Feedback (Dark Horse Comics)

Fictional character history

Software engineer Matthew Atherton was working on a bio-organic computer system using organic computing when a large explosion bombarded him with hi-tech cellular shrapnel. He discovered his body generated a feedback field that shuts down nearby electronic equipment. Atherton created a damping suit to keep the field in check and became the superhero Feedback. By playing video games, he can temporarily absorb attributes of the game, such as running along walls or rewinding time after playing Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.

An organization called Tech Support helps him use these powers wisely, but each use causes memory loss. The Dark Horse comic and Mega Snake did not feature the video game power absorption, possibly due to intellectual property issues. In another origin, computer whiz Matthew Atherton is tricked by the terrorist Ironside into helping perfect an unstoppable robot vehicle, then left for dead; an unexpected event turns him into Feedback.

Equipment and powers

Feedback's damping suit, made of high-tech fabric and designed by Atherton, counters the disruptive feedback field and allows absorption of powers from video games. The original costume included a layer of body armor; the new costume incorporates FlexTek body armor into the damping suit. A wrist device called the Feedback Field Monitor, activated by the voice command 'Game on!', turns off the field inhibitor and indicates remaining charge before the field reverts to its disruptive state. Force Feedback Power Emulation lets Feedback absorb abilities by playing video games on a modified console; one hour of gameplay equals ten minutes of power emulation.

The feedback field itself disrupts electronic equipment within 15 feet and causes malfunctions up to 25 feet; it is always on and cannot be controlled except by the damping suit, and shuts off when he is charged from playing games. Feedback can generate a powerful electrical blast from his hands. High-energy fields cause him pain: power lines cause headaches, microwaves cause nausea, and energy-beam weapons cause extra damage. When emulating a character, he also inherits that character's weaknesses.

Tech Support

Tech Support functions as Feedback's elite reconnaissance, research, and field support unit. They identify video games that can grant Feedback the powers he needs for specific missions, while also working to uncover the cause of his memory loss and how to restore it.

Feedback officially acknowledges them as his sidekicks. This group mirrors a real-world fan club of the same name, whose members created the characters. Creator Atherton has endorsed the fan club and its integration into the backstory, but the current rights holders have not given their approval.

Appearances

Feedback debuted at Mid-Ohio Con on November 25–26, 2006, in Columbus, Ohio. He also appeared at Phoenix Cactus Comicon (January 26–28, 2007, Phoenix, AZ), Steel City Con (March 24–25, 2007, Monroeville, PA), and Emerald City Comicon (March 31–April 1, 2007, Seattle, WA), signing autographs and taking pictures.

In the Sci-Fi Channel movie Mega Snake (August 25, 2007), Feedback appears briefly (under two minutes) giving a safety lecture at a carnival; when the monster attacks, he holds it off while crowds evacuate. He appeared in the opening and final episodes of the second season of Who Wants to Be a Superhero? and interviewed eliminated contestants on the Sci-Fi Channel website. Feedback was a Media Guest of Honor at GenCon Indy (August 16–19, 2007, Indianapolis, IN), signing autographs and selling a limited edition 'Feedback Loop' token for True Dungeon, raising over $1700 for Make-A-Wish Foundation and Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic.

Did You Know?

• Matthew Atherton graduated from Grinnell College in 1995.
• Atherton was 34 years old during season one of Who Wants to Be a Superhero?
• After his father's suicide when Matthew was 14, superheroes like Spider-Man became his role models.