Gérard The Protector!

Shortly after first posting information about Athlita Comics' The Protectors on April 28th, I proceeded to order issues #0 and #1 of the book.

First things first; Here is the French-Canadian hockey player that becomes a member of the team.

The above is from #1. "Gerard" would be a little weak as a superhero name but the character file in the zero issue confirms that all the Protectors will have code names, they have just not yet been revealed.

I was a little concerned with the the zero issue. The introductory story, entitled "Seeds", is a good teaser but was light on dialogue. I thought that might be a trend in the book, but at least based on #1, it doesn't actually appear to be the case.

There is also a 6-page preview of the first issue, rather useless if you've just bought that very issue, but I believe it was produced quite some time ago so it was logical t the time. The remainder of the book is character sheets and creator interviews.

The first "official" issue's story is mostly told in recent flashback (five days prior) as the characters are introduced to the reader through their individual sporting achievements, then later to one another at a gala event. It is at this event that the wheels are set in motion for the members of the group to gain their respective powers.

Overall it's pretty cool. Creator Israel Idonije has some experienced heavyweights bringing his vision to life in writer Ron Marz and artist Bart Sears, among others. If you want to see for yourself, you can order the two books as a package for $10 (plus shipping) on the Athlita Comics website.