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The majority of the superhumans on Earth owe their powers to the "metagene": A genetic feature of unknown origin, which causes some people to develop superpowers when exposed to dangerous substances and forces. Others owe their powers to magic, genetic manipulation (or mutation) or bionics (see below). A large power gap resides between most superheroes and civilians, making superheroes almost god-like. Still others owe their powers to not being human at all (see races, below). There are also many superheroes and supervillains who possess no superhuman powers at all (for example Batman and Green Arrow) but make do with specialized equipment or training in special skills, such as martial arts.
The humans first began using costumed identities to fight or commit crime during the 1930s. The first superheroes included characters like the Crimson Avenger and The Sandman. In November 1940, the first superhero team, The Justice Society of America, was formed. During World War II, all of America's heroes were banded together as the All-Star Squadron to protect the United States from the Axis powers. However, due to a magical spell cast by Adolf Hitler (using the Spear of Destiny and the Holy Grail) the most powerful heroes were unable to enter Axis-held territories, leaving the war to be fought mainly by normal humans such as Sgt. Rock. After the war, under pressure from the paranoid Committee on Un-American Activities the JSA disbanded. While many types of heroes were active afterwards (mainly non-costumed, such as the Challengers of the Unknown or Detective Chimp), it wasn't until Superman's public debut that a new generation of costumed heroes became active. Soon after, the Justice League was formed, and they've remained Earth's preeminent superhero team.
Outcast personalities are often relegated to world of DCU supervillainry. They are then usually well versed in heists, kidnappings and robberies. Villains with meek powers contrive schemes of extraordinary complexity, yet—because of their simple talents—they only call the attention of powerless superheroes like Batman, or lesser superheroes like Booster Gold. When caught, any prison sufficient enough to contain these villains is suitable. More powerful villains strive to contest for greater goals like world domination and/or universal acclaim (from the public and their villainous peers). Usually more powerful enemies are imprisoned in maximum level facilities—such as Belle Reve Penitentiary (which also was secretly Task Force X's headquarters) and even alternate dimensions or outer space—because they cannot simply be killed by a bullet, electricity, or poison.
Supervillains sometimes also form their own groups, but these tend to be short-lived because most villains simply do not trust each other. Most such teams are formed by a charismatic and/or fearsome criminal mastermind for specific purposes; an example is the Secret Society of Super Villains of which there have been several versions. Most villain teams are usually small, having been formed of individuals who know each other personally, such as the Central City Rogues, or have some other reason to work together (mercenary groups like the H.I.V.E., fanatical cults such as Kobra, etc.) Thus sets the stage for an epic clash between Super Hero and Super Villain.
Join Dominus Letum as our Crusade of Darkness Continues on DC Universe Online
Our primary goal is to destroy all orders of hope and light. In accordance to our Dark Lords wishes not even the tiniest ray of hope shall be allowed to exist! We shall destroy any being of light and serve our Lord because he has shown us kindness in sparing us from oblivion and from freeing us from the bastard will of Xotli himself. We must never shy away from battle and must destroy all forces of light swiftly and brutally. We must respect our fellow members as our Dark Lord requires loyalty above all else, and we must live by the code of Ruina that...
NEX PREHENDO ABSENTIS PROMERITA, QUAD COMA SCELESTUS
Death snatches away the deserving and leaves the wicked