Friend Biography
CODENAME: FRIEND
Real Name:
Howdy Dudley
Occupation:
None
Base of Operations:
Suburbs, a tiny suburban hamlet much like the one many of you live in.
Height:
6' 1"
Weight:
225 lbs.
Eyes:
Blue, sometimes bloodshot
Hair:
Red, but most times orange
Note:
In a freak occurrence related to his accident, Howdy seems to maintain some "prepubescent" qualities (such as the boyish freckles on his cheeks), but they look out of place on his older, more developed frame.
First Appearance:
September 1995, The University of Delaware Review
HISTORY:
Not much is known about Howdy's history before he met Shmitty Atkinson and Edith Arbuckle. Howdy was 12 when his parents were in a terrible car accident. He was the only survivor, but he went into a coma. Howdy didn't stir from that coma until finally, after six years, two months and four days, he woke.
Doctors were perplexed by Howdy's condition. Howdy knew his name, his age, and little else about himself.
Upon closer examination, and many psychological tests, it was determined that the coma had stripped Howdy of many of his social graces. He no longer had a firm grasp on the difference between right and wrong. He displayed strong sociopathic tendencies, and couldn't interact well with others.
What disturbed doctors even more was that somehow Howdy had picked up a large around of hand-to-hand combat skills. As his health returned, it was revealed that Howdy was much stronger than first suspected. It seemed his hearty constitution, his puissant skill at arms, his physical strength, and his obvious mental shortcomings made Howdy extremely dangerous. The doctors at the state hospital decided to call in social worker Edith Arbuckle, who had a long history of breakthrough cases with sociopathic males.
Edith tried her best to get through to Howdy, but he wouldn't open up. It was Shmitty Atkinson who finally connected with Howdy. Then came the breakthrough; during a typical free-form discussion session, Howdy drew Shmitty a picture of a smiley face, unleashing Shmitty's latent mutant super powers. After Shmitty donned the mantle of Superchum, Howdy was then inspired to follow in Shmitty's footsteps and try and "befriend the world."
Howdy armed himself with a super-steel indestructi-shield
of his own design, and clung to Superchum like a puppy dog. Superchum, feeling this companionship of Howdy's was an excellent opportunity to put his "Paths of Chumliness" philosophy into action, took Howdy under his wing. 'Chum made it his duty to help Howdy overcome his mental problems, and learn how to play well with others and be a good friend.
Superchum then gave Howdy a costume, and dubbed him his super sidekick, Friend, the very first member of The Mighty Befrienders!
POWERS:
None.
Abilities:
Howdy knows more than a dozen forms of hand-to-hand combat, and is considered one of the most dangerous individuals in the world. He can also speak in tongues, when the mood strikes him.
Weapons:
Howdy has designed a super-steel indestructi-shield. The perfectly round shield is painted bright yellow to resemble a smiley face, and Howdy uses it as a symbolic defense mechanism, reminding him that when he starts to lose control of his tendencies, that he can hide behind the protective warmth of CHUMLINESS!
His super-steel indeuctri-shield
lives up to its name. It's somehow made from an unknown alloy, harder and lighter than titanium. It can resist the kinetic energy and concussive force of a tactical nuclear weapon.
Bonus facts:
Howdy has a secret crush on Girlfriend. But is currently dating Suburbs' TV news reporter, Gertrude Gershwin.
WHAT 'CHUM FANS ARE SAYING
"Oooh, Superchum sounds like it could be a really good comic! You've definitely done a great job at it so far! I plan on coming back and continually reading this story. "