Patriot Eagle

***"I am America, I am what this country needs..."***

Michael Red, the first subject of the Sentinel Project. Created under the United States government and overseen by the Strategic Agency for Global Enforcement (S.A.G.E), the Sentinel Project aimed to forge the ultimate super soldier. At first glance, Michael Red appeared to be the embodiment of American heroism. Born into an ordinary American family in the early 1910s, he displayed no extraordinary abilities or tendencies as a child. The Sentinel Project, devised at the beginning of American Involvement in World War II. Its primary goal was to create a super soldier, a paragon of human physical and mental capability. The transformation of Michael Red from an unremarkable individual to a superhuman being was a profound and ethically ambiguous process. Under the watchful eyes of S.A.G.E scientists, he was subjected to cutting-edge technology, genetic manipulation, and untested serums. These experimental procedures irrevocably altered his physical and mental capabilities, granting him superhuman strength, agility, and endurance, as well as unparalleled combat skills. Michael Red emerged from the trials as the paragon of human potential, an exemplar of American power, and he was given the codename "Patriot Eagle." In the public eye, he became a symbol of American exceptionalism, a hero celebrated on parades and revered as a national icon.

## The Golden Age

In 1941, Michael Red's extraordinary tale took an unexpected turn when comic book creators Joe Simon and Jack Kirby immortalized him in the colorful pages of a comic book, turning Patriot Eagle into a national sensation. The illustrated adventures of Patriot Eagle captivated readers, offering a patriotic narrative that mirrored his real-life exploits. The comic book not only propelled him to superhero stardom but also fueled the war effort by instilling a sense of resilience and determination among the American populace.

As the war intensified, Patriot Eagle became the central figure in "The Super Society," a team of extraordinary individuals assembled to combat Axis forces on multiple fronts. His leadership and superhuman abilities proved instrumental in turning the tide of key battles. One of the most iconic moments in his wartime saga was the infiltration of Hitler's stronghold, where Patriot Eagle faced the embodiment of evil himself.

In a climactic confrontation, Patriot Eagle delivered justice by bringing down Hitler along with Russian Soldiers, a momentous event immortalized in both comics and history books. This act solidified Patriot Eagle's status as a living symbol of victory, and he returned to the States as a war hero.

## The Atomic Age

Soon after the war he would be a famed hero still and fighting threats and doing acts, he would date Lady Law but they always argued behind the scenes and Patriot would cheat on her with Donna Dynamite, another member of the team.

The complexities of Patriot Eagle's personal life unfolded as he grappled with the pressures of superhero stardom. His sidekick, Empire Boy, once a devoted ally, became a source of personal conflict when he became romantically involved with Lady Law, Patriot Eagle's love interest. This love triangle created tension within The Super Society, straining the bonds that had once united them in their fight against evil.

Controversy further enveloped Patriot Eagle when he engaged in an affair with Donna Dynamite a fellow superhero. The scandal rocked the superhero community, leading to a rupture in his relationship with Lady Law, she then ran off with Empire Boy. A year later Green Justice, driven by insanity and being on drugs, killed Donna Dynamite. Nothing was done about it. In a fit of rage, Patriot Eagle sought retribution and took justice into his own hands, ultimately confronting and killing Green Justice and dumped him on the East River. This was never confirmed but he had controversy for this.

## The Silver Age

In the post-war landscape of the 1950s, Patriot Eagle, un aging due to the serum that enhanced his abilities, found himself navigating the shifting tides of superhero popularity as his colleagues retired and got older. The public's fascination with caped crusaders had waned, and Patriot Eagle, once a symbol of hope, faced an era of uncertainty. Despite the changing times, he continued his solo heroics, defending justice in a world where the definition of heroism was evolving.

As the 1960s dawned and a new era, the Silver Age, emerged in superhero comics, Patriot Eagle, yearning for the camaraderie he had known in The Super Society, took matters into his own hands. In 1961, he assembled a new team of heroes for a new age – The Heroic Alliance. This eclectic group showcased a diverse array of abilities and backgrounds, embodying the spirit of change and innovation that characterized the era. The Alpha Team swiftly became a force to be reckoned with, tackling emerging threats and embracing the stylistic and thematic shifts of the Silver Age. The team garnered attention for its dynamic adventures, revitalizing Patriot Eagle's legacy and ushering in a renewed interest in superheroics.

## Ending

However, this promising chapter abruptly came to an end in 1963 when Patriot Eagle, at the height of his resurgence, was mysteriously assassinated. The circumstances surrounding his death remained shrouded in secrecy, with no clear motive or suspect. The superhero community mourned the loss of a symbol who had spanned decades, leaving The Alpha Team without its guiding force. The aftermath of Patriot Eagle's assassination echoed throughout the superhero world, casting a shadow on the Silver Age's optimism. The Heroic Alliance still continued on, its members scattered in the absence of their leader. They later rebranded to The Alpha Team in the 70's. Patriot Eagle's legacy endured in comic book pages, but the man behind the mask had left an indelible mark on the history of superheroes. The enigma of Patriot Eagle's assassination remained a mystery, fueling speculation and conspiracies that lingered for years.

## Legacy

Patriot Eagle's legacy shows through the annals of superhero history, embodying the complex interplay of heroism, sacrifice, and the ever-evolving nature of justice. From his origins as the first subject of the Sentinel Project to his iconic wartime heroics, the symbol of Patriot Eagle became synonymous with American resilience and triumph. The Silver Age saw him adapt to changing times, forming The Alpha Team and ushering in a new era of superheroism. In 1991, he had a biopic made of him called "Sentinel-1" where Kevin Costner played him in the movie.

## Trivia

* He is an obvious homage of Captain America
* He has some similarities to Soldier Boy from "The Boys" both being dark and more vulgar versions of the character.
* He is also based on Captain Metropolis from "The Watchmen"
* Despite being the leader, he is the third strongest member.
* He is one of the only heroes in the Super Society to have a biopic of him, besides Lady Law (2019) directed by Sofia Coppola, Battle Diamond (1978) (1980) (1983) (1987) directed by Richard Donner (Superman Movies) & Ace Man; Hollywoodland (2006) directed by Allen Coulter