Northstar

**Northstar** is a character from Marvel Comics.

## History

Jean-Paul Beaubier was born to a French Canadian family in Montreal. After his parents died in an automobile accident during his childhood, he and his twin sister, Jeanne-Marie, were separated. Jean-Paul was adopted, but his adoptive parents were killed after only a couple of years. Before his debut as a superhero, he competed as a professional skier. Once his mutant powers developed, he became virtually unbeatable and became bored with the sport due to the lack of competition.

## Origin

*Main article: Inherent*
Mutants are living beings that possess a genetic trait called the X-gene. The X-gene causes the mutant to develop superhuman powers that typically manifest at puberty. Human mutants are sometimes referred to as a human subspecies Homo sapiens superior or simply Homo superior. Mutants are the evolutionary progeny of Homo sapiens and are generally assumed to be the next stage in human evolution.

Whether or not mutants are the next stage of human evolution is a source of much debate, with many humans harboring anti-mutant views and beliefs.

## Powers

*Main articles: Light Manipulation and Superhuman Speed*
**Light Manipulation:** Northstar can generate bright white light from his body by varying the rate of acceleration of the molecules of his body out of phase with one another, thereby generating a cascade of photonic discharges. The maximum intensity of light that he can generate is equivalent to half of the light produced by a lighthouse. When in physical contact with his sister, the twins can generate light with an intensity equivalent to that of a lighthouse. By concentrating the light he projects in a single part of his body, he can send out powerful concussive blasts that can do considerable damage. He can project these blasts from his hands and out from his body in a series of concussive bursts.

**Superhuman Speed:** Northstar also possesses the ability to propel his body at superhuman speeds, becoming a living projectile. Through an act of concentration, Northstar can channel a portion of the kinetic energy of the atomic motion in his body's molecules in a single direction. This can accelerate his body in a velocity in direct proportions to the amount of kinetic energy he has tapped. It is theoretically possible for him to reach 99% of the speed of light, although he has never traveled at anywhere near that speed. He can also move a portion of his body at superhuman speeds at a time.

* ***Superhuman Reflexes:*** He possesses reflexes which are similarly enhanced. Northstar's reflexes are so advanced that he can move through an entire burning apartment, checking all the rooms and taking out any survivors in just mere seconds.
* ***Regenerative Healing Factor:*** He possesses a boosted metabolism that can be used to heal wounds quickly.
* ***Superhuman Durability:*** As a side effect of partially robbing his molecules of their atomic motion, the binding forces within and between the molecules increases. This enhances the sheer toughness of Northstar's entire body, giving his skin sufficient durability to withstand the rigors of wind, friction, and air turbulence of traveling at high speed.
* ***Flight:*** By specifically directing the kinetic energy of his body, he is able to propel himself through the air for flight.