Description
Age: 53
Physical Appearance: Standing at about 5' 7'', and weighing in at just just over 200 pounds, Ford is still a pretty physically fit man for his age. Years ago, he maintained a stronger figure, but even in his old age, his appearance is still commanding. His face still retains a strong, chiseled jaw now accompanied by a few wrinkles around the mouth and lower cheekbones. His eyes now retain a couple smaller wrinkles under them, but still appear as strong as ever in their gaze. Finally, what was once an attractive, squared off chin is now covered in gray five o' clock shadow. Ford's shoulders, not quite as broad as they once were, are now somewhat leaner but not enough to be scrawny. Ford's build in general is that of a retired soldier, not as big as he once was, but still lean and fit for a man his age, and thus no less commanding in his posture. What used to be silver blond hair is now grayish white, with the hairline receding on the sides, but not so much on the front or top. Even so, that hair is always combed straight back to appear more professional in appearance.
Civilian Wardrobe: Ford almost always dons a simple button-up white shirt tucked into khaki pants that are held up by a leather belt. Over the shirt, Ford is often seen wearing a brown duster coat when the weather is colder. On his feet he usually always wears Velcro running shoes, usually dark gray or black. Some of his personal effects will include a watch that he always wears on the left wrist, a fedora hat that he sometimes wears for rainy days, a wallet, cell phone, set of keys, and whatever else might be needed for occasion (such as umbrella, rain coat, etc).
Silver Guardian Wardrobe
The suit is made with an expensive material that is very durable and long-lasting. It is almost perfectly elastic, allowing it to stretch to a perfect fit to anyone who wears it. It has practical purpose as well, such as high insulation to help protect the wearer from extreme hot and cold temperatures as well keep out potentially harmful liquids. It is also very flame retardant (from normal flames, but super-heated fire will still burn it).
Personality
James Ford was born with a desire to protect. Even before becoming the Silver Guardian, Ford had aspirations to join the military to protect his country. No matter the situation, civilian lives come first. If a Super Villain was attacking a city, Ford's first priority would be ensuring the safety of civilians before confronting the villain in question. This has often allowed his enemies ample time to escape while keeping Ford busy with saving someone else's life. As far as Ford is concerned, there will always be a chance to capture the villain, while an innocent life is irreplaceable. Beyond that, Ford is almost always neat and tidy, as expected from one who used to be a soldier. He assesses situations with the mindset of an Army Strategist, looking for the best solution to any problem that costs minimal collateral damage. As such, Ford was often a nigh impossible foe for villains to overcome without resorting to hostages. In his middle age, Ford still retains his value of human life and desire to protect, but has become somewhat embittered since the Levani takeover.
Equipment
Ford doesn't use weapons, but he is gifted with superhuman strength, speed, and flight with which he once used to watch over the world in general. Ford's powers can be rendered useless when he is exposed to a certain frequency of waves. These waves are rare, and only a small handful devices (almost exclusively owned by Dr. Machina) can generate them. These waves will essentially nullify his powers and, if strong enough, could kill him entirely.
(No, he's not as unbeatable as Superman. Ford would be closer to Hancock in that regard)
History
Young Jimmy Ford was born to a family of celebrated Marines. His father, Thomas Ford, was a Master Chief Petty Officer of the United States Marine Corps. With a father like Thomas, the younger James aspired for no less than to achieve the same rank some day. Marine training was hard and rigorous, but Jim Ford soldiered through it like any self-respecting member of the Ford family. Jim's career with the Marines was somewhat short-lived, as one of their missions took them to a remote island for a recon exercise. It was here that Ford stumbled upon a dying man named Geoffrey Byron, then known as the Silver Guardian. Ford's instincts told him to call for a Med, but it proved too late. Byron, needing someone to whom to pass on his powers, used his last energy to give them to Ford. In a flash of silver light, Byron's body vanished, and his attire appeared on Ford instead. From that day on, Ford protected the world as the Silver Guardian.
Ford had to retire early from the Marines in order to carry on Byron's work as a superhero. Officially, Ford left because a past injury he sustained was giving him long-term problems. Ford's father knew that wasn't the truth, and for years, practically disowned James for what he believed to be cowardice. For more than twenty years, James had watched over the world and guarded it from danger as the Silver Guardian. Along the way, James built up quite a reputation as something of a legend among superheroes. Ford's legacy was built mostly upon his rivalry with Doctor Deux X. Machina, whose plans had been foiled several times by the Silver Guardian. By the time Ford retired from superhero work, he was in his mid-forties. By that time, he had long since married an old high school sweetheart. Ford had three children. The oldest, Darrel "Darry" Ford, had followed in his family's footsteps and became a Sgt of the Marine Corps. Ryan, the middle son, had recently graduated high school and was about to be shipped off for basic training. Finally, Ford's youngest child, Katherine, was in her junior year of high school when James retired.
When James retired, he decided to entrust the powers of the Silver Guardian to Darrel. For roughly ten years, Darrel protected the world as the Silver Guardian. Then, the Levani came. Darrel was killed in the first attack at the banquet trap. Ryan, who had reached the Master Chief rank by this time, was killed during the Levani's following takeover of the world. Only Kate had survived the takeover. Thankfully, Darrel was resourceful enough that he was able to give his powers back to James just before he was killed. Once again having no choice but to become the Silver Guardian again, James now seeks out Dr. Machina, his old enemy. If there were anyone with the resources to stand up to these alien bastards, it was Machina. But is this about saving the world once again, or revenge?
