Antihero for Hire
Encyclopedia
Antihero for Hire is a webcomic
authored by Mark Shallow and hosted by Keenspot
. The comic is set in 2114, and stars a professional superhero
named Dechs Rashart, otherwise known as "Shadehawk." It shows his nightly adventures as he fights against criminals who are usually quite incompetent. Shadehawk's sidekick
is Laria Moondale, also known as "Wrench", who is the self-proclaimed greatest hacker
in the business. Mark Shallow is also the creator of Adventurers!, another Keenspot comic.
faced an unexpected attack from Canada
, who sent waves of genetically modified
dinosaur
s to conquer the northern states. The invasion was quite successful, as the U.S. was concerned about weapons of mass destruction
and never considered the threat of dinosaur attacks.
Those in the northern states who did not wish to live under Canadian rule founded a city in the South, ironically named Triumph City. It is now the year 2144, and the city has grown to a population of ten million.
Triumph City is a literal haven of crime, and thus is home to many superheroes and supervillains. In order to legalize and encourage the superhero way of life, a bureau called SHAB, or Superhero Accounts Bureau, was formed. Through it, superheroes are paid for capturing villains.
for hire, a card-carrying vigilante superhero. His real name is Dechs Rashart. Officially, Dechs Rashart is deceased, falsely believed to have died in a fire in his home, which is believed by Shadehawk to be the responsibility of Tera-Corp. He is nocturnal, and is very susceptible to suggestion during the day when awake.
Shadehawk uses a large array of equipment, typically designed by Wrench. He uses the Silver Arrow, a gun with unexplained but definitely heavily plot involved origins. The Silver Arrow can use a wide variety of ammunition, from typical bullets to fire, ice, and electricity enhanced bullets. His "sunglasses" are actually a light amplification device, giving him better than average night-vision. They are also equipped with radar mode to help counteract stealth technology, though this has not been perfected and it is not very effective.
, and an excellent engineer
. She designs gear for Shadehawk, and designed everything he uses with exception to the Silver Arrow. She also provides tech-support for him.
, Crossroad, to oppose him. Her father discovers her true identity in chapter six. Because of her rich father, she is able to afford expensive equipment, including an atomic projection blade, U-grip gravity boots, and a communication headset. Her partner is Echo. As a result of her father discovering her identity, she is currently a guest at Dechs' apartment.
operator. Instead of opening a diamond company, he just diamond-tipped everything he owned. He lost his right eye while using a diamond razor, and he was refused to be given a diamond-tipped robotic one. He lost the use of his arms in an accident in a diamond-tipping facility. He soon disappeared, and reappeared as Baron Diamond, rising to 8th place in Triumph City's street fighting
circles and remaining there steadily. His arms have been replaced with diamond-studded prostheses
, which he can use defensively or to focus a coherent
beam of energy.
money. Used exploding boomerangs, which only furthered his uselessness, as they would not return when thrown. He also couldn't throw regular boomerangs correctly anyway.
. They are named for their various elemental
powers, including Waterfall (water), Sparks (electricity), Aftershock (force), and Snow Angel (ice).
of Tera Corp. A largely unexplored character, she seems to have higher moral standards than some of her subordinates, although it has been revealed that she was involved in Tera Corp's more corrupt operations. Her office is half-way up the building in order to avoid break-ins (Because having it at the top would be 'too obvious'), which doesn't seem to work against Shadehawk. After being captured by Hector, the head of security and extremely amoral individual, her fate is unknown.
, which was the first prototype made by Tera Corp, appears to give him supernatural abilities (primarily a very strong form of telekinesis). He apparently isn't quite sane, and it has been suggested that feedback from the power-suit drove him mad.
Webcomic
Webcomics, online comics, or Internet comics are comics published on a website. While many are published exclusively on the web, others are also published in magazines, newspapers or often in self-published books....
authored by Mark Shallow and hosted by Keenspot
Keenspot
Keenspot is a webcomics portal founded in March 2000 by cartoonist Chris Crosby , Crosby's mother Teri, cartoonist Darren Bleuel , and Nathan Stone.-History:...
. The comic is set in 2114, and stars a professional superhero
Superhero
A superhero is a type of stock character, possessing "extraordinary or superhuman powers", dedicated to protecting the public. Since the debut of the prototypical superhero Superman in 1938, stories of superheroes — ranging from brief episodic adventures to continuing years-long sagas —...
named Dechs Rashart, otherwise known as "Shadehawk." It shows his nightly adventures as he fights against criminals who are usually quite incompetent. Shadehawk's sidekick
Sidekick
A sidekick is a close companion who is generally regarded as subordinate to the one he accompanies. Some well-known fictional sidekicks are Don Quixote's Sancho Panza, Sherlock Holmes' Doctor Watson, The Lone Ranger's Tonto, The Green Hornet's Kato and Batman's Robin.-Origins:The origin of the...
is Laria Moondale, also known as "Wrench", who is the self-proclaimed greatest hacker
Hacker (computer security)
In computer security and everyday language, a hacker is someone who breaks into computers and computer networks. Hackers may be motivated by a multitude of reasons, including profit, protest, or because of the challenge...
in the business. Mark Shallow is also the creator of Adventurers!, another Keenspot comic.
Backstory
In the year 2075, the United StatesUnited States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
faced an unexpected attack from Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, who sent waves of genetically modified
Genetic engineering
Genetic engineering, also called genetic modification, is the direct human manipulation of an organism's genome using modern DNA technology. It involves the introduction of foreign DNA or synthetic genes into the organism of interest...
dinosaur
Dinosaur
Dinosaurs are a diverse group of animals of the clade and superorder Dinosauria. They were the dominant terrestrial vertebrates for over 160 million years, from the late Triassic period until the end of the Cretaceous , when the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event led to the extinction of...
s to conquer the northern states. The invasion was quite successful, as the U.S. was concerned about weapons of mass destruction
Weapons of mass destruction
A weapon of mass destruction is a weapon that can kill and bring significant harm to a large number of humans and/or cause great damage to man-made structures , natural structures , or the biosphere in general...
and never considered the threat of dinosaur attacks.
Those in the northern states who did not wish to live under Canadian rule founded a city in the South, ironically named Triumph City. It is now the year 2144, and the city has grown to a population of ten million.
Triumph City is a literal haven of crime, and thus is home to many superheroes and supervillains. In order to legalize and encourage the superhero way of life, a bureau called SHAB, or Superhero Accounts Bureau, was formed. Through it, superheroes are paid for capturing villains.
Shadehawk
The titular anti-heroAnti-hero
In fiction, an antihero is generally considered to be a protagonist whose character is at least in some regards conspicuously contrary to that of the archetypal hero, and is in some instances its antithesis in which the character is generally useless at being a hero or heroine when they're...
for hire, a card-carrying vigilante superhero. His real name is Dechs Rashart. Officially, Dechs Rashart is deceased, falsely believed to have died in a fire in his home, which is believed by Shadehawk to be the responsibility of Tera-Corp. He is nocturnal, and is very susceptible to suggestion during the day when awake.
Shadehawk uses a large array of equipment, typically designed by Wrench. He uses the Silver Arrow, a gun with unexplained but definitely heavily plot involved origins. The Silver Arrow can use a wide variety of ammunition, from typical bullets to fire, ice, and electricity enhanced bullets. His "sunglasses" are actually a light amplification device, giving him better than average night-vision. They are also equipped with radar mode to help counteract stealth technology, though this has not been perfected and it is not very effective.
Wrench
Shadehawk's partner. Her real name is Laria Moondale, and presumably, she is the world's best hackerHacker (computer security)
In computer security and everyday language, a hacker is someone who breaks into computers and computer networks. Hackers may be motivated by a multitude of reasons, including profit, protest, or because of the challenge...
, and an excellent engineer
Engineer
An engineer is a professional practitioner of engineering, concerned with applying scientific knowledge, mathematics and ingenuity to develop solutions for technical problems. Engineers design materials, structures, machines and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality,...
. She designs gear for Shadehawk, and designed everything he uses with exception to the Silver Arrow. She also provides tech-support for him.
Crossroad
True identity: Celestina Domerelli.A very melodramatic supposed antihero. She is very skilled at acrobatics and martial arts and is naturally very flexible. Though she is the crime lord Domerelli's daughter, she uses her alter egoAlter ego
An alter ego is a second self, which is believe to be distinct from a person's normal or original personality. The term was coined in the early nineteenth century when dissociative identity disorder was first described by psychologists...
, Crossroad, to oppose him. Her father discovers her true identity in chapter six. Because of her rich father, she is able to afford expensive equipment, including an atomic projection blade, U-grip gravity boots, and a communication headset. Her partner is Echo. As a result of her father discovering her identity, she is currently a guest at Dechs' apartment.
Echo
True identity: Trent. Echo is Crossroad's partner. He graduated in the same year as Wrench, and the two appear to be close. Ever since realizing each other's alter ego, they have teamed up to put their minds together when Shadehawk and Crossroad encounter each other.Baron Diamond
A recurring villain. His real name is Orange Earthsmantle von Potatoflight, and he was a wealthy, eccentric diamond mineDiamond Mine
Diamond Mine is the second album by Blue Rodeo, released in 1989. It includes several instrumental interludes by Bob Wiseman between songs.-Track listing:All songs by Greg Keelor and Jim Cuddy.#"Swells"#"God and Country" – 3:32#"How Long" – 3:59...
operator. Instead of opening a diamond company, he just diamond-tipped everything he owned. He lost his right eye while using a diamond razor, and he was refused to be given a diamond-tipped robotic one. He lost the use of his arms in an accident in a diamond-tipping facility. He soon disappeared, and reappeared as Baron Diamond, rising to 8th place in Triumph City's street fighting
Street fighting
Street fighting is a colloquial term used to denote unsanctioned, illegal in some countries, hand-to-hand fighting in public places, between individuals or groups of people....
circles and remaining there steadily. His arms have been replaced with diamond-studded prostheses
Prosthesis
In medicine, a prosthesis, prosthetic, or prosthetic limb is an artificial device extension that replaces a missing body part. It is part of the field of biomechatronics, the science of using mechanical devices with human muscle, skeleton, and nervous systems to assist or enhance motor control...
, which he can use defensively or to focus a coherent
Laser
A laser is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of photons. The term "laser" originated as an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation...
beam of energy.
Dr. Nefarious
His real name Doctor Albert Charious Airious Nefarious-Smith. He is a genius in anything technological, but completely incompetent in all other regards. Shadehawk has foiled his plans and sent him to jail numerous times, but he always gets out early on good behavior.Neon/Cardmaster
A skilled hacker who wanted to be the world's best, but was overwhelmed by Wrench's skills. Recently, he took up the name "Cardmaster" after being released from Jail, conning others out of their possessions in a 3-D version of Cardmaster Conflict (a java based card game created by Mark Shallow). However, he also helped Shadehawk in this story, only to be put back in jail.Crimson Boomerang
A minor character who was an incompetent villain. Was released by Shadehawk, as all he stole was some worthless propTheatrical property
A theatrical property, commonly referred to as a prop, is an object used on stage by actors to further the plot or story line of a theatrical production. Smaller props are referred to as "hand props". Larger props may also be set decoration, such as a chair or table. The difference between a set...
money. Used exploding boomerangs, which only furthered his uselessness, as they would not return when thrown. He also couldn't throw regular boomerangs correctly anyway.
Jack
A bounty hunter for the other side of the law through unassociated middlemen. He tried to kill Shadehawk, but left when his victory became uncertain. He claimed that it was not retreat, as the only result of leaving is not getting paid. He carries a wide variety of weapons, but prefers an extending flail.The King of Ice
Can create fire and ice attacks and is invincible to any temperature, but specializes in the cold. He is a very wacky character, carrying a cup-like object to produce ice (even though he does not need it to produce ice, it just makes focusing a bit earier), has not decided on a real name, calling himself many names such as Froster and the Cubeinator, has a nonsensical origin story, and constantly makes ice puns (which he is unaware that he is making). He often reveals parts of his plan to Shadehawk, and is very boastful.Tera Corp
The world's most powerful business, Tera Corp is nearly ubiquitous. With grasps in nearly every business and offices in every major country, there is no doubt that Tera Corp could and possibly does present a threat to the world.The Vengeful Sisters
A group of ex-orphans who try their best to help other orphans, as well as wreaking vengeance on those who commit injustices against orphans. They mean well, but tend to go about their tasks without thinking of the consequences, and are being manipulated by Tera-Corp as a further test of the power-suit technology. They are led by Dragon, a redhead who uses saiSai (weapon)
The sai is a traditional Okinawan martial arts weapon. The basic form of the weapon is that of a pointed, dagger-shaped metal truncheon, with two curved prongs called yoku projecting from the handle...
. They are named for their various elemental
Elemental
An elemental is a mythological being first appearing in the alchemical works of Paracelsus in the 16th century. Traditionally, there are four types:*gnomes, earth elementals*undines , water elementals*sylphs, air elementals...
powers, including Waterfall (water), Sparks (electricity), Aftershock (force), and Snow Angel (ice).
MANTIS
Military Agents Nominally Trained In Spying. MANTIS is an ultra-elite mercenary organization. Trained from childhood, individual members have four-digit alphanumeric designations instead of names. MANTIS agents are often equipped with a standard issue sidearm and various tools such as explosives and lockpicks. They are amazingly single-minded and only focus on success of the mission. They have no morals or values.Tera Dameon
Ex-CEO and ex-PresidentPresident
A president is a leader of an organization, company, trade union, university, or country.Etymologically, a president is one who presides, who sits in leadership...
of Tera Corp. A largely unexplored character, she seems to have higher moral standards than some of her subordinates, although it has been revealed that she was involved in Tera Corp's more corrupt operations. Her office is half-way up the building in order to avoid break-ins (Because having it at the top would be 'too obvious'), which doesn't seem to work against Shadehawk. After being captured by Hector, the head of security and extremely amoral individual, her fate is unknown.
Hector
New CEO and President of Tera Corp. He manipulated his way to the top by kidnapping Tera Dameon, whose fate is not revealed. He was responsible for the deaths of Dechs Rashart's friends and father, and he frequently questions "Jacob" about forcing him to do it. This may be Jacob Rashart, Shadehawk's father, who died in the fire. He also provided Charles with Wizard, who may have been unstable even before the powersuit was put on him.Wizard
A mysterious character who seems to know more than he tells. His power-suitPowered exoskeleton
A powered exoskeleton, also known as powered armor, or exoframe, is a powered mobile machine consisting primarily of an exoskeleton-like framework worn by a person and a power supply that supplies at least part of the activation-energy for limb movement.Powered exoskeletons are designed to assist...
, which was the first prototype made by Tera Corp, appears to give him supernatural abilities (primarily a very strong form of telekinesis). He apparently isn't quite sane, and it has been suggested that feedback from the power-suit drove him mad.