April Gordon

Art by Neldorwen

GOLDEN

Race: Human

Skills: Mechanics, computer science, combat

Family: Gordons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April Gordon is a character created by Marzena. Since debuting in This Is Their Story, she has been featured in a number of other tales, and is considered the first major original character in Defenders of the Earth storytelling.

Upbringing

April is the daughter of Dale and Flash, born and raised, along with her little brother Rick, during her family's battle against Ming the Merciless of planet Mongo. In some tales, she is also the cousin of Tori Gordon and Sara Gordon.

Like other Gordon children, she took a great interest in her parents' exploits, convincing Flash and Dale to train her in basic marksmanship and self defense. Upon growing older, she also developed a passion for space exploration. During a family expedition, Dale was captured by Ming and lost her life amidst the subsequent struggle. A devastated April blamed herself, and chose to pursue training at a combat academy in space. At the same time, her father and brother joined a group in America called the Defenders of the Earth.

This Is Their Story

This Is Their Story and its retelling present extensive focus on April's reaction to the loss of Dale, along with her determination to hone her skills in space. She later joins the Defenders and becomes a valuable member of the team, bonding with fellow newcomer Amy O'Connor.

Sailor Moon Defenders

In Sailor Moon Defenders, April returns to Earth to help the Defenders end the reign of Queen Hadea, with plans to remain on the team afterward. She then becomes a full-time member of the DoE while reconnecting with her family.

This Is Their Side Story

In This Is Their Side Story, April is recruited into the space academy by her aunt Abigail — who does not provide motherly affection in Dale's absence. Instead, Abigail displays tough love while instilling the skills that she believes will protect April and others. Upon returning to Earth, she joins the Defenders, develops a romantic attachment to her teammate LJ, and learns that Dale might be revived.

Defenders Chronicles: Highlander

She has a notable role in Defenders Chronicles: Highlander, which explores her close bond with her cousin Tori.

Skills and Demeanor

April is generally presented as a focused, courageous, and caring girl, occasionally bolder than the other Gordons. She displays all of the talents that members of the Gordon family tend to possess, though some of hers may be enhanced due to her training in the space academy. 

April is a better armed combatant than Rick, and equally skilled in the areas of piloting, mechanics, and self defense. During her upbringing, she earned several gold medals in marksmanship, ultimately proving so effective with weapons that Rick began to grow jealous, creating an occasional friction between the two. It was amidst this period that she attracted the professional attention of her aunt Abigail, along with the concern of Ming the Merciless, who was wary of the threat that she might pose in the future.

April is capable of repairing and enhancing most space vehicles entirely by herself, as demonstrated during conversations with Dale, Sara, and a visitor from an alternate dimension, Duffy Gordon.

While she is fond of useful gadgets, she sometimes lacks Rick's natural gift for creating them, relying on her brother when a nifty tool is needed.

April and her mother Dale. Art by Plustina.

Related: Gordon Family