Superhero Athletes #4

Platypunk (Villain/Superhero)

9 to 5 Name & Occupation: Tim Cahill, Attacking Midfielder, Everton/Australian National Team

Citizenship: Australia, Samoa, UK, Ireland

Powers: Platypunk is exceptionally quick and stealthy. He is very rarely seen when committing his crimes. He developed a device similar to the platypus’ "electrolocation", that allows him to see in complete darkness. Also, similar to a male platypus’ poisoned ankle spur, Platypunk throws poisonous spurs at his pursuers (or sometimes those he just doesn’t particularly care for…for instance, someone who doesn’t say ‘thank you’ when he holds the door open for them) causing temporary paralysis.  He will on occasion join up with heroes on a special mission, if the price is right.

Weaknesses: Platypunk is small and not particularly strong. In the rare occasions he is captured, he doesn't have many "close proximity" defenses. The day time or well lit rooms – Platypunk relies on his stealthiness and this trait greatly diminishes in visible light.

History: Tim Cahill grew up struggling with his identity. He was born in Australia to a Samoan mother and an English father of Irish descent. As a very talented soccer player, he represented Samoa in U17 international play. Because he represented Samoa as a youth, FIFA restricted Tim from representing Australia and then also the Republic of Ireland for the 2002 World Cup. These decisions put Cahill in a very dark place, and he retreated to a secluded cabin in Tasmania, Australia. Here, he recognized that a local creature the platypus, a semi-aquatic monotreme mammal, also appeared to have some identity issues (beaver-like, duck-like, and reptile-like). However, the platypus appeared to be a very successful predator without any noticeable competition. Tim mimicked these successful traits and began his metamorphosis into the vigilante Platypunk. Shortly after his transformation, FIFA (not so surprisingly) changed its eligibility rules allowing players to switch international allegiance. 

Targets: All Major International Corporations (including FIFA, Interpol, and major banks)- Platypunk isn't your typical "evil" villain, his heart is often in the right place he just takes an overly dramatic approach to what he calls "justice".

Rare footage of Platypunk fleeing the scene of
a crime.

Superhero Athletes #1

Silverback (Villain)
9 to 5 Name & Occupation: Kevin Youkilis, 1st/3rd Base, Boston Red Sox

Citizenship: USA

Powers: Silverback has superhuman strength and extreme agility for his size. He can withstand great amounts of pain due to tough skin while his suit also provides a protective coat that deflects most sharp objects and bullets from a distance. Most of his power is distributed through his abnormally long arms and huge hands. He is also very intelligent, which allows him to create complex scenarios in which to entrap his counterparts.

Weaknesses: Silverback can be extremely aggressive and territorial. Silverback's aggression often becomes his downfall especially when battling equally or more intelligent heroes. His aggression muddles his thought process making him more vulnerable to falling into traps and being defeated. He cannot go without food for long periods of time, and therefore often brings some snacks along when doing his evil deeds. Tofu-he can't stomach that shit.

History: As a young child and into his teenage years, Kevin was often tormented about his weight by other kids, teammates, and even coaches. He never acted out and wasn't considered a bully, however, these comments continuously built-up inside of him and began to break down his emotional stability. As he exited his adolescence and came into adulthood, he tried numerous diets but nothing seemed to work. Then on an apparently insignificant day, Youkilis walked by a Curves weight loss facility and snapped, believing the sign on the door was mocking his rotund physique. All the repressed memories and comments violently burst out of him, and Silverback was born. He proceeded to destroy the store... and then the surrounding block.

Targets: Weight-loss facilities, Marathoners and Triathletes, Health Food Stores - He's been known to force his victims to eat until their bellies burst.

This photo of Silverback was found in a ransacked Curves
and passed along from a S.H.I.E.L.D informant to a DJ
McSweeney. 

An amateur representation of Silverback as visioned
by a Mr. S. Cimino