SUNFIRE

 

SUNFIRE

Real Name: Shiro Yoshida

First Appearance: The Uncanny X-Men (Vol. 1) #64, January 1970

Powers: Sunfire has the mutant ability to ionize matter, converting it into a fiery plasma state. Directing this power against solid or liquid matter causes his target to violently discorporate into traces of plasma, destroying it. He tends to focus the ionization effect through gases in the atmosphere, creating nuclear-charged "solar fire" similar to the plasma found at the heart of the sun itself. By manipulating his power he can generate a flaming aura around his body, direct pyrotechnic blasts from his palms, radiate varying intensities of heat and light in all directions, and fly by producing thrust and thermal updrafts. He can fly at speeds from 100-200 miles per hour.

At maximum level, he can generate flames as hot as 1,000,000° degrees Fahrenheit before temporarily exhausting his power. His mutation also comes with various aspects that provide him with protection: A psionic force field automatically activates when he uses his powers, protecting him from the radiation he emits, from outside heat sources, and a certain degree of physical injury as well. Sunfire is also capable of absorbing outside sources of energy to increase the potency of his solar fire even further: He can process sunlight and various forms of electromagnetic energy into his system. His infrared vision enables him to perceive his surroundings in terms of heat patterns and radiant energy.

The special suit of armor (see the visual) that he wore at one point in his career was designed for him by the Japanese government. It included solar panels that increased the rate at which he was able to absorb and process sunlight, focusing mechanisms on his wrists that fired his solar plasma with laser-like intensity, and stabilizers on his feet to increase his speed and maneuverability in flight. Unfortunately, this suit proved to be his downfall when Magneto unleashed an electromagnetic pulse over the entire world. Sunfire unwillingly absorbed the energy and released it, creating the equivalent of a nuclear detonation in the skies over Japan. The power surge had affected his ability to control his power and he was now constantly giving off radiation and the occasional undirected energy plume. He was eventually cured and capable of controlling his powers once more.

Later, Sunfire's legs were severed in combat with Lady Deathstrike and he was severely weakened when Rogue drained him permanently of his powers. Apocalypse took it upon himself to transform Shiro into one of his Horsemen, the new Famine. His legs and powers have been restored to him and, like his AoA counterpart, Sunfire can now become constantly aflame with solar plasma. In addition, Apocalypse has given him the ability to produce blinding flares of light which affect the brain through the retinas, stimulating the sensation of hunger. As a result, anyone flashed by his light-bursts feel like they're starving, and begin experiencing psycho-somatic hunger pains, cramping, and weakness.

Sunfire is a college graduate fluent in English and his native Japanese. A capable businessman, Sunfire is also well versed in the martial arts of karate and kendo, as well as the art of Bushido, the history and customs of the samurai class.