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D.E.O. Connections |
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| Epsilon |
| Theta |
| Agent Dakota Jamison |
| The D.E.O. Orphans |
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| Epsilon Quick Bio:The Department of Extranormal Operations [D.E.O.] established an orphanage full of super-powered young charges. The psychotic orphan known as Epsilon was possessed by fellow orphan, Kevin Tanaka, who secured safe haven for his friends at Titans Tower. After the real Epsilon burst free, he destroyed the tower in a battle that seemingly claimed his own life as well. |
| D.E.O. Orphans Quick Bio:Six meta-human orphans - Grace, Zeke, Eli, Scrap, Nikki and Kevin - fled the Department of Extranormal Operations [D.E.O.] to secure safe haven at Titans Tower headquarters. The plan backfired when Epsilon emerged and destroyed Titans Tower, resulting in the death of D.E.O. orphan, Kevin Tanaka. After that tragedy, Nightwing intervened on their behalf, and the kids returned to a restructured D.E.O. Orphanage. |
Players in the Epsilon mystery:
Epsilon, Kevin Tanaka,
and Theta |
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Epsilon
Real Name: Unknown
possessed by the D.E.O. orphan Kevin Tanaka
Theta
Real Name: Unknown [middle name: Olivia]
Alpha Male Epsilon
Little is known about Epsilon's childhood, but it was likely a tumultuous one. At an early age, Epsilon became a charge of The Department of Extranormal Operations in their super-secret orphanage created to care for super-powered youths. While his powers were never fully catalogued, he appeared to possess great strength, incredible durability, the power of flight and an immunity to magic. Epsilon showed dangerous psychopathic tendencies, and the D.E.O. kept a watchful eye on him when he was released from the orphanage at the age of eighteen.
Hired by a mysterious benefactor, Epsilon worked in conjunction with his lover, Theta. Epsilon was hired to infiltrate the Titans and bring them down from within. Epsilon soon emerged in New York City as a super-hero in his own right, and began to insinuate himself into the lives of the Titans.
When a group of D.E.O. orphans saw the Titans and Epsilon together on the news, they saw it as an opportunity to escape. The D.E.O. orphan Kevin Tanaka, who had the ability to project his mind into another body, planned to seize the body of Epsilon - while the remaining D.E.O. orphans - Grace, Zeke, Eli, Scrap, Nikki - escaped the D.E.O. orphanage to seek the Titans' protection. Kevin was succesful in possessing Epsilon, causing the psychotic teen to shift back in forth in personality, between gentle Kevin and scheming Epsilon.
Tough Native American D.E.O. Agent Dakota Jamison first came into conflict with the Titans over the mysterious Epsilon. The Titans fended off the D.E.O. and granted Epsilon safe haven in the Titans Tower. At this point, Nightwing and Dakota Jamison secretly began to build a case against the suspicious Epsilon.
Possession Obsessions
When Epsilon secretly met with Theta at a posh Manhattan hotel, he began to shift in personality from Epsilon to Kevin and back again, leaving Theta baffled at her lover's strange behavior. Meanwhile, Argent began to develop an attraction to Epsilon. Kevin was a child in an adult body and often felt awkward - especially at Argent's flirtations. Kevin, in the guise of Epsilon, gave into temptation and began a romance with Argent.
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| Kevin reveals how he possessed Epsilon in Titans #38 [2002] |
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Theta tells Argent she was hired by her father in TITANS #33 [2001]. |
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Argent later traced Theta's home address, and confronted her. Theta told Argent that she and Epsilon were hired by Argent's father; Epsilon was supposed to infiltrate the Titans and bring them down from within - and Theta was his contact from the outside. Distraught, Argent confronted her father with this information in the prison where he was sent for dealing drugs. Argent's father denied any connection to Theta or Epsilon.
Later, Dakota Jamison enlisted the Titans' aid to help the D.E.O. orphan Kevin Tanaka. Dakota knew that Kevin was friends with the D.E.O. orphans who were staying at Titans Tower, and hoped the Titans could locate Kevin's host body before his condition worsened. When the Titans arrived back at the Tower, the D.E.O. kids tried to reason with Kevin - who didn't want to give up Epsilon's body. But Kevin's fragile state let the real Epsilon finally break through. Angry beyond words, Epsilon unleashed his full fury at the Titans - destroying the Titans Tower in process!
Epsilon later reunited with his lover, Theta, and the two villains resolved to attack Kevin. After a pitched battle, Kevin inhabited the body of Argent and delivered a fatal blow against Epsilon. Theta carried her lover's fallen body in her arms and retreated. It is unknown whether or not Epsilon survived this encounter.
The adventure ended in tragedy for Kevin Tanaka; He later died at the D.E.O. hospital.
Epsilon's powers have yet to be fully catalogued; he appears to possess great strength, incredible durability, concussive energy blasts and the power of flight. He also seems immune to magic, as Dark Angel's spell and Tempest's eye beams have no effect on him.
Theta appears to share many of Epsilon's meta-abilities, including great strength, incredible durability, concussive energy blasts and the power of flight.
The Titans Secret Files #2 [2000]: Contains profile pages showcase the new Titans lineup, and new villains - including the Hangmen and Epsilon. First appearance of Epsilon, bio only.
Titans #21-22 [2000]: Epsilon makes his presence. known. Guest star Green Lantern teams up with the mysterious Epsilon to stop a new threat to the Titans. First full appearance of Epsilon in #21.
Titans #27 [2001]: When the D.E.O. arrives to take Epsilon into custody, the Titans decide it's time to take a stand against the government - fighting for the hero. Epsilon is unmasked. First full appearance of Grace, Eli, Zeke, Scrap and Nikki. First appearance of D.E.O. Agent Dakota Jamison.
Titans #31 [2001]: Argent and Epsilon encounter Theta, who seems to have a past romantic relationship with Epsilon, although he can't remember her. As Theta and Epsilon battle, Argent notices dramatic shifts in both their personalities. First appearance of Theta.
Titans #33 [2001]: Argent is on the trail of Theta, the mysterious super-villain responsible for the assault on Epsilon. But as she gets closer to the person who hired Theta to battle the Titans, it becomes obvious to Argent that the villain's employer is someone Argent already knows - her father. Meanwhile, Epsilon reveals mysterious ties to the D.E.O. orphans.
The Titans #37 [2002]: Dakota Jamison enlists the Titans' aid to help a D.E.O. orphan named Kevin Tanaka, who has the ability to project his mind into another body; Epsilon revealed to be Kevin in an adult body. But Kevin's fragile state lets the real, vicious Epsilon finally break through. Epsilon unleashes his full fury at the Titans - destroying the Titans Tower in process!
The Titans #38 [2002]: The D.E.O. kids finally confess how their friend Kevin Tanaka had been inhabiting the body of Epsilon for months - and the Titans learn the real Epsilon is a former D.E.O. orphan with dangerous psychopathic tendencies and uncataloged meta-human abilities. Epsilon reunites with his lover, Theta, and plans his revenge against Kevin Tanaka. After a pitched battle, Kevin inhabits the body of Argent and delivers a fatal blow against Epsilon. Theta carries her lover's fallen body in her arms and retreats. Death of Kevin Tanaka. Apparent death of Epsilon.
DC Secret Files, supplemented by titanstower.com
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Dakota confronts Arsenal - and sparks fly - in TITANS #28 [2001]. |
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Tough Native American D.E.O. Agent Dakota Jamison first came into conflict with the Titans over the mysterious Epsilon. The D.E.O. hunted Epsilon for unknown reasons, and the Titans defended the young hero, because he had aided them in the past. The Titans fended off the D.E.O. and granted Epsilon safe haven in the Titans Tower. Dakota was upset with the Titans' interference, arguing with Arsenal specifically.
When Agent Dakota Jamison discovered the kids at Titans Tower, it was revealed they were wards of the D.E.O. - who now wanted them back. The Titans took a stand for the kids, who didn't want to return to the D.E.O. orphanage - putting the Titans into conflict with the D.E.O. - and Dakota.
Sometime shortly after this, Dakota began to secretly work with Nightwing to build a case against the psychotic Epsilon, who was possessed by the 14-year old D.E.O. orphan, Kevin Tanaka. Dakota and the Titans were able to expose Epsilon, but at the cost of Kevin's life. After this incident, the Titans agreed the best place for the orphans would be back in the care of the D.E.O. - albeit in a restructured and more humane facility. The D.E.O. orphans reluctantly agreed to comply, as Nightwing assured them things would be different at the orphanage from now on.
Titans #27 [2001]: When the D.E.O. arrives to take Epsilon into custody, the Titans decide it's time to take a stand against the government - fighting for the hero. Epsilon is unmasked. First full appearance of Grace, Eli, Zeke, Scrap and Nikki. First appearance of D.E.O. Agent Dakota Jamison.
Titans #28 [2001]: Titans Tower is visited by a group of mysterious children who want nothing less of the super group...than to move in! D.E.O. Agent Dakota Jamison confronts Arsenal.
Titans #31 [2001]: Dolphin's meddling brings Dakota Jamison to Titans Tower - where she reports back to the D.E.O. that she has found the missing children.
Titans #32 [2001]: The Titans have something the D.E.O. and Dakota Jameson want, and they're willing to destroy Titans Tower to get to it! When Agent Dakota Jamison discovered the kids at Titans Tower, it is revealed they were wards of the D.E.O. - who now want them back.
The Titans #38 [2002]: Nightwing reveals he and Dakota Jamison have been secretly building a case against Epsilon since he first arrived at the Tower. The D.E.O. kids finally confess how their friend Kevin Tanaka had been inhabiting the body of Epsilon for months; The Titans have a final battle with Epsilon.
titanstower.com
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The D.E.O. Kids
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The D.E.O. Orphans
[counter-clockwise from upper right]:
Grace, Nikki, Eli, Scrap and Zeke |
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A flashback reveals how Breegan became trapped in Niki's body in TITANS #41 [2002] |
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The D.E.O. Orphanage
The former-D.E.O. orphan named Epsilon emerged in New York City as a super-hero in his own right, and began to insinuate himself into the lives of the Titans. When the D.E.O. orphans saw the Titans and Epsilon together on the news, they saw it as an opportunity to escape. The D.E.O. orphan Kevin Tanaka, who has the ability to project his mind into another body, planned to seize the body of Epsilon.
The remaining five D.E.O. orphans - Grace, Zeke, Eli, Scrap, Nikki - traveled to the Titan Tower with intentions of moving in. Nightwing and Troia transported them to a facility where they can be taken care of - but the resilient and tenacious children nonetheless found their way back to the Tower.
When D.E.O. Agent Dakota Jamison discovered the kids at Titans Tower, it was revealed they were wards of the D.E.O. - who now wanted them back. The Titans took a stand for the kids, who didn't want to return to the D.E.O. orphanage - putting the Titans into conflict with the D.E.O.. Meanwhile, Kevin - in the guise of Epsilon - vouched for the D.E.O. orphans and secretly plotted to secure their sanctuary at Titans Tower.
The kids trained under the auspices of the Titans, and believed they could be super-heroes in their own right. Beast Boy and Flamebird enlisted the aid of the D.E.O. kids and confronted a group of Wildebeests in Brooklyn. Beast Boy even set his sights on the D.E.O. kids as a new version of Titans West.
The Revenge of Epsilon
The D.E.O. kids tried to adjust to life in a normal school, but longed a life of adventuring. And when Beast Boy sent them super-hero costumes, they set off to start their own super-heroic careers. But their super-heroics were cut short when the real Epsilon emerged and broke Kevin's hold on him. A vengeful Epsilon cut a swath of destruction that destroyed Titans Tower.
Epsilon later reunited with his lover, Theta, and the two villains resolved to attack Kevin. After a pitched battle, Kevin inhabited the body of Argent and delivered a fatal blow against Epsilon. Theta carried her lover's fallen body in her arms and retreated.
Later, Kevin Tanaka died in the D.E.O. orphanage hospital.
After this incident, the Titans agreed the best place for the orphans would be back in the care of the D.E.O. - albeit in a restructured and more humane facility. The D.E.O. orphans reluctantly agreed, as Nightwing assured them things would be different at the orphanage from now on.
Later, during a counseling session, former-Titan Lilith discovered the secret behind Nikki's autism; Lilith's telepathic powers released a law enforcement officer known as Breegan, whose essence was trapped within Nikki. Years ago, He was sent to earth to capture a fugitive from his Chemical World. Upon arriving on earth, his psionic probe trapped him in the body of D.E.O. orphan, Nikki.
After Breegan was freed, Nikki was able to communicate normally.
Courtesy of Wizard Magazine #116 [2001]: Looks like the Titans will have unexpected house guests this spring. A group of five new characters, who first popped up in the shadows of February's #26, stick around through issues #27-#28 and one, some or all of them may wind up joining the squad. There's Grace, the leader and super-agile athlete of the team; Zeke, the muscle of the gang; Eli, who can control time and generate energy fields; Scrap, a young kid with blossoming magnetic powers and Nikki, an autistic girl whose powers mirror her violent emotions.
Grace: the leader and super-agile athlete of the team
Zeke: enhanced strength
Eli: can control time and generate energy fields
Scrap: blossoming magnetic powers
Nikki: an autistic girl whose powers mirror her violent emotions; Nikki later revealed as host to the other-dimensional law enforcement officer named Breegan
Kevin: able to inhabit the body of anyone once establishing physical contact, although it leaves his own body in a comatose state
Titans #26 [2001]: The Titans stop Shockwave's second assassination attempt on newly elected Mayor James Hall. Plus, a glimpse of a new group of characters destined to forever change the future of the Titans. First appearance [in shadow] of Grace, Eli, Zeke, Scrap and Nikki.
Titans #27-29 [2001]: Titans Tower is visited by a group of mysterious children who want nothing less of the super group...than to move in! The clever young orphans decide the Titans are destined to save them -- from what, they won't say. First full appearance of Grace, Eli, Zeke, Scrap and Nikki in issue #27.
Titans #32 [2001]: The Titans have something the D.E.O. and Dakota Jameson want, and they're willing to destroy Titans Tower to get to it! When Agent Dakota Jamison discovered the kids at Titans Tower, it is revealed they were wards of the D.E.O. - who now want them back.
Titans #35-36 [2001]: Beast Boy and Flamebird enlist the aid of the D.E.O. kids and confront a group of Wildebeests in Brooklyn, who are led by a mysterious old man. And Beast Boy sets his sights on the D.E.O. kids as a new version of Titans West! They track down the mysteries of the new Wildebeests - and kind their keeper - an older gentleman who trained and domesticated the Wildebeests to help keep his neighborhood safe. Later, Beast Boy is disappointed when the D.E.O. kids reject his offer to become a new Titans West.
The Titans #37 [2002]: The D.E.O. kids adjust to life in a normal school, but would rather join a life of adventuring. And when Beast Boy sends them super-hero costumes - they set off to start their own super-heroic careers. Dakota Jamison enlists the Titans' aid to help a D.E.O. orphan named Kevin Tanaka, who has the ability to project his mind into another body; Epsilon revealed to be Kevin in an adult body. But Kevin's fragile state lets the real, vicious Epsilon finally break through. Epsilon unleashes his full fury at the Titans - destroying the Titans Tower in process!
The Titans #38 [2002]: Nightwing reveals he and Dakota Jamison have been secretly building a case against Epsilon since he first arrived at the Tower. The D.E.O. kids finally confess how their friend Kevin Tanaka had been inhabiting the body of Epsilon for months - and the Titans learn the real Epsilon is a former D.E.O. orphan with dangerous psychopathic tendencies and uncataloged meta-human abilities. Epsilon reunites with his lover, Theta, and plans his revenge against Kevin Tanaka. As the Titans stand vigil over Kevin, Argent expresses feeling betrayed and hurt - when she learns she was actually dating 14 year old Kevin, rather than 18 year old Epsilon. After a pitched battle, Kevin inhabits the body of Argent and delivers a fatal blow against Epsilon. Theta carries her lover's fallen body in her arms and retreats. Later, Kevin Tanaka tries to apologize to Argent, but she bristles at his attempts at reconciliation. And later, when Donna informs Argent that Kevin has died, Argent seems uncharacteristically cold. Meanwhile, Garrett Donovan recruits David, a teen with fire-powers, into his group known as The Favored.
The Titans #39 [2002]: After the devastating events of THE TITANS #38, the D.E.O. kids return home to the Orphanage to take a breather, while the Titans get their first taste of Dark Nemesis! Meanwhile, the D.E.O. orphans reluctantly agree to return to the D.E.O. facilities, as Nightwing assures them things would be different at the orphanage from now on.
DC Secret Files, supplemented by titanstower.com
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the D.E.O.
The Department of Extranormal Operations
The Department of Extranormal Operations is a federally mandated joint Internal Security Agency, Office of Meta-Human Affairs, Defense Intelligence Agency and Federal Bureau of Investigation operation, tasked with the monitoring and succor of meta-humans. There is a strong reliance on local law enforcement.
The job of monitoring the three-dimensional location of every known meta-human is made possible by a ring of specialized surveillance Inspector Class satellites. This classified mission is generally known to be able to resolve individual chromosomal wavelengths.
The D.E.O. is headquartered in New York City and serves the country with 8 additional major-city offices. The D.E.O. provides every level of meta-human interaction from shock troops to meta-counselors. They also provide discretionary housing and regulate the Meta-Human Protection Program. The mysterious Mr. Bones serves as director of the D.E.O..
DC Secret Files, supplemented by titanstower.com
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Epsilon: The Untold Story
The Mystery
What is the real story behind Epsilon? Let's examine the facts...
From his original Secret Files entry: Little is known about the enigmatic young hero known as Epsilon. He's made several recent appearances in the New York City area, and while his powers have yet to be fully catalogued, he appears to possess great strength, incredible durability, and the power of flight. He claims no group affiliation, but he seems to have a keen interest in the Titans. It is unknown whether this is because he's interested in joining the young heroes or because he has a history with the team. While he appears bright and altruistic, his full face mask may harbor something far darker.
The first glimpse of Epsilon, he states, "Feh. Enjoy your time in the sun, Titans because it's all going to be over, soon. And you're going to have Epsilon to thank for it."
When Dark Angel wiped Troia's identity, everyone forgot she ever existed, including her closest friends. Epsilon, however, seemed to be the only person that retained memories of Troia, although he concealed this knowledge. Perhaps that provides a further clue to his true nature and identity. As he flies away, he muses, "Hated doing that to Troia, but I can only use her if she can vouch for me, and get me in good with the Titans. But I'm still ahead of schedule. So I've plenty of time to find out another way into the group."
Theta mentions their mysterious boss, who is presumably giving the orders to insinuate Epsilon into the Titans. Argent suspects her father may be their boss - as Theta had confessed - but this is never confirmed. And when the question of their boss arises later, a clear answer is never given.
More unsolved Titans mysteries that may never be solved!
Jay Faerber's Original Epsilon Plans
It seems Epsilon was conceived as quite a different kind of character. And one is left to wonder WHEN his back-story was grafted onto the D.E.O. storyline.
In Jay's original pitch, he describes Epsilon, "Epsilon, a flashy young hero, makes his debut. Is he destined to join the Titans…? No, but we'll want readers to think he is!"
But then the story really diverges: "Epsilon's true colors are revealed when he brutally kills a little-known super-hero (I'd love to use a DCU 3rd-stringer, but we can always make up someone new). Who will be his next victim …?"
Epsilon's story continues: "Amazo attacks S.T.A.R. labs, intent on stealing a new isotope for his master, Professor Ivo. When the Titans arrive on-scene, they find Epsilon has already engaged the villain. Impressed by how fiercely he fights against overwhelming odds, the Titans pitch in and manage to render Amazo inert. The Titans invite Epsilon to stop by their tower anytime, and they part as friends. Later that night, Epsilon breaks into Jesse's apartment, intending to make her his next victim, but he only finds Liberty Belle. She manages to escape his vicious attack, but just barely."
And the storyline was going to conclude with a crossover with the Kingdom Universe Titans: "The Titans from KINGDOM COME (Nightstar, Darkstar, Kid Flash, Tula, and Red Hood) arrive in our timeline, hunting Epsilon. Our Titans, thinking Epsilon is a hero, defend him, until the KC Titans convince them that Epsilon is actually a serial killer of super-heroes, who's terrorized the super-heroes of many other worlds. The two groups of Titans then team up to bring Epsilon to justice, while struggling to reconcile their bizarre familial connections."
If you look back at his first appearances, he mentions "But I'm still ahead of schedule. So I've plenty of time to find out another way into the group." This indicates he is on some sort of timetable. And his remembering Troia makes sense if he is a time traveler.
Obviously, the storyline changed after Epsilon was introduced, and the D.E.O. connections were added later. A shame, actually, because the original concept sounds much more intriguing!
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