Why can’t life be like in the comic books? That’s the question Danny Quejada has been asking himself more and more lately. He believes in righting wrongs and protecting the weak, but that all seems very remote from his humdrum life working at “Manny’s Fruit Store,” trying to help support his younger siblings in the wake of his mother's death. His aunt and grandmother are constantly bickering over money matters and blaming their predicament on Danny’s father, who is not around due to circumstances the family keeps secret. Danny’s only refuge is his frequently replenished stack of comic books, which he takes very seriously. He decides to put his “research” into practice one evening when he witnesses a mugging being committed right outside his bedroom window. Assuming the identity of the Cobalt Defender, Danny finds out why superheroes exist only in comic books. Lying beaten in an alley, Danny is almost ready to give up when he opens his eyes to a blinding light and a shrouded figure bestows upon him great powers. This incredible turn of events flips Danny’s world upside down as he can now accomplish all the amazing feats he has dreamed of his entire life. But what Danny has yet to realize is that having superpowers does not mean that life is a comic book. Can he adapt his idealistic notions about being a superhero to the real world before it’s too late? And the real question is - Does he want to?

Sammy Pacheco is currently “between jobs” and “between homes.” Some would call him a vagrant, but he prefers the term “drifter.” Sammy is a kind soul without much passion for action or adventure, just a desire to find himself a hot meal and a couch to sleep on. Fate brought him and Danny together, when, one night, Sammy saved Cobalt from a deranged techno-zombie. It was a perfect match. Cobalt needed a sidekick (Sammy prefers “partner”) to confide in and aid him in his war on crime, and Sammy needed someone to buy him Chinese food. Dubbed “The Drifter” by his heroic mentor, Sammy scours the night, ferreting out evil wherever it may cower. The Drifter is a skilled martial artist and an accomplished athlete, and he knows the ins and outs of the underworld from years of living on the streets. Though loyal to his friend, the true level of Sammy’s dedication to Cobalt’s heroic mission is unclear. Is he truly committed to championing the oppressed at all costs, or is he just in it for the wonton soup?

Cobalt rescues this mysterious beauty from a gang of thugs, and he instantly falls for her. Carmen has a habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but Cobalt is always happy to rescue this damsel in distress. With each brutal encounter, Danny builds his relationship with Carmen, but it’s tough to find time for love when you’re a superhero. If only he could engage her in his civilian identity, perhaps they could pursue their romance further. But Carmen is only to be found when trouble is afoot, and Danny can’t seem to locate her when he’s not assuming his heroic identity as Cobalt. Then again, why would the lovely Carmen want to spend time with boring ol’ Danny Quejada when Cobalt is available…?

Lincoln Jefferson is the leader of a local gang in Danny's neighborhood. Nicknamed 6-Cent because of the coins that feature his two namesakes, Linc leaves a shiny nickel and penny at the scene of any crime he commits. Danny and 6-Cent have known each other since they were both kids, and their relationship has never been a good one. Danny chose to lead an honest life of modest means, while his old “friend” chose a life of crime and ill-gotten gains. Due to their history together, Danny and 6-Cent have generally not interfered in each other’s business, but all that changes when Danny decides to adopt the life of a hero.
6-Cent is extremely determined and a lot smarter than he looks. He will do whatever it takes to achieve his goals and that includes seeking out underworld kingpin, The Machiavellian.

Group Affiliations:
The Sadistic Six

The Machiavellian is a shadowy figure rumored to be in control of all criminal activity in the city. Few have ever seen him, be they on either side of the law, but his authority is feared and respected by all. The source of his power may be linked to Cobalt’s, and Danny is determined to discover the truth about his own origins and his arch-enemy’s no matter what the danger.