Leave it to America to try to control them.

In 2004, the US Federal Government passed a bill requiring all Superheroes living within its borders to register, and become financially responsible for the damages they were inflicting on society. Hero Tax, some called it. Genius, some cried. Blasphemy, claimed others. Some heroes complied, others balked, many rebelled.

In the wake of the bill came disaster. Political battles turned into physical ones, and brother turned against brother. Those who refused to register were outlaws while those who registered were forced to pay collateral damages for their battles.

In 2005, everyone had had enough. It was clear that Superheroes would have to band together to fight in a last stand against the bill, or face the extinction of their kind at their own hands. They could save themselves, or self-destruct. Thus began The World Hero Network, a cohort of Superheroes around the globe, bound together in alliance not only to fight for people everywhere, but to fight for themselves.

One year later, the bill was repealed, and The World Hero Network remained as a testament to the power of cooperation, and the safety in numbers. It requires no vows of allegience, or membership fees. It is a network of individuals commited to making the world better and safer, for everyone.

And who would want to spoil that lofty vision? Only a bevy of super villains, of course.