Psi Lords
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| Starwatchers (aka PSI-Lords) | |
|---|---|
| File:Psilords02.jpg PSI-Lords Issue 2 | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Valiant Comics |
| First appearance | Rai and the Future Force #21 (1994) |
The PSI-Lords are a fictional team of superbeings from the Valiant Comics universe. Originally appearing in Rai and the Future Force #21 (after a cameo in Magnus #36), the organization was featured in a fairly short lived self-titled series that lasted 10 issues (1994-1995). The characters and series occupied Valiant's 41st century future setting.
Organization History
The team known as the Psi-Lords are 41st century descendants of the H.A.R.D. Corps, a group set in modern Valiant continuity. The H.A.R.D Corps battled Toyo Harada of Harbinger and his lackeys using brain implants which allowed the Corp access to individual Harbinger (super) powers. In the far future of 2999, the H.A.R.D. Corps depart from Earth when Toyo Harada is slain. They continue improving the brain implants that give them access to their powers, until a breakthrough in the form of nanites allowed them to access all Harbinger powers simultaneously. The new technology halts aging, even reversing it for those past their prime. Red glowing eyes are a side effect, similar to Bloodshot, another Valiant nanite-powered hero. Conquering a planet occupied by Spider Aliens, the Corps establish a home base there. At this point, the H.A.R.D. Corp become known as the PSI-Lords or Starwatchers.
No longer needing to depend on teamwork, individual members of the PSI-Lords conduct autonomous missions to guide and help around the galaxy as needed. It is during this period that a PSI-Lord goes rogue and has to be taken down by the others. Fearing repeats in the future, the leadership of the PSI-Lords diminishes the powers each Watcher is able to utilize, in the hopes that the teamwork this will force upon the members will keep the Starwatches connected and not overly self-reliant.
The PSI-Lords return to earth in the 41st century, near the end of the Malev War depicted in the Magus and Rai titles. At the conclusion of the War the title jumps 17 years forward, which is when the PSI-Lords series starts. Not trusted by humanity after their recent alien invasions, the Starwatchers work on gaining the trust of earth and it's leaders, particularly President Magnus.
Powers and abilities
All PSI-Lords are effectively immortal, empowered by their nanite rich blood. While they don't age and heal quickly, they can suffer trauma related deaths (Solar the Destroyer, a literally split personality from Solar, killed several who attacked him). There are three types of PSI-Lords, distinguished by the color of their uniforms.
A red uniform indicted the wearer had access to brute-force type powers, such as invulnerability and super-strength, as well as the ability to project protective shields. They are classified as Bastions. Orange uniforms were worn by Gunners, who were granted energy manipulation powers such as stun rays and blasts of flame. Yellow uniforms indicated a Scout, with powers such as flight, intangibility, and invisibility.
Much like their H.A.R.D Corps predecessors, PSI-Lords often made use of firearms (aside from the orange types), weapons, and whatever vehicles were appropite to the situation.
Lifespans of hundreds of years are common for older members of the PSI-Lords, and they can call upon much more experience and knowledge than shorter lived humans. While highly intelligent, their arrogance and aloof ways make it difficult for them to interact with humans upon their return to Earth (with exceptions).
Series Creative Staff Information: The following is a list of those who contributed to the creation of the series. When repeated, only last names will be used.
1-: Anthony J. Bedard, writer/Mike Leeke, pencils/Dick Giordano, inks/Leeke & Giordano, cover.
3: Bedard, writer/Leeker, pencils/Giordano, inks/Leeke & Bob Layton, cover.
4: Bedard, writer/David Wong, pencils/Giordano,inks/Leeke & Giordano, cover.
5: Bedard, writer/Leeker, pencils/Giordano, inks/Leeke & Giordano, cover.
6: Bedard, writer/Leeke & Anthony Castrillo, pencils/Giordano, inks & cover.
7: Bedard, writer/Leeke, pencils/Giordano & Mike DeCarlo, inks/Leeke & Giordano, cover.
8: Bedard, writer/Howard Simpson, pencils/DeCarlo, inks/Leeke, cover.
9: Bedard, writer/Simspon, pencils/DeCarlo, inks/Leeke & Paul Autio, cover.
10: Bedard, writer/Simpson, pencils/DeCarlo, inks/Leeke & DeCarlo, cover.