Prologue 1.2

The 70s saw a shift, as the legacy of Noir and the impact of the Guardians reshaped the role of vigilantes in society. The heroes, once seen as enigmatic figures of justice, now embodied broader social and political ideals. They continued to inspire and protect, but their influence also extended into the realms of civil rights and societal reform

The era also witnessed a period of rapid political changes, new alliances, and mounting global tensions. In this era of transformation, society had to adapt quickly to survive. The death of Noir had sparked a surge in the number of vigilantes, inspired by the New Guardians and the story of Walter Reeves. New hero organizations sprang up across the country, while villains and criminal networks also evolved, leading to frequent clashes that sometimes escalated into civil unrest.

As the influence and numbers of vigilantes grew, tensions emerged between these heroes and law enforcement agencies. The government became increasingly uneasy about the potential for these vigilantes to undermine public trust in established systems and legal frameworks. They feared that the rise of vigilantism could lead to widespread anarchy, threatening the nation's stability. In response, the government took decisive action. In 1973, a law was passed that outlawed vigilantism regardless of the intentions behind such acts. The government also launched a campaign to raise public awareness about the dangers of unchecked vigilante justice and the potential for anarchy. However, since these heroes were an integral part of society, the government didn't take any chances which might lead to public backlashes. They acknowledged the heroes' contributions by offering a compromise: heroes would be recognized as volunteers working under the supervision of law enforcement.

This new law stunned the hero community. Some vigilantes chose to become volunteers, aligning themselves with the law to continue their mission. Others decided to retire, unwilling to compromise their independence. A few, however, refused to abide by the new regulations and continued their vigilante activities, leading to the disbandment of the New Guardians and other hero organizations. Those who defied the law were met with strict enforcement, demonstrating the government's resolve.

The year 1974 brought a crisis that would shake society to its core. Dubbed the "Identity Crisis," this event saw the identities of many past and present heroes leaked to the public. No one knew how did it happen. Criminals and villains seized this opportunity to exact revenge, targeting the heroes and their loved ones. The ensuing conflict was brutal and chaotic, with both sides suffering significant losses. The line between hero and villain blurred as the battles raged on, causing collateral damage that affected countless civilians. The government's response was swift, but the damage had already been done. Trust in the system eroded further, and even some heroes blamed the government for failing to protect their identities. Amidst this chaos, a new group of vigilantes emerged—the Outsiders. Comprised of those who had lost loved ones in the Identity Crisis, the Outsiders blamed the system for their suffering and adopted violent tactics, executing criminals on sight. The rise of the Outsiders and similar groups presented a new challenge for the government. To combat this escalating threat, they adopted the adage "set a thief to catch a thief." The government deployed volunteer heroes alongside law enforcement to confront the violent vigilantes. This clash became emblematic of a broader ideological conflict: law and order versus vigilante justice.

In 1977, after a series of intense confrontations, the Outsiders were finally subdued. Their leader was captured, but some members managed to escape, disappearing into the shadows. Despite the victory, the conflict left deep scars on society. Later that year, the Anti-Vigilante Act was passed, formally outlawing all forms of vigilantism. However, recognizing their crucial role in dealing with the Outsiders, the government allowed the volunteer heroes to remain active under strict regulation. This marked the official end of the Age of Heroes—a period defined by both extraordinary bravery and profound tragedy.

The end of the age of heroes in America marked the conclusion of a significant era, but it ignited a spark that resonated worldwide, fundamentally transforming societies and cultures. As these extraordinary individuals retired or vanished, their legends lived on, inspiring new generations across the globe.