Zetaman

Zetaman is a costumed hero featured in comics by Illya King. Zetaman is a veteran costumed crusader in Rose City and member of The Real Life Superhero Project. He is also the creator of the Rose City team of heroes, The Alternates.

Creation and conception

Zetaman is based on the Real-Life Superhero, “Zetaman.”

Imposing in his blue and black gear, this “costumed activist” works with the homeless of Portland, OR, runs neighborhood patrols, and actively supports such local organizations as Oregon’s chapter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Portland’s Community Transitional School, and March of Dimes’ “March for Babies” walk-a-thon in his native City of Roses.

– RealLifeSuperheroes.com

Zetaman retired in 2011. Illya King (Zetaman’s alias) recycled the concept as a character featured in Naked Man Comics. Since issue #2 the character is one of the main cast members in Naked Man Comics.

Publication history

Zetaman first appeared in Naked Man Comics #2 to apply for Pepper Gold’s squad of superheroes. He next appeared as part of the battle against The Extreme Factor Five in issue #4.

In Naked Man Comics #5, Zetaman’s history is fleshed out. He created the first hero team in Rose City. The team broke up several times. In Issue #6, Zetaman is one of the heroes who take part in the Hero vs. Villain wrestling match. In issue #7, Zetaman sings with Totally Naked Man in Downtown Rose City.

Zetaman’s history is further expanded upon in Zetaman: The Multiverse. The Zetaman in Rose City is one of many Zetamen that exists within a multiverse of 24. Zetaman doesn’t reappear until The Drama of the Gods storyline as one of the heroes trying to convince Totally Naked Man to wear clothes.

An 8-page story, written by Tracy Hudson, is a comic account of the meeting between Zetaman and Agent Null titled “When Zeta met Null.”

Fictional character biography

Zetaman did a lot of net surfing before coming across the concept of Real Life Superheroes. Inspired by RLSH such as Mr. Silent and Chris Justice, Zetaman created an identity called The Cat of Rose City. This alias ended in failure and the police cracked down on the masked cat man. He rechristens himself “Zetaman” and patrolled the streets of Rose City

Personality

Zetaman is grumpy and a worrywart. He tends to invite a lot of drama in his life, naming feuding online with villains and heroes. Zetaman tries to find the good in people, which makes him a target to be taken advantage of. Zetaman knows almost everything about the secret areas of Rose City, including hidden hideouts of characters like Antiman and Oatmeal.

Ultimate Zetaman

The Zetaman from Earth Zeta- He is a gravity-powered hero.

Other Versions

In Zetaman: The Multiverse, several versions of Zetaman are introduced. Zetaman of Earth Gamma was a hero captured by aliens and turned into a bizarre cyborg.

Element Man is the Zetaman of Earth Omicron. However, the leader of the heroes on Earth Omicron is Big Hero.

The Destroyer is the Zetaman of Earth Omega. Referenced in Zetaman: The Mulitverse, Earth Omega was destroyed and reborn in a cosmic cataclysm. The cataclysm birthed the 24 universes within the Naked-Verse Multiverse thread. The Destroyer is the last survivor of the original universe. He is meta-aware of his existence. Because of his meta-awareness, he sits and watches. Zetaman of Earth Zeta attempted to breach the walls of Omega but The Destroyer stopped the breach. Universe Omega is one of the few universes characters cannot traverse to.

Powers and abilities

Zetaman is proficient in CPR. He also trains in Aikido.

Supporting characters

Allies

Zetaman has strong ties with Antiman. Zetaman frequently teams up with him to assist in cases. Zetaman, as the elder hero of the city, hangs out with the latest batch of RLSH like Totally Naked Man and Extremely Conservative Woman. Before he retired, Agent Null was Zetaman’s sidekick.

Zetaman is best friends with Chris Justice and Civitron. He is a member of The Real-Life Superhero Project.

Enemies

Zetaman mortal enemies are other RLSH such as The Green Pilgrim and Tolkian. Most of the online hero and villain communities are at odds with the hero. The Roach is another one of Zetaman’s foes. The Roach consistently slashes the tires of Zetaman’s car.