Zirr

The Zirri are a xenophobic race of insects from the Astro City Comics.

Biology
They resemble humanoid-insects. They possess wing flaps under their arms that allow them to glide, and a short tail. They also possess two compounded eyes and a pair of stalks. The male's stalks are usually short stubby things, but a female's mostly are long and elegant.

Their are various breeds of Zirr each with its own specialties.
 * Pounder: Zirr that are born strong and tough.
 * Flamer: Zirr that possess the ability to breath fire.
 * Bonder: Zirr that can touch minds.
 * Ripper:
 * Burner:
 * Flier:
 * Binder:

History
The Zirr had numerous engagements with the First Family of Earth. The scion of the Zirr empire, Korzinn lead numerous engagements against the superhuman family, but was defeated three times by them. Unable to accept the stain of defeat, the Emperor fabricated a story of his son defeating the First Family. When he was killed by his own pride, Korzakk placed the blame on the humans and made his son a martyr to fuel hatred on the First Family.

The Zirr provoke another fight with the First Family by capturing Conra-Furst. After they tried her she would be executed as a war criminal before the Zirr. The First Famly eventually came to her rescue, attacking the Zirr homeworld. A young Zirr named Zozat by chance came across an injured member of the First Family, touched his mind and saw the truth the Warlords hid.

Zozat aided the humans and gave them information where Conra would be kept. The Zirri unleashed the Ubersaurus a creature that was the combined power of 10,000 Zirri warriors. The First Family managed to defeat the Ubersaurus and later destroyed the Q-Crystal that was the Emperor's means of communication with the Zirri fleet. Without it the Empire would be in turmoil and rebellions across multiple worlds would ensue. To maintain face the Emperor claimed that the First Family were defeated and exiled out of benevolence of the Warlords, taking advantage of his people lack of knowledge on Earth language. Only Zozat knew the truth and seeing the lie he had been living vowed to become a Priestlord to help change his people.

Culture
The Zirr are a passionate people, their lives wholly dedicated to the state and conformity. Their main focus of worship is the leading Emperor of the Zirr who they praise and glorify. To keep their people in place the occupation of Priestlord, usually held by Bonders maintain loyalty to the state and erase any memories detrimental to the Zirri.
 * Emperor Kar-Zirr, The Warbearer: Crushed the ancient Aamin
 * Warlord Za: Cleasned the Vthuls and made their world the Zirr's first colony.
 * Korzinn the Lost. Son of Korzakk. Defeated the First Family.

Government
The Zirr are governed by a totalitarian government under the rule of the Emperor. Their leaders keep the populace in ignorance of other cultures and other worlds. Through military propaganda the Emperor fills the populace ears with tales of the leaders achievements, most which are highly susceptible to doubt, considering the large use of censorship and lies promoted by the emperors.