was raised in Rio de Janeiro where he developed a love of soccer and had professional aspirations. The son of an Afro-Brazilian father and an American mother, Roberto faced racial discrimination from an opposing soccer team, a catalyzing event that first activated his mutant powers.
Becoming a New Mutant
In New Mutants (1983) #1
A new team of young mutants is initiated into Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters! Their first trial? The Danger Room! While one of Xavier’s students, Roberto, AKA “Bobby,” became lifelong best friends with Sam Guthrie, his teammate known as Cannonball.
Ties to the Hellfire Club
In New Mutants (1983) #23
This issue establishes the Da Costa’s family connection to the Hellfire Club. Here, Bobby’s father, Emmanuel, accepts a bid to become the White Rook in the enclave’s Inner Circle. Like his father, Roberto is similarly brash and has a taste for the finer things in life. He has since matured from a privileged young man into a business-savvy leader, carrying on Emmanuel’s legacy.
Adventure in Asgard
In New Mutants Special Edition (1985) #1
In this super-sized special, the New Mutants are whisked away to the mythic realm of Asgard where they must confront its denizens while trying to find a way home. For Sunspot, it’s an opportunity to flex his solar strength… by lifting Volstagg, member of the Warriors Three! The story continues in X-MEN ANNUAL (1970) #9.
Growing Power
In X-Force (1991) #15
Following the death of his father, Roberto took a temporary leave from the New Mutants—now Cable’s X-Force—to continue the family business. During this time, Sunspot’s solar absorption power grew immeasurably thanks to an intervention from “family friend” Gideon, actually an immortal External with super-powers of his own. Here, ‘Berto is saved and brought back to the X-Force fold.
Becoming the Black Rook
In X-Force (1991) #91
Read through issue #101! After being deported back to Brazil and finding the life of a billionaire’s son aimless, Roberto is approached by Selene, then-Black Queen of the Hellfire Club, with an offer to join her ranks. Put through countless “psychodramas,” Bobby sees through Selene and Blackheart’s ruse…but he accepts a position as the Hellfire Club’s Black Rook to save the life of his first love, Juliana Sandoval.
Return of Legion
In New Mutants (2009) #1
Ideal for new readers, this long-running series takes a new spin on the classic cast of characters, including original New Mutant Sunspot. In its opening arc, Roberto and team are taking on major threats like Legion, the fallen son of Professor X, and the Hellions, a rival group of (formerly) young mutants trained and taught by Emma Frost.
A.I.M.’s Supreme Leader
In Avengers World (2014) #18
A pivotal issue for Sunspot as an Avenger and business leader. After becoming one of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes alongside Cannonball in AVENGERS (2012) #2, Sunspot takes over Advanced Idea Mechanics (A.I.M.) with a show of force and cunning. And it’s all done in the memory of his father.
American Intelligence Mechanics
In U.S.Avengers (2017) #1
A proud United States immigrant, Sunspot became the leader of “American Intelligence Mechanics,” AKA A.I.M., in this patriotic run that co-stars fellow New Mutant Cannonball. While leading this super-team decked out in red, white and blue, Sunspot and his heroes took on the looming threat of the $kullocracy, a dastardly embodiment of capitalistic greed.
Sunspot’s Krakoan Era
In New Mutants (2019) #1
Sunspot takes on the “Dawn of X”! Once you’ve read HOUSE OF X/POWERS OF X, read the New Mutants’ first series (and reunion) in the Krakoan Age. The original New Mutants get together with a few new friends (Chamber and Mondo) for a mission that takes them deep into Shi’ar space! Sunspot also gets to check in on his best friend, Cannonball, now living with his wife and child as a Shi’ar Imperial Guardsman on Chandilar.
Krakoa's X-Corp
In X-Corp (2021) #2
Never one to shy away from a new business venture, Sunspot becomes an investor in a new iteration of X-Corp, Krakoa’s pharmaceutical corporation that liaises with the human world. And it’s led by co-CXOs Monet St. Croix and Warren Worthington, AKA Angel!
Joining the Brotherhood of Arakko
In X-Men Red (2022) #1
After mutantkind terraforms the planet Mars to establish it as a new home world for Arakko’s mutants, Sunspot joins Storm, Voice of Sol and Regent of Arakko, to defend this planetary port and extension of Krakoa as part of a newly formed “Brotherhood.” Roberto also opens a new establishment on Arakko, a bar and lounge called the Red Lagoon!