by Stephen Chen
Looming sky and harsh moonlight created a comic-book-esque scene for the Astrals’ “Bat Signal” projector. “This doesn’t seem like real-life,” said Knight, the spokesperson and founder of the Astrals. “This is straight out of a comic book.”
On April 19, the Astrals ended their fundraiser for “Reach Out and Read Georgia” with their spotlight event and finale of their “Year One”: the unveilings of the Astral Projector.
According to Knight, the person or persons supporting the greatest donation toward “Reach Out and Read Georgia” had the opportunity to turn on the Astrals’ “Bat Signal” for the first time. “Savannah authorities will have access to the Astral Projector,” Knight said. “SPD and Savannah Fire can reach us by turning it on.” Since the winner was unable to attend due to personal reasons, the team turned it on collectively.
Though the Astrals already have an established relationship with the local authorities, the Astral Projection is a team meant to instill a “sense of safety” to victims of crimes and inspire hope by creating a “larger than life” persona, according to Knight.
The Astrals logo seemed to reach nearly every corner of Savanah. The spotlight originated from Johnson square, projecting on the sides of the Johnson Square Business Center and the Manger Building. The logo’s visibility stretched as far as the Hive.
The Astrals gained a lot of momentum as the night went on. Residents of Savannah were very curious of the spectacle. The four founding members of the team, Knight, Strix, Reflex and Apex, suited up to the event in full armor. The city of Savannah gathered around the team with questions.
The Astrals seemed to evoke a child-like wonder and awe for the sublime. Knight, in his futuristic take on the medieval warrior in a cape that exaggerated his presence; Strix, in his Eastern-Western fusion friendly-neighborhood ninja armor; Reflex, in his Middle Eastern dessert warrior suit cloaked in mystery; and Apex, his absolute robotic cyborg armor and his chilling yet authoritative silence, the team was powerfully assembled. However, the sheer fantasy of their existence made them approachable.
Mr. Young from Nuts About Savannah, which is located next to the Astral Projector, was the first to approach. Curiously, he asked about the team. After Knight explained their mission, he expressed his respect for them and his belief in team, “Keep up the good work,” Young said.
As the night fell, SCAD students began asking about the Astrals with supportive enthusiasm. Unanimously, people who engaged with the team all had similar responses: a sincere belief in the mission, respect, gratitude and a sense of safety. Many even offered to promote the team in their workplaces.
Knight and Apex took the opportunity to walk down Broughton Street in full armor halfway through the event. Families asked to take pictures as the kids expressed excitement over real-life superheroes. Wait staffs stepped out from their restaurants to start conversations. The curiously enthusiastic public welcomed the team all the way down to Leopold’s. According to Knight, the team solidified their presence in the community as they “normalized” their characters throughout the night.
“We ran out of cards,” Knight said. “All 100 of them.” There was a sense of hope and excitement behind his deep, powerful tone. “This was a successful event.”
