Fictional character biography
Thomas Fireheart is of Native American descent and belongs to a tribe who foretold the coming of a powerful being who may destroy the world for generations. Long ago, they began making preparations for this coming doom, creating a perfect warrior using mysticism and selected breeding. Fireheart is the latest in this line of men. [4] [5] Despite not believing in the prophecy, Fireheart takes his duties as protector seriously, training in martial arts and mastering his ability to transform into a humanoid cat.
Fireheart becomes the owner and CEO of Fireheart Enterprises. Headquartered near his tribe in Hartsdale, Arizona, it is a multinational corporation involved in many different endeavors, with regional offices around the world. After becoming bored with corporate life, Fireheart becomes a mercenary to seek greater challenges.
Rose hires Puma to kill Spider-Man, but he is thwarted by the Black Cat. [6] [7] He again attempts to attack Spider-Man, but changes his mind and departs when he witnesses Spider-Man saving innocent bystanders. [8]
During the "Secret Wars II" storyline, Puma confronts the Beyonder in New York, but is transported to Tokyo. [9] He obtains a state of "harmonious enlightenment with the universe" and gains vast mystic powers, but soon loses them due to self-doubt. [10] Later, Puma learns Spider-Man's secret identity and attempts to offer him a job at his company, but he refuses. [11] Puma also attempts to clear Spider-Man of a crime he did not commit, during which he meets Silver Sable and the Outlaws. [12]
When Puma's friend Charles Little Sky manifests mutant teleportation abilities, he attempts to help him master them. Rejecting Fireheart's offers of aid, Little Sky flees to Ellis Island, where Puma travels to find him. When Portal's powers activate again and return the U-Foes to Earth, Puma is forced to work with the Avengers as Puma to protect Little Sky, helping to defeat the villains. [13] [14]
Fireheart purchases 51% of the Daily Bugle , makes Robbie Robertson publisher, and begins a pro-Spider-Man campaign in the publication, in an attempt to pay off his debt of honor. [15] He eventually sold the Daily Bugle back to J. Jonah Jameson for $1, and he and Spider-Man settled their debt of honor on a vision quest in New Mexico. [16]
Fireheart agrees to join Spider-Man's rag-tag superhero group called the Outlaws, along with several other Spider-Man adversaries-turn-allies (including Sandman, Rocket Racer, and Prowler). The group clashed with the Avengers, until it was revealed that both groups were actually being manipulated by the shapeshifting Space Phantom, whom Thomas exposed and defeated. [17]
Fireheart's Puma persona later consumes him and he attempts to assassinate a US Senator. Spider-Man stopped him, but not before the NYPD shot Fireheart several times. Black Crow casts a spell that erases Fireheart's knowledge of Spider-Man's identity. [18] He is nursed back to mental and physical health by Nocturne. [19] [20]
Fireheart is accused of federal bribery (which appears to be a frame job) and his assets are frozen. Forbidden by his tribe from taking any contract kills, he joins MODOK's 11 to get the cash he needs to defend himself in court. However, he is soon stripped of his powers due to disobeying the tribal council's order to remain on the reservation. Deadly Nightshade later injects him with a serum that restores his powers. [21]
During the "Venom War" storyline, Puma is seen with the Wild Pack when Liz Allan calls them in to help fight the Zombiotes unleashed by Meridius. Puma is equipped with a special high-tech armband whose Lethal Protector mode causes him to bond with the Riot symbiote. [22]
