X–Men Explorer v.02
Cannonball

Cannonball

Samuel 'Sam' Guthrie

Created by Chris Claremont & Bob McLeod
First Appearance
Marvel Graphic Novel #4: The New Mutants (1982)
Appearances
664
Primary Team
New Mutants
Debut Era
1980s

A Kentucky coal miner's son who generates a thermochemical blast field, launching himself like a human rocket. Sam Guthrie is the heart of the New Mutants (earnest, hardworking, and determined to live up to the responsibility thrust upon him). His journey from nervous teenager to confident leader to full X-Man is one of the franchise's great coming-of-age stories.

Appearances Over Time

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Series

Most Appearances By Series

The New Mutants (1983) 94 issues

Issues #1 – #99

94 of 100 issues (94%)

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X-Force (1991) 93 issues

Issues #1 – #99

93 of 130 issues (72%)

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The Uncanny X-Men (1981) 73 issues

Issues #167 – #541

73 of 405 issues (18%)

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New Mutants (2009) 36 issues

Issues #1 – #9

36 of 50 issues (72%)

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X-Men (1991) 35 issues

Issues #13 – #99

35 of 118 issues (30%)

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X-Men: Legacy (2008) 25 issues

Issues #216 – #275

25 of 69 issues (36%)

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X-Men (2004) 23 issues

Issues #157 – #204

23 of 51 issues (45%)

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Wolverine (1988) 14 issues

Issues #100 – #99

14 of 190 issues (7%)

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Cable (1993) 13 issues

Issues #14 – #77

13 of 108 issues (12%)

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X-Force (2019) 12 issues

Issues #1 – #9 (239)

12 of 10 issues (120%)

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Events

Event Participation

First Appearance

Marvel Graphic Novel #4: The New Mutants

1982

First X-Men Appearance

The New Mutants #1

March 1983

Fan Sentiment

Sam Guthrie remains a beloved cornerstone of the X-Men family, though his powers often draw mixed reactions for being simple compared to flashier mutants. His legendary throwdown with Gladiator in Uncanny X-Men #341 stands as one of his finest moments, showcasing the scrappy determination that defines his character. While he's solidly among Marvel's most frequently appearing heroes, fans sometimes wish he'd get more spotlight outside his New Mutants roots.

Real Name

Samuel 'Sam' Guthrie

Teams
Created By

Chris Claremont & Bob McLeod