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(rv. The badge text on Opressor says that quite well already.)
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{{otheruses4|1=the hero Statesman|2=the game developer|3=Statesman (Developer)}}
{{incomplete|note=Needs Who Will Die!}}
== Overview ==
== Overview ==
[[Image:Statesman.jpg|right|thumb|100px|Statesman as seen in City of Heroes]]
[[File:Statesman-banner.jpg|left|350px]]
{{Infobox NPC
| box_color  = royalblue
| name      = Statesman
| image      = [[File:252px-Statesman.png|180px]]
| caption    = Incarnate of Zeus
| sd        = Marcus Cole
| gender    = Male
| origin    = [[Incarnate]]
| archetype  = [[Tanker]]
| affiliation= [[Freedom Phalanx]]
| age        = Over 100 years
| romantic  = [[Maiden Justice|Monica Richter]] (wife)
| family    = [[Lord Recluse|Stefan Richter]] (brother-in-law),</br>[[Miss Liberty|Alexis Cole-Duncan]] (daughter),</br>[[Ms. Liberty|Jessica Megan Duncan]] (granddaughter)
| pp        = [[Invulnerability]]
| sp        = [[Super Strength]]
| sig        = Hammer of Justice, Zeus' Lightning Bolt, Thunderous Blast
| other      = [[Flight]]
}}
{{clrl}}
'''Statesman''' was a [[Hero]], one of the [[Surviving Eight]] and the original leader of the [[Freedom Phalanx]].


'''Statesman''' is a Hero, one of the [[Surviving Eight]] and the leader of the [[Freedom Phalanx]].


Villains face him as a signature hero in Recluse's Victory as well as in the following missions:
Heroes find him:
 
* via [[Flashback]] on the [[Maria Jenkins#Free Statesman|Free Statesman]] mission from [[Maria_Jenkins/Flashback#A_Hero.27s_Hero|Maria Jenkins]] as an Ally (Levels 45-50)
* on the [[Mender Silos Task Force#Agree to Mender Silos' mission|Agree to Mender Silos' mission]] during the [[Mender Silos Task Force]] as a Pet and an Ally (Levels 46-50).


*[[Lord_Recluse_Strike_Force#Destroy_Statesman_and_Freedom_Phalanx|Destroy Statesman and Freedom Phalanx]] from [[Lord_Recluse_Strike_Force|Lord Recluse]] (Level 45-50)
__Toc__


{{clr}}
Villains face him:


== Background ==
* on the mission [[Mender Silos Strike Force#Assault Siren's Call|Assault Siren's Call]] during the [[Mender Silos Strike Force]] as a Hero and an Enemy (Levels 46-50).


===Description===


Marcus Cole, who would eventually become Statesman, was a rogue and mercenary throughout the early part of the 20th century.  During WWI, he became ill after being exposed to mustard gas.  While traveling with his childhood friend Stefan Richter, Marcus discovered the Well of the Furies. Both men drank from the well and were granted incredible powers.  Marcus went on to become Statesman and Stefan, [[Lord Recluse]].  
__Toc__
 
== Background ==
=== Description ===
Marcus Cole, aka Statesman, began his transformation from a poverty born child to world hero after serving in the U.S. Army during World War I. Instead of coming home in 1918 he headed east, bent on exploring the world now that he'd had a taste of it. Where he went and what happened to him during that lost decade remains a secret to all but Statesman's most trusted friends. What is no secret is that when his ship pulled into [[Paragon City]] port in 1931 he was much more than the young private who had shipped out to fight for freedom in Europe.


=== History ===
=== History ===
[[Image:Statesman 1930's.jpg|right|thumb|100px|Statesman's 1930's Costume]]
[[File:Statesman 1930's.jpg|right|thumb|100px|Statesman's 1930's Costume]]
[[File:Statesman 1940's.jpg|right|thumb|100px|Statesman's 1940's Costume]]
[[File:Statesman.png|right|thumb|150px|Statesman's Modern Costume]]
'''Statesman''' is one of the first heroes of Paragon City.  He is the leader of the [[Freedom Phalanx]] as well as one of the co-founders.   
'''Statesman''' is one of the first heroes of Paragon City.  He is the leader of the [[Freedom Phalanx]] as well as one of the co-founders.   


Born Marcus Cole, Statesman began his transformation from a poverty born child to world hero after serving in the US Army during World War I. Instead of coming home in 1918 he headed east, bent on exploring the world now that he'd had a taste of it. Where he went and what happened to him during that lost decade remains a secret to this day. What is no secret is that when his ship pulled into [[Paragon City]] port in 1931 he was much more than the young private who had shipped out to fight for freedom in Europe.
Instead of coming home in 1918, Marcus went in search of the fabled Well of the Furies.  During the war, he had been exposed to Mustard Gas and become ill.  He knew that he would prematurely die if he did not find the Well.  Friends from his unit joined him in his search including Marcus's best friend, Stefan Richter. They became mercenaries trying to help Marcus find more information on where the Well of the Furies was and how to unlock its power. They were eventually successful and both Marcus and Stephan drank from the Fountain of Zeus within the Well of the Furies, giving them super powers. They would turn out very differently however, as Marcus became Statesman and Stephan became his mortal enemy, [[Lord Recluse]].


Instead of coming home in 1918, Marcus went in search of the fabled Well of the Furies.  During the war, Statesman had been exposed to Mustard Gas and become ill. He knew that he would prematurely die if he did not find the Well.  Friends from his unit joined him including Marcus's best friend, Stephan Richter.  They became mercenaries trying to help Marcus find more information on where the Well of the Furies was and how to unlock its power. They were eventually successful and both Marcus and Stephan drank its water giving them super powers. They would turn out very differently however as Stephan became Statesman's mortal enemy, [[Lord Recluse]].
Upon his return to Paragon City, Cole claimed to have unlocked the power of his own "Inner Will", an obscure explanation at best. While not his true origin, it was undeniable that Cole possessed something that hadn't been seen since the age of the Greek Heroes: superpowers. Cole was strong beyond human limits and impervious to fists, knives, and even bullets. However he'd come by these powers, Cole now found a cause to which he could apply them: saving his beloved Paragon City from itself. The would-be hero took on the name Statesman, an identity that personified all the values and ideals that Paragon City currently lacked.


Upon his return to Paragon City, Cole claimed to have unlocked the power of his own "Inner Will", an obscure explanation at best. While not his true origin, it was undeniable that Cole possessed something that hadn't been seen since the age of the Greek Heroes: superpowers. Cole was strong beyond human limits and impervious to fists, knives and even bullets. However he'd come by these powers, Cole now found a cause to which he could apply them: saving his beloved Paragon City from itself. The would-be hero took on the name Statesman, an identity that personified all the values and ideals that Paragon City currently lacked.
Statesman went after crime head on, going after gang bosses, corrupt politicians, and other lowlifes with a vengeance. His costume allowed him to hide from police while still leaving behind an indelible impression on the city's populace. In a few short months he had begun to make a difference. But his initial successes only served to unite the city's criminals against him. The tide began to turn when out of nowhere another costumed hero appeared in the city: [[The Dark Watcher (Primal Earth)|The Dark Watcher]]. Soon after others appeared: [[Elementar]], [[Vambrace]], [[Maiden Justice]], and others. Extraordinary men and women, inspired by Statesman's example, were rising to meet the challenge.


The Statesman went after crime head on, going after gang bosses, corrupt politicians and other lowlifes with a vengeance. His costume allowed him to hide from police while still leave behind an indelible impression on the city's populace. In a few short months he had begun to make a difference. But his initial successes only served to unite the city's criminals against him. The tide began to turn when out of nowhere another costumed hero appeared in the city: the Dark Watcher. Soon after others appeared: The Dream Doctor, [[Maiden Justice]], and others. Extraordinary men and women, inspired by the Statesman's example, were rising to meet the challenge.
On July 4th, 1932, Statesman collected these new heroes under the banner of the [[Freedom Phalanx]]. The group battled together throughout the 1930s, taking down numerous criminal operations, including the gangs ruling [[Kings Row]]. Statesman's successes led to the Crime Fighting Act of 1937, which made the Freedom Phalanx a legally recognized crime fighting organization.


On July 4th, 1932, the Statesman collected these new heroes under the banner of the [[Freedom Phalanx]]. The group battled together throughout the 1930s, taking down numerous criminal operations, including the gangs ruling [[Kings Row]]. On his own, the Statesman uncovered and defeated the evil [[Nemesis (Archvillain)|Nemesis]]. The Statesman's successes led to the Crime Fighting Act of 1937, which made the Freedom Phalanx a legally recognized crime fighting organization.
When Axis forces attacked Paragon City in 1941, Statesman and the Freedom Phalanx were at the forefront of a heroic effort to push back these invaders. The heroes then traveled to Europe, where they fought alongside the [[Dawn Patrol]] and other super-powered soldiers for the freedom of the world. On D-Day, Statesman and his allies became engaged in a violent battle over the beaches of Normandy. Due largely to his heroic efforts, the Axis forces were eventually pushed back, allowing the Allies to move into France. Unfortunately, Statesman was terribly wounded during this battle and remained crippled for the remainder of the war. This did not keep him completely out of the fight, however: the day after Hitler's suicide, Statesman planned what would be a final assault on the Storm Korps headquarters and one of the last superhuman battles in WWII's European theater (now known as the "Battle of the Black Forest"). The Allied heroes captured most of the Storm Korps, signaling an end to paranormal hostilities in Europe.
[[Image:Statesman 1940's.jpg|right|thumb|100px|Statesman's 1940's Costume]]
When Axis forces attacked Paragon City in 1941, the Statesman and the Freedom Phalanx were at the forefront of a heroic effort to push back these invaders. The heroes then traveled to Europe, where they fought alongside the [[Dawn Patrol]] and other super-powered soldiers for the freedom of the world. On D-Day, the Statesman and his allies became engaged in a violent battle over the beaches of Normandy. Due largely to the Statesman's heroic efforts, the Axis forces were eventually pushed back, allowing the Allies to move into France. Unfortunately, the Statesman was terribly wounded during this battle and remained crippled for the remainder of the war. This did not keep the Statesman completely out of the fight, however: the day after Hitler's suicide, the Statesman planned what would be a final assault on the Storm Korps headquarters and one of the last superhuman battles in WWII's European theater (now known as the "Battle of the Black Forest"). The Allied heroes captured most of the Storm Korps, signaling an end to paranormal hostilities in Europe.


Unfortunately, the Statesman had little time to rest after the victory in Europe. Back in the United States, the villain known as Nemesis had reappeared, capturing most of Washington DC and forcing the Chief Justice to declare him Emperor of the Americas. Immediately, the Statesman led the Freedom Phalanx and many other heroes back to the States to challenge Nemesis. They discovered that his terrifying plot included planting nerve gas bombs throughout at least twenty American cities. With the aid of Dr. Mnemonic and Sister Psyche, the heroes eventually created an antidote to the nerve gas and vanquished Nemesis and his robot hordes.
Unfortunately, Statesman had little time to rest after the victory in Europe. Back in the United States, the villain known as [[Nemesis (Archvillain)|Nemesis]] had reappeared, capturing most of Washington DC and forcing the Chief Justice to declare him Emperor of the Americas. Immediately, Statesman led the Freedom Phalanx and many other heroes back to the States to challenge Nemesis. They discovered that his terrifying plot included planting nerve gas bombs throughout at least twenty American cities. With the aid of Dr. Mnemonic and [[Sister Psyche]], the heroes eventually created an antidote to the nerve gas and vanquished Nemesis and his robot hordes.


The Statesman has remained active since World War II, with each decade bringing forth new foes and challenges. In 1976, he was nearly killed by a Soviet tactical nuclear missile while trying to rescue a downed American pilot. During the 1980s, he joined the Freedom Phalanx on expeditions into alternate dimensions and eventually battled the [[Reichsman]], an evil version of himself from a reality where America had lost to Nazi Germany. After the fall of Communism, the Statesman served as an advisor to the first independent Russian hero group, the Valiant Defenders of the Motherland, which made its appearance in 1993.
Statesman has remained active since World War II, with each decade bringing forth new foes and challenges. In 1976, he was nearly killed by a Soviet tactical nuclear missile while trying to rescue a downed American pilot. During the 1980s, he joined the Freedom Phalanx on expeditions into alternate dimensions and eventually battled the [[Reichsman]], an evil version of himself from a reality where America had lost to Nazi Germany. After the fall of Communism, Statesman served as an adviser to the first independent Russian hero group, the Valiant Defenders of the Motherland, which made its appearance in 1993.


And, of course, in 2002, the Statesman rallied all other known heroes in an attempt to repel the [[Rikti]] invasion. During the initial conflicts, the Statesman hurled his body into Rikti craft, destroying the landing ships before they could release their soldiers. He was one of the few heroes who survived these early confrontations, and was later appointed to the United Nations' [[Vanguard]] superhuman response team as a member of its "Elite Five." At the climax of the war, the Statesman led a group of over 1,000 heroes from around the globe on a frontal assault on Rikti troop concentrations. The battle took the lives of 800 heroes, although the Statesman again escaped death. Despite the high toll, this assault was simply a diversion to allow a second, much smaller team of heroes to enter the Rikti's home dimension and destroy the energy source that powered the invaders' dimensional portals. The combined efforts of the Statesman's so-called Alpha Team and the second, Omega team provided Earth's first major victory against the Rikti.
And, of course, in 2002, Statesman rallied all other known heroes in an attempt to repel the [[Rikti]] invasion. During the initial conflicts, Statesman hurled his body into Rikti craft, destroying the landing ships before they could release their soldiers. He was one of the few heroes who survived these early confrontations, and was later appointed to the United Nations' [[Vanguard]] superhuman response team as a member of its "Elite Five." At the climax of the war, Statesman led a group of over a thousand heroes from around the globe on a frontal assault of Rikti troop concentrations. The battle took the lives of 800 heroes, although Statesman again escaped death. Despite the high toll, this assault was simply a diversion to allow a second, much smaller team of heroes to enter the Rikti's home dimension and destroy the energy source that powered the invaders' dimensional portals. The combined efforts of Statesman's so-called [[Alpha Team]] and the second, [[Omega Team]], provided Earth's first major victory against the Rikti.


Details on the Statesman's current whereabouts and activities are vague. He is one of the few established heroes left alive and it is believed that he continues to lead a version of the Freedom Phalanx, which presumably includes other members of the "[[Surviving Eight]]" - eight prominent heroes who escaped the Rikti invasion with their lives. He also retains his post among the Vanguard's Elite Five.
Statesman is one of the few established heroes left alive and it is believed that he continues to lead a version of the Freedom Phalanx, which presumably includes other members of the "[[Surviving Eight]]" - eight prominent heroes who escaped the Rikti invasion with their lives. He also retains his post among the Vanguard's Elite Five.


Statesman's sidekick is his granddaugher, Megan Duncan, who is also known as [[Ms. Liberty]].  A fully-fledged hero in her own right, Ms. Liberty has taken up the mantle of her grandmother, [[Maiden Justice]], and mother, Miss Liberty.  She leads the [[Vindicators]] and formed a military division of [[Freedom Corps]] named [[Longbow]].
Statesman's sidekick is his granddaughter, Megan Duncan, who is also known as [[Ms. Liberty]].  A fully-fledged hero in her own right, Ms. Liberty has taken up the mantle of her grandmother, [[Maiden Justice]], and mother, [[Miss Liberty]].  She leads the [[Vindicators]] and formed a military division of [[Freedom Corps]] named [[Longbow]].


=== Character Stats ===
=== Character Stats ===


Secret Identity: Marcus Cole<br>
'''Secret Identity:'''  Marcus Cole<br />
Origin: Magic<br>
'''Origin:'''  [[Incarnate]]<br />
Archetype: [[Incarnate]]/[[Tanker]]<br>               [[Image:252px-Statesman.png|right|thumb|100px|Statesman]]
'''Archetype:'''  [[Tanker]]<br />
Primary Powers: [[Invulnerability]] (Tanker)<br>
'''Primary Powers:'''  [[Invulnerability]] (Tanker)<br />
Secondary Powers: [[Super Strength]] (Tanker)<br>
'''Secondary Powers:'''  [[Super Strength]] (Tanker)<br />
Other Powers: [[Flight]], [[Super Speed]] and Zeus’ Lightning
'''Other Powers:'''  [[Flight]], [[Super Speed]]<br />
'''Signature Powers:'''  Hammer of Justice, Zeus’ Lightning Bolt, Thunderous Blast (see below)
 
''Hammer of Justice'' is a PBAoE smash attack which is similar in effect to ''Footstomp'' from [[Super Strength]], but does [[Knockback]] instead of [[Knockdown]] with a punch to the ground instead of a foot.  ''Zeus' Lightning Bolt'' is a large energy PBAoE with a short timer which is used when Statesman's health is low enough for him to activate ''Unstoppable'' from [[Invulnerability]].  Once it is unlocked, Statesman will use it at any time it is recharged even if his health goes back to full.
 
Please note that the version of Statesman from [[Maria Jenkins|Maria Jenkins']] mission, [[Maria Jenkins#Free Statesman|Free Statesman]], does not possess Zeus' Lightning Bolt or Hammer of Justice.  Instead, he possesses Thunderous Blast.  In addition, he is also classed as an [[Archvillain]] rather than a [[Hero]].


== Badges ==
== Badges ==
 
Defeating [[Tyrant]] and rescuing Statesman in [[Maria Jenkins/Flashback|Maria Jenkins' Flashback]] story arc [[Maria_Jenkins/Flashback#A_Hero.27s_Hero|A Hero's Hero]] awards the [[Statesman's Pal Badge]] for heroes.
{{BadgeBox|Badge defeatstatesman.png|Oppressor|You have helped defeat Statesman in [[Recluse's Victory]].}}
{{BadgeBox|Statesman's Pal}}
Defeating Statesman in [[Lord Recluse|Lord Recluse's]] Strike Force awards the [[Archvillain Badge]] for villains.
{{BadgeBox|Badge defeatstatesman.png|Archvillain|You have claimed victory over the greatest hero of Paragon City, the mighty Statesman!}}


== See Also ==
== See Also ==


* Statesman's [[Freedom Phalanx#Statesman|Freedom Phalanx]] profile for a list of his powers
* Statesman's [[Freedom Phalanx#Statesman|Freedom Phalanx]] profile for a list of his powers
* [[Reichsman]] - Nazi Germany version of Statesman
* [[Tyrant]] - Praetorian version of Statesman
* [[Imperious]] - Cimeroran hero virtually identical to Statesman in appearance, powers and archetype. Though Imperious and Statesman are given the same power sets, and are alike in appearance, they are not one and the same.


== Publications ==
== Publications ==
[[Image:Statesman_Comic.jpg|thumb|right|100px|Statesman as drawn by David Nakayama]]
[[File:Statesman_Comic.jpg|thumb|right|100px|Statesman as drawn by [[David Nakayama]]]]
=== Comic Book ===
=== Comic Book ===


Statesman first appeared in City of Heroes #1 from Dark Horse. [http://www.cityofheroes.com/comic/promo.html]   
Statesman first appeared in City of Heroes #1 from Dark Horse. [http://web.archive.org/web/20051124131719/http://www.cityofheroes.com/comic/promo.html]   


=== The Web of Arachnos ===
=== The Web of Arachnos ===
Line 75: Line 106:


More of Statesman's history and that of the Freedom Phalanx is covered in ''The Freedom Phalanx'' by Robin Laws.
More of Statesman's history and that of the Freedom Phalanx is covered in ''The Freedom Phalanx'' by Robin Laws.
{{clr}}
== Historical ==
{{historical}}
=== Overview ===
{{Infobox Contact
|name=Statesman
|image=Statesman.jpg
|img_capt=Marcus Cole
|zone=[[Independence Port]]
|x=-806.0|y=0.6875|z=-5643.0
|levels=45-50
|introed=None
|intros=None
|enemies={{Enemy Arachnos}}
{{Enemy Circle of Thorns}}
{{Enemy Rogue Isles Villains}}
|badges=[[File:Badge defeatrecluse.png|22px]] [[Diplomat Badge|Diplomat]]<br />
[[File:Badge arachnosflier.png|22px]] [[Heat Seeker Badge|Heat Seeker]]<br />
[[File:Badge defeatrecluse.png|22px]] [[Peerless Badge|Peerless]]<br />
[[File:Badge defeatrecluse.png|22px]] [[Saved the World Badge|Saved the World]]<br />
[[File:Badge task force master statesman.png|22px]] [[Master of Statesman's Task Force Badge|Master of Statesman's Task Force]]
}}
From [[Issue 7]] to [[Issue 22]] Statesman offered a Task Force to heroes in [[Independence Port]]. He was replaced in this role by [[Ms. Liberty]] in [[Issue 23]]. He also appeared in several missions, and was either replaced or removed.
Heroes could find him:
* in [[Fort Trident]]
* in [[Recluse's Victory]] as a Neutral [[signature hero]] - replaced by [[Ms. Liberty]]
* on the [[Maria Jenkins#Free Positron|Free Statesman]] mission from [[Maria Jenkins]] as an Ally (Levels 45-50) - replaced by [[Positron]]
Villains faced him:
* in [[Recluse's Victory]] as a [[signature hero]] and an Enemy - replaced by [[Ms. Liberty]]
* on the mission [[Lord Recluse Strike Force#Destroy Statesman and Freedom Phalanx|Destroy Statesman and Freedom Phalanx]] during the [[Lord Recluse Strike Force]] (Level 45-50)
* on the [[Alan Desslock#Defeat Statesman|Defeat Statesman]] mission from [[Alan Desslock]] ([[Soldiers of Arachnos]] Contact) - replaced by [[Positron]]
=== Task Force ===
See [[Statesman Task Force|Statesman's Task Force]]
=== Changed badges ===
Prior to [[Issue 23]], villains and rogues earned the [[Oppressor Badge]] by defeating Statesman in [[Recluse's Victory]], and the [[Archvillain Badge]] by defeating Statesman in [[Lord Recluse's Strike Force]].


{{Clr}}
{{Clr}}


== Out of Game  ==
[[Category:Heroes]]
[[Image:Jack And Zeb.jpg|thumb|100px|Jack Emmert and David "Zeb" Cook]]
[[Category:NPC Allies]]
"Statesman" is the nickname of Jack Emmert, the Creative Director behind City of Heroes at Cryptic Studios.
[[Category:Incarnates]]
{{clr}}
 
[[Category:Heroes]][[Category:NPC Allies]]

Latest revision as of 10:02, 14 May 2022

This article is about the hero Statesman. For the game developer, see Statesman (Developer).

Incomplete
This article is incomplete at this time. You can help the Unofficial Homecoming Wiki by helping us complete it. The editor who marked this article as incomplete added the following note:
Needs Who Will Die!

Overview

Statesman-banner.jpg
Statesman
252px-Statesman.png
Incarnate of Zeus
Details
Real Name Marcus Cole
Gender Male
Origin Incarnate
Archetype Tanker
Affiliation Freedom Phalanx
Age Over 100 years
Romantic Associations Monica Richter (wife)
Known Family Stefan Richter (brother-in-law),
Alexis Cole-Duncan (daughter),
Jessica Megan Duncan (granddaughter)
Primary Powers Invulnerability
Secondary Powers Super Strength
Signature Powers Hammer of Justice, Zeus' Lightning Bolt, Thunderous Blast
Other Powers Flight
v • d • e

Statesman was a Hero, one of the Surviving Eight and the original leader of the Freedom Phalanx.


Heroes find him:


Villains face him:


Background

Description

Marcus Cole, aka Statesman, began his transformation from a poverty born child to world hero after serving in the U.S. Army during World War I. Instead of coming home in 1918 he headed east, bent on exploring the world now that he'd had a taste of it. Where he went and what happened to him during that lost decade remains a secret to all but Statesman's most trusted friends. What is no secret is that when his ship pulled into Paragon City port in 1931 he was much more than the young private who had shipped out to fight for freedom in Europe.

History

Statesman's 1930's Costume
Statesman's 1940's Costume
Statesman's Modern Costume

Statesman is one of the first heroes of Paragon City. He is the leader of the Freedom Phalanx as well as one of the co-founders.

Instead of coming home in 1918, Marcus went in search of the fabled Well of the Furies. During the war, he had been exposed to Mustard Gas and become ill. He knew that he would prematurely die if he did not find the Well. Friends from his unit joined him in his search including Marcus's best friend, Stefan Richter. They became mercenaries trying to help Marcus find more information on where the Well of the Furies was and how to unlock its power. They were eventually successful and both Marcus and Stephan drank from the Fountain of Zeus within the Well of the Furies, giving them super powers. They would turn out very differently however, as Marcus became Statesman and Stephan became his mortal enemy, Lord Recluse.

Upon his return to Paragon City, Cole claimed to have unlocked the power of his own "Inner Will", an obscure explanation at best. While not his true origin, it was undeniable that Cole possessed something that hadn't been seen since the age of the Greek Heroes: superpowers. Cole was strong beyond human limits and impervious to fists, knives, and even bullets. However he'd come by these powers, Cole now found a cause to which he could apply them: saving his beloved Paragon City from itself. The would-be hero took on the name Statesman, an identity that personified all the values and ideals that Paragon City currently lacked.

Statesman went after crime head on, going after gang bosses, corrupt politicians, and other lowlifes with a vengeance. His costume allowed him to hide from police while still leaving behind an indelible impression on the city's populace. In a few short months he had begun to make a difference. But his initial successes only served to unite the city's criminals against him. The tide began to turn when out of nowhere another costumed hero appeared in the city: The Dark Watcher. Soon after others appeared: Elementar, Vambrace, Maiden Justice, and others. Extraordinary men and women, inspired by Statesman's example, were rising to meet the challenge.

On July 4th, 1932, Statesman collected these new heroes under the banner of the Freedom Phalanx. The group battled together throughout the 1930s, taking down numerous criminal operations, including the gangs ruling Kings Row. Statesman's successes led to the Crime Fighting Act of 1937, which made the Freedom Phalanx a legally recognized crime fighting organization.

When Axis forces attacked Paragon City in 1941, Statesman and the Freedom Phalanx were at the forefront of a heroic effort to push back these invaders. The heroes then traveled to Europe, where they fought alongside the Dawn Patrol and other super-powered soldiers for the freedom of the world. On D-Day, Statesman and his allies became engaged in a violent battle over the beaches of Normandy. Due largely to his heroic efforts, the Axis forces were eventually pushed back, allowing the Allies to move into France. Unfortunately, Statesman was terribly wounded during this battle and remained crippled for the remainder of the war. This did not keep him completely out of the fight, however: the day after Hitler's suicide, Statesman planned what would be a final assault on the Storm Korps headquarters and one of the last superhuman battles in WWII's European theater (now known as the "Battle of the Black Forest"). The Allied heroes captured most of the Storm Korps, signaling an end to paranormal hostilities in Europe.

Unfortunately, Statesman had little time to rest after the victory in Europe. Back in the United States, the villain known as Nemesis had reappeared, capturing most of Washington DC and forcing the Chief Justice to declare him Emperor of the Americas. Immediately, Statesman led the Freedom Phalanx and many other heroes back to the States to challenge Nemesis. They discovered that his terrifying plot included planting nerve gas bombs throughout at least twenty American cities. With the aid of Dr. Mnemonic and Sister Psyche, the heroes eventually created an antidote to the nerve gas and vanquished Nemesis and his robot hordes.

Statesman has remained active since World War II, with each decade bringing forth new foes and challenges. In 1976, he was nearly killed by a Soviet tactical nuclear missile while trying to rescue a downed American pilot. During the 1980s, he joined the Freedom Phalanx on expeditions into alternate dimensions and eventually battled the Reichsman, an evil version of himself from a reality where America had lost to Nazi Germany. After the fall of Communism, Statesman served as an adviser to the first independent Russian hero group, the Valiant Defenders of the Motherland, which made its appearance in 1993.

And, of course, in 2002, Statesman rallied all other known heroes in an attempt to repel the Rikti invasion. During the initial conflicts, Statesman hurled his body into Rikti craft, destroying the landing ships before they could release their soldiers. He was one of the few heroes who survived these early confrontations, and was later appointed to the United Nations' Vanguard superhuman response team as a member of its "Elite Five." At the climax of the war, Statesman led a group of over a thousand heroes from around the globe on a frontal assault of Rikti troop concentrations. The battle took the lives of 800 heroes, although Statesman again escaped death. Despite the high toll, this assault was simply a diversion to allow a second, much smaller team of heroes to enter the Rikti's home dimension and destroy the energy source that powered the invaders' dimensional portals. The combined efforts of Statesman's so-called Alpha Team and the second, Omega Team, provided Earth's first major victory against the Rikti.

Statesman is one of the few established heroes left alive and it is believed that he continues to lead a version of the Freedom Phalanx, which presumably includes other members of the "Surviving Eight" - eight prominent heroes who escaped the Rikti invasion with their lives. He also retains his post among the Vanguard's Elite Five.

Statesman's sidekick is his granddaughter, Megan Duncan, who is also known as Ms. Liberty. A fully-fledged hero in her own right, Ms. Liberty has taken up the mantle of her grandmother, Maiden Justice, and mother, Miss Liberty. She leads the Vindicators and formed a military division of Freedom Corps named Longbow.

Character Stats

Secret Identity: Marcus Cole
Origin: Incarnate
Archetype: Tanker
Primary Powers: Invulnerability (Tanker)
Secondary Powers: Super Strength (Tanker)
Other Powers: Flight, Super Speed
Signature Powers: Hammer of Justice, Zeus’ Lightning Bolt, Thunderous Blast (see below)

Hammer of Justice is a PBAoE smash attack which is similar in effect to Footstomp from Super Strength, but does Knockback instead of Knockdown with a punch to the ground instead of a foot. Zeus' Lightning Bolt is a large energy PBAoE with a short timer which is used when Statesman's health is low enough for him to activate Unstoppable from Invulnerability. Once it is unlocked, Statesman will use it at any time it is recharged even if his health goes back to full.

Please note that the version of Statesman from Maria Jenkins' mission, Free Statesman, does not possess Zeus' Lightning Bolt or Hammer of Justice. Instead, he possesses Thunderous Blast. In addition, he is also classed as an Archvillain rather than a Hero.

Badges

Defeating Tyrant and rescuing Statesman in Maria Jenkins' Flashback story arc A Hero's Hero awards the Statesman's Pal Badge for heroes.

Badge

You have rescued Statesman from the clutches of Praetoria.

See Also

  • Statesman's Freedom Phalanx profile for a list of his powers
  • Reichsman - Nazi Germany version of Statesman
  • Tyrant - Praetorian version of Statesman
  • Imperious - Cimeroran hero virtually identical to Statesman in appearance, powers and archetype. Though Imperious and Statesman are given the same power sets, and are alike in appearance, they are not one and the same.

Publications

Statesman as drawn by David Nakayama

Comic Book

Statesman first appeared in City of Heroes #1 from Dark Horse. [1]

The Web of Arachnos

Statesman's origin is covered in The Web of Arachnos by Robert Weinberg.

The Freedom Phalanx

More of Statesman's history and that of the Freedom Phalanx is covered in The Freedom Phalanx by Robin Laws.

Historical

This article or section contains information that no longer applies to the current version of Homecoming: City of Heroes/Villains. It is provided for historical purposes.

Overview

Statesman
Statesman.jpg
Marcus Cole
Zone Independence Port
Coordinates (-806.0, 0.6875, -5643.0)[Copy]
Level Range 45-50
Introduced By None
Introduces None
Enemy Groups
Badges

Badge defeatrecluse.png Diplomat
Badge arachnosflier.png Heat Seeker
Badge defeatrecluse.png Peerless
Badge defeatrecluse.png Saved the World

Badge task force master statesman.png Master of Statesman's Task Force
v • d • e

From Issue 7 to Issue 22 Statesman offered a Task Force to heroes in Independence Port. He was replaced in this role by Ms. Liberty in Issue 23. He also appeared in several missions, and was either replaced or removed.


Heroes could find him:


Villains faced him:

Task Force

See Statesman's Task Force

Changed badges

Prior to Issue 23, villains and rogues earned the Oppressor Badge by defeating Statesman in Recluse's Victory, and the Archvillain Badge by defeating Statesman in Lord Recluse's Strike Force.


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