Paragon City comic stores report that superhero comic sales have plummetted following the conclusion of the Rikti invasion, while crime and pirate comic sales have exploded. Even long-standing favourites such as 'Statesman & Friend Adventures' and 'Positron's Phables' have seen demand dwindle for titles such as 'True Violence' and 'The Seven Seas of Saltbeard'.

"It's probably to be expected," says Mike Mage, owner of a chain of Paragon comic stores. "Lots of comics were licenced from the heroes themselves, so when those heroes died or went MIA, it gets kind of depressing to read them. Some comic publishers, Melville Comics in particular, tried to keep printing the titles after their heroes died by just making up adventures, but people just don't want to see that kind of stuff."

Mr Mage adds that even comics about the Surviving Eight are no longer as popular, perhaps because "[so many] heroes died that the only remaining stories are bleak and focus on rebuilding, [...] this might change over time but at the moment only the fanbois are buying them."

In contrast, non-superhero comics are selling like hotcakes. "People are looking to other types of comics for their escapism. Crime and pirate comics are big right now, but the next major fad appears to be medical comics - a large number of comics about nurses have been announced by all the major publishers," says Wally Evins, a former writer and now comics industry watcher. "Most of the titles are starting to focus on ordinary citizens... y'know, those without powers. People are more comfortable with that and can relate and escape a bit more."

Most popular in this new wave of comic titles is 'Gumshoe', a detective comic that follows Gumshoe Jones who, despite his hero-type name, has no powers at all. Published by Crey Distribution Comics, 'Gumshoe''s stories follow the formula of Gumshoe Jones getting hooked up in a case, eventually finding a superpowered mastermind that Jones manages to outwit into defeat. "I find 'Gumshoe' really interesting," says Mr Evins. "It borrows a lot from superhero comics in terms of story, but those with superpowers are always portrayed as evil or dangerous. Gumshoe Jones really is the every-citizen type of guy who manages to scrape out the victory each time but without having superpowers... it's an interesting statement."

The Beta Project was designed by the city's government to reintroduce heroes into Paragon City slowly, and in small increments. Though parts of the city are still under massive construction, and not even open to heroes, let alone citizens, the city council feels that crime in the rebuilt zones is so bad, there must be some heroes to alleviate the problem, if only on a temporary basis.

One of the necessary components of reintroducing heroes to PC is the Trainer System, which allows newer heroes to be trained in the use of their powers by the surving veterans of the Rikti War. Though the licensed Trainers have an official system for administering their lessons, it has become increasingly clear that certain skills are being learned at wildly varied Security Levels.

I spoke to noted Trainer Ms. Liberty about the problem. "Originally generic skills such as battlefield medicine and team leadership were easily picked up after a few hours, but now we're seeing students who are just learning after they've reached a clearance level of 10 that they can fly."

Ms. Liberty went on to say how the assorted Trainers hope to adopt an official program that could help all heroes to learn all generic skills at a fixed point of learning. "We don't want heroes not ready to fight trying to learn how to fly too, but these skills can help enhance their combat abilities immensely." Trainers hope to have the program finalized before the planned reopening of the city this spring.

Paragon City Hall has announced the development and pending release of a reality-based information pamphlet that will be sent to all heroes. This pamphlet will follow the journey of fledgling heroes War Witch, Horus and Apex and aims to provide an indication of what heroes venturing to Paragon City should expect.

"The Paragon Tourism Department came up with the idea after speaking to heroes who were having trouble adjusting to life in Paragon City," says Gareth Donovan, a spokesperson for the City. "It's easy to forget that every hero is new in town and doesn't know where things are. Some may even be homesick for the towns they left behind. We hope that this pamphlet will go some way to making the adjustment easier."

War Witch, Horus and Apex were unable to be contacted for comment, but it is believed they have given permission for their actions to be recorded for the pamphlet.

The pamphlet will contain general living information about Paragon City, some analysis of combat tactics and villain groups while also containing artistic submissions from talented Paragon citizens. All registered heroes will receive the pamphlet free by post while interested citizens will be able to acquire it from licenced stores for a low fee.

Concerns that villains will also use the pamphlet as a guide against heroes have been dismissed by Mr Donovan. "The pamphlet won't let too many secrets about our heroes out, and besides, the villains have been here longer and already unfortunately know Paragon City well!"