Disguised Dudes Determined to Deal Decisively against Drugs

Jason Hart and Rick Tyler were both young men with good intentions. When they saw crime infest their communities and innocents needing to be defended, they adopted their alter egos as Protector and Hourman, respectively. Even their choice in costume colors were similar. But there was a stark divide between the two costumed crusaders.

Jason was a youth who saw the effects the drug addiction had on his younger cousin Tim, and recalling that Tim's idolized superheroes like Nightwing/Robin, Hart adopted the alter ego of the Protector. Using his natural athletic ability, Jason was able to deal punishment toward the dealers stalking on the community. This led to Protector becoming trained by his role model and becoming an honorary member of Nightwing's Teen Titans of Earth-One.

Rick saw the affliction of his friend and love interest Beth Chapel during the Crisis on Infinite Earths, and the chaos resulting from the unfolding disaster. Adopting a alter ego and ingesting the addictive Miraclo pills that his father Rex created for his costumed crusade as the Hourman, Rick likewise assuming the identity. Gaining the strength and speed of five men, as the second Hourman, Rick and Beth... aka Doctor Midnight... became members of Infinity, Inc. of Earth-Two. However, the effects of his drug addiction took a toll on Rick when he would take more than one to increase his power, leading to his decision making becoming dangerous. Thankfully, Chapel was able to wean him off Miraclo and Tyler became a part time hero under a more moderate dosage of the pill.