Known Powers:

Photon is the current possessor of the Astegor Armor, forged in the ancient past by unknown beings. The armor has a symbiotic relationship with its wearer and will alter its appearance to match the personality of its host. The armor itself is non-sentient. Neal's natural abilities are greatly enhanced by the armor and it gives him a wide range of attack forms. The armor can make its wearer invisible and intangible, and create fields of very bright light.

Additionally, Neal's blood has been tainted by a werewolf. Under a full moon his metabolism and his mannerisms become more aggressive. He does not turn into a true werewolf, but is physically more powerful and intense. It is during these times that he especially hunts for monsters. The armor is temporarily boosted during these times as well via its symbiotic link.

Notes:

Neal Washington's life had been a fairly ordinary one until the day he discovered that his father was a werewolf! Bitten by his father and terrified, Neal ran out in the streets and fell through an open manhole cover. He was carried away by the flow in the sewers and blacked out.

Neal awoke in a strange place, his wounds being tended by a old man who called himself the 'Guardian of Astegor'. The old man informed Neal that he had been chosen as his successor and that he must now guard the portal. Before Neal could realize what was going on, he was given an amulet and the transfer was completed. The Armor of Astegor appeared around Neal and he became the new Guardian.

The old Guardian was slain by Neal's father, who's enhanced werewolf senses had tracked him down in the sewers. Neal's first use of his new powers was to kill his own father. Adopting the name Photon, Neal now serves as the current Guardian of Astegor.

In the years that followed, Photon has attempted to research his armor and the mysterious portal. Neal discovered that many of the monsters of legend and myth were real or had been real. His grandfather's books installed a strong desire deal to combat these threats. Backed by the power of the Astegor Armor, Neal hunts for those things that live in the shadows and on the fringe, unnoticed by the world at large. Over time this has become an obsession.

Neal has yet to learn who created the Armor, or even if they are the same person, or beings, who created the portals. Photon currently wanders the world, fulfilling his self-appointed quest.

Photon aided Hunter several times in the past in combating vampires. Reports of monster sightings had brought the hero to El Paso, Texas and an unexpected run in with the Young Champion known as Starbolt. Recently, Photon was contacted by the Huntress and has returned to New York City to help the Avengers combat the latest crop of vampires.

Photon was created and drawn by Muskateer.

Appearances:

Avengers # 26 - 28
Huntress # 21
Troubleshooters # 1 - 3
Young Champions # 1, 2

Awards:

Voted Most Wanted for 1999