Belasco, David

David Alleyne, known as Prodigy, is a mutant character created by Nunzio DeFilippis, Christina Weir, and Keron Grant, first appearing in October 2003. His primary ability is to absorb the knowledge of those around him, a power that initially presented challenges due to its transient nature and the mental blocks preventing permanent retention. Initially a student at the Xavier Institute, he became a member of various X-Men related teams, including the New X-Men and later the Young Avengers. His journey involves significant personal development, including power loss, a near-fatal encounter in Limbo, and the eventual restoration of his absorbed knowledge and skills. He has also been featured in series like X-Factor and is set to star in the upcoming NYX (vol. 2).

David Alleyne discovered his mutant ability during his teenage years, realizing he could absorb the knowledge of people in his vicinity. This power manifested as answers appearing in his mind during exams and assignments. Driven to retain this information, he pursued advanced studies. After being outed as a mutant by an anti-mutant group, he accepted an invitation to the Xavier Institute. There, he formed friendships and was placed on a team named 'the New Mutants,' adopting the codename Prodigy. He initially declined leadership, preferring to co-lead. His mentor, Emma Frost, revealed a mental block preventing permanent knowledge retention, which, when explored through an illusion, showed a dangerous potential for global control.

Following the 'Decimation' event, David lost his mutant powers. Despite this, he remained at the Xavier Institute, contributing by creating a 'Danger Cave' for training. He was later drawn into the 'Quest for Magik' storyline when the demon Belasco, sensing Magik's presence, pulled students into Limbo. During this ordeal, David's heart was ripped out by Belasco, but his friend Josh Foley, using newfound medical expertise, resurrected him. This experience also revealed his vulnerability to telepathy, leading him to devise countermeasures and ultimately aiding in Belasco's defeat through a coordinated telepathic attack.

After his relationship with Surge ended, David was offered a chance by the Stepford Cuckoos to remove his mental blocks, restoring all the knowledge and skills he had previously absorbed. Though he could no longer gain new knowledge telepathically, he retained a vast repository of expertise, including medical and combat skills. This transformation led to him becoming a substitute instructor at the Institute. He continued to support X-Men operations during significant events like the 'Messiah Complex' and the establishment of Utopia, taking on responsibilities in surveillance and facility maintenance.