Metropolis
- Metropolis: Glossary - Glossary of notable inhabitants of Metropolis.
Geography and History
Metropolis is often considered the most prosperous and technologically advanced city in America and possibly the world. It is one of the largest cities in the US and rivals New York and Gotham City for dominance on the East Coast. It was discovered in 1542 by the Italian navigator Vincenzo Gnanatti and later settled by the Dutch in 1653. The magnificent natural harbour led to the settlement quickly prospering and becoming a major player in the revolutionary war. The city grew around the Hobs Bay and the West River as six different communities until in 1896 they were amalgamated into the modern city of Metropolis.
Metropolis was a major industrial player much like Gotham, but was able to diversify into finance and service industries. Metropolis steadily grew and maintained a comparatively low crime rate not prompting the rise of as many costumed heroes during the second world war as other cities. The heart of Metropolis is the central island of New Troy which contains Suicide Slum, Centennial Park and the Central Business District (which is home to the world famous Daily Planet and Lexcorp buildings). Along the mainland banks of the Hob's river is Park Ridge, Bakerline and Oakline, while along the mainland banks of the West River are Queensland Park, North Bridge and the original Old City. Situated between New Troy and Queensland Park in the West River is Stryker's Island, a maximum security facility interment centre).
Metropolis became the city it is today under the control of one man, Lex Luthor. He grew up in Metropolis and rumour has it that he killed his parents. With the life insurance money he began a company that would one day become Lexcorp. Lexcorp either directly or indirectly employees two thirds of the Metropolis workforce, it has a stake in almost every major Metropolis company and owns many outright via a smoke screen of dummy companies and holdings. Lexcorp's financial effect on Metropolis cannot be under estimated, for many years Luthor was able to run the city as a defacto ruler, his endorsement would choose the mayor. He chose which rules he followed and nobody could do a thing about it.
Luthor was knocked off his perch by the arrival of Superman in Metropolis. Superman created a buzz in the city and Metropolis quickly became known as the home of Superman. He eclipsed Luthor as the most influential man in Metropolis and Luthor became his eternal enemy because of it. Shortly afterwards Superman arrested Luthor on charges of reckless endangerment, but his lawyers had the charges thrown out. Since then Luthor has waged a covert battle with Superman using Metropolis as his battle ground and arsenal.
Superman's appearance prompted the local crime gangs to come together as Intergang and also prompted a rise in "meta-crimes", supervillains flocking to the city to try their hand at the Man of Steel. To cope with this changing crime scene Metropolis became the first to set up a Special Crimes Unit (SCU). As well as Superman Metropolis is home to a score of non-powered and low level metahumans including at different times, Gangbuster I, Black Lightning, Thorn II, Alpha Centurion, Scorn and the Guardian. It has also been home to a number of "Team Superman" including Supergirl and Steel III.
Recently the Brainiac 13 virus transformed Metropolis into a city of the future as its stronghold from which to take control of the Earth. It was defeated by Superman and Luthor, but made a deal with Luthor - the exchange of his daughter for the technical details of the city.
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