Local Heroes

FREE Agent Holiday was once a member of the Federal Research, Emergency, and Enforcement Association and partner of FREE Agent Coraje (the man who would one day become Silent Knight). She was a skilled operative, trained in various methods of hand-to-hand and firearms combat, flying vehicle piloting, and super-normal villain incarceration.

In recent years, she may have been kidnapped by Quetzalcoatl and WASP, although this has not been confirmed.

Agent Holiday first appeared as a FREE Agent in Local Heroes strip #130 (within Storyline 7 — “A Brief Mystery of Time”). Squire appears to have first encountered her as a nameless WASP victim in Local Heroes strip #47 (within Storyline 2 — “Anger is as a Stone Cast Into a Wasp's Nest”)

Dr. Tomori employed by the Federal Research, Emergency, and Enforcement Association as a FREE Thinker. A brilliant but disgruntled temporal physicist, Dr. Tomori decided to utilize a stolen time pool to journey into the past and put his younger self on the path to become the villain Timesmith and reap unethical rewards. Further convoluting this series of events, Squire followed Timesmith into the past, masqueraded as a mysterious other-worldly entity called "The Bystander," thwarted Timesmith's plans, and returned them both to the present.

Timesmith first appeared as Dr. Tomori in Local Heroes strip #125 (within Storyline 6 — “A Brief Mystery of Time”). He first declared himself as Timesmith in Local Heroes strip #136 (also within Storyline 6 — “A Brief Mystery of Time”)

The Federal Research, Emergency, and Enforcement Association utilizes several science stations across the world . . . and one just above it. Eternity Station is a research facility orbiting the Earth at the Earth-Moon L5 point.

This compact station is staffed with a small, hand-picked selection of FREE Thinkers—physicists, biologists, and meta-theoreticians that are rotated planetside every few weeks. The scientists of Eternity Station are tasked with investigating phenomena that defy conventional understanding of temporal physics.

For many years, Eternity Station was a second home to respected temporal physicist Dr. Tomori, until he enacted an evil plan which included gaining limited control over time time travel.

Although the station is not designed to withstand a prolonged attack, it is equipped with several defensive weapons in case of alien attack.

Eternity Station first appeared in Local Heroes strip #124 (within Storyline 7 — “A Brief Mystery of Time”).

Plethora is the trained pet of Legion (founder of UNIONS). She is a young spider-monkey with no super-powers, but is very fit and athletic. Her curiosity sometimes leads her into trouble, but so far Plethora hasn't gotten into any trouble that Legion and Squire can't fix.

Plethora first appeared in Local Heroes strip #95 (within Storyline 6 — “Monkey Business”).

The Federal Research, Emergency, and Enforcement Association is quasi-governmental task force charged with investigating and resolving all super-science, mystical, and paranormal activities that may be considered threats to the American people. The Association operates chiefly within the borders of the United States of America, but has been known to cooperate with the authorities of other countries during investigations or pursuits.

The FREE Association was created in 1967 in direct response to a surge of super-menaces that began one year earlier. Initially consisting of two dozen civilian experts collected from various research and law enforcement groups, the Association currently has nearly 800 full-time staff members dedicated to its purposes. The Association is led from the FREE Dome by an board of directors and organized into three divisions: research and development is handled by their FREE Thinkers, search and rescue is taken care of by FREE Lancers, and the FREE Agents handle enforcement and incarceration (within the FREE Hold facility).

The worldwide community of super-powered adventurers have had mixed reactions to the FREE Association and its agenda. Although the majority of interactions have been fairly positive, there have been a number of occasions where that community viewed the Association in a very poor light. One of the worst time periods was, understandably, the aftermath of the Secret Crossover Crisis of the 1980s. However, the current leaders of the FREE Association have taken great strides in rebuilding a positive relationship between it and the worldwide super-community. UNIONS currently maintains a positive relationship with the Association, helped in part due to the long-standing friendship of Mystery-man and the FREE Agent Commander Roadhorse.

Commander Roadhorse and the FREE Association first appeared in Local Heroes strip #87 (within Storyline 5 — “Storyline 5 -- The Museum of Unnatural Mystery”).

The Groovy Ghost first came on the scene in 1966. After several brief but memorable confrontations with Mystery-man and his Mystery-family, he soon became considered as one of the core members of the "Mystery-menaces" rogues gallery.

He entered his career as a living man, leading a small group of goons into petty crimes with his ghost-themed gadgets. In the late 1980s, he was literally killed during one of his capers, but was brought back as a "living ghost." His lust for material goods changed, and his criminal acts began to center on appropriating items of a more creative nature.

The Groovy Ghost's silhouette first appeared in Local Heroes strip #75 (within Storyline 5 — “The Museum of Unnatural Mystery”). A more detailed image appeared soon after, in the same storyline, in strip #80

Heroes Incorporated® is a small group of super-powered mercenaries that was founded by Neal Doucette, a wealth, ruthless, and manipulative businessman, after the tragic deaths of his only son and his daughter-in-law.

Doucette planned for his team to be the examples of positive behavior for his grandson, Teddy, which he could never be. Heroes Incorporated was successful as a team of super-powered adventurers, but they were not the examples of good that Doucette had hoped. Although Heroes Incorporated continues to exist, Doucette sent his grandson, now known as Squire, to join a team better suited to help him become a valuable member of the international (and super-powered) law enforcement society—UNIONS.

Ozo Madubuike is the boyfriend of Tori Nelson, daughter of world renowned quantum physicist Niles Nelson. As Graviteer, she is one of the five members of the Infiniteam.

Born in Nigeria, Ozo is currently a student and martial artist in the United States. As a youth, he was considered a musical prodigy.

Ozo, like the rest of the Infiniteam, gained his powers after an act of sabotage destroyed an experiment and caused a quantum explosion. The explosion gave him the ability to manipulate gravity fields around human-sized objects. He uses this ability to fly, lift heavy objects, and propel objects during combat.

Graviteer and the Infiniteam were first mentioned in Local Heroes strip #52 (within Storyline 3 — “Theory of Evilution”).

Tori Nelson is the teenage daughter of Niles Nelson, world renowned quantum physicist. As Hotstreak, she is one of the five members of the Infiniteam.

Tori and her twin sister, Cassie, are known as the Infinitwins. Both of them can run at super-speeds. While Cassie is faster, Tori is able to product small amounts of heat and fire after running for short periods. It has also been suggested that Tori can subconsciously manipulate probabilities in her favor, but this has not been substantiated.

Tori and the rest of the Infiniteam gained her powers after an act of sabotage destroyed an experiment of her father's and caused a quantum explosion.

Hotstreak and the Infiniteam were first mentioned in Local Heroes strip #52 (within Storyline 3 — “Theory of Evilution”).

The Infiniteam is a group of five adventurers: Leviathan, Visionary, Speedfreak, Hotstreak, and Graviteer.

Leviathan is an explorer who is strong, resistant to damage, can live underwater, and can grow to forty stories tall. Visionary, a world-renowned quantum physicist, has eyes that can shoot blasts and see beyond the visible spectrum. Speedfreak and Hotstreak, the twin daughters of Visionary, can move at phenomenal speeds—Speedfreak can run faster, but Hotstreak can generate small amounts of fire. Graviteer is a student and martial artist who can manipulate gravity fields around human-sized objects. Their floating headquarters has been dubbed "Complex City" for its ability to rebuild its interior by automatically shifting walls and floor depending upon the needs of the inhabitants.

All five members of the Infiniteam gained their powers in the same quantum accident. Visionary was attempting to breach the quantum barrier, but instead an act of sabotage caused a quantum explosion. A powerful and vicious entity from another dimension was released into Earth from this explosion, but it also imbued the nearby victims with amazing powers. The entity was soon defeated by those would would become the Infiniteam.

Since that time, the Infiniteam have continued thwarting global threats and supernatural menaces. The bulk of their adventures have been so public and so large in scope that the press has dubbed the Infiniteam "America's Greatest Super-team!"

The Infiniteam was first mentioned in Local Heroes strip #52 (within Storyline 3 — “Theory of Evilution”).

Calvin Longfellow comes from a long line of stretching and shapeshifting super-adventurers. Although forbidden by his parents from pursuing the same lifestyle, Calvin recently decided that being a student, wanna-be comic book writer, and guy who drives the ball collector at the local driving range weren't satisfying enough. Disobeying his parent's wishes, Calvin secretly adopted the super-identity of Rubberneck and joined UNIONS Local Chapter 2 soon after.

Rubberneck is a mutant whose abilities appeared at the onset of puberty. Unfortunately, he also developed a fatal weakness at the same time. Over the course of each day, the bonds between his molecules slowly decay, forcing him to receive a special daily treatment in order to survive.

Rubberneck has used his powers in a variety of ways: extending his limbs, flattening his body to slide through tight cracks, expanding his body to safely glide downward from a high location, and coiling his legs into a spring for a "super-leap" effect.

Rubberneck first appeared in Local Heroes strip #15 (within Storyline 1 — “Enter: Squire!”).

The nefarious Animal King was once the reigning monarch of a small African nation. His plans for world domination were foiled countless times by UNIONS, the Infiniteam, and other super-teams. He recently has been transformed into a half-man, half-lion and currently lives in exile from his homeland.

The Animal King has always in peak physical condition and a world-class fighter. Also, his current state of transformation has heightened his senses beyond those of normal men.

The Animal King first appeared in Local Heroes strip #50 (within Storyline 3 — “Theory of Evil-ution”).

The World Alliance for Scientific Progression is an international paramilitary organization that specializes in the study, apprehension, and detention of all superhumans regardless of power-origin (scientific, extra-terrestrial, mystical, etc.).

As per their doctrine, no WASP member has any super-powers or magical abilities. They rely on their large membership and the highest level of technology to pursue their goals. Their current agenda seems to be based on keeping the human race free from superhuman influence, whether "curing" super-mutations, bringing super-villains and super-vigilantes to justice, or diminishing the impact of super-powered adventurers within a political arena.

WASP often finds themselves at odds with various super-groups around the world, from both the "hero" and "villain." side of the ethical fence. Their most prominent enemies include UNIONS, the World Espionage Bureau, and the FREE Association.

WASP first appeared in Local Heroes strip #44 (within Storyline 2 — “Anger is as a Stone Cast into a Wasp's Nest”).

Quetzalcoatl is a commander in the security and acquisitions division of the international paramilitary organization called WASP. His nemesis is Silent Knight, but the specific details of why are currently unknown.

As per their doctrine, no WASP member has any super-powers or magical abilities, and Quetzalcoatl is no exception. However, he does have a wide variety of technological weapons and defenses. When fighting in small battles, Quetzalcoatl prefers to engage his foes with his two "wrist whips." He uses these elongating prehensile lashes to slash or grapple his opponents, techniques made even more lethal when combined with his superior fighting and physical skills. Quetzalcoatl also has a company of troops that are always at his disposal.

Quetzalcoatl first appeared in Local Heroes strip #44 (within Storyline 2 — “Anger is as a Stone Cast into a Wasp's Nest”).

Not much is yet known about Microbot, save that he is a pint-sized villain from the future of a parallel dimension. Squire first encountered this mischievous malefactor within hours of joining UNIONS. Along with Local Chapter 37, Squire tracked down Microbot in his secret headquarters in search for the UNIONS Summit DVD-ROM.

Microbot's known powers include incredible technical know-how, being able to project powerful bolts of electricity, and being very, very short.

Microbot first appeared in Local Heroes strip #36 (within Storyline 1 — “Enter: Squire!”).

New, full-color character portrait thumbnails have been added to all the previous "Who is..." entries! Now you can see Silent Knight's official colors! Compare the heights of Mystery-man and Squire! Grow jealous of Min Dae-soo's snazzy Local Heroes shirt! Go here for a quick list of these upgraded entries!

UNIONS bodiless supercomputer AI personality is known as Hoffa, and is central to all of UNIONS communications and research.

Hoffa first appeared in Local Heroes strip #16 (within Storyline 1 — “Enter: Squire!”).

Min Dae-soo is the administrator for UNIONS Local 37, as well as office manager, public relations specialist, and general support staffer.

Min Dae-soo first appeared in Local Heroes strip #5 (within Storyline 1 — “Enter: Squire!”).

Once the unofficial sidekick of the professional adventurers known as Heroes Incorporated®, Teddy Doucette's grandfather sent him out into the world as Squire, to learn what it means to be "a real hero."

Squire has no known super powers, instead relying on a small handful of gadgets and dumb luck to succeed as a costumed adventurer.

Squire first appeared as Teddy Doucette in Heroes Incorporated® 1.1 and as Squire in Local Heroes strip #1 (within Storyline 1 — “Enter: Squire!”).

Born with amazing mutant powers, this young American Indian entered her teenage years as Teen Spirit, sidekick of the original American Spirit. However, her mentor betrayed UNIONS during the Secret Crossover Crisis and has since disappeared from the public eye. Angst-ridden and filled with self-doubt, she nevertheless followed tradition and took over her mentor's heroic identity, becoming the latest heroine to bear the name American Spirit.

American Spirit can fly, become intangible, and project explosive fireworks.

American Spirit first appeared in Local Heroes strip #7 (within Storyline 1 — “Enter: Squire!”).

The technological swashbucker called Silent Knight first appeared during the fabled Silver Age of Heroes, although no one knows the true origins of this enigmatic adventurer. The grim Silent Knight is the mute mentor to Squire, newest member of the Local 37 team.

The Silent Knight is rumored to have a secret lair known as Keep Silent, but few, if any, have ever visited this private sanctuary.

Silent Knight fights crime with futuristic gadgetry, including power-armor, an indestructible shield, an energy lance, and his techno-steed, Knightmare.

Silent Knight first appeared in Local Heroes strip #10 (within Storyline 1 — “Enter: Squire!”).

An accidental infusion of djinni DNA in the 1940s granted humble William Wendell powers beyond those of mere mortals. Quickly realizing his newly acquired gifts, William became Mystery-man, one of the first costumed crime-fighters of the Golden Age of Heroes.

Throughout the years, Mystery-man adventured with several other members of the expanding "Mystery-family," including Mystery-maid, Mystery-mutt, Mystery-mite, and the villainous Mystery-master.

Mystery-man is the current foreman of UNIONS Local Chapter 37, and has been so since its inception.

Mystery-man's powers are mystical in origin. Their true capabilities have never been fully documented. However, the general public has seen him fly, display super-strength, disappear from exitless rooms, and misremember proper names on a regular basis. He is reputed to be one of the most powerful beings in the solar system.

Mystery-man first appeared in Local Heroes strip #7 (within Storyline 1 — “Enter: Squire!”).

Legion is the founder of UNIONS and a lifetime member of UNIONS Local 1. He is originally from Scotland but currently lives in the original UNIONS hall with his spider monkey, Plethora.

Legion possesses super-strength, the power of flight, and the ability to divide himself into at least five separate-but-identical entities.

Legion first appeared in Local Heroes strip #5 (within Storyline 1 — “Enter: Squire!”).

The Unified Non-profit Identification and Organization Network of the Supernormal was founded several years ago by Legion, a super-powered adventurer from Scotland, and a small handful of his American peers. Organized along the lines of a business franchise, this not-for-profit group now includes several hundred researchers, adventurers, and super-powered heroes organized into dozens of chapters across the globe and beyond.

UNIONS sometimes coordinates with other super-groups, world-wide organizations, and pan-dimensional task forces, including the World Espionage Bureau and the Quantum Mechanics.

UNIONS first appeared in Local Heroes strip #4 (within Storyline 1 — “Enter: Squire!”).