HISTORY OF THE SECOND WAVE UNIVERSE
The Second Wave Universe (SWU) is fictional universe in which a number of stories published by
The SWU is home to a vast array of species both terrestrial and extraterrestrial. Many of these creatures possess superhuman, metaphysical, or even cosmic abilities. Life in various forms exists on worlds throughout the SWU and even in various dimensions. In certain instances, life on other worlds, to varying degrees, emulate myths and legends known on Earth. The reason for the similarities has yet to be revealed.
ORIGIN OF THE SWU
The current status of the SWU is a byproduct of a war of cosmic proportions fought between higher life forms that reside in a section of reality known as The Median. This conflict came to be known as The Chronal War. As of result of that war, a pantheon of immensely powerful beings were deployed across the multiverse to maintain a semblance of order. The existence of these beings is generally not known among the majority of life forms in the SWU multiverse. However, among advance civilizations the existence of these galactic beings, beings known as Sentinels, is a fact of day to day life. The general public of Earth is currently unaware of the existence of these extraterrestrial beings.
The Sentinels deployed across the SWU are assigned to defend lower life forms from the actions of their fallen comrades now known throughout the cosmos as Rogue Sentinels. In dispensing their duties Sentinels are not permitted to interfere with the day to day affairs of lower life forms unless circumstances absolutely require it. In the majority of instances they employ empowered lower life forms designated as Champions to act as proxies in defeating Rogue Sentinels or other threats to the multiverse. Champions are usually empowered by means of cosmic weapons given to them by their Sentinel benefactors. These weapons are usually returned to the Sentinels once the Champion's task is completed; however, there have been instances where a Champion retains its weapon for a prolonged period at the Sentinels discretion.
AGES OF EARTH
Earth's history in the SWU has been dominated by the emergence of superhuman beings during its various ages. The earliest historical reference to superhumans, or paranormals as they are currently termed in the SWU, is unclear as such beings have been misinterpreted as gods or other mythical creatures by ancient civilizations. However, the rise of many of Earth's most influential empires has been attributed to individuals who were believed to have possessed superhuman abilities. This period has been termed The Age of Power.
Being few in number, relative to the general world population, many of these paranormal species or individual were hunted to near extinction through the ages leaving only a scattered amount of them in existence by the 7th century, C.E.. However, it was during this time that many of these paranormal races began to band together and form small societies. The endeavors of these early paranormal civilizations would culminate centuries later with the establishment of current powerful paranormal nations such as The Amazon Empire and The Egyptian Confederation of Africa. This period which would stretch to 13th century would come to be known as The Age of Darkness.
While various paranormal societies emerged from the Age of Darkness, the close of the 19th century saw the rise of the "mystery man" in Europe and North America. Most notably, this period was dominated by the globetrotting adventures of Professor Ulysses Peril and his mystery men allies, The N.O.W. Corps. Peril and company dominated the early 20th century fighting crime, creating technological innovations and championing various human rights causes. However, their goal of creating a "Golden Age of Humanity" was derailed by the onset of the Second World War and the Atomic Age. From the Atomic Age, the development of Artificial Paranormals, superhuman beings created through science, would eventually do away with the age of mystery men and usher in the First Heroic Age, an era led by WWII hero Major John Valiant and his super powered team of heroes known as The Guardians.
The First Heroic Age (1945-1973) saw the paranormal hero phenomenon spread across the globe. Agencies such as Guardian (U.S.A.), which consisted of paranormal and non-paranormal operatives working cohesively, were generally beloved as protectors against superhuman criminals, as well as deterrents against the perceived threat of paranormal nations such as the Amazon Empire. However, an international incident involving the deaths of the sitting U.S. President and the Queen of the Amazon Empire at the hands of John Valiant, brought the First Heroic Age to an end (this event is known as Black Monday). From that time forward, paranormals were banned from serving within the framework of law enforcement in various countries especially the United States. All law enforcement involving paranormal threats would be handled by specially trained human operatives in what has become the new Guardian, a government agency devoid of super powered heroes serving on the front lines. The current era of law enforcement has been dubbed The Age of Guardian.
PRESENT DAY: THE SECOND HEROIC AGE
The events taking place in the first two story arcs of the SWU's flagship book Intrepid, lays the framework for the rise of a Second Heroic Age. The basis for this the second advent of superheroes is suspicion cast on the accuracy of John Valiant's involvement in the Black Monday affair. Future issues of Intrepid will highlight the development of this new era of superheroes.
The saga continues....