Boy lives out dream as superhero persona ‘Galacto’ at Make-A-Wish event

Chicagoans can sleep soundly tonight now that the evil T-Storm is behind bars.

Galacto took down his nemesis Sunday in a showdown that included a mock chase across Chicago in a police helicopter, boat and vintage squad car.

It was part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s production for 6-year-old Finnegan Kuzniar, who thought up the idea to play his own superhero and confront a villain.

“I defeated the bad guy, but now he’s my friend,” Finnegan said after arresting T-Storm, played by his older brother Colman.

Finnegan, who has an autoimmune disease, played the half-alien, half-human superhero, fashioning a green mask with the letter “G.” His powers include a blaster arm and ability to fly and create force fields.

David Struett/Sun-Times

Finnegan drew up designs for his superhero persona, according to Jessica Miller, a spokeswoman for Make-A-Wish. The costume was crafted at Columbia College Chicago.

The elaborate pursuit through Chicago began Saturday night when Finnegan was asked to take on his persona, Galacto, to help stop T-Storm and his band of thieves.

After a brief “junior police training” Sunday morning, he searched for T-Storm in a Chicago Fire Department boat and police helicopter. Galacto spotted him, then chased him through downtown in a Blues Brothers-era squad car.

In the final battle, Galacto cornered T-Storm at Navy Pier to the cheers of fans and classmates, and pummeled the enemy through a wall of paper bricks. Galacto struck Batman several times in the abdomen.

“You got us!” Batman said. Spiderman stepped up and told Finnegan, “I”m such a big fan.”

CPD Supt. Eddie Johnson thanked him for his bravery in a news conference following Finnegan’s triumph.

“Your unrelenting heroism is an inspiration to us all,” he said.

Johnson said he was called Saturday night by Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who asked the police chief what to do with T-Storm. Johnson said Galacto was in town and ready to help.

Anthony Guglielmi

Lightfoot also spoke to reporters, thanking Finnegan for his work. “I’m forever in debt,” she said.

Finnegan said his favorite part was flying in the helicopter to locate T-Storm, who was seen traveling with the Joker.

Galacto also had his share of help: Superman was spotted aiding in the chase.

Finnegan and his older brother Colman share an autoimmune disease that often keeps them from attending school, teaching assistant Tina Gragnani said.

“They’re not at school a lot, but all of Finn’s classmates are here cheering him on,” she said. “They’re really humble kids. ... They’re really sweethearts”

Finnegan attended a fundraising gala for Make-A-Wish last month at Navy Pier, in which he introduced Galacto and pledged himself to “truth, justice and to make a wish,” CEO Stephanie Springs said at the news conference.

“He did an amazing job — and, boy did he carry it out,” she said.