- Uri-On
Superherobox
caption=Promotional art for
"Uri-on" #1 (1987)
character_name=Uri-on
real_name=Uri Ben David
publisher=Private publication
debut=
creators=Michael Netzer
alliances=
homeworld=
Base of operations =Israel
aliases=
powers=Superhuman strength, speed and the ability to flyUri-On is a fictional
comic book superhero created by Israeli-American artistMichael Netzer , in partnership with Jonathan Duitch and Yossi Halpern in 1987. [ [http://www.haggadahsrus.com/z.Art08.JewishSuperman.htm Uri-On: The Israeli-Jewish Superman] , Haggadahs R Us]The comic book
The adventures of Uri-On were initially published in Israel in 1987, in four-color comic books, and continued later in the children's magazine "Kulanu" ( _he. כֻּלָּנוּ), for several years.
The publication elicited criticism and controversy for its serious and patriotic Israeli superhero, whose author was considered to harbor
right-wing political sentiment as aWest Bank resident, at a time when Israeli culture was seen to have grown past such idealism. [Eli Eshed on the controversy of Uri-On, [http://www.sf-f.org.il/story_164 The Israeli Superheroes] , Israel Society for Science-Fiction and Fantasy (October, 2001}] [Eli Eshed, [http://www.notes.co.il/eshed/3954.asp Hebrew Comics-A History] The Universe of Eli Eshed (December, 2003)] In the letter columns of the comic book, Netzer rebutted these claims by stressing the support for a peaceful solution to the plot conflict in the series storyline, and the cultural abundance of patriotism seen in American superheroes, on which Uri-On was based. [ Letter column, Uri-On #3, Israel comics (1988)]Many mistakenly consider "Uri-On" to be the first Israeli superhero. "Uri-On" is the first Israeli superhero to be published in color, but the first Israeli superhero was actually "Sabraman" which was created by
Uri Fink and published inblack-and-white in the late 1970s. [Eli Eshed on the history of Israeli Superheroes, [http://www.sf-f.org.il/story_164 The Israeli Superheroes] , ISSF (October, 2001}]Uri-On was named after the Israeli news commentator
Uri Orbach , Netzer's friend and roommate at the time he created the character. [Yoni Shedmi, [http://www.nrg.co.il/online/5/ART/976/250.html Hero on the Edge] , NRG Maariv, 08/26/2005]The character
Background
After a secret technological institute in the
Negev called "The Israeli Institute of Advancement in Special Technologies" discovers that aliens from the star Alianos plan an invasion to earth, they enlist the Israeli soldier Uri Ben-David and transform him into "Uri-On" – a super hero with extraordinary powers in a blue suit with a logo of aMenorah on his chest (the Israeli national symbol). Uri-On uses his powers to defend the state of Israel from the invaders targeting the Israel Negev desert, where they had buried large supplies or ores needed for their planet's survival, some 5,000 years before. During the battle over the Negev desert, Uri-On discovers that amongst the invaders is an Earth man, Eidan, taken by them during their first visit to Earth, and who became nearly immortal on Alianos. Together, they effect an overthrow of the militant leadership of the invading army, and succeed in bringing a peaceful resolution to the invasion effort. In the series continuation, Uri-On also attempts to help an Israeli pilot, transformed into a monstrous Scorpion-Man, during the battle with the invaders.Powers and abilities
Uri-On's arsenal of powers includes:
* Super-strength, enabling him to lift hundreds of tons effortlessly.
* Ability to fly
* Super-Speed - Uri-On is capable of moving at tremendous speeds, faster than thespeed of sound .In addition, Uri-On is equipped with two "bracelets of truth" on his arms, which enable him to read the minds of his enemies. He also uses his costume belt and bracelet pellets as a
sling , evoking the weapon used byKing David againstGoliath , with which he is able to control forces of nature.Notes
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