Nu-Perspective: Cecilia Reyes/Triage

Anaaannnnndddd we’re back!! Nu-Perspective, THEE home for revamps and updates on all the underutilized Nubian (black) characters you didn’t know you could love.

It just so happens that June is Caribbean Heritage Month, and though we’re late, we’re ready to close out the month on a highnote. This theme is especially dear to the heart cause if you didn’t know, my collaborator Fabian Wood and I are indeed Caribbean, coming from sunny Barbados. So, without further ado, we bring you the mutant originating from Puerto Rico, the mutant Cecilia Reyes! Or her new Nu-Perspective name: Triage!!!

Cecilia Reyes art taken from Google for reference. Artist unknown

And now our Nu-Perspective version...

Shawn Alleyne Nu-Perspective redesign

Real Name: Dr Cecilia “Cel” Reyes

Current Alias: Triage
Identity: Public
Occupation: Surgeon; Field Medic
Place of Birth: Bronx, NY
Base of Operations: New York
Affiliations: X-Men (formerly); Doctors Without Borders
First Appearance: X-Men #65 (1997)

Original Creators: Scott Lobdell; Carlos Pacheco

Story: At the tender age of six, Cecilia Reyes saw her father get gunned down in a drive-by shooting. Motivated by this tragedy, Cecilia devoted her life to becoming an accomplished trauma surgeon. Even before her mutant powers manifested, as a Puerto Rican woman in a profession dominated by privileged white men, Cecilia was no stranger to prejudice or bigotry. But, while other heroic mutants fought in the public eye in colorful costumes and gaudy get-ups, causing havoc and all forms of property and collateral damage, Cecilia worked thanklessly saving lives, human and mutant alike, in the operating room.
Previously turning down Professor X’s proposal to join the X-Men, she eventually reluctantly joined the private (semi)covert mutant strike team and was later abducted by the Weapon X program. These events only solidified Cecilia’s conviction that this grandiose, never-ending war on the frontlines was not for her; and she fell off into obscurity shortly thereafter.
Having lived through mutant-kind being brought to the edge of extinction and back from the brink of annihilation more times than she can count, Cecilia works with a cabal of humanitarian scientists and doctors to secretly help protect innocent civilian mutants from prejudice at any cost, as well as treat diseases and symptoms unique to mutants.
Recently, due to her unparalleled expertise in mutant physiology, Cecilia has been approached by S.H.I.E.L.D. and other organizations to act as an independent field medic and chief mass-casualty physician whenever there is a war or skirmish that involves mutants. Dive-bombing from an air carrier, Cecilia, under her codename “Triage”, is deployed more often than she would like, and when the fights are still ongoing. Cecilia has become a fearless, battlefield-hardened mutant war doctor, who has been known to treat and protect friend and foe alike in the heat of the most chaotic conflicts.
While this is not the life she envisioned for herself, she cannot deny the many lives she has saved as a result, both soldier and superhero alike.

Powers/Abilities: Cecilia has the mutant ability to consciously and subconsciously generate a transparent psio-plasmic bio-field around her body that is extremely resistant to penetration. However, it is ineffective against extreme temperatures, gas or radiation. It is triggered by kinetic energy of any kind, and is quick enough to react to bullets at the moment of impact. It must be noted that her “force field” ability does not protect her against the forces of physics, but acts more as a nigh-impenetrable “bubble”. While initially this ability only extended a few inches from her body, she has since trained to consciously extend it a few feet omni-directionally, and create “shapes” with them such as enlarged spiked gloves to enhance her punches, plated barriers or tendrils, even bladed or blunt weapons. She can even create translucent scalpels and tourniquets or other medical tools/items. Other situations have seen her disassemble any machinery through touch, or encase someone in the same “bubble” through physical contact. Previously, while she would be protected physically by her shield, she still felt the pain from the impacts. With her power upgrade she does not. As an accomplished surgeon, Cecilia is well versed in both human and mutant biology and chemistry. Her knowledge and expertise in the field of mutant physiology is only rivaled by fellow mutant bookworm Hank McCoy (aka Beast).

Paraphernalia: While Cecilia can effectively create a variety of surgical/medical instruments with her powers, she keeps a med-kit with her which houses a large amount of those items and medicines, utilizing S.H.I.E.L.D. patented hyper-space technology for storage.

*****

And there you have it. Let us know if you like what we did with her. Scroll down a bit for some a little Q&A with me and Fabian, then see ya sooner than later for another Nu-Perspective entree. 
 
Nu-Perspective is a bi-weekly column I started with my writing partner Fabian Wood with the purpose of spotlighting, revamping and updating various underdeveloped, underutilized and all-but-forgotten Nubian comic book and pop culture characters. Our goal is to showcase them in fresh, contemporary and exciting ways both visually and story-wise.  


Fine Print: All characters are copyrights and trademarks of the respective publishers and creators. This column is used solely for artistic enjoyment. We aim to showcase Nubian characters in fresh, contemporary and exciting ways both visually and story-wise.

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Q&A with Fabian and Shawn with bonus sketches and ref pics 

 

What do you like most about the character? 

Fabian: Cecilia is one of the rare Marvel mutants not swept up in the hype-train of costumed vigilantism or showboating. She’s a doctor first and foremost, and that is how she saves lives and is a true hero. Being a mutant is purely secondary for her.

Shawn: Like Fabian said, I like the fact that Cecilia doesn't discover her mutant abilities then decides she needs to fight crime and spandexed bad guys. It's a refreshing mentality. 

 

Did the character pose a challenge to update and if so what was the hardest part of the redesign?  

F: Not really. While her aversion to comic book heroism meant she was rarely used, that was a strong character trait that could be built on and explored further. I just had to make up a reason for her to at least come up with a codename without breaking character.

S: It wasn't too hard, she's a pretty blank slate. I tried to stay true to her scaled down mentality but add my own spice. 

In hindsight is there anything you would do differently now? 

F: I think this would be a logical path for the character, making her a tad bit proactive than reactive, if Marvel ever decided to give her another chance.

S: Nah, I like how she came out and the story we added. Maybe a slightly different hairstyle that's about it. 

What was your main inspiration for the direction?

S: I wanted to emphasis that she was a doctor and so I looked at google for pics of nurse scrubs and doctors. I fashioned the gloves to be the surgical latex gloves and I picture her color scheme to be white to represent a doctor's coat. 

What made you choose this character?

F: For the month it was her Puerto Rican roots. Other than that, I think her being an unconventional “superhero” in the sub-set “X-verse” was an interesting take overall.
S: Her lack of activity and Caribbean roots made her the PERFECT candidate for the month. 


NP

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Nu-Perspective: Bulletproof

Nu-Perspective, home of the revamps of underutilized Nubian (black) characters is back!!

And we got a lot of catching up to do so let’s go! This entry is a late one that was supposed to drop back in May as part of our unofficially themed “Cartoon/Pop-culture” month, but it’s finally here. From the hit 80's cartoon C.O.P.S we give you: BULLETPROOF!!!

Bulletproof artwork by ShinMusashi44.deviantart used for reference

 And now, our Nu-Perspective twist....

 

Nu-Perspective re-design Artwork by Shawn Alleyne

Real Name: Baldwin P Vess
Current Alias: Bulletproof
Identity: Public
Occupation: Chief of C.O.P.S.
Place of Birth: New Chicago
Base of Operations: Empire City
Affiliations: C.O.P.S.
First Appearance: circa 1988
Original Creators: John Fertig, Andy Heyward & Richard Raynis
Voiced By: Ken Ryan

Story: With typical law-enforcement incapable of denting the insidious “CROOKS” crime syndicate plaguing the futuristic Empire City, a new breed of police was needed to combat the enhanced and specialized thugs and enforcers controlling the city. Enter FBI Agent Baldwin Vess, an old-fashion, straight-laced, trench coat and fedora wearing gum-shoe. A paragon federal agent and detective, who gained the reverence and admiration of all in the force who know him, Vess was tasked with forming a special elite crime-fighting unit. On his first day however, notorious criminal mastermind and crime lord, Brandon “Big Boss” Babel, put a hit on Vess.
Hospitalized with 75% of his body severely damaged, Vess was outfitted with a cybernetic torso to save his life. While recuperating, Vess was able to survive a second attempt on his life as he was literally bulletproof – this fact would become his nickname/codename from then on.
Founding the “Central Organization of Police Specialists” (aka C.O.P.S.), “Bulletproof” Vess enlisted hand-picked officers with expertise and skills above and beyond their peers. They were also chosen based on personality traits of being honest, hardworking, and trustworthy and who were determined to bring justice and peace to the citizens of Empire City. As Chief of C.O.P.S., Bulletproof and his fellow special officers chipped away at Big Boss’ criminal empire over the years until there was nothing left. But no one could have expected what would come next.
Without warning, a new crime boss entered the fray, bringing an epidemic of crime and drugs that swept throughout Empire City in the vacuum left by the incarceration of Big Boss and his equally devious underlings. Before C.O.P.S. could get their bearings, they were undermined by corrupt politicians and crooked lawyers who limited and ultimately defanged the effectiveness of the ECPD and C.O.P.S. To really secure control of Empire City, this mysterious enemy framed Vess and his team for corruption, stripping them of their enforcement privileges. Vess and company are pushed to the extreme to bring their city back from the brink, and now operate as an underground vigilante force working in the shade of the law. C.O.P.S. still functions to uncover the new nefarious criminal kingpin calling himself the Big Bad Boss, and bring him to justice whilst clearing their names. But will this mean forming alliances with former adversaries to get the job done; and is that be a line Vess is willing to cross?

Power/Abilities: Baldwin Vess is an accomplished detective, tactician, strategist and skilled hand-to-hand combatant and marksman, given his extensive and exemplary training in the FBI. Due to the severe, life-threatening injury he suffered on his first day in Empire City, Vess’ upper and lower torso were outfitted with cutting-edge cybernetic parts to protect and replace damaged organs and tissue. As a consequence, the highly-expensive industrial metals used rendered those areas bulletproof. As a result of a nano-tech upgrade, the remainder of Vess’ body is now also bulletproof; however higher caliber rounds or explosives can still penetrate or dent his cybernetics. It is however insulated from electrical overloads and remote hacking. His chest comes with a built-in omni-purpose bluetooth that allows him to hack and access any mainframe or database hub he is near. It is believed that his cybernetic parts need periodic maintenance; however the process and frequency are highly classified.

Paraphernalia: Standard issue police sidearm. His cybernetic torso also houses EMP discs which can be used to short-circuit any electronic devices or machines. He has since upgraded his chassis with other compartments and components with non-lethal law-enforcement equipment and gadgets.

*****

And there you have it. Let us know if you like what we did with him. Scroll down a bit for some a little Q&A with me and Fabian, then see ya sooner than later for another Nu-Perspective entree. 
 
Nu-Perspective is a bi-weekly column I started with my writing partner Fabian Wood with the purpose of spotlighting, revamping and updating various underdeveloped, underutilized and all-but-forgotten Nubian comic book and pop culture characters. Our goal is to showcase them in fresh, contemporary and exciting ways both visually and story-wise.  


Fine Print: All characters are copyrights and trademarks of the respective publishers and creators. This column is used solely for artistic enjoyment. We aim to showcase Nubian characters in fresh, contemporary and exciting ways both visually and story-wise.

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Nu-Perspective: Sun-Man

Nu-Perspective, home of the revamps of underutilized Nubian (black) characters is back!!

And we got a lot of catching up to do so let’s go! This entry is a late one that was supposed to drop back in May as part of our unofficially themed “Cartoon/Pop-culture” month, but it’s finally here. We give you: SUN-MAN!!!

Sun-Man original first debuted as an action figure.

And now, our Nu-Perspective twist....

Sun-Man re-design by Shawn Alleyne

Real Name: Sanjay “Sunny” Smith III

Current Alias: Sun-Man
Identity: Secret
Occupation: High school student
Place of Birth: Philadelphia
Base of Operations: Philadelphia
Affiliations: The Sun People; The Bright Ones

First Appearance: Toyline circa 1985
Original Creators: Yla Eason

 

Story: Young Sanjay “Sunny” Smith III grew up in the inner city, surrounded by drugs, violence, crime and poverty choking his neighborhood. Sanjay also had to deal with indifferent or oppressive law enforcement that were at war with local gangs over control of his borough. Through it all Sanjay’s hardworking single mother never gave into pessimism and always encouraged and guided Sanjay to the best future he could have. But life took a bizarre twist the night a bunch of grotesque alien pig-humanoids came through a portal in his apartment. To Sanjay's surprise his mother manifested a strange sword-spear and killed the creatures single-handedly.
It was then that Sanjay’s mother revealed to him his true origins. Eons ago, the planet Trefixa orbited the majestic first sun at the center of the universe. Trefixa was populated by a race of immortal Nubians who lived in peace and prosperity, until evil entered the heart of one of its own. Empowered by the celestial “Moon Cycle”, that “evil one” intended to spread his darkness across the universe and subject all sentient life to his tyrannical dominion. To thwart his maniacal schemes, the sun god bestowed upon the prince of his people, Sunni Ali, the power to become Sun-Man – Champion of the Sun. Reincarnated over billions of years on many different worlds and times, that mighty warrior was Sanjay’s ancestor. With the appearance of the alien Pigkans, servants of The Evil One, it was a sign that Sun-Man was once again needed. 
His mother then bestowed upon him the sword-spear and a mysterious shield heirloom with the image of the sun on it, making him swear to protect them with his life. They once belonged to the original Sun-Man, and when Sanjay grasped the weapons, a voice spoke to him, claiming to be the essence of the sun god.
Now, Sanjay must embrace his destiny to become the most powerful man under the sun, the new Sun-Man – defender of liberty, justice, truth and equality – and bring an end to the blight that has befallen his neighborhood and his city, until the return of the “Sun Cycle”.
The Sun god spirit warned Sanjay that he cannot battle the forces of darkness and corruption on his own, so he must find the other descendants of the “Bright Ones” who also aided the first Sun Man. Thus begins the terrifying adventures of a young warrior who must brave the real dangers of urban life and the menacing threats of space fantasy.

 

Power/Abilities: As Sun-Man, Sanjay’s skin is invulnerable and impervious to almost any harm. His bones are nigh unbreakable and he also possesses incalculable strength and speed. The source of his power lies in the micro-star embedded in his solar plexus (in a quantum state) and the amount of sunlight he absorbs. Via this micro-star, Sanjay has access to the Sun God, and his wisdom and guidance. He cannot be harmed by heat or fire of any kind, the same is true for all radiation. His eyes cannot be overwhelmed by light and he can see the entire electromagnetic spectrum including x-rays and infrared. He can emit light from his eyes to illuminate dark areas or see at night. Due to these powers he has demonstrated the ability to see through illusions. Sun-Man can also temporarily adopt a brilliant ethereal form of pure light energy allowing him to travel at luminous speeds and gain full access to his solar powers. This “sun-state” is highly unstable and cannot be maintained for very long without catastrophically overloading. With his golden ethereal phoenix wings, Sanjay gains the power of terrestrial and interstellar flight, but can also teleport across solar systems, but only via stars (other suns). His powers are severely limited at night, and can be depleted entirely if he over extends himself or he is drained of solar energy.

    

Paraphernalia: The crimson spearhead-sword bestowed upon Sanjay can cut through virtually any material. It can also discharge a power ray of solar energy or a flash of blinding light. It cannot be wielded by anyone other than Sun-Man, or someone also deemed worthy. The radiant shield cannot be destroyed, and can deflect virtually any attack. It also acts as a portal to the Sun Kingdom located in the center of the first sun at the center of the universe.

*****

And there you have it. Let us know if you like what we did with him. Scroll down a bit for some a little Q&A with me and Fabian, then see ya sooner than later for another Nu-Perspective entree. 
 
Nu-Perspective is a bi-weekly column I started with my writing partner Fabian Wood with the purpose of spotlighting, revamping and updating various underdeveloped, underutilized and all-but-forgotten Nubian comic book and pop culture characters. Our goal is to showcase them in fresh, contemporary and exciting ways both visually and story-wise.  


Fine Print: All characters are copyrights and trademarks of the respective publishers and creators. This column is used solely for artistic enjoyment. We aim to showcase Nubian characters in fresh, contemporary and exciting ways both visually and story-wise.

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Q&A with Fabian and Shawn with bonus sketches and ref pics 

Why is this character so important to you? -Shawn: This character is so important to me due to the origin of how the toys first came to be. Sun-Man is and was the creation of Yla Eason and was produced in 1985 by Olmec Toys. Ms. Eason started the company in the mid 1980’s with the intention to produce and bring to market a black super-hero action figure.  Her motivation was her son who told her at the age of 3 that he could never become a super-hero because he was black and all of his action figures were white.  The first release of Sun-Man was in 1985 in the line called “Rulers of the Sun” which only introduced two action figures. 
With the success of this line, Sun-Man and Pig-Head were to be re-released once again only one year later in 1986 in a new line called “Sun-Man”.  This new line also included four additional ethnic super-heroes:  Holographo, Space Sumo (Chinese), Digitino (Mexican) , & Bolt Man (Native American).  Ms. Eason also released another line called “Butterfly Woman”, a collection of the world’s first Black Super heroines for young girls to play with.

What do you like most about the character? – Fabian: It’s easy to write him off as knock-off “Black He-Man”, but I’d challenge anyone to do a little research into the thought process behind Sun-Man and how he came to be through creator Yla Eason. If only I had a toy like this growing up.

Getting the outfit together

What made you choose this character? – Fabian: Shawn actually introduced me to this uber-obscure Nubian nugget. This guy was the OG of OP characters :P 

Did the character pose a challenge to update and if so what was the hardest part of the redesign? Shawn: The hardest thing for me was a way to find the direction of the character. I wanted to find a balance between a more modern sci-fi feel a fantasy look.

Sketches to get a pose down

What was the most fun part to redesign? Shawn: Finding an updated look for his tunic. 

In regards to the story aspect of the update, what was your main inspiration for the direction? – Fabian: Like He-Man, Sun-Man’s origin and story were easily malleable in terms of lore and continuity. But I didn’t really want to follow in the same vein as cosmic/sci-fi fantasy. I envisioned a more grounded, contemporary interpretation, but still maintain that air of outlandish space fantasy. Striking that balance, while paying homage to the legacy of Sun-Man was a big challenge.

In hindsight is there anything you would do differently now? – Fabian: Well, make a time machine and give young me this toy instead of MotU ones.
Shawn: I would've put more details in the wings. 

Is there something in particular you want to point out? – Fabian: Just goes to show you how racially and ethnically closeminded the MotU franchise was and is. There has never been a Nubian characters (bad or good) in the He-Man toylines, comics, movie or in the cartoon reboot in 2002 (*Netflix new She-ra series bucks that trend though). But at least it had a token one-off Asian character or two (*shrug*)

NP

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