"The Next Generation: Part Three - Sunspot"
by Bull (Sandkings)

The hotheaded Roberto Da Costa was first seen on the soccer field in Rio De Janiero, Brazil. His power to absorb the sun's energy and turn it into super strength made him a target for Donald Pierce's men. Kidnapped by the White Bishop along with his girlfriend, Juliana, the fourteen-year-old Sunspot found his powers were not enough to save his girlfriend's life. After being rescued by the other New Mutants, Roberto joined Xavier as one of the first New Mutant students.

Sunspot's super strength made him an asset to the team. He and Sam Guthrie became good friends over the years. Roberto's wealth has always given him a somewhat snobbish young man, despite his short temper. During his time on the New Mutants, Sunspot began to question himself and left the team for a brief period, along with Warlock, and joined the Fallen Angels. Here, he met Tabitha (Meltdown) Smith before returning to the New Mutants. Roberto had a long career on the New Mutants until Gideon killed his father, and he left the team. An External and a buisnessman, Gideon believed that Sunspot was an External and took him under his wing. Once Gideon realized that Roberto was not the External, he abandoned his pupil. After X-Force formed, Roberto came back to the team for a brief stay. He then disappeared.

Sunspot would turn up again months later when it was revealed that he was Reignfire. His powers had advanced greatly, now including flight and energy blasts, along with his super strength. With the help of Cable, Roberto expelled the Reignfire entity and rejoined X-Force. Almost as soon as he joined the team again, Roberto lost his family fortune. In his time back on X-Force, Roberto developed a love interest in Meltdown. Despite the fact that this was his best friend's girl, Roberto and Tabitha developed something special. However, the guilt when Sam found out about the relationship, along with regaining his money, seemed to drive a wedge between the couple.

Recently, Sunspot was arrested and taken into custody. His future on X-Force may come under question once again, with rumors flying around about working for Selene or being sent back home to Brazil. While Roberto has been a driving force of both the New Mutants and X-Force, he has come and gone from the team many times. Yet, his commitment to the team is strong. Time will show us if Sunspot will stay on X-Force as they approach the millenium. Arguably the most powerful member of the team, Roberto "Sunspot" Da Costa is a welcome addition to the team.