Origin
Sunder was one of the founding member of the group and community known as the Morlocks. Outcasts from society, the Morlocks were a community of mutants who lived in tunnels beneath New York City and its vicinity. Their mutations sometimes were so severe that they did not allow them to function in what they referred to as the “beautiful” world. Below the streets in the sewers they would hide and find solace with a group of like minded individuals.
Sunder was incredibly loyal and protective of his friends, which he looked at as his family. Sunder, being super strong and durable, would serve as a protector for many of the weaker members of the Morlocks. This was especially the case for Callisto, whom he guarded and took care of fervently.
Creation
Sunder was created by Chris Claremont and Paul Smith and first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #169 (1983).
Mayor Story Arcs
The Marauders
The unthinkable happened when a group of mercenaries named the Marauders who had been hired by Sinister and lead by Gambit, broke into the Morlock Tunnels and attempted to murder the entire Morlock community. Most had been killed but some Morlocks managed to escape. Sunder would be one of the few lucky ones. He would be saved along with fellow Morlocks: Beautiful Dreamer, Erg, and Tar Baby with the help of the X-Men and the original X-Factor.
Joining the X-Men
For his safety, Sunder was relocated to Muir Island, along with a few other Morlock survivors, where he would stay under the watchful eye of Moira MacTaggert. During his time there it was reported that the X-Men had been killed in battle. Moira being an ally since the very beginning would decide to put together her own version of the X-Men known as the Islanders (in some instances this team is known as the Muir Island X-Men). Sunder would join without question.
The Reavers
This new incarnation of the X-Men would be immersed in battle almost as quickly as they came together. In this battle the team would encounter its first loss. Sunder would spend his time at a daycare center where he would entertain the kids. He became very close to them as they did not judge him for his appearance. He had been in the daycare center along with fellow “Islander,” Legion, when Muir Island was attacked by the cybernetic Reavers. They immediately focused their attack on the daycare center, where they met resistance from Sunder and Legion. Sunder’s first plan of action was to save the children and ensure their safety. Legion was using his telekinetic powers to provide a shield against the onslaught of the Reavers and their bullets they were shooting at them.
At first it looked like the two out-numbered Islanders were going to be successful in their attempt to flee, but then the situation took a turn for the worse. Legion’s body, being controlled by a number of different personalities – each with their own powers, would be taken over by one of his more eviler personas. It was then that he decided to drop the shield that was protecting Sunder and the Reavers took advantage of the situation. Pretty Boy of the Reavers, would see his opening and direct his attention at Sunder. He launched his next attack on him and drew first blood, killing Sunder. For all his great size and strength, Sunder was still very susceptible to the bullets. Though Sunder died, he was apparently successful in buying the children of the daycare enough time so that they could safely get away.
Powers & Abilities
Sunder’s mutation grants him superhumanly enhanced musculature, granting him considerable strength, stamina, and durability. At his peak, Sunder was capable of lifting about 70 tons. He is tough enough to withstand great impacts, falls from great heights, and even low caliber bullets without sustaining injury.
Although he had little formal training, Sunder was a formidable hand to hand combatant. He largely made use of street fighting techniques that allow him to make full use of his strength.
He also had a reduced intellect, making him rather child-like and simplistic in mentality.
Status
Known Relatives: Unrevealed
Citizenship: United States citizen with no criminal record.
Marital Status: Single
Place of Birth: Unrevealed
Occupation: Deceased (Formerly: Morlock, Adventurer, Daycare Worker & Outcast)
Education: Unrevealed
Characteristics
Gender: Male
Height: 7’1″
Weight: 245 lbs (111kg)
Eyes: Black
Hair/ Fur: Bald
Alternate Realities
Earth-1610: Ultimate Universe
In the Ultimate Universe, Sunder is the leader of the Morlocks, seemingly with the same powers as Earth-616 Sunder, with but a normal level of intellect. In this reality, Sunder is also more human in appearance. He has an orangeish hue to his skin and white hair.
Earth-295: Age of Apocalypse
In the Age of Apocalypse reality Sunder is known as Brute and is a member of the traveling troupe known as the Outcasts led by Forge. He was killed by Essex (Mr. Sinister in disguise) after discovering his true identity. He was avenged by Nate who allegedly killed Sinister.
He poses as the gentle giant of the group. It seems that he has the same powers as in the main reality.
Earth-58163: House of M
During the altered time period of the House of M, Sunder is alive and a member of the Marauders. Here the Marauders are actually a team in the NYPD. This team focuses on taking down organized crime and super-powered villains.
X-Men: Evolution
Sunder has appeared in an issue of X-Men: Evolution, based on the animated TV-series. In the series Sunder is depicted as a member of the underground Morlocks, just like his 616 reality counterpart.