====== Gideon ======
===== Part 1: The Dossier: An At-a-Glance Summary =====
  *   **Core Identity:** **Gideon is an ancient and powerful External, a rare subspecies of immortal mutant, who uses his vast wealth, strategic genius, and power-mimicking abilities to manipulate global events and seek control over his fellow immortals.**
  *   **Key Takeaways:**
  * **Role in the Universe:** Gideon serves primarily as a master manipulator and antagonist within the [[x-men]] mythos, most notably against the original incarnation of [[x-force]]. He embodies the archetype of the Machiavellian corporate raider, using his centuries of experience and immense resources to play a long game for power, often by targeting and corrupting younger, powerful mutants like [[sunspot|Sunspot]].
  * **Primary Impact:** His most significant influence was the introduction and exploration of the [[externals]], a cabal of immortal mutants who considered themselves a step above common //homo superior//. His arc with Sunspot was a formative event for the character, forcing Roberto da Costa to mature and reclaim his own identity and fortune. Gideon's existence broadened the scope of mutant history, suggesting ancient conspiracies and hidden power structures that predated modern mutant conflicts.
  * **Key Incarnations:** Gideon is a character exclusive to the Earth-616 comic book continuity. He **has not appeared, nor has he been mentioned, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)**. This stark difference highlights his deep ties to the specific X-Men comic book lore of the 1990s, a mythology the MCU has yet to explore in detail.
===== Part 2: Origin and Evolution =====
==== Publication History and Creation ====
Gideon made his first appearance in **//New Mutants #98//** (February 1991), a landmark issue also famous for introducing the characters of [[deadpool|Deadpool]] and Domino (though it was later revealed to be the shapeshifter [[copycat|Copycat]] in disguise). He was co-created by writer Fabian Nicieza and artist/co-plotter Rob Liefeld.
His creation came at a pivotal moment for Marvel Comics and the X-Men line. The 1990s ushered in an era of "extreme" aesthetics, characterized by dynamic, often exaggerated art styles, morally ambiguous anti-heroes, and complex, mysterious backstories. Gideon was a perfect embodiment of this trend. With his imposing physique, long ponytail, intricate armor, and shadowy motivations, he represented the new breed of villain Liefeld and Nicieza were cultivating as they transitioned //The New Mutants// into the proactive strike team, //X-Force//. He was designed to be a different kind of threat: not a rampaging monster or a costumed supervillain, but a patient, calculating immortal playing a game of corporate and political chess on a global scale. His introduction was central to the series' new direction, providing a direct antagonist for the fledgling X-Force and a specific personal adversary for Sunspot.
==== In-Universe Origin Story ====
=== Earth-616 (Prime Comic Universe) ===
Gideon's origins are ancient, dating back several centuries. Born a mutant in an unspecified location, his powers of power replication and immortality manifested early in his life. His first documented significant encounter with the outside world occurred in the 15th century when he was discovered in the Americas by a Spanish caravel. The ship's captain, also named Gideon, attempted to enslave him. In response, the young mutant slaughtered the entire crew but spared the captain, whose name he adopted as his own, finding it suitable for his ambitions.
Over the next 500 years, Gideon used his immortality and strategic mind to amass an unimaginable fortune and build a colossal international corporate empire, a conglomerate known as Ophrah Industries. He operated from the shadows, manipulating markets, toppling governments, and subtly guiding the course of human history to his own benefit. During this time, he became aware of others like himself—immortal mutants who came to be known as the Externals. He joined this clandestine group, which included powerful figures like [[selene|Selene]], [[apocalypse|Apocalypse]], Saul, and Candra. The Externals believed they were a superior form of mutantkind, destined to inherit the Earth.
In the modern era, Gideon became fixated on a prophecy concerning the next great leader of the Externals. Believing this individual needed to be found and guided, his search led him to the young mutant Roberto da Costa, Sunspot of the New Mutants. Gideon orchestrated a complex scheme to isolate Roberto from his friends and family. He secretly had his scientists at Ophrah Industries poison Roberto's father, the Brazilian magnate Emmanuel da Costa, and then provided a "cure" that placed Emmanuel in a state of suspended animation, making it appear as though Roberto was now in charge of the family's vast holdings.
Stepping in as a mentor figure, Gideon took Sunspot under his wing, promising to teach him how to wield power in the corporate world. For a time, Roberto was swayed by Gideon's charisma and seemingly endless resources. However, it was all a ruse to study and control him. Gideon's true goal was to confirm if Sunspot was indeed a fellow External. This manipulation put him in direct conflict with Cable and the newly formed X-Force, who sought to rescue their teammate. The conflict culminated in Gideon revealing his deception and his true power, easily replicating the abilities of X-Force and defeating them. Though he lost control of Sunspot, his status as a major, manipulative threat was firmly established.
Gideon remained a key figure in the Externals' affairs until the sorceress Selene enacted a plan to absorb the life forces of her fellow immortals to achieve godhood during the //Necrosha// event. Despite his power and cunning, Gideon was no match for Selene's magic and was one of her first victims, his centuries-long life unceremoniously ended. Years later, with the establishment of the mutant nation of [[krakoa]] and the invention of The Five's resurrection protocols, Gideon was reborn. He now resides on Krakoa, his unique immortality rendered moot in a world where all mutants can be brought back from the dead, a fact that has created new tensions among the surviving Externals.
=== Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) ===
Gideon has **not appeared** in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The concepts central to his character—namely the Externals and the deep, centuries-old history of mutantkind—have not yet been explored in the MCU's Sacred Timeline (Earth-199999).
The MCU's introduction of mutants has been gradual, beginning with hints in //Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness// (with Professor X of Earth-838) and the revelation of Kamala Khan's mutant gene in //Ms. Marvel//. The official introduction of //homo superior// as a significant presence is still developing.
Should a character like Gideon be adapted for the MCU, several narrative paths are possible:
  * **A Post-Apocalypse Figure:** If the MCU introduces [[apocalypse|En Sabah Nur]] as an ancient mutant, Gideon and the Externals could be presented as his former lieutenants or rivals who have spent millennia building power in the shadows, emerging only after mutants become public knowledge.
  * **Corporate Antagonist:** He could be reimagined as the CEO of a rival company to Damage Control or a clandestine competitor to SWORD, using advanced technology derived from studying mutants to replicate their powers. This would ground his abilities in a more tech-based explanation, similar to how the MCU has often handled powers.
  * **Hellfire Club Connection:** The MCU could merge the concepts of the Externals and the Hellfire Club, presenting Gideon as a member of an immortal inner circle that has secretly controlled the club for generations, manipulating global finance and politics.
As it stands, however, Gideon remains a purely comic-based character, and any discussion of his MCU counterpart is purely speculative.
===== Part 3: Abilities, Equipment & Personality =====
=== Earth-616 (Prime Comic Universe) ===
==== Powers and Abilities ====
Gideon is an immensely powerful mutant whose abilities are amplified by his centuries of experience.
  * **External Physiology:** As one of the Externals, Gideon's primary state of being is immortality. He does not age and is immune to all conventional diseases. He possesses a potent regenerative healing factor that allows him to recover from severe injuries that would be fatal to ordinary humans. It took the immense, soul-draining magic of Selene to finally kill him.
  * **Power Synthesis/Replication (Energy Mimicry):** Gideon's primary active mutant power is the ability to temporarily replicate the superhuman powers of any being in his immediate vicinity.
    * **Mechanism:** This ability appears to be psionic and automatic, activating when a superhuman is near him. He can consciously choose which powers to manifest and can synthesize multiple power sets at once. For example, when fighting X-Force, he simultaneously used Cable's telekinesis, Sunspot's solar energy absorption and physical enhancement, and Shatterstar's vibratory shockwave generation.
    * **Limitations:** The replication is temporary and dependent on proximity. Once the source of the power is no longer near him, he loses the replicated abilities. The exact range of this ability is unknown, but it appears to be within a few hundred feet. He does not permanently absorb powers.
  * **Superhuman Physical Attributes:** Even without mimicking other powers, Gideon's External nature grants him a baseline of superhuman strength, speed, stamina, and durability far exceeding that of a peak human athlete. He is strong enough to engage in physical combat with powerhouses like Sunspot and Cable.
  * **Genius-Level Intellect & Master Strategist:** Gideon's greatest weapon is his mind. Over 500 years of life have given him an unparalleled understanding of strategy, politics, and finance. He is a master manipulator, capable of orchestrating complex, decades-long plans. He thinks in terms of centuries, not years, making him an incredibly patient and dangerous foe.
  * **Master Combatant:** Gideon is a highly experienced hand-to-hand combatant, having honed his skills over centuries of conflict. He is proficient in numerous forms of armed and unarmed combat.
==== Personality ====
Gideon is the epitome of arrogance and condescension. Viewing himself as part of a superior race (Externals), he sees baseline humans and even most other mutants as insignificant pawns or, at best, tools to be used and discarded. His immortality has given him a sense of detachment and patience that is unnerving. He rarely acts out of anger or impulse, preferring to execute meticulously crafted plans. He is charming and charismatic when he needs to be, as seen in his manipulation of Sunspot, but this persona is a thin veil for his ruthless and self-serving nature. He is driven by a deep-seated need for control and a belief in his own inherent superiority.
==== Equipment ====
While he primarily relies on his powers, Gideon has access to a vast array of advanced technology through his corporate empire. He has been known to utilize:
  * **Advanced Body Armor:** He often wears high-tech, segmented armor that offers significant protection against physical and energy-based attacks.
  * **High-Tech Weaponry:** Through his corporations, he can procure any form of conventional or exotic weaponry he desires.
  * **Global Resources:** His wealth grants him access to private armies, advanced research and development facilities (like those that created the poison for Emmanuel da Costa), and a global intelligence network.
=== Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) ===
As of the current timeline, Gideon has not been introduced into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and therefore possesses no established abilities, personality, or equipment within this continuity.
Were he to be adapted, an MCU version of Gideon would likely retain his core personality as a master manipulator. His powers, however, might be altered for cinematic clarity. Instead of a vague proximity-based mimicry, his abilities could be tied to a specific technology developed by his company, or perhaps a more visually distinct biological process, such as physical contact or DNA sampling. He could be presented as a dark reflection of [[tony_stark|Tony Stark]], a brilliant industrialist who, instead of seeking to protect the world, seeks only to dominate it by acquiring and weaponizing the powers of emerging superhumans.
===== Part 4: Key Relationships & Network =====
==== Core Allies ====
Gideon rarely forms true alliances, preferring relationships where he holds all the power. His "allies" are more accurately described as associates, rivals, or pawns.
  * **[[sunspot|Roberto da Costa (Sunspot)]]:** This is Gideon's most defining relationship. He acted as a manipulative mentor to a young and impressionable Roberto, preying on his insecurities and his desire to live up to his father's legacy. Gideon taught him about the corporate world, but his lessons were tools of control. This forced tutelage ultimately backfired, as Roberto learned from the experience and grew into a capable leader who would eventually oppose figures like Gideon as a member of the Avengers and leader of his own teams.
  * **The Externals:** Gideon's relationship with his fellow immortals was one of mutual distrust and constant political maneuvering. He saw them as both peers and rivals in a centuries-long game for supremacy. He often clashed with Saul, another prominent External, over leadership and direction. While they would gather to discuss threats to their kind, they were just as likely to scheme against one another. His relationship with Apocalypse and Selene was even more antagonistic, as they were far older and more powerful, refusing to play by the others' rules.
  * **Crule:** A powerful, sadistic mutant with enhanced strength and claws, Crule served as Gideon's loyal enforcer and chief bodyguard. He was fanatically devoted to Gideon, carrying out his master's violent orders without question. Their dynamic was a classic master-and-minion relationship, with Crule providing the physical muscle to back up Gideon's strategic schemes.
==== Arch-Enemies ====
  * **[[cable|Nathan Summers (Cable)]]:** Gideon and Cable represent two opposing philosophies. Cable is a soldier from a dystopian future, fighting a desperate war to prevent it, driven by a sense of duty and sacrifice. Gideon is an immortal from the past, viewing history as a game to be won for his own amusement and power. From their very first encounter, they were at odds. Cable saw through Gideon's manipulation of Sunspot and led X-Force to free their friend, cementing a rivalry built on ideological opposition.
  * **[[x-force|X-Force]]:** As a team, the original X-Force was Gideon's primary nemesis. They represented the chaotic, proactive mutant youth movement that he sought to control or eliminate. Their repeated interference in his plans, particularly regarding Sunspot and the Externals, made them a persistent thorn in his side. He viewed them as undisciplined children playing at war, failing to grasp their raw power and potential—a potential he desperately wanted to control for himself.
  * **[[selene|Selene Gallio]]:** His ultimate enemy turned out to be one of his own kind. While Gideon schemed for influence and control, Selene's ambitions were far grander and more terrifying. She viewed her fellow Externals not as peers, but as batteries of life force to fuel her ascension to godhood. Her swift and brutal murder of Gideon during the //Necrosha// storyline was the ultimate refutation of his perceived power and importance, proving that in the long game of immortals, there was always a bigger predator.
==== Affiliations ====
  * **The Externals:** His primary and most significant affiliation. This cabal of immortal mutants shaped his worldview and was the primary arena for his power plays for centuries.
  * **Ophrah Industries:** The name of his primary corporate entity, a global conglomerate that served as the financial and technological engine for his schemes.
  * **The High Lords:** He was briefly associated with this group, another clandestine gathering of powerful and immortal beings, though the full extent of his involvement is unclear.
  * **Krakoan Nation:** Following his resurrection, Gideon is now a citizen of Krakoa. He is often seen with the other resurrected Externals, seemingly attempting to find a new place in a world that has upended their unique status.
===== Part 5: Iconic Events & Storylines =====
==== The Externals Saga (X-Force vol. 1, #1-15) ====
This arc represents Gideon's introduction and most significant impact on the Marvel Universe. After debuting in //New Mutants #98//, Gideon's master plan unfolds across the first year of the //X-Force// title. He identifies Sunspot as a potential External and begins his manipulation, faking the poisoning of Roberto's father to seize control of his corporation. Posing as a benevolent mentor, he lures Roberto away from X-Force, promising to teach him how to be a "real" power in the world. The storyline explores themes of corporate greed and personal identity, as Roberto is tempted by the power Gideon offers. The climax sees X-Force storming Gideon's skyscraper, where they are soundly defeated by Gideon, who effortlessly mimics their combined powers. Though X-Force manages to escape with Sunspot, the event leaves deep scars on Roberto and establishes Gideon as a formidable A-list threat.
==== X-Cutioner's Song (1992) ====
During this major X-Men crossover event, Gideon played a key role representing the Externals. After [[stryfe|Stryfe]] (disguised as Cable) shoots Professor X, the world believes Cable is a mutant terrorist. The Externals gather, with Gideon leading the discussion, as they believe Cable's actions will bring unwanted attention and danger to them all. They capture members of X-Force and the New Warriors to learn Cable's whereabouts. Gideon personally interrogates Cannonball and Boomer, showcasing his ruthless interrogation methods. The event is a turning point for the Externals, as they are hunted by Stryfe's Mutant Liberation Front, proving for the first time that their "immortality" is not absolute. Gideon's role here solidifies his position as a leader among his kind, albeit a pragmatic and self-serving one.
==== The Necrosha Crossover (2009) ====
This storyline marks the dramatic and violent end of Gideon's first life. The ancient mutant sorceress Selene, empowered by a techno-organic virus, enacts her endgame to achieve godhood. Her plan requires her to drain the life force of every External. Gideon is one of her first targets. Despite his power and centuries of experience, he is caught completely off-guard by Selene's assault. The battle is brief and one-sided, culminating in Selene using her mystical powers to rip Gideon apart and absorb his soul. His death served as a powerful statement, instantly establishing the magnitude of Selene's threat and demonstrating that the long-held immortality of the Externals was a fragile thing in the face of true power.
==== The Krakoan Age (Dawn of X / Reign of X) ====
With the establishment of the mutant nation-state of Krakoa, all deceased mutants became eligible for resurrection. Gideon was brought back to life by The Five and became a citizen of the new mutant paradise. His return has been fraught with tension. The very foundation of his identity—his unique immortality as an External—is now meaningless, as every mutant can be resurrected. He has been seen in the background of Krakoan society, often conferring with the other surviving Externals (like Saul and Absalom). They have debated their place in this new world and have come into conflict with Apocalypse over the nature of Krakoan society and the purpose of the Crucible, viewing it as a mockery of their true immortal nature. This era has redefined Gideon from a master villain to a displaced aristocrat, struggling to find relevance in a world that has surpassed him.
===== Part 6: Variants and Alternative Versions =====
Gideon is a character deeply tied to the specific era and continuity of Earth-616 in the early 1990s. As such, he has a very limited presence across the Marvel multiverse and in other media adaptations.
  * **Ultimate Universe (Earth-1610):** Gideon does not exist in the Ultimate Marvel Universe. The concept of the Externals was never introduced in this continuity.
  * **Age of Apocalypse (Earth-295):** Gideon did not have a counterpart or play any role in the //Age of Apocalypse// storyline. The immortal hierarchy in that timeline was solely dominated by Apocalypse and his direct subordinates.
  * **Animated Series & Video Games:** Gideon has had no significant appearances in any of the X-Men animated series, including the iconic 1990s show, //X-Men: Evolution//, or //Wolverine and the X-Men//. He has also been absent from major Marvel video games. This lack of adaptation is likely due to his complex backstory being so intertwined with the Externals and the specific //X-Force// run by Liefeld and Nicieza. Characters like [[mr_sinister|Mr. Sinister]] or the Shadow King often fill the role of the long-lived, manipulative villain in adaptations, leaving little room for a deep-cut character like Gideon. His story is less accessible to a general audience without the significant backstory provided by the comics.
===== See Also =====
  * [[x-force]]
  * [[cable]]
  * [[sunspot]]
  * [[externals]]
  * [[selene]]
  * [[apocalypse]]
===== Notes and Trivia =====
((Gideon's first appearance in //New Mutants #98// (Feb. 1991) is one of the most commercially significant single issues of the 1990s, also featuring the debut of Deadpool.))
((The name "Gideon" was taken by the character from the captain of a 15th-century Spanish vessel who attempted to enslave him. The mutant killed the crew but adopted the captain's name for himself.))
((The concept of the Externals has been subject to multiple retcons over the years. Cannonball (Sam Guthrie) was long believed to be an External, a fact that was a major plot point in early //X-Force// stories. However, later stories have cast doubt on this, suggesting it was a deception or a misinterpretation. Gideon, however, has always been consistently portrayed as a core member of the group.))
((Gideon's physical design, with his large stature, long ponytail, and elaborate, high-collared armor, is a quintessential example of co-creator Rob Liefeld's influential art style from the early 1990s.))
((During the Krakoan Age, the gathering of Externals on the island nation has raised questions about their role in a world where their defining trait—immortality—is now available to all mutants through The Five's resurrection protocols. This existential crisis has been a minor but recurring theme for the characters.))