Time: Tell me Void, why did you concent to this interview? This is the first in depth interview you have ever given.
Void: Well Jesse, my team and I have been around for almost 8 years now. As an individual who fights supervillains, I have to be cautious about the information I divulge. Villains have access to this stuff and could use it against me. I realize I have to temper that with public trust. The public deserves to know more about us.
Time: Okay, I have to ask...First it was the Guardians of Justice, then The order of Freedom and Justice, now Redemption? Come on, what's the story here?
Void: Good question. Orginally we were the guardians of Justice. When the Order of Freedom and Liberty was hit my team felt that we had to step up and take up as much slack as we could. We wanted the country to feel that there were people here to protect them. We took the new name to hopefully inspire hope in a tragic situation. When the order was restored, we felt that we needed to take a new form. Redemption is the best word to describe us. Our philosophy is just that. Sometimes, people make bad choices. If they have superpowers those choices can be REALLY bad. My team isn't here to punish or inflict revenge. We are here to protect the innocent, and help those that have made poor choices. People are innately good, they just need help sometimes. I admit, perhaps I represent the more liberal aspect of the team, but the idea is important. Everyone needs help.
Time: Okay, what's up with your secret identity? You really are Cameron Diaz aren't you.
V: If you're not going to take this interview seriously I think I should go.
Time: Sorry, but that isn't a denial.
V: Next question.
Time: Who do you respect as far as the heroes go.
V: I respect any person that extends themselves and helps others. Maybe the public only sees Flux and Dirge, but there are many heroes out there. I have the utmost respect for the order and its members. I also have respect for the father that would do anything to protect his child. When people with and without powers step up to protect those that can't help themselves, they are heroes. I respect this.
Time: Tell us about your teammates.
V: my entire team is made up of the very heroes I speak of. Righteous Avenger is a rock. He has made his choice to protect and fight for goodness. Notheing can sway that. I have seen him do remarkable feats for his faith. It is that faith that gives hims so much strength. He is nothing less than an angel.
Time: when you say angel...do you mean?
V: Take it how you will.
Time: And the rest of your team?
V: Foxbat is....Foxbat. I know he has had a rocky past. He is just one of those people that has made some poor choices in the past. Foxbat has proven himself to be a great hero. Time and time again he has come through for the team. I can't begin to count the lives he has saved and helped. He has used his keen intellect to make a tough choice, to selflessley help others. He has used his gifts to make ammends for his past wrongdoings. In my mind he has more than made up for his past. He has set a new goal for heroes to strive for.
Time: What about Space Phantom? Is he some sort of comic relief.
V: Watch your tone! SP may come across as a little eccentric, but if you had seen the things he had, so would you. He has stood the test of time and continues to fight the "forces of evil". The life of a hero is filled with constant pressure and tragedy. No matter how strong you are, it is never enough. To constantly ask the question "what if?" is horrifying.
Time: What if?
V: What if I had gotten there sooner?, What if I had jumped infront of that bullet? And as to SP, his will is strong. He is a defender and protector. He is a member of my team, and I am proud to fight by his side. We are lucky he continues to fight, and I am grateful he is on my team.
Time: What of your other members?
V: There are others that have joined recently, but I would prefer to let the public learn of them when the villains do. I think it will be a pleasant surprise for the public, and a not so pleasant surprise for the villains.
Time: When they do become more public, do we get another exclusive?
V: We'll see.
Time: Your team has had many members in the past. What happened to them?
V: I would like to take this time to ask everyone reading this to give a moment of silence for those that have served. While not all of them have passed away, all have had there hardships and given a great deal.
Conquest
Godphrey
Guardian
Thorn
Tempest
Kid Cosmic
Sekhmet
and others that have come and gone.
Thank you with all my heart. As to where they are, they are hopefully at peace on this world or the next.
Time: One final question. Why do you guys do it?
V: Because it is the right thing to do, we could do no less.
—Jesse Gamboa
WRITE TO US
what do you think?
Do you have what it takes to be a superhero?
Copyright © 2000 Adam Fisher.
