Edward Morgan Blake aka the Comedian on American Hero Story: Minutemen is a fictionalized version of the costumed adventurer of the same name.
Character[]
Dale Petey suggests that J.T. March's depiction of Eddie Blake in American Hero Story: Minutemen lacks a nuanced exploration of Blake's psychology. Instead, it transforms the Comedian into a symbol of mid-century toxic masculinity, foregoing a deeper analysis in favor of a polemical approach.
The fictionalized portrayal of the Comedian this way is seen as a reflection of March's own negative views towards his gender. March's negative depiction of Blake is influenced by personal grievances. March's grandfather, James Trafford March, a notable science fiction writer and political activist, was famously listed as "nasty number 69" on Richard Nixon's enemies list and disappeared in 1985. It is implied that March may harbor beliefs that the Comedian was involved in his grandfather's disappearance, contributing to his unfavorable portrayal in the show.
Biography[]
American Hero Story: Minutemen[]
Reigning Superman[]
In an origin story montage, juxtaposed with Shirley Temple's "You Gotta Eat Your Spinach, Baby," the transformation of a teenage Eddie Blake unfolds. Initially a victim of bullies, he adopts the ruthless persona of comic book tough guys of the period to seek revenge, eventually evolving into a bully himself. As the montage unfolds, Blake's path takes a darker turn. Motivated by reports of Hooded Justice in the newspapers, he burglarizes a costume emporium, stealing a domino mask and a vibrant yellow jumpsuit. Taking to the dimly lit waterfronts of Depression-era New York City, Blake becomes a costumed adventurer, responding to even the slightest disturbance with an alarming intensity of violence. Whether dispersing a homeless encampment beneath an underpass or thwarting a sexual assault outside a seedy tavern, he punctuates each encounter with cringe-worthy, yet oddly fitting, one-liners.
Razzle Dazzle[]
In "Razzle Dazzle", the Comedian discovers that he's the most popular member of the Minutemen as children all across the United States rush to buy his costume for Halloween.
Internal Affairs[]
In "Internal Affairs", the Comedian sexually assaults Silk Spectre, and Hooded Justice beats him to a bloody pulp. In response to his actions, the Minutemen quietly vote him out of the team. Following his departure, Blake joins the United States Marines to fight in World War II.
Reboot[]
In "Reboot", the Comedian is now rebooted as a "star-spangled gun toting super cop".