Matt, also known by his codename “Iron Hand,” is a fictional character from the VVaywards comic book series published by VS Comics. A strategic genius and field commander within the resistance, Matt is a scholar-warrior who combines intellect, experience, and hidden power to protect those under his command. Revered for his integrity and feared for his disciplined wrath, Matt serves as one of the guiding forces behind the Suicyde Kings' ongoing battle against the Ascendancy regime.
Biography
Before the fall of free society under the Ascendancy regime, Matt worked as a cultural historian and archivist. He became an underground strategist after discovering forbidden records detailing the regime’s rise to power, including covert experiments and political purges.
After escaping a blacksite interrogation, Matt forged his own resistance cell before merging it with Suicyde Kings team. He earned the name “Iron Hand” for his ability to lead with fairness, firmness, and an unyielding sense of duty. Though not the loudest voice in the room, his presence demands respect—and his silence can be louder than a command.
Appearance
Matt has a commanding, academic presence with a refined but battle-worn style:
Red hair and a medium-length red beard and mustache
Wears black-framed eyeglasses
His signature outfit includes:
A black fedora
A beige trench coat
A black button-up shirt and tie
Black jeans and black boots
A silver belt that holds a glowing ruby emblem
The ruby emits a faint red glow during moments of danger or when Matt channels his inner power.
Personality
Matt is calm, patient, and principled. He believes in justice, but not revenge—order, but not oppression. He acts as the team’s ethical compass, often weighing the long-term consequences of violence and political disruption.
His deep knowledge of history makes him a visionary among Suicyde Kings team. While he prefers diplomacy over destruction, he won’t hesitate to fight when necessary—and when he does, it’s swift and decisive.
Matt rarely raises his voice, but when he does, everyone listens.
Abilities and Skills
Though not genetically enhanced, Matt is a formidable figure due to his intellect and latent arcane abilities tied to his ruby emblem:
Strategic Combat Planning – Known for turning impossible situations into victories through coordination and foresight
Skilled Hand-to-Hand Combatant – Especially trained in defense-based martial arts
Historical Analysis & Myth Lore – Uses ancient knowledge to identify hidden regime weaknesses and magical anomalies
Leadership and Diplomacy – Often mediates internal team conflict and negotiates with allies
Ruby Emblem Power – The source of mysterious force projections and psychic resilience (origin unknown)
Equipment
The Ruby Emblem Belt – A mystical artifact embedded in his belt; it grants brief boosts of strength, perception, and barrier creation
Encrypted notepad – A digital device storing ancient texts, resistance blueprints, and classified intel
Hidden blade gauntlet – Worn under his coat for surprise defense
Emergency communication tokens – Ancient tech used for team signaling in silence-required zones
Relationships
Suicyde King – His closest wartime confidant. While he leads with passion, Matt tempers him with wisdom.
Raye “Valkyrie” Dempsey – They operate with similar restraint and clarity, often leading joint ops with excellent synergy.
Story Arcs
VVaywards: Hand of Silence
Matt uncovers a centuries-old prophecy linked to the ruby in his belt. As the regime seeks to claim arcane relics, Matt must choose whether to activate his emblem’s full power—risking death for knowledge.
VVaywards: Faultline Doctrine
After the VVaywards are blamed for a civilian massacre they didn’t commit, Matt becomes the Suicyde Kings spokesman, navigating political sabotage and reclaiming the public narrative against the VVaywards.
VVaywards: Trials of Stone
Captured and put on trial by a rogue tribunal, Matt must survive using only wit, words, and the truth. His calm dismantling of his accusers becomes one of the most quoted monologues in the series.
Reception
Matt has been praised by critics and fans for embodying a mature, balanced archetype of resistance leadership. Often compared to Charles Xavier, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Magneto (without the extremism), Matt has gained a devoted following for his blend of intellect, morality, and latent mystical power.
Trivia
The ruby on his belt predates the Ascendancy by several generations. Its origin is linked to early rebellion lore.
Matt writes poetry in his spare time but never shares it.
He has never killed without confirming necessity—his body count remains among the lowest of the team.
The only person who knows how the ruby works is Matt, and he’s vowed never to teach it without cause.
His codename “Iron Hand” was first used as an insult by a regime officer. Matt embraced it.