History
Sponsored by the government, scientist Jason Van Wynne works on a chemical which, in theory, will stimulate the human adrenal glands and create a veritable superman. When underworld figures get wind of the development, they kidnap Jason's girlfriend, Tricia Dayne, and threaten to kill her if he doesn't finish the formula and gives it to them. (Jason was unaware of it at the time, but the government was behind the adbuction, hoping to hurry Jason's research along.)
Pretending to cooperate, he finishes the work and, using himself as a guinea pig, injects himself and attacks the mob. Sadly, Tricia is shot in the altercation and Jason presumes her dead.
Since the formula works, however, the government reports that Van Wynne died in the battle, leaving "Jason Godwin" free to fight crime in Milwaukee as The Messenger.
The government continues its wicked ways, of course, doctoring Jason's records so that he can't get a job if he ever decides to leave superheroing behind. Eight years later, he also learns that Tricia did not, in fact, die. She was relocated by the government and is married and living in California.
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