Wither (Kevin Ford) is a fictional character, a mutant appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He has been a member of the student body at the Xavier Institute, a member of the Hellions training squad, and a supervillain as a part of Selene's Coven. Fictional character biography When Kevin Ford's powers first manifested, he panicked. His father tried to calm him down, but Kevin's power reduced him to dust. A talented artist, Kevin lives in a scrap yard and turns unwanted scrap into beautiful art. He is found by Danielle Moonstar and brought to the Xavier Institute, where he begins to develop friendships with Laurie Collins, David Alleyne, and Sofia Mantega. When Donald Pierce attacks them and impales Laurie, Kevin lashes out and uses his power on Pierce. To stop him from killing Pierce, Moonstar shows him his worst fear - using his power on an innocent person. Frightened by the physiological pleasure he experienced when using his power on Pierce, he leaves the Institute. Some months later Emma Frost persuades him to return, and he joins the New Mutants squad under the codename Wither. Clashing with Elixir, the current object of Laurie's affections, Mercury of the Hellions reaches out to him, having developed a crush on him. He is arrested by the FBI for killing his father. While the Hellions try to rescue him, the New Mutants stop them, fearing the consequences of involving the Institute in a fight with the FBI. Kevin sees this as a betrayal, and he switches to the Hellions squad. He discovers Elixir's former relationship with Wolfsbane and reveals it to the school, successfully ending Josh's relationship with Laurie. Kevin spends some time vacationing with the Hellion squad. They get caught up with the powerful 'Kingmaker' who grants people their wishes in return for favors later. Kevin spends some time without his powers due to drugs supplied by their new ally. However, once the Hellions discover the favor is stealing a biological weapon, they rebel. Kevin loses access to the drugs. He uses his powers to destroy the weapon. After M-Day, Kevin believes he has lost his powers like most of the mutant population. When he touches Laurie's hand, however, it withers. After a session in David Alleyne's Danger Cave, Kevin overhears Julian Keller referring to him as "dangerous." Kevin again runs away from the institute, unaware that Julian also wanted