Phenomaman Character Guide | Abilities & Wiki

Backstory

Origins

Phenomaman is a humanoid alien from the planet Urgot-52dc. At some point he came to Earth and worked at a Nordstrom Rack, where colleagues nicknamed him "Dumpy" because of his "large posterior." He later became a superhero for the SDN and appeared in multiple advertisements, becoming the company's poster boy.

Superhero Career

During Episode 2, an SDN ad starring Phenomaman plays on the waiting area TV. He appears uncomfortable and visibly reads from a teleprompter. At the episode's end, his relationship with Blonde Blazer is revealed. However, at the start of Episode 3, Blonde Blazer tells Robert she ended their relationship. Phenomaman falls into deep depression and is indefinitely suspended from the DTLA branch.

Joining the Z-Team

In Episode 4, Robert is tasked with giving Phenomaman a "pep talk" after both witness the depressed hero languishing on a crushed vehicle. If Robert kissed Blonde Blazer in Episode 1 and reveals this, Robert states he's "not that good of a kisser"—prompting Phenomaman to kiss Robert to verify. He ultimately agrees Robert isn't the cause of their breakup. Robert can recruit either Phenomaman or Waterboy as a replacement for Coupé or Sonar. If recruited, Phenomaman is grateful but finds himself ostracized by other members due to his personality and being a superhero among former supervillains.

Appearance

Phenomaman has slicked-back brown hair and dark blue eyes. He sports either a mustache or mutton chops. He wears a sleeveless blue bodysuit with a red belt, red cape, and high collar with yellow trim. He's muscular with red arm cuffs featuring silver and yellow accents. His costume matches Blonde Blazer's colors. After the breakup, he appears paler with reddened eyes, bags under his eyes, grown-out mutton chops, lightened hair, and a more pronounced red nose. Most traits return to normal after his first dispatch, though the bags temporarily reappear after Chase falls into a coma.

Personality

Phenomaman is confident but polite, though not fully accustomed to human traditions due to limited time on Earth. He struggles with complex social concepts, which contributed to his relationship ending. Key personality traits: - Socially awkward: Unintentionally gives backhanded compliments and trauma-dumps on strangers - Sensitive about appearance: Considers compliments on his looks as "bullying" because he's considered ugly on his home planet - Deeply emotional: After his breakup, reveals he hates himself and becomes severely depressed His depression from the breakup defines his character arc. If recruited in Episode 4, he slowly improves—dancing at the party in Episode 6 and finally appearing at peace in Episode 8.

Powers and Abilities

Alien Physiology

- Superhuman Strength: Easily lifts boulders and buses; delivers enormous blows that send enemies flying - Superhuman Durability: Endures heat, bullets, and most attacks; takes Shroud's fully charged energy beam unharmed - Superhuman Speed: Moves and flies faster than sound; hovers silently - Flight: Flies "a little faster" than Blonde Blazer; starting impact stuns nearby creatures and disrupts electronics - Solar Energy Absorption: Absorbs energy directly from the sun; claims he could plunge Earth into darkness if he chose - Self-Sustenance: Doesn't require basic human needs—seen drinking beer on the moon surrounded by empty floating cans

Hero Powers

- Easily Depressed: Needs only 2 seconds rest, but if any call fails or misses, becomes depressed and needs 45 seconds rest. - Heavily Medicated: Loses ability to fly and rests 8 seconds longer than usual, but can no longer become depressed. - Phenomenal Motivation: Heroes sent with Phenomaman have rest time reduced by half if he completes the call with them.

Relationships

Blonde Blazer

Ex-girlfriend he's still in love with. Comics reveal they broke up over differing ideals—she wants to settle down as Mandy while he dreams of fighting crime forever. If recruited to Z-Team, he slowly accepts the situation and maintains a respectful working relationship. Has synergy with her if she joins the roster.

Robert Robertson

Initially friendly, inviting Robert to sushi in Japan despite just meeting. After his breakup, Robert's pep talk helps. If Robert admits to kissing Blazer, Phenomaman kisses Robert to test if he's "that good a kisser." Takes Robert's advice to find new passions to heart, eventually embracing both Robert and Blonde Blazer together at the housewarming party.

Punch Up

Has synergy if Coupé is cut. Dialogue suggests they've hung out outside work, playing card games (possibly Magic: The Gathering). Some dialogue hints Phenomaman could be persuaded into a romance with Punch Up.

Malevola

Has synergy if Sonar is cut. She finds him "genuinely terrifying"—which she takes as a compliment.

Waterboy

Waterboy is a fan of Phenomaman. During the final dispatch, Waterboy is excited that Phenomaman knows who he is.

Trivia

Mainly based on Superman from DC Comics.
Appearance may be based on Omni-Man from Invincible.
His real name Katon-Ur resembles Kryptonian names like Jax-Ur.
Voice actor Travis Willingham uses his Superman voice from various DC projects.
According to Phenomaman, his genitals aren't compatible with humans.
His home planet Urgot-52dc references the number 52, a recurring thematic number in the DC Universe.
Considered ugly by his home planet's beauty standards.
In the French translation, he uses the simple past tense (normally reserved for literature), emphasizing how alien he is.

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