Psi Lords
Encyclopedia
The PSI-Lords are a fictional team of superbeings from the Valiant Comics universe
. The characters first appearing in Rai and the Future Force #21 after a cameo in Magnus
#36 and was featured in a short-lived, eponymous series of ten issues between 1994 and 1995. The characters and series occupied Valiant's
41st century setting.
, a group set in modern Valiant continuity. The H.A.R.D Corps fought Toyo Harada
of Harbinger
using brain implants which allowed the Corp to access individual Harbinger superpowers
. In 2999, the H.A.R.D. Corps leaves Earth when Toyo Harada is slain. They continue improving the brain implants until nanites
are developed, allowing H.A.R.D. Corps 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 establishes a home base, after which, the H.A.R.D. Corp is known as the PSI-Lords or Starwatchers.
No longer dependent on teamwork, individual members of the PSI-Lords conduct autonomous missions to guide and help around the galaxy. During this period, a PSI-Lord rebels and has to be killed by the others. Fearing further incidents, the leaders of the PSI-Lords reduce the powers each Watcher can use, hoping that this will force the members to rely upon teamwork and keep the prevent the Starwatchers from becoming overly self-reliant.
The PSI-Lords return to earth in the 41st century, towards the end of the Malev War depicted in the Magus and Rai titles. 17 years after the end of this war, the PSI-Lords series starts. Not trusted by humanity after their recent alien invasions, the Starwatchers work to gaining the trust of earth and its leaders, particularly President Magnus.
All PSI-Lords are immortal, empowered by their nanite
rich blood. Although they do not age, and heal quickly, they can suffer trauma
-related deaths. Solar the Destroyer
, a split personality of Solar, killed several PSI-Lords who attacked him.
There are three types of PSI-Lords, distinguished by the color of their uniforms:
Much like their H.A.R.D Corps predecessors, PSI-Lords, except Gunners, often use firearms, other weapons and vehicles appropriate to the situation. Lifespans of hundreds of years are common for older members of the PSI-Lords, who 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.
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.
Valiant Comics
Valiant Comics is a comic book imprint published by various publishers since its inception with Voyager Communications, Inc. in 1989, later Acclaim Comics, Inc. Its assets were purchased from the bankruptcy of the Acclaim Entertaintment by Valiant Entertainment, Inc. in 2007.-Voyager...
. The characters first appearing in Rai and the Future Force #21 after a cameo in Magnus
Magnus, Robot Fighter
Magnus, Robot Fighter is a fictional comic book superhero created by writer/artist Russ Manning in 1963, based primarily on Tarzan. Magnus first appeared in Magnus Robot Fighter 4000 A.D. #1, published by Gold Key Comics in February 1963...
#36 and was featured in a short-lived, eponymous series of ten issues between 1994 and 1995. The characters and series occupied Valiant's
Valiant Comics
Valiant Comics is a comic book imprint published by various publishers since its inception with Voyager Communications, Inc. in 1989, later Acclaim Comics, Inc. Its assets were purchased from the bankruptcy of the Acclaim Entertaintment by Valiant Entertainment, Inc. in 2007.-Voyager...
41st century setting.
Organization History
The Psi-Lords are 41st century descendants of the H.A.R.D. CorpsH.A.R.D. Corps
H.A.R.D. Corps was a Valiant Comics title which ran from 1992 - 1996. The acronym stands for Harbinger Active Resistance Division. The title's focus was a corporate strike team dealing with Toyo Harada, a character from the Harbinger title, and his goal of controlling all Harbingers...
, a group set in modern Valiant continuity. The H.A.R.D Corps fought Toyo Harada
Toyo Harada
Toyo Harada is a comic book character, who has appeared in various series published by Valiant Comics. Created by writer Jim Shooter.-Fictional character biography:He is the most powerful psionic on Earth...
of Harbinger
Harbinger (comics)
Harbinger was a comic book series published by Valiant Comics about a group of teenage super-powered outcasts known as Harbingers. Harbinger initially featured writing and art by Jim Shooter and David Lapham...
using brain implants which allowed the Corp to access individual Harbinger superpowers
Superpower (ability)
Superpower is a popular culture term for a fictional superhuman ability. When a character possesses multiple such abilities, the terms super powers or simply powers are used...
. In 2999, the H.A.R.D. Corps leaves Earth when Toyo Harada is slain. They continue improving the brain implants until nanites
Nanorobotics
Nanorobotics is the emerging technology field of creating machines or robots whose components are at or close to the scale of a nanometer . More specifically, nanorobotics refers to the nanotechnology engineering discipline of designing and building nanorobots, with devices ranging in size from...
are developed, allowing H.A.R.D. Corps 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
Bloodshot (comics)
Bloodshot is the title character of the American comic book series published by Valiant Comics.-Publication history:Bloodshot was launched in the mid 1990s on the back of a wave of popularity for the Valiant Universe. Bloodshot became an immediate hit with readers, as the first issue has sold...
, another Valiant nanite-powered hero. Conquering a planet occupied by Spider Aliens, the Corps establishes a home base, after which, the H.A.R.D. Corp is known as the PSI-Lords or Starwatchers.
No longer dependent on teamwork, individual members of the PSI-Lords conduct autonomous missions to guide and help around the galaxy. During this period, a PSI-Lord rebels and has to be killed by the others. Fearing further incidents, the leaders of the PSI-Lords reduce the powers each Watcher can use, hoping that this will force the members to rely upon teamwork and keep the prevent the Starwatchers from becoming overly self-reliant.
The PSI-Lords return to earth in the 41st century, towards the end of the Malev War depicted in the Magus and Rai titles. 17 years after the end of this war, the PSI-Lords series starts. Not trusted by humanity after their recent alien invasions, the Starwatchers work to gaining the trust of earth and its leaders, particularly President Magnus.
Powers and abilities
Nanorobotics
Nanorobotics is the emerging technology field of creating machines or robots whose components are at or close to the scale of a nanometer . More specifically, nanorobotics refers to the nanotechnology engineering discipline of designing and building nanorobots, with devices ranging in size from...
rich blood. Although they do not age, and heal quickly, they can suffer trauma
Physical trauma
Trauma refers to "a body wound or shock produced by sudden physical injury, as from violence or accident." It can also be described as "a physical wound or injury, such as a fracture or blow." Major trauma can result in secondary complications such as circulatory shock, respiratory failure and death...
-related deaths. Solar the Destroyer
Solar (comics)
Solar is an American fictional comic book character. Originally known as Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom, he first appeared in a comic book published by Gold Key Comics in the 1960s. He has since appeared in other incarnations in books published by Valiant Comics in the 1990s, and Dark Horse Comics...
, a split personality of Solar, killed several PSI-Lords who attacked him.
There are three types of PSI-Lords, distinguished by the color of their uniforms:
- A red uniform indicates the wearer has access to brute-force type powers, such as invulnerability and super-strength and the ability to project protective shields. These 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, except Gunners, often use firearms, other weapons and vehicles appropriate to the situation. Lifespans of hundreds of years are common for older members of the PSI-Lords, who 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.
Writers and artists
The following writers and artists created, wrote and illustrated the series:1-: Anthony J. Bedard, writer/Mike Leeke, pencils/Dick Giordano
Dick Giordano
Richard Joseph "Dick" Giordano was an American comic book artist and editor best known for introducing Charlton Comics' "Action Heroes" stable of superheroes, and serving as executive editor of then–industry leader DC Comics...
, inks/Leeke & Giordano, cover.
3: Bedard, writer/Leeker, pencils/Giordano, inks/Leeke & Bob Layton
Bob Layton
Bob Layton is an American comic book artist, writer, and editor, who has worked for Marvel Comics, Valiant Comics, DC Comics, Future Comics, and other publishers.-Early life:...
, 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.