Keeper of Infinite Earths - Lords of Liberty
Created by Matt Parmenter
All American
Alter Ego: Robert Franklin
Occupation: Adventurer
Known Relatives: Ruth Franklin (Mother), Charles Franklin (Father-presumed dead), Rita Moore-Franklin (Deceased Wife), Thomas R. Franklin (Son)
Base of Operations: London, England
Background/History:
As a young man, Charles Franklin wanted to be a doctor, but his family was too poor. He dabbled in medical and chemical research. He became inspired to create a super-vitamin and, in his zeal, tested his theories on his young son. When his wife stumbled across one of his journals, she was horrified that he had used her only child as a guinea pig and demanded that he leave. Days later, his hat and coat with his ID was found floating in Lake Michigan, an apparent suicide. Young Robert worked very hard to help his mother and made her very proud. By 1915, the world was at war and facing it's greatest threat to liberty yet. Inspired by the American ideal and his patriotic duty, Robert Franklin, all-American from Philadelphia, could do nothing less than help in the struggle and enlisted in the US armed forces. After basic training Robert was sent overseas to France to help defend against the invading German army. He was stationed in the small town of Bordeaux, his unit charged with protecting the populace from enemy attacks. Within the first week, however, word reached the ears of Robert's superiors of an enemy encampment over the nearby rise. His platoon set out the next morning to combat the foe, but the platoon met with defeat when the German forces, aware of the Allies approach, set up an ambush that wiped out the platoon. Robert was the only Allied survivor of what now is called 'the Massacre at Bordeaux,' but even in the face of a bitter defeat, Robert Franklin was never a quitter. He had been charged with the defense of Bordeaux and, with God as his witness, that defense he would oversee. He knew he could not do it alone, but would need the town's help. With that in mind, he decided to become a symbol that they could all fall in behind and support using the same symbol that had inspired him, the American flag. Arranging a colorful costume from the tattered remnants of the flag that led the ill-fated advance, Robert Franklin became All-American, patriotic avenger of the oppressed, and rallied the citizens of Bordeaux against the German forces. Robert found the American presence to be needed all over the world and decided to continue his costumed career as All-American fighting the Germans in the 1910s. In 1919, over the Nexus of Power in the Bermuda Triangle, he defeated Crykill and gained enhanced abilities beyond that of a mortal man. He fought the mob in the '20s and '30s and returned to the warfront when the Nazis began their hostilities in Europe. During World War II, he joined the group, the Lords of Liberty, and served as team leader throughout those dark times.
Personality/Motivation:
All-American is best described by his namesake. Pure and untainted, he is a true symbol of 1940s America. He loves hot dogs, baseball, apple-pie, and Mom. He stands for truth, justice, and, not surprisingly, the American way. Brave and selfless, he will always be the first into the fray and the last to sound a retreat. He will risk his life for others without hesitation and will never refuse a call for aid.
Quote:
All-American: “True patriots stay in school.”