It is obvious that more than just eight heroes survived the Rikti Invasion, but the Surviving Eight represent what is left of the best of the best - the heroes who have been with us the longest, fought for us the hardest and have meant the most to us and our fair city. Statesman is well-known to have survived, as has Ajax since without him we would have no idea of what occurred at the Rikti's dimension gate. But little information has surfaced about other well-known heroes leading many citizens to wonder if they are still alive.
It has been many months since the Rikti ended their invasion, but the final casualty toll has not been determined. Some heroes fighting on the front line were atomised by high-tech death rays and may never be identified, forever remaining missing in action. Other heroes currently lie in hospitals and shelters, still recovering from the injuries they sustained in the conflict. Perhaps saddest of all are the heroes still suffering the trauma of the Rikti conflict, of seeing their friends fall around them - these heroes may have recovered in body, but their spirits are shattered and may never heal.
This toll on the hero population has left many citizens wondering who will protect us. New heroes arrive in Paragon City everyday and, as powerful as they may be, they are still inexperienced. They will need teachers and leaders to help mold them into the defenders of the city.
Who are the Surviving Eight? Who will rise up to teach the new heroes to defend the Birthplace of Tomorrow? Unfortunately, only time will tell.
LATE BREAKING NEWS: New information has come to light on a major hero to survive the Rikti Invasion - Tammy Arcanus, presumed dead for several decades, has returned and been a major force against the Rikti. Renaming herself Numina, she will surely be an inspiration to all of the new heroes entering Paragon City.