Editing Crucible:Fastball (section)

= Fastball =
{| class="codex-infobox codex-infobox--hero"
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" | [[File:Fastball.jpg]]
|-
! Real Name
| Lowell Swift
|-
! Identity
| Public
|-
! Affiliation
| Former member of [[Crucible:Supernova Squadron|Supernova Squadron]]
|-
! Base of Operations
| [[Crucible:Pacific City|Pacific City]]
|-
! Status
| Active
|-
! First Appearance
| ''HERO HIGH #15''
|-
! Creator
| Jim LoPiano
|}

<div class="cc-quote">
“You blink, you lose. That’s not a threat—it’s just physics.”
<br>— '''Fastball'''
</div>

'''Fastball''' is the superhero identity of '''Lowell Swift''', a former teenage athlete whose life changed dramatically after a laboratory accident granted him superhuman speed. Once a member of the [[Crucible:Supernova Squadron|Supernova Squadron]], Lowell has since established himself as an independent hero operating in [[Crucible:Pacific City|Pacific City]].

== Origin ==

Lowell Swift grew up in a tough neighborhood in [[Crucible:Pacific City|Pacific City]], where opportunities were limited and expectations were low. While he struggled academically, he excelled in athletics, showing exceptional talent in football, baseball, and track. For Lowell, sports represented a way out—a chance to build a better life beyond his circumstances.

That future changed in an instant.

An accident in a school science lab exposed Lowell to a volatile chemical mixture, triggering a transformation that altered his physiology at the molecular level. He emerged with the ability to move at extraordinary speeds, far beyond human limits.

== Choosing A Path ==

Lowell’s new abilities quickly drew attention. Local criminals saw potential in his speed and attempted to recruit him for illegal activities. Instead of accepting, Lowell made a different choice. He worked with local law enforcement to bring them down, marking his first step into heroism.

Taking the name '''Fastball''', he began using his powers to fight crime.

== Supernova Squadron ==
[[File:FastballTeen.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Fastball, as a teen hero]]

Fastball joined the [[Crucible:Supernova Squadron|Supernova Squadron]], a team of young heroes based out of [[Crucible:Nathaniel Nova High School|Nathaniel Nova High School]]. There, he gained experience working as part of a team, refining his abilities and learning how to apply them effectively in combat and rescue situations.

During this period, he balanced his identity as a student, athlete, and emerging hero, navigating the challenges of all three.

== Independent Career ==

As he grew older, Fastball transitioned to operating independently. Remaining in Pacific City, he became a familiar presence alongside established heroes such as [[Crucible:CyberCaptain|CyberCaptain]] and [[Crucible:Saber|Saber]]. His speed makes him particularly effective in rapid-response situations, pursuit operations, and urban defense.

== Powers ==

Fastball’s abilities are centered on extreme speed and kinetic energy.

* '''Super Speed''' – Can run at velocities approaching those of a jetliner  
* '''Enhanced Reflexes''' – Processes and reacts to events at high speed  
* '''Vibrational Energy Projection''' – Generates and releases energy blasts through molecular vibration  
* '''Accelerated Movement Control''' – Maintains precision at high velocities  

His powers allow him to cover vast distances in seconds and respond to threats before most others can react.

== Skills ==

Lowell’s athletic background remains a key part of his effectiveness.

* Exceptional conditioning from multi-sport training  
* Strong coordination and balance  
* Competitive mindset and quick decision-making  

Even before gaining powers, he was accustomed to operating at peak physical performance.

== Personality ==

Fastball is energetic, confident, and grounded by his experiences growing up in a difficult environment. He understands what it means to have limited options, and his choices reflect a determination not to fall into the paths that were laid out for him.

He moves fast.

He thinks fast.

But he knows exactly why he does what he does.

== Reputation ==

Among younger heroes, Fastball is seen as someone who made the transition from potential to purpose. Among veterans, he is regarded as reliable, particularly in situations requiring speed and rapid intervention.

In Pacific City, he is known as one of the fastest responders on the streets.

== Legacy ==

Fastball represents a familiar but enduring story: a young man given power and forced to decide what to do with it. His choice—to turn away from crime and toward responsibility—continues to define his role as a hero.

He had a way out.

He chose a better one.

</div>



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[[Category:Modern Age]]
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[[Category:Jim LoPiano]]
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