Paragon City authorities have announced a new set of classifications that will apply to licensed heroes. Based on the assignment of Archetypes to hero power sets, this new system has become quite controversial, drawing both praise and criticism from Paragon City heroes.

The new classification system sees heroes licensed based on their powers into Archetypes. These Archetypes will see heroes separated into the categories of Scrappers, Controllers, Tankers, Blasters and Defenders based on their capabilities. Heroes will also have fewer Origins to choose from, with the current list containing Science, Mutant, Technology, Natural and Magic. This sees the collapse of the similar Origins Mystical Artifact / Magical Powers into Magic and Cyberware / Gadgeteer into Technology.

Some heroes see the change as beneficial to hero development in Paragon City. "The new classifications are easy to understand and clear up some of the confusion between what heroes will be able to do from the get-go. I won't have to wonder what may team-mate can do if I know she's a Scrapper, for instance," said one mystic hero.

Other heroes have reacted strongly against the changes. Some heroes have resigned from active duty in Paragon City as a protest, including high profile heroes Maveric and Streamweaver. There have been complaints that the changes limit their abilities to improve over time since they will be locked into definite roles. The importance of Origins in this new classification system has also been questioned, since it appears that Archetypes replace Origins as the base characteristic of a hero.

Authorities have announced that further information on these changes will be released over time that will hopefully clarify the situation and wish to remind heroes that the system will be refined over time. Statesman himself has provided some information on the new system, having been involved in its development. The Beholder will bring new information on this subject to you as it comes to light.

Along with the introduction of a new hero classification system, rumors that sidekicks will be allowed to operate within Paragon City has also inspired both positive and negative public reaction.

"I think it will be great to be allowed a sidekick," says Ironclad, a Technology hero. "We need to be able to train-up new heroes as quickly as possible in case the Rikti, or worse, attack again. Taking someone without the experience around a hazard zone can be a great way to do this. Besides," he jokes, "I need someone I can boss into doing my laundry!"

But it the truth in this joke that sees sidekicks a hot topic in the City. "You can't have superpowered children under 18 years running around like they are experienced heroes," says August Zeen of ASOP (Against Sidekicks On Patrol).

"Sidekicks are notoriously open to exploitation, being so reliant on their mentors for support and help. They are out fighting villains that are trying to take their lives yet still aren't legally able to vote. Young superpowered people shouldn't just be viewed as crime fighting machines that are replaceable when they break - they are teenagers as well, full of all the problems that puberty brings. They need to gradually grow into their powers, not just be dumped onto the front line. If sidekick legislation comes up at City Hall, we will be protesting against it!"

Other questions surrounding the introduction of sidekick licences include the cost of implementing it, the requirements of those who join and the exact definition of what a "sidekick" is and would be expected to do.

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In a move to help protect citizens from villainry under the fallout of the Rikti Invasion, Crey Industries have stepped up their release of the HANK home defence robot. Initially slated for release late next year, the HANK (Home Android: Non-Killing) model is designed to protect ordinary citizens from home invasions by aliens, villains or inter-dimensional intruders.

John Harmond, a spokesman for Crey, says that the robots are essential for living safely in Paragon City. "With so many heroes lost in fighting the Rikti, rest their souls, ordinary citizens can't depend on a hero to be around when their home is being broken into. They can, however, depend on HANK to protect themselves and their property from unwanted invaders."

The HANKs are the first of a new line of personal defence equipment that Crey is bringing out to protect ordinary citizens from harm in the re-developing Paragon City. "All the HANKs have been built using the latest in Vangard-approved technology and have undergone strenuous field tests," explains Mr Harmond. "We at Crey expect to see the HANK become a huge success. Who knows? We may not even need heroes anymore!"

Mr Harmond is quick to assure concerned citizens that the robots are safe. "As I've said, we've done lots of testing and in no way rushed this product out before it was ready. Crey guaratees that their is absolutely no way that any HANK could run amok on an orgy of destruction. Absolutely no way!"

HANKs will become available for sale early next month through direct purchase from Crey Industries.