Welcome Home, Kitten!

By Trence Mayberry, Paragon City Chronicle

ATLAS PARK - It's been almost a month since we've last seen Power, Incorporated's Kitten With a Whip flying through the high rise buildings of Paragon City.

And it's no wonder. This poor hero has had a tough month -- she was smeared by the media, abruptly departed for Japan, went head-to-head with supervillain Sake Bomb, and went missing in action after the building she was in exploded then collapsed around her.

But we've got good news, dear readers -- Kitten With a Whip has been found and is now resting comfortably in Chiron Hospital.

"I got a call this morning saying that she had been found at Harajuku's hospital. A young girl around 15 to 16 had brought her in," reported Mason Shura, the leader of the Power, Inc orporated rescue and recovery team. "When questioned, the teenager had this to say: 'I helped Kitten with the fight against Sake Bomb.' Needless to say, I was a bit surprised, but then again, you never know what amount a power someone has, even if they're a bit young," he concluded.

Kitten With a Whip verified the girls story, adding with a grin: "You should have seen the look on Sake Bomb's face."

This reporter recently met with our recovering hero in her Chiron hospital room.

Trence Mayberry: "Miss, uh, Whip, the question that is on everyone's mind is -- what happened to Sake Bomb?"

Kitten With a Whip (with an evil smile): "She messed with Kitten's tail and got her eyes scratched out. That’s all you need to know."

TM: Kitten, before you left Paragon City, there had been a rather critical article on this city's hero costumes. How did you feel about that?

KWaW:"Well, in all honesty, I really didn’t care. The day before that aritcle came out I had received some urgent information about a young hero who needed my help. So I used the article as an excuse to leave the city, knowing that people easily believe these things. And I didn’t want any unnecessary attention drawn toward the girl. Unfortunately, Sake Bomb has been intercepting a lot more than just newspaper articles."

TM: What can you tell us about new young hero?

KWaW: "She is super-talented and a very special young lady. I'm going to be her mentor, and will train her to be a great hero. I believe that Paragon City will benefit from having her here. I'm very excited to be able to help her out."

TM: What's the first thing you are going to do when you get out of the hospital?

KWaW: "Well, I have some unfinished business with a certain tailor. (she coughs) Then I'll head out to Bloody Bay and take the rest of Sake Bomb's organization.

TM: "I have time for one more question, Miss Whip. What's this new hero's name?"

KWaW: (Blushing deeply)"'Lill Kit N' -- It was her idea, though, not mine. And so very sweet of her. It's really cute, and if I think about it too much, I get the giggles."

TM: "Thank you for your time, Miss Whip. I know this reporter is looking forward to seeing 'Lill Kitt N' in action."

KWaW: "No, thank you!"

And with that I was escorted out of the room so Kitten could finish her jello.

So there you have it. Kitten With a Whip is back in town fighting crime, bringing with her a fresh new hero that I'm sure we will all be proud of.

This is Trence Mayberry, heading to the cafeteria for some jello of my own.

Kitten Update: Hibiki's Transcript

To: All Power, Incorporated Personnel
Re: Update on Kitten with a Whip

Team -

I recently received a telegram from Mason Shura with information about Kitten With a Whip's whereabouts. As we all suspected, the infamous villain Sake Bomb is behind all this. Mason's connection in Japan, a Mr. Hibiki Tokai, has filed the following transcript:

[begin transmission]

This is Officer Hibiki Tokai with Japan's Undercover Super Taskforce (JUST), badge number 42379, reporting.

The case began with a call from the superhero Mason Shura, who requested the involvement of JUST to keep an eye on Kitten with a Whip, a hero from his supergroup Power, Incorporated. He indicated that she was officially in the country to visit her father, but that he suspected that something else was going on.

I agreed to help him, and immediately dispatched a team of specialists to be alert for her arrival. Within minutes, she was spotted while flying past the Harajuku train station, which was luckily just around the corner from my current location.

I trailed her to Harajuku Street in the shopping district -- it was easy to keep a descrete distance because there was no way my jet pack could keep up with her super flight speed, even if I opened the throttle all the way.

It did seem very strange to me that she would head directly to the shopping district and not to her father, but Mason had related to me that a recent article had come out about her and that she had not taken it well. Poor girl. Why does the media have to drag a hero's reputation through the mud like that? She certainly didn't look like she'd put on any weight to me, although I really didn't care for the new outfit.

Where was I? Oh yes.

I trailed Kitten as she travelled quickly from store-to-store. She never stayed long enough to purchase anything, nor was she carrying any bags. She seemed to be looking for something important or even trying to get away from someone, although I could not spot a tail other than her own. She kept looking nervously over her shoulder, at one point tripping over a vendor selling cell phones. She was extremely distracted, poor thing.

Her last stop was Daiso Harajuku, a famous japanese coutier. And that's when it all started. There was a huge explosion just as she was about to enter. There were screams of panic, smoke and glass everywhere. The front doors burst open and she was enveloped by the rush of escaping customers. Huge blue electrical sparks, flames and arrows flying all over the place followed by a cloud of smoke. This went on for almost 10 minutes. In the mean time I called for back up -- lots of back up.

Then suddenly, it all made sense -- this had to be the handiwork of Sake Bomb, a well known villain originally from this area. I waited, and sure enough, out she ran with her band of ninja slaves in tow! She turned and through a small a metal tube in the building, completely destroying the building with Kitten inside.

After the firefighters and HAZMAT crews secured the now almost empty lot, I noticed that one small area of the shop had survived. This area was about 3 to 4 feet around, and it had not been touched by the flames at all. Strange.

Meanwhile, all bodies left in the rubble have been identified, and their families notified. I've assigned extra men to continue the search for Kitten, and I pray that she is still alive. I have also spoken to Kitten's father, promising to do everything in my power to find her.

Mason has agreed to fly in with more heroes from Paragon City to help in the search.

[end transmission]

There you go -- we have got to find Sake Bomb and shut her down. Power.Lad, I want you to join Mason Shura on a rescue and recovery mission to Japan. Take any other heroes you need (I recommend White.Witch and and Power.Boy, just in case) and report back as soon as you can.

-- PW

Mason Shura: Kitten Battles with Sake Bomb?

Power.Woman - I just learned from a very trustworthy source that Kitten With a Whip was seen in a major battle with supervillain Sake Bomb. Half a city block has been destroyed and many innocent lives taken. Hibiki witnessed the whole thing. An undercover agent for the Japanese law enforcement, I thought it might be a good idea to have Hibiki keep an eye on Kitten (knowing good and well what she is capable of). I should have gone with her, I know. Meanwhile, I'm waiting to hear back from Hibiki and will send you the transcripts as they come in. -- Mason Shura

Does Peter Pan Exist?

by Terry B. L. Paine, Paragon Tattler

STEEL CANYON - It was a perfect day. One of those where you know anything can happen. Even magic.

This mild-mannered reporter was spending the afteroon on my small-yet-relaxing balcony on the 20th floor of the Pagent building, enjoying the fresh air and a day free from crime and persecution. The sun was warm and my tan was coming along swimmingly. Just then, a shadow crept across the sun, blocking out the blissful rays.

Not that unusual -- clouds block the sun all the time. What was unusual was the loud shriek of pleasure that accompanied the shadow. My eyes flew open, and I scanned the skies for the source. And there he was. The largest hero from my favorite supergroup Power, Incorporated -- Horfrost -- was hovering right in front of me!

Then, with an impish grin to rival Peter Pan's, he dove.

I leaned out over the edge of the balcony, trying to track where he'd gone. I'd spotted him. He was plumeting towards the ground at an incredible speed and looked like he hit bottom any second now.

But at the last possible moment, this amazing brickhouse of a hero reversed course, pulling up from the ground and accelerating up the side of my building, leaving a cheering crowd below. He let out another ecstatic yell that bounced off the buildings, echoing everywhere. Grinning wildly, he hovered for a moment, the sun glinting off the droplets of water gathering on his horns from the cloud he was in.

And then he was gone.

But happily our hero still returns my calls, so I rang him up the next day for an interview about this exciting new power.

Terry B. L. Paine: "So you can fly? When did this happen? And how?"

Horfrost: "It happened quite suddenly, actually. I've always been able to hover, of course, comes in quite handy in my line of work." He rubbed his horns nervously before continuing. "So anyway, I was giving a hover demonstration the local orphanage -- there are several of my namesakes there -- and I didn't feel quite right. As I pushed off from the floor to hover up a few feet, I instead shot straight up and through the building's roof!"

TP: "That must have pretty scary for kids -- and you!"

H: "Actually, the kids loved it. Power.Boy was on hand, and healed anyone who'd been injured by falling bits of ceiling. I flew back down through the opening and all I could see were a bunch of grinning plaster covered faces and glowing eyes." He grinned at the memory. "They kept chanting 'Peter Pan, Peter Pan." His eyes unfocused, reliving the incident with a smile. But his expression then darkened slightly. "But that was before Power.Boy snorted 'Peter Pan? Girl, that's Horfrost! Does he look like a little green fairy boy to you? Believe me, I can tell, and he ain't one.'"

TP: "Erm, that's uh, terrible. Uh, what about the roof?"

H: "Don't worry," he laughed, recovering quickly. "We have a fund to clean up and repair buildings and such -- you never know when a hero might discover a new power!"

TP: "That'll be a relief to those plaster-covered kids. So what does this new power mean to you and your career, Horfrost?"

H: "Quite a lot, actually," he said seriously. "I can now fight crime more efficiently by flying to major crime scene instead of having to wade through crowds of gawking autograph seekers as I try to run there. Plus, it just feels great."

And with that, he ended our interview with a wave, activated his ice shields and yes -- flew away.

So there you have it. A new hero with a new power -- and able to save more lives because of it. This is Terry B. L. Paine, sunbather extraordinaire and hero watcher saying "Even if you can't fly, you just might be saved someday by someone who can."

Trouble in Power Paradise?

by Argus Weatherby, The Galaxy Daily Gossip

PEREZ PARK - The public adores them, the government awards them, and villains everywhere fear them. But could there be trouble brewing at Power, Incorporated?

Rumors are flying that tensions are running high amongst some of the younger members of the world-famous supergroup. And this reporter recently met with an eye witness.

"I saw them," breathed Bertha Jenkins, a local shop owner excitedly. "I was taking out the trash -- you know my shop is one of the few remaining in Perez Park after the uh, undesirables took over. But anyway, I had just emptied the last bin and I looked up. I was so shocked that my chewing gum fell out of my gaping mouth!" she continued. "Judo Lad was hitting Power.Boy with a baseball bat -- I simply couldn't believe it! At least I think it was Power.Boy, could have been Power.Lad -- I never could tell them boys apart. And there were all of these Skulls criminals just standing there, looking on."

Embarrassing indeed.

Calls from this reporter were not returned by Judo Lad and Power.Boy. However, an official statement released to the press included this comment from the supergroup's leader, Power.Woman:

"We appreciate the concern and support the citizens of Paragon City, but want to clarify that there are no rifts between our younger members -- after all, we're not only a team, we're a supergroup. We believe this is just another attempt by Sake Bomb and Fire.Widow to discredit our younger heroes. But it won't work. And besides, Power.Boy is a healer, not a divider."

That remains to be seen.

And fighting photo with photo, Power.Woman released this official photograph along with her statement to the press.

You decide, dear readers -- trouble in paradise?

Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting development.

Giant Octopus Kills Power Heroes

Special report by Augustus Merrifort, Paragon Times

INDEPENDENCE PORT - Over a dozen heroes died today during a battle to drive back an enormous octopus. This monster had previously been spotted in the Justice Quay district in the south part of this large shipping area of Paragon City.

"I just couldn't believe it," said Jason Arbiget, a dock worker who witnessed the terrible event, and who was still visibly upset. "It took four waves of heroes to beat the giant beast back into the depths of the bay, but the ones in that first wave never had a chance."

Only four heroes have been recovered from the scene, and they were all members of the infamous supergroup Power, Incorporated. They are: Shadow.Lass, Infectious Lass, Princess.Sonix and Iciee. All from the same graduating class of the Paragon City academy, they had just recently buried another classmate -- the heroine Accupuncture.

Though the octopus is clearly dangerous, the locals have affectionately dubbed the octopus "Luska" -- and there is a strong likelihood that it will return (see related Paragon Times story).

Dr. Johnathan Smith, a noted authority on cephalopods, which include octopi and squids, was dismayed by the official statement given by the port authorities.

“This was no accident. This photo…what you have here appears to be a member of the genus Enteroctopus—a giant octopus. They’ve been known to grow up to thirty or forty feet, but this one is…it’s some kind of super anomaly and it’s way off its usual south Atlantic feeding grounds.”

When asked why it might be here in Independence Port, Dr. Smith could only speculate, saying “It's possible drove it here. Competition. Disruption of its normal environment. If this is truly a massive Enteroctopus, then we have a problem. It’s extremely intelligent and highly carnivorous. It has to eat at least 2 percent of its body weight every day.”

"At this time, it can only be speculated how it achieved such an enormous size. But the volume of contaminants and pollutants in the bay water as well as the proximity of the Terra Volta may be responsible somehow," he concluded.

Services for the fallen heroes will be announced soon.

Power.Woman, the supergroup leader, had this to say during today's press conference: "We are saddened by the loss of these important heroes and teammates. We appreciate your support and hope that you'll allow us privacy during this solemn occasion"

Is Demo Lucien in Love?

by Terry B. L. Paine, Paragon Tattler

STEEL CANYON - Ok, so I know I’m his biggest fan, but I still can’t believe what I saw. Demo Lucien, one of the greatest scrappers of all time is dating Kitten with a Whip! Can you believe it? Well, I couldn't either -- and wouldn't have, had I not witnessed it with my own eyes.

It was a rather hot end to another long working day, and this reporter was just climbing the ramp at the Yellow Line station in Steel Canyon, ready to head home.

That's when I saw them - our two heroes were standing along the railing together, watching the sunset, which by now had bloomed into gorgeous hues of reds and oranges.

I was so excited. There they were, two of my favorite heroes, sharing what seemed to be a tender moment. My keen instincts aroused, I casually moved closer, pretending to read my paper.

I couldn't quite make out what they were saying, but I know I heard something about him being her daddy. Well, after I retrieved the gum that had just fallen out of my mouth from sheer shock, I heard a "smack!".

I rounded the corner, only to see Kitten disappear behind the metro doors that had just sealed shut. I asked a witness if what I thought I'd heard was indeed what happened, and she confirmed it, laughing "girl, that must have hurt!"

This reporter did manage to catch Demo Lucien before he could escape the gathering mob of fans.

Terry B. L. Paine: “Demo Lucien, this reporter has heard rumors that you and Kitten with a Whip are, shall we say, having relations. Can you confirm these rumors?”

Demo Lucien: “I neither confirm nor deny these rumors, but I will say that Kitten and I are part of the same supergroup, often working on the same team. I would do nothing that might compromise our working relationship.”

TP: “What about the handprint on your cheek?”

DL: “I work in a dangerous line of business and if a handprint is all I walk away with I consider myself lucky.”

TP: “What about the persistent rumors that Kitten with a Whip has called you ‘Sweetie’ on more than one occasion?”

DL: “If you’ve ever been around Ms. Whip you will know that she calls everyone ‘Sweetie.’ It’s part of her charm.”

Our hero refused to give anymore comments and refused pictures as well, waving to the fans, jumping the station railing and sprinting away.

Well, at least his fans have a new topic for the online chat groups. This is Terry B. L. Paine, number one fan and future sidekick reporting the truth as we know it, right here in Steel Canyon.

Spotted: Granny.Power Rides Again?

By Cornelius Whimbleweather, Paragon City Chronicle

GALAXY CITY - For months, rumors have been swirling around Paragon City that the founder of the infamous supergroup Power, Incorporated is back.

"We really have no comment at this time," stated Power.Woman, when caught unexpectedly at a book signing event. "She hasn't been seen in public for years."

Other witnesses, on the other hand, tell another story.

"She jumped in out of nowhere," said Sally Trimbles. "A gang of Hellions had just grabbed my purse, and were preparing to run. Out of nowhere, this old lady in a skimpy outfit with chopsticks stuck in gray hair bun jumped right into the middle of them. She totally whipped out the biggest blade I've ever seen in my life (and I've seen a few!), then proceeded to gut the lot of them."

"I'm usually squimish about such things, but honey, they got what coming to them," she concluded.

Calls to Power, Incorporated headquarters and their press agents were not returned by publication time.

Stay tuned for further developments on this intriguing new situation.

Hero Profile: Power.Lad

by Hepsibah Jones, Special Correspondent

INDEPENDENCE PORT - We've recently learned about one of his supergroup teammates, today we'll be learning about him. He's handsome, powerful and a military device expert -- he's Power.Lad, one of the most famous members of the supergroup Power, Incorporated.

As the nephew of the infamous Power.Woman, his place in the supergroup was pretty much guaranteed at birth.

"That doesn't mean I didn't have to earn my way in. All propsective members go through a rigorous background screening process and a very challenging battery of physical test. I wasn't sure I was going to make it, despite Auntie's position," he laughed.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. John Prince of Independence Port, little Jon trained early on as a gymnast, eventually working his way to world-class status. The son of a long-time military weapons specialist, Jon was an easy student.

"It was amazing how quickly he picked up the nuance of weapons control," said his father, proudly, wiping a tear from his eye. "Nothing can match the sense of pride a father feels seeing their six-year-old master an AK-47 so quickly."

Enter the teen years - filled with drive, puppy love and acne. It was during these years that he developed his flame powers, eventually qualifying for Pyro-Technic Blaster status.

"Yeah, it was a bit of an awkward time for me," Power.Lad admits. " I mean, nothing says lovin' like spontaneously catching fire while making love for the first time. Man, she was pissed. But happily, I was acquitted. Not that we're friends today, though, " he finished, grinning sheepishly.

A frequent headliner in many a Paragon City gossip rag, Power.Lad takes it all in stride.

"Take that recent coverage of Kitten with a Whip," he said. "I didn't even know anything about the news coverage of her recent weight gain, much less any problem with her tailor. I mean, they took that picture from the sewer mish and pasted it everywhere! I did think that she was starting to look a bit like Steve Austin in a tracksuit and cape, but I didn't say anything. I didn't have to -- all that negative coverage sent her packing to her dad's in Japan."

"I have always looked good in the costumes I've gotten from ICON, despite the problems she's had with Jacques," he continued, not so modestly. "But I told her before that she should only work directly with the owner like the rest of the Power family. It really makes the difference," he said. "They keeping asking me to be their spokesman, but I just don't do endorsements -- even if..."

Touching what seemed to be some sort of communicator ear piece, he held up his hand for quiet and listened intently for a moment.

"I'm sorry, I've got to go."

And with that, he flew away, his costume changing as he ascended.

--------

Hero Snapshot

Name: Power.Lad

Origin: Magic - Power.Lad receives his powers from an unknown magical source. Most suspect a magical artifact given to him at birth by the Power family.

Archetype: Blaster - Power.Lad is an offensive juggernaut. Whether up close or afar, he can deal out tremendous amounts of damage. But he is also quite fragile and must therefore be on guard before getting into combat. A blaster can turn the tide of a conflict, but they need their friends to help them succeed.

Primary Power Pool: Fire Blast - The powers in this pool not only deal massive damage, but they can slow the enemy as well.

Secondary Power Pool: Devices - All of Power.Lad's devices help slow, hold or reduce a villain's accuracy. By using his two power pools together, he can effectively snipe a single bad guy or a small mob with Flares or Fire Blast, lock down their movement and deal damage with Caltrops and Rain of Fire, then finish them off with massive amounts of group damage using Fire Ball, Fire Breath, Trip Mine and Time Bomb.

Hero Profile: Power.Gal

by Adolphus Merrifort, Pargon City Times

STEEL CANYON - Today we'll be interviewing one of Paragon City's newest, most talked about heroes -- sorry -- heroines, who is relatively new to the hero scene. Her moniker is Power.Gal, and she's a member of the famous supergroup, Power, Incorporated.

As covered by many a paper, she was a member of the undercover Paragon City security force team who rescued the trio of Paragon City's top scientists known by the public as "The Brain Trust." As everyone knows, they were behind most of the anti-Rikti technology designed by Crey Industries.

But for Sarina M'insk, a different destiny was in store. It was her part-human ancestry that forever changed her future -- the toxic radiation Sarina was exposed to during the dangerous rescue altered her chemical make-up, permanently transforming her.

A short time later, Sarina emerged as the superhero Power.Gal, using her rumored distant relation to the infamous Power clan to gain entrance to Power, Incorporated.

This reporter had a brief chance to catch up with our new hero and hear anwers to often asked questions.

Adolphus Merrifort: Good morning, Power.Gal. Thank you for agreeing to the interview.

Power.Gal: I'm happy to be here, but let's make it quick -- I'm on a timed mission.

AM: What made you decide to become Power.Gal?

PG: As you know, I've spent my life protecting Paragon City. I was a member of the Lady Scouts as a child, the Paragon City Junior Guard as a teen, the Galaxy City Gals protective force at 19 and eventually the Paragon City Elite Security Corps by 20. Hell, I even played the sherriff in Best Little Whorehouse in Texas at 21! (laughs) No, I'm kidding of course. I've never even been to Texas.

AM: Uh, quite. Well, Power.Gal, what was it like gaining super powers? Was it hard to adjust?

PG: Well, as everyone knows, I spent months recovering from the radiation exposure from that rescue mission. Even with the extra protective gear, the entire team was lucky to live. Some didn't. (pauses) But my, uh, background affected me differently. But it was wonderful! Despite the initial pain, I can help people like I never could before. It's exciting and fulfulling, I suppose. I'm just lucky that it happened to me.

AM: Little Cindy May from Podunk, Idaho wrote us recently, informing our audience that you have over 100 fan clubs across Paragon City. Any message for her?

PG: There are only four, actually. But that's sweet of little Cindy May. I'd just like to say thank you to you and all of your wonderful, supportive friends who wrote me those lovely letters -- all 12 of them. Girls, if putting super villains behind bars were a lovely layer cake, the support of tots everywhere like you would be the sugary icing. But alas, I must go -- duty calls.

AM: How...uh, well, thank you again for joining us, Power.Gal.

PG: No, no, thank you. It's been my pleasure.

And with that, Power.Gal flew away, leaving this reporter choking in a cloud of noxious green gas. But this reporter is all the better for it, despite the fact that I'm somehow acne free.

--------

Hero Snapshot

Name: Power.Gal

Origin: Mutation - Power.Gal received her most of powers during an nuclear explosion on an important rescue mission. Her part-human ancestry also contributed to her dramatic mutation.

Archetype: Defender - Power.Gal is also a long-range support specialist. She focuses on strengthening her teammate's abilities (buffing) and weakening foes (debuffing). Defenders needs to keep an eye both on her teammates and her enemies - and she does - to see which requires her powerful attention first!

Primary Power Pool: Radiation Emission - The radiation emission power pool utilizes the healing properties of radiation to mend allies wounds. This power radiates out from Power.Gal and restores some health to all nearby heroes - a life-saving power that's very handy in battle!

Secondary Power Pool: Radiation Blast - Power.Gal can blast with lethal radiation, sometimes from her fists, sometimes from her eyes. Her radiation blast powers can bypass normal defenses, as well as reduce the targets defense, coming in handy for that last shot that takes the villain down.

Hero Costumes: Fad or Fiction?

By Abraxis Smith, Paragon City Tattler

TALOS ISLAND - The public's obsession with hero fashion in Paragon City is nothing new. But is a different costume always a change for the better?

When heroes first began to appear in Paragon City shortly after the Rikti invasion, costumes were often a basic affair -- a simple leotard tucked into functional boots with an old table cloth for a cape. Many have evolved their looks over time, reflecting the changing taste of the public or the hero.

"That was before I arrived on the scene, darling," sniffed Jacques, a tailor and costume designer for the ICON chain of hero costume stores. "Heroes have never looked better."

And it's true. Citizens today witness all sorts of colorful and expressive costumes, capes and accessories. Today's costume theme? Showing off the incredible shape a hero is in. Fighting crime seems to pay off in hard bodies, cut abs and tight ends.

Or has it? A recent costume redesign by Jacques for Power, Incorporated supergroup member Kitten with a Whip demonstrates why costume design leaves little room for error. Images captured recently by the Paragon City sewer system security camera (see right) confirm months of rumors that Kitten's quest to complete her cape academy training had resulted in unsightly weight gain.

"We did the best we could!" Jacques snapped defensively. "Just look at her, darling. Weight has always been a monkey on her back, but now she's got a racoon on her shoulder! I pleaded with her -- begged her -- but she would not listen. So the rodent stays, ma chere. And I most definitely refuse to be blamed for the periwinkle blue Ugg boots -- those are all Kitten, mon dieu."

So what do our heroes think? This reporter recently met with one of our more well-known supers to ask first hand: "Do tomorrow's heroes believe their costumes send the wrong message to Paragon City's youth of today?"

"I am so tired of that question," laments Dora Dementia, one of Galaxy City's more, uh, ample heroes. "Kids today are far more obsessed with my body shape than I am. Don't they know it's their deeds that count, not their size? You heard what happened to that sweet little Accupunture hero that died recently? She may have been a hero, but a building fell on her -- an entire building! All that dieting didn't save her skinny ass from the Clockwork that day, lemme tell ya. Listen sweetie -- I’m just out here fighting crime...and mental illness!”

Requests for interviews were not returned by representatives of Power, Incorporated and Kitten with a Whip before press deadline. Part two of this series of articles forthcoming.

Power.Lad Finds Cooties Cure

By Horace Wazzlebub, Paragon City Chronicle

STEEL CANYON - Citizens suffering from Vahzilok Wasting Disease (also known as VWD or "cooties") finally have hope. A cure to the dreadful disease, which is characterized by a horrible smelling swarm of flies that surround its victim's body, has finally been perfected by three scientists who were rescued late last night by the hero Power.Lad.

"I caught VWD during my last raid on the Vahzilok in the sewers beneath the city," said Power.Lad. "I'd known about VWD, of course, but you just don't know what it's like until you have it. And I knew then that I had to help."

The scientists, who refused to be named for this article, had been kidnapped by the infamous villain Patient Zero, himself a member of the Vahzilok supervillain class. They were held by the villain in an abandoned office building in the Steel Canyon district of Paragon City, where they were forced to work in make-shift labs to duplicate their ground-breaking work.

Acting on a secret tip, Power.Lad entered the building alone, defeated Patient Zero and his gang, destroying the four laboratories, and escorted the three scientists to safety. As thanks for their rescue, the scientists provided him with the first sample of the VWD antitote, which worked perfectly.

"Needless to say, it's nice not to smell like rotting flesh," grinned Power.Lad. "And I don't miss the flies, either."

When asked by this reporter about rumors that four glowing body bags were recovered from the building later that evening, the hero refused to comment, saying only "let's just focus on the fact that we now have a cure for cooties, shall we?"

Victims of the VWD should contact their doctor immediately for more information about this exciting new development.

Frostfire Gets Away...Again

By Cornelius Whimbleweather, Paragon City Chronicle

THE HOLLOWS - Power.Woman, founding member of the Paragon City supergroup Power, Incorporated, held a press conference today to address rumors that the dangerous villain Frostfire has once again escaped capture by two of the groups youngest members -- newcomer Demo Lucien, and recently recovered Gravity.Gal (formerly known as Power.Lass).

"The rumors are unfortunately true," said Power.Woman. "Despite clearing the entire four-story building of all villains, Demo Lucien (a scrapper) and Gravity.Gal (a kinetic/gravity-based controller) were overwhelmed by supervillain Frostfire's most loyal pet, Jack Frost and his Fire Imps during an extended battle in the headquarters inner chamber. Our base's emergency transporters rescued both team members before they could be both frozen and burned to death simultaneously, and we are happy to report that they are now resting comfortably."

When asked by this reporter why the two heroes were attempting to kill such a powerful enemy on their own, and why such young and inexperienced group members were fighting unsupervised, Power.Woman only smiled, thanked the reporters, then ended the conference by activating her shields and flying away.

The Paragon City Security Chief wrapped up the event by thanking the crowd, reminding them of the dangers in The Hollows, and reiterating the mayor's recommendation that all citizens should continue to avoid this neighborhood at all costs.

Smashie, Shmashie!

White.Witch, Power.Lad and Kitten with a Whip joined forces for a couple of quick missions last night. Of course, this was after a visit with Shauck and Horfrost's ex-boyfriend at 440 Castro for some booze and converstation.

A slice of pizza, a visit to the Blue Fairy, and then a quick cab home found them logged in and fighting for their lives while Kitten with a Whip stumbled around the mission, trying to keep up in each office maze.

Did she even use her powers? I'm not sure, based on reports. But you all looked damn good doing it, regardless. And you've got the pull-caltrops-firerain-kill-kill-kill routine down, baby!

-- PW

New Heroes Spotted - Can They Make the Cut?

Two new heroes appeared in Galaxy City recently, drawing the attention of the Power, Incorporated recruiting committee. These new heroes are still learning the ropes -- both are blasters with hold capabilities -- so they're still a bit squishy for the supergroup. The base computer revealed their identities as well: Fawkes, a living phoenix, and Tyronix, a sonic screamer.

On a less optimistic note, how many more squishy blasters do we need? No offense, Power.Lad, but between you and Power.Man, our healers are wiped out (That goes for you too, Kitten).

But cheers to our new fledgling heroes, let's wait a bit and see what they can do.

-- PW

Little-Known Hero Crushed by Clockwork

By Shakelbolt Vane, Paragon City Chronicle

GALAXY CITY - Accupuncture, one of Paragon City's many heroes, was confirmed dead today. The report ended months of investigation begun on a tip that she was in the a building that mysteriously collapsed recently in Galaxy City.

"As near as we can tell," said Longbow Special Agent Forrest Anderson, "she was fighting a group of Clockwork in an abandoned warehouse when it suddenly came down on top of her. What's odd is that she'd never had problem with clockwork before. But based on evidence found at the scene, we believe there was a new type of gear present that she wasn't prepared for, and that may have been her undoing."

Rumors that Clockwork super villain Babbage was seen galumphing away from the scene have not been proved despite several witness accounts, and the agent offered no explanation as to what may have specifically caused the building to come down.

"Uh, oddest thing I've ever seen," said the agent, scratching his helmet uncomfortably.

Services for Accupuncture were held shortly after her death. The mayor of Galaxy City also commissioned a new statue for the township's fallen heroes gallery.

Welcome to Power, Incorporated!

Power, Inc. is the name of my SuperGroup in City of Heroes, and was started by my grandmother, Power.Lady.

My name is Power.Woman, and I'm the current leader and a founding member of Power, Inc., which is now comprised of the Power family and a few close friends and colleagues.

Stay tuned for updates on our latest adventures, including some background information about the Power family, births and deaths in our little corner of the hero community, and a few tips and tricks for beating those bad guys in Paragon City.

And maybe an entry by a villian or two...

Stay tuned...

-- PW