Airman (comics)
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Airman was a fictional Golden Age superhero published by Centaur Comics. He first appeared Keen Detective Funnies #23. After Centaur Comics went out of business, Airman lapsed into public domain. In 1982, he was revived by Malibu Comics in the pages of Protectors. He also starred in a short-lived solo series. The Malibu Comics version is currently owned by Marvel Comics, which purchased the company's assets in 1994. That version hasn't appeared since. A number of adventures of the Golden Age version were reprinted by AC Comics.
[edit] Golden Age version
The original Airman was Drake Stevens, son of Claude Stevens, a renowned ornithologist. When his father was senselessly murdered, the police were unable to bring the killer to justice. Outraged, Drake put together a costume consisting of a pair of gas-filled wings and a jet-pack, establishing the crime-fighting identity of Airman. He also utilized guns and bombs in his quest for justice.
[edit] Malibu Comics version
The new version of Airman debuted in contemporary times. His origin was nearly identical to the original incarnation, except in this version, his father was named Edward and the murderer was revealed to be a supervillain named Captain Klegg. His suit was also different from the original. In edition to a jet pack and the wings in the old suit, the new suit boasted motorized talons in his bootsnad gloves, as well as a utility belt and a specially designed cowl that gave him telescopic vision.
In the Protectors universe, the heroes had gone into hiding following a disastrous battle at the town of Brinkston. They were drawn together to face Mr Monday and the Protectors were formed.
While on the team, Drake was often insecure because of his relative inexperience. He was a friend and an ally of Thresher. He rescued the hero on the pages of his own series from the clutches of the the Conqueror, a supervillain minion of major Protectors foe the Great Question.
