New Crusaders Deaths Shock and Sadden

As The Crusaders stamp their authority on the enemies of Britain the protectors of old suffered loss after loss internationally as a series of possibly unconnected battles and accidents left over seven members of the New Crusaders dead or dying.
It started with a shooting in San Fransisco which saw The Yob critically injured and possibly powerless after being shot with whats believed to have been a Power Nullifier gun and then several armour piercing rounds. He was rushed to Utopia for emergency surgery and still is considered to be in a critical condition.
With the media already reeling it was then announced from Asgard that both Bound and Thunaer were sucked through a mystical portal accidentally and were believed 'Lost' in the universe. An insider claimed that the portal was not of any real danger until some form of magical feedback ripped it wide open and then slammed it shut as soon as the Two New Crusaders were sucked through it. Apparently Asgard is concerned that they may not be able to find their two companions as the bridges destination was unknown and the bridge slammed shut before their wizard could find its origin.
In Honk Kong a super powered battle went horribly wrong when an explosive device planted in the foyer of a building they were lured into detonated incinerating Rebel, Yellow Canary and Clive the Cavalier as well as Chinese legend Shang Chi. Massive damage was done to the C.B.D of Honk Kong as a result of the blast but very few casualties were incurred compared to the size of the explosion. In all Twenty deaths and sixteen of those are thought to have been Triad gangbangers on 'Jet.'
On the same day a fire tore its way brutally through the 'Lestrange Maximum Security Mental Health Institute' killing all thirty four inmates and forty guards, doctors and nurses that were in the building at the time. With the death total reaching over seventy the further tragedy is that former New Crusader Mass Driver was a patient at the facility and had been for the last two years. He was almost certainly killed in the fire along with all the other poor souls that perished in the fire.
All of these members of the team that have perished along with Ambassador Jimmy Warren over the past weeks were terrible losses that were compounded by the reported shooting of a man on the MI13 base. A man some are claiming was so much more than what he seemed to be.
Malcom Westbury was confirmed to have been the victim of a serious shooting incident on the base and though he is not yet dead its been reported from sources on the base that he was shot at close range in the chest and head and is not thought to be able to make a recovery. As the machines keep this man breathing details emerged from the base that have many believing the worst.
Westbury was a technical and tactical support officer for inbound operations personnel working for MI13 but when cursory efforts were made to check into Westburys background it showed no sign of any Military, Intelligence or extra ordinary skills at all.  Faced with two choices; one being that MI13 simply don't bother with background checks (which is impossible) the other seems far more likely; that being that Westbury gained his knowledge in costume.
As we look around and at the personal background and pictures of Westbury we can conclude only one thing, Malcom Westbury was Valiant. If this is true then an assassination has felled one of the most respected super heroes this country has ever produced. 
Only time will tell, but with Ten New Crusaders now likely killed or dying we look to the others that are left; Ultraviolet, Union Black, The Plant, Shatterproof, The Green Man,  Stoke, Caber, Fury, Captain Britain, Apperture,  Mr Scratch and Atmoic Kong.
Earth Two has The Plant, Shatterproof, and Apperture. MI13 absorbed Captain Britain and Fury while Atomic Kong is in a maximum facility prison as is Union Black. The Green man is believed to be an entity beyond reach at present and Ultraviolet reportedly lost her powers in an incident known as M-Day leaving Caber and Stoke, both now heavily involved in Industry and Government.
How long do they have before the reaper comes for them? Time doesn't appear to be on their side anymore.
Gary Franks. 

Authorities Yet To Confirm Charges Against Hit Squad

The Crusaders were in action last week when they finally tracked down the team that took the unsuccessful hit on Apex and Anathema in Manchester five months ago. In total ten young mutants were captured by the team near Battersea Power station and handed over to the S.H.I.E.L.D though days later and still arguments are raging as to what the list of charges should be.
The two Crusaders they attacked were both apparently killed, Apex was confirmed dead on the scene and Anathema was reported to have died of his injuries while on the MI13 base. As both of these heroes are alive and active on the streets of Britain can these young assassins be convicted of Murder if no-one is dead?
The Crusaders did not wait around to give interviews and have been uncharacteristically quiet about the capture of so person an enemy to the team. S.H.I.E.L.D would confirm that none of the ten captured were badly hurt and that they were now working on trying to get the paperwork exactly right so that the killers didn't just slip through their fingers.
Though sentencing has increased in speed in the last few years it seems clear that S.H.I.E.L.D have their hands full with the red tape surrounding this case and may need far more than the normal allotted time to make the charges stick. This was confirmed when S.H.I.E.L.D put in an interview extension time on the subjects last night in the hope of finding greater evidence to back charges made. If the court denies them the extension then S.H.I.E.L.D may be forced to set the assassins free if they cannot find charges they feel they can make stick.
Gary Franks.

Bow Street Runners Gather To See Phoenix Jonus

The Bow Street Runners were said to be preparing 'the mother of all parties' to celebrate the end of their war with the N.M.A and thier cruel leader Richard Aberine. With the addition of a special guest in the form of American Fake Cape 'Phoenix Jonus' who has promised some suprises of his own the mood should be the highest its been amongst the B.S.R in months.
With The Yeti confirmed to attend along with Freestyle and all the other Bow Street Runners it seems that the threat from the N.M.A is finally over and we as a nation can finally move on. Freestyle was quick to confirm that they would be honouring their dead on this night having had to stay away from large gatherings of B.S.R members thanks to a tip from the Crusaders that the N.M.A were out to kill all of them.
'The threat has passed and we could realistically wait and be causious but in truth...we need this. We need to show the world that we can smile as well as pull faces of grim determination. We need to stand up and acknoledge our dead and the sacrifices they made for us. We also need to slap ourselves on the back and say well done for hanging on in there,' rambled Freestyle at a red carpet event in central London.
'What The Yeti has set up for us is awesome! He may not have the biggest mouth on planet but he leads us and we follow and he has done a great job these last few months. His strength is what keeps us together, he understands our individual commitment and compliments it with his own. The guys a rock, and as much as we want to do all the other things i've said i really want to raise a glass to him in public and let everyone know just what he means to us. In my eyes he is the B.S.R.'
Concerns have been raised as to the wisdom of gathering so many of the B.S.R together in one spot but security is said to be being provided by Smythe himself, Ex New Crusader and now sole owner of Smythe industries following the death of his business partner Jimmy Warren and all his relatives.

Union Black Transfered To Secure Facility

Union Black and the six other prisoners who were incarcerated in the Maze prison have been removed and transferred to a new secret location in the British Isles in the hope of dissuading any further attacks aimed at the Ex New Crusader.
Black, real name John Smith, has gathered many enemies in his time as a member of the New Crusaders, S.H.I.E.L.D, Interpol, and MI6 and its believed that he is now too high a risk to be contained in plain sight. Acting Director of MI13 Joe Chapman had this to say on the matter;

John Smith A.K.A Union Black

'We know he's unpopular with the bad guys, that would make him a logical target for them as while in prison they know where he is at all times,' began Chapman while standing outside the base that has seen so much controversy over the last few months. 'The only step is to remove him so he's no longer on show. I'm sure some would complain that he is getting special treatment and that he is still being treated as a hero. Personally i don't see it. The man is in prison for what he did, but remember that he saved this country, this world, many times over and i personally think it's time to re look at the sentence handed down to him and show him we still believe in heroes. I know i do.'

Chapman is known to be a huge admirer of Union Black having worn the costume before Smith without finding the recognition that Black did so quickly. With the pair of them and their intelligence backgrounds its a wonder of modern justice that Black is in a cell at all, because if it was up to Chapman he'd almost certainly be a free man by now.

Gary Franks.

Sigma Attacked In Munich

The European hero Sigma was involved in a massive battle on the outskirts of Munich last night with a large force of super humans believed to be ex members of the Initial Impressions. Many of the Initial Impressions were released from prison after completing the minimum amount of time on their fifteen year sentences for their part in the coup that saw Richard Abeline take over Britain and murder over three hundred and fifty thousand people.
The Initial Impressions were given lighter sentences for their part in the occupation due to the nature of their joining Abeline's cause than the cabinet. Each Cabinet member was handed a life sentence while the young mutants that made up the Initial Impressions units were said to have been brain washed at a time when they were very vulnerable by the mind warping talents of Aberline. This was also added to the obvious horrors they had suffered under his hand and the sentences were handed down.
Last night Sigma seemed to be locked in conflict with at least seven of the old I.I members including K.O, L.E.D, B.S.E and M.E. At the height of the fight Sigma displayed formidable super speed powers and obviously had the upper hand till he was captured by a metal girder manipulated by an unseen assailant. With his maneuverability cut out from him the super humans attacked him en-mass and though it was not witnessed it is believed he was captured and removed from the scene.
This is not the only disturbing news that has come out concerning the hero name Sigma in the last week, as a leaked report from Scotland Yard revealed that the Crusader Gamma was one part of a duo with another hero called Sigma before he joined the team. The report revealed that Sigma was murdered in a warehouse in Birmingham at the end of a large battle between himself and a hitman from the enemy believed to be working for the N.M.A. Though he suffered many injuries his cause of death was attributed to a single stab wound to the heart that caused massive internal bleeding and was almost certainly an injury that took the hero several minutes to die from.
The report drew conclusions as to the identity of the little known hero's killer but finally attributed the hit to a mysterious hitman who was working in the country at the time that was believed to be known as 'Anthem.'

Wolverine Spotted In Europe

Legendary X-Man and back from the dead mutant Wolverine has been reportedly seen in Europe this week amid rumours of a split on the Island of Utopia. According to loose sources a rift has formed between the leader of the mutant people; Cyclops, and the Canadian rucker. The source of the disruption in their relationship is unknown but many believe that due to Wolverines long absence while dead has led to him having difficulties adjusting to modern mutant politics.

Police forces in Germany and France have both posted official sightings of the Mutant and claim that each time he was identified he was leaving the scene of a major altercation between local criminals and himself.

So far we are the none the wiser as to what this loose cannon has to do with the ever changing shape of European criminal politics but we can be sure of one thing; when the Wolverines stalking no-one gets any sleep.

Gary Franks

LeLand & Sons In Legal Battle Over Ownership

Its been revealed that Multi National corporation and Banking Giant LeLand & Sons has found itself in the middle of a legal battle that could see their entire corporate entity turned over to one man who has claimed a paternal ownership claim from out of the blue.
The company was a Business and manufacturing giant before former owner and financial wizard Harry LeLand took the reigns of the company from his father. With shrude investing and brand extension Harry LeLand pushed the exclusive company into the public domain and when stock was floated reaped the benefits seeing the company leap from Multi Million pound company into Billion pound Juggernaut.
Over the coming years LeLand proved to be as patient a businessman as he proved a profitable one and until his untimely death was regularly in Forbes top 100 Rich list. Through company expansion he moved LeLand & Sons into a formidable frame financially and made Harry LeLand, the only heir to his fathers company, a master of the stock market.

Harry LeLand

It was in mysterious circumstances that Harry LeLand died in New York City over Fifteen years ago. He was discovered to have had a fatal heart attack in the pouring rain near the site of a super human conflict between the mutant group The X-Men and an unknown force. When his death was confirmed LeLand & Sons took a heavy loss in the stock market and looked to be heading for trouble before the emergency and still C.E.O  of the company, Neil Travellian, took the reigns. Travellian responded to LeLands death quickly and soon had the stock fall under control. He nurtured the company and steered it through the difficult legal minefield that saw Harry LeLands controlling stock turned over to the board for safe keeping.

Now, with a mysterious man coming forward and claiming to be the long lost son of LeLand, Travellian must chart a careful course for the company while the negotiations surrounding ownership, controlling stock and inheritance are steadily picked through by Legal experts.

At current estimates LeLand and Sons is worth seventeen Billion pounds, with the controlling stock of thirty five percent (the prize likely to fall into the lap of the son of Harry LeLand) worth an estimated five point five Billion Pounds. A payday that would make anyone gasp. 

Medical Terrorist Still at Large

Police confirmed last night that they are in contact with international security agencies in an attempt to capture a medical technician who is wanted in connection with the horror labs where Dr Faust conducted his illegal medical procedures. The lab itself was heavily damaged in the assault that led to the capture of Dr Faust and his operating team, driven and paid for by the N.M.A.
In the week that followed all but one of the facilities medical staff was arrested for over twenty breaches of the international laws that govern medical testing on humans and invasive surgery on vulnerable patients, but one remained at large and is still on the run as this article goes to post. Now the net is being tightened and Interpol and Mi6 were both confident that he would be in custody shortly.
According to sources we talked to the medical expert is not just linked to Fausts lab in England but also to the 'Jet' lab that was discovered on the Great Wall of China. If this is the case then legal rights could be pursued by China if the fugitive is caught and they would have a strong case for extradition and subsequent trial in a Chinese court; a court that would almost certainly hand down a death penalty.
As far as I'm concerned this wanted physician cant be caught and sent to the Chinese soon enough! Let the scum burn.
Gary Franks.

Sinner Wounded In Fire

It is being reported that Sinner; The Crusader, has been badly wounded in a large industrial fire in London last night. According to the fire service Sinner was instrumental in attacking the fire and keeping it under control but wasn't able to avoid a wall that collapsed on him.
'He was right there holding the fires in and cutting out the air supply when the wall just went. He obviously took the brunt of the blow on his field but the fire that flooded out engulfed the area he was in,' said fire chief Lee Hill. 'He got up but was clearly wounded. We treated him on the scene and he left shortly afterwards but i can say he was badly burnt and i think probably suffering from cracked ribs. He was hit hard, very, very hard.'
Sinner has not been seen on the streets since the accident last night and already many are talking about a curse which is following anyone attached to the name 'Crusader.' Personally i think if he can survive a fight with Master Man then he can survive some cracked ribs.
Gary Franks

Asgardian Tragedy Hits Brits

A freak accident in the Asgardian settlement has claimed the lives of not one but two ex New Crusaders just days after The Yob was shot and nearly killed! A spellcasters efforts to close a bridge opened in the lands they occupy went terribly wrong when a huge spike of power overloaded his incantation and caused a tear in space that swallowed both Thunaer and Bound who had just returned from an inter dimensional mission and slammed shut before they could be rescued.
'The truth is that the these brave warriors where in the wrong place at the wrong time,' said the Avenger Thor obviously very upset by the tragedy. 'We tried to trace where the gateway had thrown them but it was closed too quickly and so we are unable to trace Thunaer or Bound. They are brave and Valiant and i know they will survive until we find them but...it is a quest that could take some time.'
Having consulted a bonified Astro Physisist we can confirm that finding the two Ex New Crusaders now is about as likely as Daniel the Spanish talking dog becoming elected to the German Government and being given the post of Defence secretary in the next elections.
Two more of our heroes have fallen and now it cant be ignored any longer...someone out there is killing Crusaders. Warren, an attempt on John Smith, and The Yob, Thunaer and Bound lost in space and finally there are rumours that Icons D.N.A was found in the explosion which gutted his flat.
The only question on my mind is who's next?

N.M.A Fade To Black

The N.M.A made their final push into Britain when they attacked the Maze Prison in a last ditch attempt to kill John Smith A.K.A Union Black before Richard Aberline lost the last of his power.They blew through the walls, fighting all the way through the prison until finally Aberline stood in the converted prison cell in front of Black and even then he was unable to complete his obsession to kill the ex New Crusader.
Aberline and his troops burst from cover and fired with high powered lazers into the prison destroying the front gates and outer defences, from there they pushed further into the complex being fought all the way by the heavily armed guards that provide security at the prison.
At this point the rear guard left by Aberline were attacked by The Crusaders minus their dark avenger Anathema and their martial arts master Fung Chi. Quickly they dispatched the laser firing soldiers as well as men armed with heavy weapons firing Laser projectiles of considerable destructive capability.
The Crusaders crushed their oposition with the help off a new look Urban who joined the fray in his usual full force method.

John Smith A.K.A Union Black

The Crusaders pursued Aberlines' forces through the prison fighting a brutal battle until they finally engaged the last of Aberlines' troops in the old prison cafateria along with his brutal head inquisitor Drake. A battle ensued in the room that saw Urban downed and Not Alice and Gamma badly beaten but able to continue. With only one target left to fight they swarmed towards Aberline in a containment suit as he bore down upon Union Black.

Reports indicate that a large E.M.P surge was released in the room which fused Aberlines' armour and crashed his life support systems, leaving him dying. The Crusaders worked quickly to remove the armour and provide critical medical support using Gloops powers to Aberline, so saving his life.

Richard Aberline is now in a maximum security prison on the mainland hooked to life support machines and is said to be in his final days. All of his major organs are said to have failed and the doctor are likely to put in a pertition to switch off the machines on compassionate grounds.

John Smith on the other hand was completely uninjured in the attack and is said to have been 'disapointed' that Aberline didn't die in the attack. 'Whats the point in keeping him alive. He was scum, he always will be scum and if you give him a chance he'll just rally more slime to him,' was all he would say on the matter.

The Maze has been shut for the foreseeable future and John Smith has been moved to a secret location to continue his sentance. Off the guards that protected the prison only four of the twenty survived the attack and all of those suffered severe injuries. Black Flag Security; the company subcontracted to defend the prison, have confirmed that danger payouts will be honoured and that the guards families will be well provided for.

This attack represented the last of Richard Aberlines power and influence in Britain and in Europe. In his quest to kill the man that tortured him near to death he bled the forces of the european neo nazis' dry and crushed their finacial power as a force to be recond with. They are as crippled as he is now and when he dies so too shall they.

Good ridance is what i say.

Gary Franks

X-Man Shot In San Fransisco City Centre

The Yob

San Fransisco city centre was the scene of a shock attack against X-Man and Ex New Crusader Yob that has left the mutant hero struggling for life on the island of Utopia.

According to eye witnesses three men broke from a crowd while the Scouser was shopping for the island supplies division. He was hit first with a high tech looking pistol that encased him in energy and left him obviously disoriented, then as he tried to gather his senses he was shot multiple times in the chest. As soon as the shots were fired the assailants made their escape into the crowd and remain at large.

Instead of Shrugging off the bullets as he would normally do he fell to the floor and immediately started to bleed and pass in an out of consciousness. He was rescued by several fellow X-Men that were nearby, rushed to Utopia where it is believed he underwent immediate surgery.

As the reports were released it became immediately clear that Yob was almost certainly hit with a power nullifying weapon prior to the bullets that were fired and that this was a serious attempt on his life. No further attacks were reported and so it is clear that The Yob was their primary and only target.

Another act by mutant hating psychopaths or a more sinister strike on an ex New Crusader with a foot in two camps? As we await further details we can but send our thoughts and prayers too the only good thing to come out of Liverpool in many years.

Gary Franks

Longorian Genocide

Further details have emerged from the shocking tragedy that has befallen the Longorian Race on the surface of Titan and scattered throughout the universe. S.H.I.E.L.D and S.W.O.R.D confirmed today that the viral cotangent that killed the entire population of Longorians was more than likely man made and manufactured on Earth.

S.W.O.R.D Director Brand has sent regular communications back from the desolate planet and revealed the true extent of the horror that greeted her and her crew on arrival.

‘When we docked the contagion alarms were clean. There was no aggressive threat to our physiology's and so we kept to our enviro suits to be certain and entered the complex. What we found there will stay with me for the rest of my life.

The virus attacked the body exceptionally quickly and caused complete organ failure in a matter of hours, side effects including bleeding skin, eyes and all orifices. The deaths would have been exceptionally painful and relief would have been almost impossible as the virus augmented  the nerves system responses. Their deaths would have been agonising.

We ran the samples as soon as we made contact and found a match within hours. We are 96% sure that this virus was man made and engineered specifically to attack the Longorian physiology while also being completely harmless to humans.

Titan

We scoured all the base and ran detailed scans of the surrounding crashed ships to reveal no life signs at all.  In amongst the approximately three and a half million dead we also found and identified Ambassador Jimmy Warren. He died with his wives and litter. We believe he was one of the last to die and tried to nurse them till help arrived though inevitably he watched his loved ones die before him helplessly.’

The Longorian race and Ambassador Jimmy Warren have sometimes been the butt of jokes and have perhaps lost some off the awe that perhaps they were due because of their close resemblance to  rabbits. We should never forget the sacrifices they made for us and their understanding reaction to fears that they would drain our planetary resources. They came with an open hand to help us fight a war and we rewarded them with a killer virus that robbed them of their dignity, futures and lives.

Gary Franks.

New Superman Looks A Wanker: D.C On The Run.

With Biopics of Thor and Captain America taking full control of the Summer Box office and the indie scene completely absorbed by the brilliant 'Falcon: Gin and Tigers' it was always going to be difficult for the comic book characters to get a look in but D.C comics have obviously reacted the way they should never have; by releasing half completed pictures of coming projects and a cobbled trailer for a film that's not even close to a final cut; namely The Dark Knight Rising.
No one would argue with the pedigree of the Dark Knight or of the chances of it walking away with the top taking next year but why the trailer now? One answer; D.C are on the run and have nothing to offer but their one star.
Earlier in the year we had Snyder sneering at Thor and his biopic, claiming it was an obviously silly idea to try and bring him to the screen and yet here he is filming a movie about a man who cannot be beaten and has a quiff?! A QUIFF?! Pictures released recently show up and coming Superman smashing through a metal door and to be honest its not something we haven't seen before.
Much was made about the change in costume, the change in attitude, the change in direction and yet if your changing the look of the costume and making the character cooler how do you allow that dappy quiff to stay?! Nob.

Sorry, he looks a cock.

D.C simply don't seem to be able to grip the reality of the situation they face. When they look forward to the Summer and have an offering like the Green Lantern as their main hope you have to ask just how stupid these pricks are?! Then to think they respond to the exceptionally positive reception to both Thor and Captain America with dodgy pictures of Catwoman on a bike not wearing anything like a discernible costume and a man with a hairstyle so bad the enemy would die of laughter before a punch was thrown, well they are either simply to dumb to know when they're beaten or they really just don't have a clue.

Next year comes the much anticipated 'Avengers' and an alternative Biopic for 'Spiderman,' two films that have all the momentum they need to make a huge splash. Meanwhile D.C have the much anticipated 'Dark Knight Rising' which would do well to be as good as The Dark Knight but should at the least be excellent and the much hyped but almost certainly flawed Superman. 

Next years main hero film will be The Dark Knight Rising, but as far as i can see it is the only thing that D.C have to offer. Period.
Gary Franks. 

French Intelligence Claims Aberline Has Left France

Richard Aberline: Cromwell.

Richard Aberline is no longer believed to be on the continent and its feared that he has returned to Britain according to French Intelligence agencies. Claims were made yesterday by the French that Aberline had finally stopped gathering forces in France and Germany and that he was almost certainly returning home to Britain to 'begin his final assault.'

When pressed to clarify how the French had come by the information and why they have been unable to pin point Aberline while he was in Paris they simply replied that sources and procedures were classified and that they were not open to laying their network at the media's feet for them to validify.

MI13 were not ready to comment on the claims but an unidentified source responded by saying 'Of course they know where he fucking is! They've known for over a year and if French Intelligence was any more corrupt they'd be having dinner with the Red Skull. TWATS!'

Gary Franks.

Kickass Laid To Rest; Freestyle Speaks.

Murdered B.S.R Kickass was laid to rest in a private ceremony in London. His real name has not been released and police have confirmed that they will be keeping all data concerning the Bow Street Runners case out of the public eye.

Kickass was shot and killed in Brixton two weeks ago and so far three men have been arrested in connection with the drug deal that Kickass was braking up but not for his murder.

Freestyle, the B.S.R spokesman, spoke to the press for the first time about the incident on the day of his comrades funeral on the corner where he has gunned down.

‘I would like to tell you about a brave man i met. He was uncompromising and headstrong and wanted to do all he could to make his area safer. He wanted to be able to walk down the street and not feel threatened, but he wanted that for his friends and family and neighbours more and so put himself in the line of fire.

Kickass was a good fighter and a brave guy but above all else he was a man that wouldn’t take no for an answer so when the N.M.A told the ‘Fake Capes’ to get off the streets he resisted and stepped out. He joined the Bow Street Runners very early on and we all knew the risks, the dangers that plagued our streets. But he was unafraid.

Today we know that there is a threat to the B.S.R....and that is to shy away from what we said we would do, to hide and wait for the enemy to pass. To allow them to beat us by killing one of our own, well i’m here today to tell you that we will not go quietly into that goodnight, we will rage against the dying of the light!

The chilling final image of Kickass

Kickass is gone but we cannot forget his sacrifice. I vow here and now that they will not beat the Bow Street Runners, that we will remember those that have fallen and we wont give in. We are here to stay and no-one will grind us down.

Today our friend is laid to rest, a rest he earned. I wont rest till we have his killer and that...is a promise.’

Again Freestyle brings his ‘B.S.R spokesman role to speak at a point when The Yeti was expected to. Does anyone know how long it will be before the B.S.R vote for a new leader, a man outspoken enough to get the job done in front of the cameras. Know anyone like that in the B.S.R?

Gary Franks

Captain America Unmasked!

Captain America: Bucky Barnes?

Speculation over the identity of the new Captain America has been raging for well over a year now and it seemed that all had finally come to the conclusion that we would never know who the legendary Shield Bearer was until the issue was blown wide open yesterday when a news source claimed it was none other than James 'Bucky' Barnes; the original Captain America's world war two sidekick thought dead for over sixty years.

Surely this would be the source of some jubilation but it turns out that 'Bucky' was also shown to be a shady character from the Cold War known as 'The Winter Soldier', a Soviet assassin responsible for numerous murders all throughout the sixties, seventies and eighties!



The revelations were said to be from a well placed source that 'could not stand to see a soviet murder carrying the flag so hypocritically.' The claims are said to be backed with documented evidence that proves not only that Barnes is Captain America but is also the killer. According to the files Barnes was dragged from an ice flow shortly after the explosion which was thought to have taken his life. He was taken back to the Soviet Union where Stalin commissioned surgeons to repair his broken body and place him in stasis. Over the next decade they indoctrinated him and broke the Barnes that served with Captain America and created a new personality 'The Winter Soldier,' one that would do whatever his Soviet masters asked him to.



Bucky Barnes: Winter Soldier?



Over the decades he was thawed out to assassinate troublesome figures in the world and protect the Soviet intelligence community. Once each mission was completed Barnes would be frozen once more till he was needed again.

Not only do the files contain alleged hits taken by Barnes but also of a long standing affair with one Russian Agent Natasha Romanov, A.K.A The Black Widow. 

With these revelations comes many questions as to the status of the current Captain America and whether he should be allowed to continue in that role considering the information that has now come to light. Along with concerns for the integrity of the costume also come calls for Barnes to stand trial for his crimes and be punished for the lives he allegedly took. 

All of this comes at a time when the Avengers are trying to build new teams and resettle themselves post Asgard Siege. Could the New Avengers be heading for an early demise? Perhaps Barnes is the only man on the planet right now that can answer that question.

Gary Franks 

United Nations Launch Interstellar Rescue Mission

The United Nations have dispatched S.W.O.R.D to Titan to ascertain the condition of The Longorian Race and discover why the alien colony have not responded to communications for the last five days. Director of S.W.O.R.D Agent Brand was not able to comment yesterday and so left it to Director of S.H.I.E.L.D Steve Rogers to handle the press.
'We have been asked to step in and launch a recon and rescue mission to Titan by the United Nations and that is what we are doing,' told the assorted press who braved the harsh weather in Washington D.C. 'S.W.O.R.D is the spacial and dimensional wing of S.H.I.E.L.D and so Agent Brand has stepped in and is personally overseeing the investigation. We have much to thank the Longorians for and have enjoyed the dialogue that our to peoples have maintained in their time in our dimension.
Ambassador Warren is a fine leader of their people an i have no doubt that if their is a problem it can be fixed and we have vowed to give them any and all assistance that they require.'


Warren at a party last year



The Longorians burst onto the scene four years ago when they came to the aid of the Earth against the menacing Felicious Tribe; a race of interstellar invaders with a Nazi twist. The space battle between The Felicious Tribe and The Longorians (backed up by Earths super humans including the New Crusaders) raged throughout our system and there were serious concerns that the radiation levels after the battle would slowly wipe out the Earths life. The Longorians didn't hesitate to apply their advanced science into the construction of a machine that would collect the energy and use it to power a Tera firming project the Longorians started on Titan.

The Longorian Ambassador; Jimmy Warren, was a member of The New Crusaders for almost a year, posing as the quintessential English Businessman in Bowler hat and Pin Stripe suit as Freerunner. Freerunner became an incredibly popular member of the team with a global following due to his 'city runner' project; a series of races he organised in Tokyo, Moscow, Rio De Ginero and most famously New York.

The New York city race was a protest against the Registration act which consumed North America a gave birth to the Civil War. Freerunner and many wanted heroes ran public over the rooftops in an effort to raise awareness of the Registration Act and its effect on the powered population of America.

With the rescue mission underway we can hope to have a full explanation as to the reason behind the Cosmic Storm and what effect it might have on the Earth at all.

 Gary Franks

Security Agencies In Crisis

Both Interpol and MI13 came under fire yesterday for not only under achieving in their task of fighting organised international and domestic super crime but for being corrupt as well.
Nigel Stewarts, an expert in the espionage community claimed that Interpol was so full of rats it may well change its name to 'Sewer' and that MI13 were obsessed with interdimensional affairs to the point that they have become a joke on the domestic front of their mandate. Interpol's rat problem is documented and though they claim they are getting a handle on it now it does seem to be more pronounced corruption than had first exsisted.
Stewarts claimed in his new novel 'What the FUCK IS YOUR PROBLEM?!' That Interpol were and are an information netwok for the men that use it and not one of their agents would turn down an envelpoe full of money if they thought no-one was watching.
Peter Sarcous, a high up team leader announced a new crackdown on information breaches and agents that do what they want when  they want. 'Its unacceptable and it will change round here',were the last words of Sarcous, a man who knows Interpol from the inside out.
'This animal its not rabid, it can be helped and we can plug the leaks, we just need the time to learn our enemies weakness's and strike.'
MI13 refused to comment on their lack of progress but its believed that the core team are close to uncovering the enemy as they lay and all will be better soon.

Titan goes Dark

Fears were growing last night when the Longorian base on Titan was severed from its communication ties to Earth without anyone understanding the reason why. According to N.A.S.A and MI13 all of their equipment is working within normal parameters and the problem seems to be with the Titan base itself.
This morning an amateur astrologist recorded footage of the Longorian cruiser the 'Simpkin' apparently crashing into Titans hostile surface and noted with some alarm that none of the emergency escape pods were fired at all.
As the world waits for an answer from Titan we can but think of The New Crusader Jimmy Warran and how he captured the hearts and minds of this country in a dark time.
Karl Franks

Masterman In Battle With New Hero In Germany

Masterman was caught in a massive battle between himself and the mysterious new hero over the city of Berlin yesterday and by all reports the Nazi powerhouse was lucky to escape at all from the hyper fast actions of the man known only as 'Sigma.'
'Sigma' is said to be super fast and able to punch with immense power, a power he used to make Masterman very uncomfortable indeed in their battle that ranged from the streets to the skies and then back again, a battle Masterman was loosing.
What brought the two of them into such public actions is unknown though it is being said that 'Sigma' is in some way connected to Britain's very own 'Gamma,' though there is absolutely no proof of that what-so-ever.
After the battle was fought and Masterman had flown off into the night with his tail between the legs Sigma made a swift exit too leaving the people of Berlin wondering what Sigmas motives were and whether or not he is the hero they have been waiting for to fight the oppression that seems to be smothering the Continent in darkness.
I for one hope this Sigma is up to the close scrutiny that will now fall on him. We want heroes to stand up and be counted, for the good of all.

Osbourne Announces Historic Trade Agreement

Chancellor Gorge Osbourne unveiled his new secret weapon against recession and a deal that could bring new found wealth to the world all over; a trade agreement with the Kree Empire!

Empress Medusa

The Kree Empire (now run by The Inhuman's and their Queen Medusa) have agreed to open an expansive commercial agreement that would see Britain and Britain's Earth Two investments provide services to the Empire in many forms, from training facilities and interdimensional experts to military tacticians and agricultural techniques. In exchange Britain and hopefully Earth over all would be given medical advances and technological data that would allow for a greater understanding of the universe and our place in it.
'Today we open the door and step into a brighter future, one where we are the masters of our own destinies and the controller of our own fates,' began Osbourne with all the gusto of a Cesar. 'We have been given the opportunity to find our place in the universe and show that though Earth is a centre of personal power in the form of our heroes we also posses a racial power, a calling to climb higher than perhaps even we think we can. That we can think and not just blast our way through obstacles, that we are a unique and important place and one that wants to bring itself into the wider commercial base that we call the universe.
We have everything to offer and unlike so many other planets we have the means to protect ourselves without being a war machine. We can call on the galatically known heroes and even those on our streets and know that they will never stop fighting for the continued freedom and empowerment of all.

At this stage in the agreement we have meerly agreed to swap information so that we can better engage each others peoples and find ways to work cooperatively to a greater good. Soon we will have access to information we could never have hoped to have gathered in our life times, information that we can use to create faster than light travel engines that will power vessels of exploration. We are walking hand in hand with the Kree and their Inhuman rulers into a better future, one where we improve the quality of life on our planet for everyone, regardless of geographical positioning, sex, creed or colour. This is the future, all we need do is grab it with both hands.'

What this means for the country/planet isn't known yet bar 'untold wealth' and a whole new set of languages kids have to learn at school. I for one am cynical and so will wait till we see what this actually means, though even if we do suddenly find ourselves living in a Utopia one thing is sure, I'm not wearing a stupid Star Trek costume for anyone, i still going to smoke and drink and if they try a hostile take over I'm going to be the guy with the sandwich board that reads 'I TOLD YOU SO!'  

Karl Franks

Crusaders Hammer Illegal Weapons Lab

The Crusaders were in action on Tuesday night, this time busting into property owned by Lord Alain Sogar and uncovering it for what it was, an illegal weapons development and manufacturing site. Lord Sogar has distanced himself from the facility but will be hard pressed to remove his influence from one of the men captured there on the night, Apprentice winner Lees MacQueen.
The police were called in on the night after a large confrontation within the electrical development and research facililty concluded with MacQueens capture.There on site the police found more than just the reality television show winner famous for his 'Backward Pterodactyl.' Along with him The Crusaders found extensive evidence of human testing and biological augmentation through weapon implantation, the vicious Nazi scientist that masterminded the procedures, over thirty guards and ten augmented weaponised killers.
All of this is enough to put MacQueen in prison for the rest of his life but what really put the icing on the cake was the dangerous and unstable power supply that they were using on site to cover their massive power expenditure.


lees Macqueen



Police have held MacQueen for the last week, questioning hm and using anti terror laws to extend their time with the man who may possibly bring down Anstrad, though that outcome seems very unlikely indeed. Already Lord Sogar has claimed that MacQueen was an investor in his own right and was managing his own accounts and had been doing so for the last year at least, also that MacQueen was very much a lone wolf who was obsessed with increasing his own wealth, a trait Sogar admired.

MI13 scientists and security has moved in and sealed the area, a precautionary move to make the containment of the power supply easier to manage and has taken custody of some of those captured including the augmented soldiers and the Nazi Scientist.

The operation was a resounding success for The Crusaders though perhaps next time the operation could involve less property damage so giving investigative staff a better chance of gleaming evidence needed for further convictions.

So far over ten arrests have been made in the local medical community in connection to this incident and police are now only seeking to interview one more doctor in relation to this incident.

Karl Franks. 

Kickass Gunned Down By Drug Dealer

Kickass (deceased)

Loose cannon Bow Street Runner and Crusader baiter Kickass was shot and killed in the streets of Brixton over five days ago, the incident captured on C.C.T.V along with his final moments.

The B.S.R was travelling through the area on foot when he reportedly noticed a drug deal taking place on a street corner. He approached the deal and forced his way into the group of youths that were committing the crime unaware of the danger that lurked just feet behind him.

As he broke up the small group and slapped the drugs to the floor a man in a hoody approached from behind and fired three shots into him, two in the back and one in the head. The handgun used is clearly a revolver and police have issued an appeal to the public, asking them for help in the capture of the man that ended Kickass's life.

Yesterday Yeti was said to be still in shock but had insisted that no death would shake their resolve and that the Bow Street Runners were here to stay, though he also appealed to his fellow B.S.R. members to act with caution in case this was not an isolated incident.

Kickass was known for his aggressive attitude towards criminals, his obvious homage to the Mark Millar creation and title character of graphic novel and movie Kickass and his verbal bust up with The Crusaders; or specifically the Crusader 'Sinner.' He was not seen as an influential member of the B.S.R or reportedly well liked either, yet still it will be a death they feel deeply. 

As Kickass was murdered publicly his body is still being held by police as they try to discover whether his death was a random act of violence or a set up intended to end his life. Either way he died a spirit of the streets, a modern emblem of hope and dare we say a cautionary tale not to be ignored.

Karl Franks  

Notice Of Absence

The Crusader Chronicle extends its love and support to owner and Journalist in chief Verity Luce in this time of great personal crisis. Nigel Luce was a proud father and family man who upheld himself with integrity and was much loved by all that worked with him.
Following Nigel's brutal murder at their family home in Kent Mrs Luce will be taking a leave of absence to reflect on her loss and concentrate on the young son that they cared for together. While Mrs Luce takes her leave of absence new Journalist in Chief Karl Franks will be taking full control of the Crusader Chronicle and has promised to uphold the strong Journalistic integrity that surrounds this great web publication.
Timothy Morse (Crusader Chronicle on line services manager)

Flin Hails Heroic Effort

Acting Chief Inspector of Greater Manchester Police has always been critical of Vigilante actions but yesterday he conceded that The Crusaders were a cut above what he classified as the standard 'Glory Hoggers.'
Speaking at a press conference yesterday he was uncharacteristically upbeat about The Crusaders and their future. 'The work they have done and the results they have achieved cant be played down any longer. They have changed the face of British crime fighting forever,' Tom Flin said, back pedaling madly from all of his negative comments over the last few months.
'Greater Manchester is a safer place now because of the actions of these brave individuals. Their work is tireless, impressive and through, they don't just live for the lime light, they are the real deal. There are still no celebrity interviews, swim suit calendars, or franchise jumpers like The Yob or Bound. They pursue their targets with nerve and intelligence and even i have to concede that they can look after themselves with blowing up everything within a three block area.
The Triad have been smashed and The Crusaders seem to have followed Sinner in a personal quest to bring in all the N.M.A hit teams with the capture of the final known cell last night by Sinner and Fung Chi. This is a statement of true intent. Simply put; there is nowhere for you to hide. If this is the way they are going to operate then they are welcome in any area i govern and should be given as much support as possible while keeping them autonomous.
I congratulate The Crusaders and more importantly i respect them for their professionalism and achievements.'
Tom Flin, stanch in his criticism of any and all vigilantes has finally joined the appreciation club. Let the love in begin or pinch me.
Verity Luce

Triad Crushed In Britain

Last Tuesday saw a real turn around in the battle against organised crime in Britain when The Crusaders finally captured the leader of the incoming Triad; world famous Triad boss Li Chow Ling.
The Crusaders moved into action as soon as they had conformation on his location and struck at him in his lair, a huge Townhouse in the Chelsea area of London.
What happened inside the building is not known for sure though we have found out that the building Chow Ling was in suffered structural damage to a basement wall and also an expensive staircase leading from the floor above down into the luxury games room where the battle took place. We also know that there were thirty-six arrested at the scene, mainly high up Triad bodyguards and known criminals connected with the merciless outfit.
The battle itself was short lived and violent, many of the combatants needing extra medical attention due to damage done to their ears by high frequency sonic attacks. Though out of all the criminals captured there was only one fatality, that of their leader.
It is believed Chow Ling died of a massive heart attack on the scene and that others are waiting to take his place, though the latter seems unlikely as the Triad were in full route as this point.
British police now wait for the inevitable tough few weeks when the local hoods try and squeezing control of their areas and widen their turfs.
VerityLluce

STORMWATCH RETURN

Earth 2 have reported the first sighting of ThunderMonkey and his Stormwatch in over a year answering a question lost in amongst the reformation of The Crusaders; whatever happened to Britain’s number two hero team?

Thundermonkey and the Stormwatch have fought many battles and gathered some great victories in Britain but when missing over a year ago while investigating Dimensional disturbances in Bristol, now they have returned, only not here but on LV426 and have gained a harder edge. An edge that saw they smash their way through a large group of space pirates and leave many of them in hospital for their troubles.

Official stance on the heroes is that they disrupted a dangerous attack on Earth 2 and that they are very welcome on the planet by the ruling council, yet there other voices suggesting the heroes need to be asked to return to Earth as trouble did come to the area until they showed up.

I interviewed Ex Crusader Shatterproof briefly through portal communication and she assured me that Thundermonkey was an excellent addition to Earth 2’s defence force and any suggestion of asking them to leave was totally ridiculous.

‘Thundermonkey is the coolest and certainly the nicest talking chimp i've ever met and he can hang with us anytime. The Stormwatch have been operating for some time and they know how to bring it. That's the bottom line.’

When asked about the current troubles and The Crusaders here on Earth she said ‘Good luck to anyone that takes the name, it’s a tough gig. If they stand up and call themselves that then there are hundreds of friends out there to back them up as well as hundreds of enemies to tear them down. I hope they pull it off.’

VERITY LUCE

Smythe Industries Bury Their Dead.

   The three men who died controlling ‘Stephenson’ Power armour in the battle against Baron Zemo  at Oxford Street were laid to rest yesterday but Smythe himself was bullish about his units effectiveness and their continued security duties within many government buildings.

‘I know these men died bravely trying to save Steve Rogers against a superior foe,’ began Smythe outside his office this morning. ‘I know that they are more than likely not going to be the last of my men to perish, but we will not surrender to terrorists and lunatics. We will continue to fight them wherever they go, whatever they do. We will not be scared into stepping down from our commitments, in fact, today we approach them with renewed vigour!

I want those out there that think they have rattled us to know we are here, we are not going anywhere else and nothing they can do will make us. The line is drawn, no further. That is all.

Today we remember that five men stood bravely and valiantly and three of them lost their lives. We will not forget them or the lesson they have taught us; do not retreat, do not surrender and do not compromise. We morn their loss and send our condolences to their families. ’

The Smythe foundation has paid out settlement packages to the families of the men that died, each one an ex pilot in the Royal Airforce, and though the sum was undisclosed it has been stressed that their families will be well provided for, Small comfort for them in their grief.

VERITY LUCE

Chapman In Crisis Talks

Acting Director of MI13 Joseph Chapman has been called in for several high level meetings over the last week as concern grows around Chapman’s organisation, operating costs and efficiency.

Chapman, the man to wear the Union Jack costume before the Crusader Union Black, is said to be up against the wall over costs, organisation and large numbers of losses in personnel as well as the real source of most people’s irritation, the total lack of domestic security provided by the agency.

‘It is true the Prime Minister is asking for greater accountability, transparency and presence in Britain,’ said Chapman when he returned to MI13’s base and was confronted by a throng of Journalists. ‘If i could tell you we are in good shape then i would but in truth we are taking some lumps, not getting that many back in and that does make a difference to the powers that be. We cant coast along and expect a blank check on our desks, we need to show we are getting results for our actions and in many ways we are. I just cant show you the evidence right now.

The ministers and men in power know the score and i’m confident they grip the importance of the work we are doing here. Do you want explosions and frantic running in the streets? Go hang around and wait for The Crusaders to show up. If you want real work that makes a real difference then stay the course because this agency is going to be in a very good way very soon.’

Chapman was upbeat and cocky but he would have to be a complete idiot to claim that there is no pressure on his team or on him at all. Many have already decided that in the event Wisdom doesn’t recover from the injuries he suffered in the Marauders attack MI13 will be dissolved and its units broken into smaller, separate squads to complete their tasks of keeping Britain safe.

VERITY LUCE

Thief Takers Expand Operation

The Thief Takers have moved in on drug dealers in their local area and in the borough next door to theirs in London with the help of a swelling task force now under Tagger’s control. Just a month ago Tagger and his two associates ‘Decker’ and ‘Street’ were a three man investigation team, now their number has supposedly grown to over twenty with ‘Decker’ controlling the streets and patrolling on mopeds with a group of other youths. ‘Street’ takes care of the bulk of the operations so we are told and that leaves ‘Tagger’ who aids the flow of information and Surveillance and also keeps an overall eye on the’ Thief takers.’   

London’s Metropolitan Police are said to be happy for the help they are receiving from all quarters of the community and that they would urge people to by all means follow their hearts and aid the civil justice cause while making sure they are also well aware of the inherent dangers citizen based action now attracts.

For us at the Chronicle it’s an interesting case, why are the Thief Takers so resistant to joining the Bow Street Runners if they are going to operate  on these streets. Surely its safety in numbers, or do the Takers feel distancing themselves from Freestyle and Yeti’s men and women is all the precaution they need?

Verity Luce.

 

Great Lakes Crusaders Fend Off Biker Assault

   Flat Man and his band of mismatched Chicago heroes have bitten off more than they can chew by taking the Crusaders name, or have they? With a full two weeks under their belt as Great Lakes Crusaders it seems the name brings as many dangers across the pond as it does here in Britain.

   Flat Man, Mister Impossible, Dinahsore,  Squirrel Girl, Door man, Big Bertha and their newest member Slapstick all repelled a six man ambush party last week without too many problems but were caught off guard when ‘Jet’ using Neo-Nazi bikers stormed the city park and insisted they would not move on until The Great Lakes Crusaders had come to talk to them.

   As soon as the heroes were on the scene the bikers attacked and the struggle is being touted as the toughest battle Flat Man’s band have ever had to participate in. With the numbers against them they created a circle and fought the enemy until they withdrew on their bikes leaving their fallen comrades behind them.

   In total there were forty arrests and no serious injuries bar the multiple deaths of Mister Impossible, who is in possession of the same sort of power that kept the Falcon alive, if not young, while he served in the Crusaders. Many people are now linking Mister Impossible with The Falcon, claiming he ‘Shagged around like a rabbit in his youth and there is nothing to say Impossible isn’t a distant relative. No reason at all.’

    With Flat Man insisting he will keep to the path they have chosen and remain Crusaders it seems they have the prime requirements to be Crusaders; Balls of steel.

Verity Luce.

Crusaders Capture N.M.A Hitteam

The Crusaders added another victory and one that was very personal indeed. Late on Tuesday Britain’s primary hero team alerted the authorities that they had engaged and captured the infamous hit team that had claimed the lives of two Fake Capes (as they were known then) and is thought to have conducted the sickening murder of the disabled scientist Clifford Marsh, and is also wanted internationally in connection with the N.M.A’s continental Bombing campaign of 2009.

The four men; Tim Munchen, Victor Yates, and Arthur Dern were led by Kurt Fritzel in their reign of terror and its thought Fritzel was receiving his orders directly from Aberline’s inner council, giving them targets and dates for their hits. Though the organiser of the hit teams scouring Britain is not known for sure its believed that Aberline has ex N.M.A Cabinet minister ‘Drake’ coordinating their efforts to gain maximum effect.



Kurt Fritzel



Yates, Muchen and Dern are all ex royal marines who have been wanted internationally since the N.M.A took over Britain and its known they served within Cromwell’s brown shirts. Fritzel was part of German Special forces and was part of The far right movement that took over Germany and then France at the same time that Britain was subjugated by Aberline/Cromwell.

All four men were taken with minor injuries an handed over to the Birmingham police who have the men in maximum security lockdown pending the initial hearing of charges against the quartet of death.



Acting Chief of Greater Manchester Police Tom Flinn had this to say about the arrests, ‘I have been highly critical in the past of these individuals but even i have to acknowledge that it was a job well done. These four have been one of the driving forces behind the campaign of terror and for The Crusaders to take them down so cleanly is a real accolade. Its made me have to reassess my opinion of them. Why? Because this isn’t a reactionary encounter, they have hunted and taken down this threat and its not a threat that was aimed at them. It was a good thing they did, in the right way.’



With The Crusaders finally winning over Tom Flinn with Fritzel’s capture could it be that finally they are on the up with the establishment? We will have to wait for a reaction from Joe Chapman before we even think about going that far.

Verity Luce