American Banner Superhero Fan Art

American Banner

“American Banner” to both a person and a research program of periodic government attempts to replicate the original Ultra-Soldier treatment developed by German eugenicists Josef Reinfstein and used on Roger Stevens to create Captain Freedom prior to the United States entry into WW2. Captain Freedom disappearance towards the end of the War focused the governments efforts to create another Ultra-Soldier using the now-lost formula. While never perfected to the same level as the original, a suitable alternative was created that was acceptably effective after nearly two decades of trials. By then the feeling was that the country needed a hero to rally to. It was decided that Captain Freedom would live again.

Fate then stepped in with the re-appearance of the actual Captain Freedom from his unknown Berlin tomb. It was decided that the Ultra-Soldier candidate would be his own individual persona and not a direct copy of Captain Freedom. This would lessen any confusion with the public while still having a patriotic alternative to the real thing. The ground-work was now set for a separate American hero named American Banner when the time was right. Once again, the fate of Captain Freedom and the American Banner program crossed paths. Roger Stevens quit Captain Freedom and became Solo. In an attempt the ease public concern, current top Ultra-Soldier candidate Mack Syne stepped into the Captain Freedom role. American Banner was introduced the same week as a way for the government to cover all the bases.

The first American Banner was Calvin Farrow, whom was currently serving in a covert government role after being the first choice Ultra-Soldier candidate for the new Captain Freedom years earlier. He eventually took a covert role when Captain Freedom returned from hibernation. He now quickly became American Banner and relished the more public and patriotic role. Calvin held the identity for nearly 2 years. He eventually forfeited the American Banner role as the result of being sidelined for many months while recovering from nearly fatal injuries trying to apprehend Death Mask. Upon final recovery he returned to a more covert position in the identity of the Spy as the American Banner role was now in other’s hands.

The second American Banner was John Trest. His rushed final training to replace Calvin as-soon-as possible led to several short-comings in the final out-come. His tenure was adequate but not remarkable. John resigned after approximately one year when his appointed successor was ready. The third American Banner, Allen Burkett, had a successful run of nearly four years until the American Banner program was cancelled due to budget cuts. Allen then took on the guise of Mr. Victory and has had continued success in this role.

After a year in limbo, it was decided that there was still a place for American Banner to co-exist with Captain Freedom and the program was re-funded. By that point in time there were several good candidates from the previous system, plus the treatment had been refined even more. The fourth, current, and longest serving American Banner is Charles Strong. Charles relishes his role and plans to remain a symbol of his country for as long as he can.

The latest treatment increases strength to superhuman levels of approximately 1000 pounds. Speed, agility, and endurance are at the upper levels of human range. The youth factor is present though not remarkable. Estimates are that age slows by a factor of 10%, keeping individuals at their peak for longer periods, though not forever. The form of the suit has changed over the years, but the protective function has always been the priority. While American Banner relies more on his training than anything else to avoid lethal injury the Kevlar fiber in the body-suit and Kevlar coated vibranium helmet provide protection again small caliber rounds and most knife attacks.

American Banner is generally known by the majority of the public, but not to the levels of his “big-brother”, Captain Freedom. He has earned the respect of the super-hero community over the years by way of outstanding battles fought and foes defeated. Even the Spy admits that Charles is a better American Banner than he would be had his tenure not been cut short.

Sometime grouping of the Victory Squad: