Description
Zachs Cromwell serves as maternal uncle and guardian to Levius Cromwell following his brother-in-law Nicholas's wartime death and Levius's mother's coma. He presents a rugged, middle-aged appearance with medium-length black hair, a mustache, beard, and a distinctive goggle-style eyepatch covering his left eye. This eyepatch manages a congenital infrared hypersensitivity, granting thermal vision but risking retinal damage or fatal brain injury if overused.
Personally loud, cheerful, and talkative, Zachs displays social awkwardness, particularly around children, compounded by his unmarried status at age 38 when Levius arrived. Early interactions with Levius were strained by failed humor and emotional distance. Their bond developed through shared experiences like repairing a car and visiting a Mechanical Martial Arts hall connected to Levius's mother, where Levius expressed survivor's guilt. This prompted Zachs to contact mechanic Bill Weinberg for Levius's prosthetic maintenance and assume the role of Levius's coach.
Professionally, Zachs is a former underground boxer forced into retirement due to his eye condition. As Levius's trainer, he blends technical boxing knowledge with mentorship, advising strategic moves such as opening with high kicks. He grappled with the violent nature of cybernetic boxing, especially after Levius killed opponent Malcolm Eden in the ring, evoking Zachs's fear of Levius becoming "a devil." He later reconciled with Malcolm, who assisted in training Levius.
Zachs exhibits strong protective instincts and survivor's guilt linked to his brother's death. He avoids hospitals due to trauma, leaving Levius alone during visits to his comatose mother. He intervened when Levius sought violent revenge against A.J. Langdon (associated with the militarized corporation Amethyst), urging restraint to preserve Levius's career. His loyalty led him to oppose Levius's dangerous meeting with A.J., though he relented under Levius's insistence.
Across adaptations, Zachs remains a stabilizing figure for Levius, balancing coaching with familial support. His character arc culminates in accepting Levius's ambitions despite personal fears, notably supporting Levius's critical Grade II promotion match against A.J. to free her from Amethyst's control.
Personally loud, cheerful, and talkative, Zachs displays social awkwardness, particularly around children, compounded by his unmarried status at age 38 when Levius arrived. Early interactions with Levius were strained by failed humor and emotional distance. Their bond developed through shared experiences like repairing a car and visiting a Mechanical Martial Arts hall connected to Levius's mother, where Levius expressed survivor's guilt. This prompted Zachs to contact mechanic Bill Weinberg for Levius's prosthetic maintenance and assume the role of Levius's coach.
Professionally, Zachs is a former underground boxer forced into retirement due to his eye condition. As Levius's trainer, he blends technical boxing knowledge with mentorship, advising strategic moves such as opening with high kicks. He grappled with the violent nature of cybernetic boxing, especially after Levius killed opponent Malcolm Eden in the ring, evoking Zachs's fear of Levius becoming "a devil." He later reconciled with Malcolm, who assisted in training Levius.
Zachs exhibits strong protective instincts and survivor's guilt linked to his brother's death. He avoids hospitals due to trauma, leaving Levius alone during visits to his comatose mother. He intervened when Levius sought violent revenge against A.J. Langdon (associated with the militarized corporation Amethyst), urging restraint to preserve Levius's career. His loyalty led him to oppose Levius's dangerous meeting with A.J., though he relented under Levius's insistence.
Across adaptations, Zachs remains a stabilizing figure for Levius, balancing coaching with familial support. His character arc culminates in accepting Levius's ambitions despite personal fears, notably supporting Levius's critical Grade II promotion match against A.J. to free her from Amethyst's control.