From a quiet assemblage of colonial settlements to a busy port and then a center for industry, Paragon City ascended to the pinnacle of prosperity. However, the collapse of the economy in 1929 brought both social and political chaos. Criminal factions were quick to take advantage, using corruption bribery, intimidation and murder to seize control. Then, just when the circumstances seemed completely hopeless, Marcus Cole returned. Somewhere, somehow, the former soldier had acquired extraordinary abilities. Donning a costume to conceal his identity, and dubbing himself The Statesman to exemplify the ideals he sought to restore, he used his powers to fight for justice. His personal crusade soon inspired other gifted individuals like DarkWatcher, The Dream Doctor, Maiden Justice and more. These crime-fighters rapidly became the defining symbol of hope in dispirited times. The age of the superhero was at hand.