Rictor can create vibratory shock waves which emanate from his hands to attack an opponent from a distance or resonate the ground to create a mini-earthquake. His power is at its greatest when he uses both hands in one direction, though he can use both hands in different directions at the same time. Julio was born to a large family in Mexico, his father an arms dealer. He loved his father dearly and was broken hearted when Stryfe killed him over a deal gone bad. He left his home, eager to get away from the family business, only to be used to terrorize San Francisco when his mutant abilities manifested. He was found and saved by X-Factor, who made him a member of their trainee team. After Inferno he joined up with the New Mutants to learn more about his powers, but he didn't fit in well and only got along with Rahne Sinclair. He left later on when Cable began leading the New Mutants because he thought that Stryfe and Cable were the same person.

Eager to get revenge on Cable he joined a strike team but together by G. W. Bridge. When Cable temporarily left X-Force, Rictor joined up with X-Force. Cable later came back and Rictor stayed after it was revealed to him that Cable and Stryfe were not one and the same. He remained an invaluable member of X-Force until recently when Cable wanted to learn more of his telepathic abilities through X-Force. He drew the line there, not wanting Cable inside his head, and left for home. He has not been seen since.