Shaft

REAL NAME: Jeff Terrel
HEIGHT: 6′ 0″
WEIGHT: 185 lbs.
GROUP AFFILIATION: Youngblood
An elite F.B.I. operative prior to hisselection as leader of Youngblood“home” team, Jeff Terrel’s swifttransformation into the publicpersona known as “Shaft” ensued,firmly establishing him as a hero tothe American public. Despite the fameand fortune. Jeff despises thecostumed artifice associated with the Youngblood program.

## THE CHARACTER OVERVIEW

Jeff Terrell was a decorated FBI agent with an uncanny aptitude for marksmanship and tactical strategy. When the U.S. government authorized the formation of Youngblood, Terrell was recruited not just for his skills, but for his integrity. As Shaft, he became the public face of the team. He is the “Point Man,” the one who makes the split-second calls in the heat of a global crisis. Unlike many of his teammates, Shaft has no inherent “super-powers”—he is a peak-human athlete using cutting-edge technology to level the playing field.

## COLLECTOR’S CARD: “POWER STATS”

NAME: SHAFT (JEFF TERRELL) LEVEL: MASTER TACTICIAN / ELITE MARKSMAN WEAPONRY: A specialized, high-tension collapsible compound bow capable of firing a variety of “Smart-Arrows” (EMP, grappling, explosive, and armor-piercing). SKILLS: Expert in hand-to-hand combat, forensic investigation, and psychological warfare. THE HOOK: Shaft is the “Eye in the Sky” and the “Boot on the Ground.” He doesn’t miss, and he never breaks under pressure.

## INVESTOR PITCH: THE “FRANCHISE LEADER” STRATEGY

1. The “Everyman” Nexus: In a universe of aliens and rock-men, Shaft is the grounding force. Audiences gravitate toward the “highly trained human” (akin to Batman or Hawkeye) because the stakes are higher for them. Shaft provides the emotional core for a Youngblood adaptation, serving as the audience’s surrogate in a world of “Extreme” chaos.

2. The Iconic Silhouette: Liefeld’s design for Shaft—the sleek red-and-white uniform, the tech-heavy visor, and the massive compound bow—is one of the most recognizable silhouettes in the Image Comics library. It translates perfectly to high-end apparel and cosplay, which are massive drivers for San Diego Comic-Con engagement.

3. Strategic IP Cross-Pollination: Shaft is the ultimate “crossover” character. His background in the FBI allows for “Police Procedural” style storytelling mixed with high-concept superhero action. This “Genre-Bending” makes the IP attractive to networks looking for more than just a standard capes-and-tights show.

## SYNOPSIS FOR THE DIRECT MARKET (REBOOT POTENTIAL)

“Jeff Terrell had a badge and a steady life until the government asked him to lead a team of living weapons. Now, as Shaft, he’s the most scrutinized man in the world. Leading Youngblood isn’t just about fighting off extra-dimensional threats; it’s about managing the egos of celebrities with the power to level cities. When a conspiracy within the FBI threatens to expose the dark secrets behind Youngblood’s funding, Shaft must decide where his loyalty lies: with the government that gave him his bow, or the team that treats him like a brother.”

## THE “KAYFABE” ANALYSIS: THE WEAPON AS THE BRAND

From a “Cartoonist Kayfabe” perspective, Shaft’s bow is a masterclass in 90s design logic. It’s over-engineered, visually “busy” in a way that implies high-tech functionality, and it separates him instantly from traditional archers like Robin Hood. In the Direct Market, Shaft covers were synonymous with the “Image Revolution”—representing a move away from the “old guard” of Marvel/DC toward something sleeker, faster, and more commercial.

## LICENSING CATEGORIES

• Gaming: A “Skill-Shot” specialist. Perfect for first-person shooters or third-person action games (think Overwatch or Destiny).
• Collectibles: A high-demand candidate for 1/6th scale figures with interchangeable “trick arrows.”
• Live-Action/Streaming: The central protagonist for a “Youngblood” political thriller series.