Sofia Mantega/Wind Dancer
From Canonwars
Sofia Mantega—or, if you simply know her by her codename—Wind Dancer—is the former co-leader of the New Mutant squad. She’s from the New Mutants and New X-Men: Academy X comics, were she was depowered as a result of Decimation. Sofia is known for being outgoing, friendly, and trying to make the best out of any situation. She also has her “over-emotional” moments, due to her rather unstable relationship with her father. Her powers, which have been returned, are wind-based, which grants her the ability to fly and use the wind to carry voices to her.
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Information
Background
Growing up in Caracas, Venezuela, Sofia never had to worry about her parents ostracizing her for her mutant ability. Her mother insisted that she use them freely and openly, as it was just her raising Sofia. However, Sofia’s mother, Miranda, was killed during a riot and Sofia’s uncle sent her to Colorado to live with her father, Walter Barrett. Walter had been unaware of Sofia’s existence and was the wealthy owner of a supermarket chain—he was not interested in having a daughter.
While Sofia was excited to finally meet her father, Walter did not return the sentiment. He was cold to his daughter, and insisted that she would learn English, get good grades, and not use her powers. Of course, in return for respecting his wishes she could get anything she wanted. The school Sofia began attending three weeks later was less than pleasant and she was mocked for her cheerful attitude and her accent. By her birthday in May, she still didn’t have any friends. In fact, even her father didn’t even remember her birthday. The only person that cared about her was Derek—however, this wasn’t enough and Sofia finally broke down. She went to one of her father’s stores and trashed it, letting loose a hurricane inside.
Her father was going to leave her in jail for 48 hours before dropping the charges, and shipping her back to Venezuela. Luckily for her, Dani Moonstar approached Walter. Sofia was released into Dani’s custody (after much persuasion) and went to the Xavier Institute with her. When she arrived at Xavier’s, she met Julian Keller and Laurie Collins, her soon-to-be best friend and room mate. She had an immediate attraction to Julian, but when Julian insulted Laurie, she put him down. Eventually however, they would all be put on squads—Sofia, Laurie, Noriko Ashida, Josh Foley, and David Alleyne were all put on the New Mutant squad. Julian went on to become a Hellion, and a rival of the New Mutants.
She went on to become leader of the New Mutants, but her leadership skills weren’t the best. She spent too much time flirting with Julian than leading her team and eventually stepped down—however, the rest of the team wouldn’t let her—so instead she became co-leader with David. She worked hard trying to get her squad to get along, but it wasn’t until the end of the year that she finally achieved some sort of peace between everyone.
After the effects of House of M, Sofia is left depowered along with the majority of the school. As a baseline human, a few comments made by Julian to David and Nori upset her. However, before her and Julian have a chance to talk about it, she had already left the school with Derek.
Purgatory
Since arriving on Purgatory, Sofia has mostly hung out with her fellow New Mutants, and of course Julian. She and Julian “made up” after Sofia had to leave on such short notice. She was staying with the rest of the new arrivals at Emma Frost’s place, but when Emma kicked them all out she went to go live at the school.
Xavier's is currently where she's staying and attending. She's also worked things out with Julian and the two are now dating.
Out of Character
External Links
Player Information
Sofia is played by Rae over at winddances.
