Note: RetroFix is a column here at P:R where writers and artists team up to redesign and re-imagine public domain heroes and villains from the Golden Age. In this edition, artist Dennis Culver and I take on the 1950s space adventurer Space Pirate – Chris Arrant

Who was the Star Pirate?

First Appearance: Planet Comics #12 (May 1954, Fiction House). Billed as “The Robin Hood of the Space Lanes,” Fiction House’s Star Pirate was created by a writer who went by the nom de plume of Leonardo Vinci, and originally illustrated by Al Gabriele. Set in a far-flung future, Star Pirate acted as a raygun-toting dissident against evil aliens, criminals, corrupt dictators and even the galaxy’s police force, the corrupt Space Patrol. Piloting a ship dubbed “Revenge,” Star Pirate had no powers per se, but was equipped with a variety of technological tools such as rocket boots and laser guns. He was joined by a rotating crew of sidekicks that ranged from a one-eyed alien, a Martian mistress, and a former rival named Blackbeard.

Why the Star Pirate?

Chris: Here’s my idea for Star Pirate — Adam Strange meeks Han Solo. The lonely pilot of a ship called “Revenge,” he’s living high off a big score but gets bored of the sheltered life and gets back into space. He’s bored with being rich, but also bored with people and has a quick succession of co-pilots. He’s in a future where space is explored pretty well, but he liked the “Wild West” unknown of it all back in his early years and is still trying to chase that down.

Dennis: Let’s do it. What’s the next step?

Chris: Next step is to talk about character design. What are you thinking for Star Pirate?

Note: Read on for the RetroFix and the final design! – Dean Trippe

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Note: When the Project: Rooftop community finds a forgotten hero or villain in need of a rescue, it’s time for a RetroFix! This month: The (Golden Age) Unknown Soldier! Our guest artist is my collaborator on my new book, STRAY, Edi Torres! – Vito Delsante

Who was the Unknown Soldier?

“When the cause of freedom and democracy is threatened, then, from out of the blue sky, shall come the Unknown Soldier – dauntless American champion of all who fight under the Stars and Stripes – from the smallest child to the bravest doughboy. Who is he? Nobody knows! Where does he come from? Nobody knows! He is just…the Unknown Soldier.” His abilities include superhuman strength,invulnerability, flight, and the power to spin in the air fast enough to generate a tornado. He carries a “nitro gun” which fires explosive bullets.” – from http://pdsh.wikia.com/wiki/Unknown_Soldier

Why the Unknown Soldier?

Vito: I like this version of the Unknown Soldier, but, pardon the pun, I know very little about him. My affinity is based purely on what I see. A soldier in a mask is quite possibly the purest of comic characters. Captain America came out first (March of 1941 as opposed to Unknown in August 1941), so we know the Solider is an imitator (one of many patriotic heroes that surely followed in Cap’s wake), but his name is so strong, that when DC created their own version, they had a strong enough concept to really give Cap a run for his money (let’s call it down the middle…DC War comics in the 60′s were absolutely brilliant!). Seriously, this dude is money, the way his hat and mask are one piece…that’s a win! Those shorts are such a Golden Age trope, though, and I have no idea who started it. In most cases, this is an OK, kitschy costume, but for our purposes, we need to change it up.

Note: Read on after the jump for Vito and Edi’s discussion, as well as the initial sketches and final RetroFix redesign! – Dean Trippe

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