Origins (Electron)

"Origins" is the first narrative arc of the superhero series Electron. It began publication online in January 2015, as part of Project 20:15, and was completed in July that year. The arc tells the story of how Aaron Price came to be the superhero Electron, and of his first battle against the supervillain Titus.

Plot summary
In the city of Silverburg, Florida, the steel-skinned supervillain Titus has been perpetrating a one-man crime wave. He is seen robbing a jewelry store, killing an old man who attempts to stop him, and totaling a police car before getting away. In Aventura, bike courier Aaron Price hears about Titus' crime spree and appears indifferent. That night, he heads out during a thunderstorm to buy beer and is struck by lightning, knocking him off his bike and sending him rolling under a parked car. When he awakes in the morning he finds himself mysteriously stuck to the car, and as he tries to free himself he accidentally sends the car into a nearby house, causing severe damage to both, and causes a second car to flip over. SHRED are swiftly called to the incident, which is deemed an "Awakening".

Aaron is swiftly picked up by SHRED agent Martin Barnes, who takes him to the agency's headquarters in Philadelphia. Martin offers Aaron the chance to become a superhero and work for SHRED, and Aaron promptly agrees. After a brief brainstorming session they decide on the name "Electron", and after consulting chief designer Alice Summerbell, a suit is designed and built for him, incorporating bulletproof and fireproof material, and special electric "Jet Boots" that will allow him to fly.

After some analysis and training, the cause of Aaron's powers is revealed: the lightning strike caused powerful reserves of electricity to flow through his body. By controlling these reserves, Aaron can access various powers, including an electrifying grip that "tasers" enemies, magnetic fields that can attract, repel or manipulate objects, the ability to power and control electronic devices, and finally, a powerful beam of electricity fired from his hand that Aaron dubs the "Ion Beam". His training complete, Aaron is assigned to Silverburg to combat Titus, and Martin assigns himself to be Electron's handler.

Arriving in Silverburg amidst a flurry of publicity, Electron swiftly engages Titus in battle. Titus' steel skin acts as a Faraday cage, preventing Electron's Ion Beams from hurting him; however, by sending a continuous stream of electricity through Titus' skin, Electron is able to create an electromagnetic field which he then manipulates to freeze the villain in place. With Titus finally incapacitated, SHRED agents are able to move in and apprehend him. The people of Silverburg celebrate Titus' defeat, while Electron anticipates the appearance of the next criminal.