In a sequence of anti-drug comics produced within the Eighties, DC Comics changed Teen Titans chief Robin with an all-new character: the Protector!
DC Comics took Robin out of the Teen Titans—to be able to assist hold youngsters from utilizing unlawful medication. Within the early Eighties, DC Comics produced a sequence of anti-drug public service announcement (PSA) Comics, starring the New Teen Titans, however due to licensing causes, Robin was nowhere to be discovered—and in his place was a brand new character: The Protector.
New Teen Titans was, alongside Uncanny X-Males, one of the vital well-liked comedian books of the early Eighties. Author Marv Wolfman and artist George Perez revamped the crew, mixing in basic members similar to Robin and Wonder Girl in with newcomers Raven, Cyborg and Starfire. Across the identical time, the USA authorities considerably ramped up the decade-old “Conflict on Medication” packages, similar to “Simply Say No” and D.A.R.E. had been created to discourage youngsters from attempting unlawful medication. In 1983, DC Comics, along side The President’s Drug Consciousness Marketing campaign, produced a sequence of anti-drug comics starring the then-popular New Teen Titans—minus one in every of their founding members: Robin! Years prior, DC had licensed Robin’s likeness to Nabisco, and the anti-drug comics had been produced along side the Keebler Firm—taking Robin off the desk. Sadly, artwork for the preliminary particular, that includes Robin, had been accomplished, forcing inker Dick Giordano to interchange all look of the Boy Wonder with a brand new character, created for these specials: The Protector.
SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY
The Protector first appeared within the preliminary New Teen Titans drug points and will be seen ordering the crew into battle—simply as Robin would. The Protector’s actual title is Jason Hart, who turned a hero to avoid wasting his youthful cousin from a lifetime of substance abuse; this might deliver onto the Titans radar, resulting in a slot on the crew. A complete of three specials had been produced, every starring the Protector in Robin’s place because the Titans’ chief; nevertheless, after the specials, the character slipped into obscurity.
Regardless of solely showing in a scant handful of points, the Protector continues to be formally a part of the DC Universe; his appearances for the reason that specials have been few and much between as nicely, most notably in 2018’s Heroes in Crisis. The Protector additionally has an entry in Who’s Who, a guidebook to the characters of the DC Universe. The Protector’s absence can simply be defined: he was created resulting from company politics, to be a fill-in for a extra well-liked character—naturally he shall be resented. The Protector’s characterization is shallow and simplistic as nicely, missing the depth of his teammates. When all of that is thought of, the Protector finally ends up changing into an unremarkable character, notable solely as a result of he was created to be a short lived alternative. For followers studying these Teen Titans anti-drug specials in 1983, the Protector’s look will need to have been jarring; right here was a completely new character, bossing the Titans round…as if he was Robin.
PSA comics, such because the anti-drug Teen Titans comics, are nothing new, however DC, due to company politics. added a twist to it by changing Robin with an entire new character.
About The Creator
Shaun Corley
(1436 Articles Printed)
Shaun Corley is a popular culture fanatic dwelling within the Pacific Northwest. After stints in each customer support and academia, he is turned his consideration to writing about comedian books–his lifelong ardour. He’s a graduate of Radford College, with a level in English. When not studying comics, he enjoys spending time along with his fiance and their canine.
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