Over the past few months, photographs have emerged online and account from members of the public have been publicized that have scared some and delighted others. There is word on the streets of Mzikos that a man is going around fighting criminals. Some are calling him a superhero, other call him crazy, but whatever he may be, one thing is for sure, he is certainly camera-shy.

Little is known about the superhero. Is the person operating alone, why have they suddenly sprung up, do they have a secret lair and most importantly, who are they?

Based on the information we have, the hero is male, around six feet tall and extremely well-built. He wears an outfit to disguise himself and has been apparently responsible for the detaining of petty criminals and more important members of the Mzeusian underworld. Police have been phoned and told the loction of criminals. They say the superhero is most likely using a different voice to his natural one to mask his identity. There is even speculation that he was involved in Operation Red Wolf (the dispatch detailing Operation Red Wolf is also available), others think that he was in the military and a conspiracy theorist suggested that he was from another planet.

The government has asked for the person responsible to come forward and identify themselves either in public or private. They have promised to not severely punish the superhero for his vigilante actions but so far, nobody has responded and the superhero has continued his work without getting caught. The government strongly urges anyone thinking of following in his footsteps to abandon their hopes and leave fighting crime up to the police. The Mzeusian Government has released this statement. "Being a superhero is dangerous work and police work in teams for a reason. No citizen should ever attempt anything like this as the police have the crime situation in Mzeusia well under control.

A journalist from the Mzikos Journal was sent out onto the streets to see what the public were saying. The only responses they got were suggestions for what the superhero should be called.

Person #1: “Call him Alan, trust me, it’s a good name.”

Person #2: “Shadow, that’s a superhero name.”

Person #3: “Why you asking me? Oh, alright then let’s think…Burt, call him Burt. Now will you leave me alone?”

Person #4: “I think he should be Eagle man because…I like 'em”

Person #5: “Should be called annoying-reporter-get-out-of-my-face-man”

As the days go by and more information is collected, the mystery surrounding the hero only grows and al of Mzeusia waits for fresh information. There has even been a film proposed with others wanting a comic strip and merchandise.

It has been some time since the emergence of the superhero of Mzikos and after a vote, the public dubbed him Burt. Burt appears to have taken precautionary measures against been seen and the public have almost no new information about him. What we do have, comes from the criminals he arrested but of course Burt was wearing a superhero outfit to arrest them and so they could not unmask him.

Criminals continue to be arrested and the Mzeusian government have been debating what to do. They released a statement in the small hours of yesterday.

“Burt, as he has now come to be known, is acting in a way that he sees as beneficial to Mzeusia. The Mzeusian government suggests that he either joins the army, police force or other body with a similar role. He will be able to carry out the same superhero actions but in the correct manner with Mzeusia’s proper law enforcers.
The Mzeusian government will not tolerate a vigilante even if they believe that they are acting only in the interests of public safety. Burt has many opportunities open if he wishes to pursue a career in law-enforcement. As of today, Burt must return to citizen life and if he does not comply, the Mzeusian government must take action. We understand that his intentions are nothing short from admirable and he represents the incredible Mzeusian courage that we all wish for. He needn’t reveal himself to anyone, only to slip quietly back into a normal life, whatever he does next as a civilian, is up to him. To remind him, the army and police are always happy to take new recruits and since he is almost certainly not called Burt, he will not be recognised, allowing him to join anonymously.”

Following this statement, many Burt fans attempted to boycott school and adults who claim to be part of what they call, The Cult of Burt, began peaceful protests to leave Burt alone. Burt merchandise is already selling very well and a Burt comic series has been announced to come out episodically over the coming months. In the film industry, there are reports of a film about Burt’s superhero life and possible back-story. All ofMzeusia seems very excited about what will happen next.

We spoke to some civilians to get their opinions on the new developments.

Person #1: “He ought to listen to the government, they’re making a lot of sense.”

Person #2: “Well he has got guts it seems and so I would suggest that he take those guts and train with the correct people which is the army and police. He could even join the volunteer police force if he wants.”

Person #3: “Burt isn’t hurting anyone so why should he go? I love you Burt. Will you marry me!”

Person #4: “Burty-boy’s quite da over-confident little guy ain’t he, I reckon I’d beat him in a fight. Oh, sorry, I didn’t really answer the question did I. Well I don’t see why he can’t go join the army and if he doesn’t want to do that then get rid o’ him.”

Person #5: “Well I ‘eard he’s gone an’ got ‘imself superpowers an’ I don’t care what nobody tinks ‘bout nothin’ ‘cause I believe ‘im an’ I wanna get some m’self.”

Person #6: "He makes me feel real inadequate y’know. The other day me girlfriend told me I should be more like Burt. I mean, what kinda crazy thinkin’ is that? I might just dump ‘er y’know."

Person #7: “Well I think the government is full of insecure quacks who should be locked up. Mzikos needs a Burt and so he should stay.”

Person #8: “He’s doing a good thing for us, so I don’t see why the government’s got to get so hostile.”

Person #9: “You know, my son has been so good since Burt showed up. He does the dishes, cleans his room, participates in child labour…wait not that last one. He isn’t doing that at all, no way. Anyway. Burt is a good role model so if he ran for Telumas then he’d have my vote for sure.” (The reporter acted swiftly and the woman is being questioned by the police about her ability to be a parent.)

Person #10: "I bet he's not even real. Probably the government is just making up some story to make us submit to...(He stops to run after someone who insulted him. He gets rapidly hospitalized for his troubles and doesn't return).

Person #11: “What if ol’ Burt goes crazy? Maybe he already is? I don’t want some out-of-control nutter running around my streets attacking old ladies. On the other hand, the government isn’t far from insane either so who can we trust these days?"

So far, Burt has not responded to anybody, from the government or otherwise. The public wait eagerly, waiting to see what happens in the stalemate between the Government and Burt the superhero.

Further developments have occurred regarding the superhero now called Burt. He has decided to communicate with the government via blocks of wood. The public have been finding his messages and bringing the government the blocks of wood which have messages laser-cut into them. Burt has explained that he also uses gloves to avoid fingerprints on normal paper with which he can be identified with.

In a particularly fiery piece of wood, he attacks the government for trying to take him down when he is doing so much good. He argues that the comics he inspired have got children reading and that he is aa great role model. He says that many people are profiting from his superhero status as the sale of Burt clothes and other merchandise like mugs and magnets, increases. He has condemned the government as “being jealous because their thunder’s being stolen.” and he has warned the government not to take action against him but has not stated what he will do if his warnings go ignored.
The government released this statement in response:

“It is good that Burt has started communicating but his messages have not been reassuring. We once again urge Burt to give up his superhero antics and start a career in law-enforcing if he as a passion for it. His vigilantism will not be allowed to continue any longer and whatever good Burt may do, he cannot carry on being a superhero.” When asked about the threats that Burt has issued, they issued this statement. “Burt will not threaten this government and any attempt to do so will be a waste of time.”

The Mzikos Journal then asked the public for their opinions.

Person #1: “Burt’s had ‘is fun and he jus’ don’t know when to stop. Burt should give it up y’know.”

Person #2: “I’ve never understood why Burt is such a threat to anyone. He only does good and what if he doesn’t want to join the police?”

Person #3: “I never had superheroes in my day, why they popping up all over the place now? Bernard’s probably some stoned youth like the ones that I see in the alley next to my flat.”

Person #4: “Burt needs to pull himself together and realize that he really isn’t needed.”

Person #5: “Burt is great for my business. I can sell so much things to do with him. The longer this goes on for, the more money I make.”

Person #6:“He makes some good points, why not leave him alone?”

Person #7: “It’s a pity he doesn’t actualy have any powers, then he could be studied and we could all get them.”

Person #8: “I just can’t wait for a fight between the military and Burt. It’ll be so epic, a real superhero battle!”

Person #9: “Well he is working for the government, isn’t he? Or maybe he comes from another country or planet, maybe he’s an extra-terrestrial spy looking for a chance to take over the world. This is why we shouldn’t have those silly gun laws.”

As tension mounts between Burt and the government, every Mzeusian is holding their breath.

Following Burt’s refusal to give up his superhero actions, the government have attempted to arrest Him. Burt has responded by becoming increasingly elusive and the public don’t even see him anymore and the only way we know he is still there, is because of his communication which has continued. He has now taken to taunting the governments efforts to capture him and he is urging everyone to join his cult and to buy as many Burt related products as possible to spread awareness about the government restricting freedom.

The sales Burt has generated have been huge with the comics especially, proving very popular and many flock to the cult of Burt although they have very few members who are actually serious. The cult of Burt ha taken to shouting anti-government slogans in the street and by graffitiing their messages on any surface.

Burt’s messages display a huge love for the attention as might be expected and earlier this week the amount of criminals that the police say were arrested by him, fell. This is a fact he himself has confirmed as an “unfortunate side effect of being famous.” But later in the week the numbers grew again and Burt declared that “I will resume my job and prove my worth to the vicious government.” The public have petitioned the government to leave Burt alone but they have gotten no response.

The government only said this. “We have given Burt every opportunity to step down and he has ignored us. We are now taking action against him but if he wants to go back to being a civilian he need only laser-cut a message stating his intentions and have it delivered to us.”

We spoke to the public once again to get their take on the events

Person #1: “Burt is silly if I’m being frank. He took time in the limelight and now he should get out.”

Person #2: “He is not needed. We already get the bad people fine without him.”

Person #3: “Burt is amazing. I have a magnet, a coffee mug, my own superhero suit. He’s getting oppressed.”

Person #4: “I’m bored with the guy. Get rid o’ him”

Person #5: “Well the government doesn’t know what it’s doing half the time so what’s the point in their even being one?”

Person #6: “I wouldn’t want to tick off a superhero, not when they got powers and not when they don’t. Burt don’t got none but so what?”

Person #7: “Burt is single you know. I’m also single. Mzeusia needs a courageous man like him.”

Mzeusia is left waiting as the government still hunts for Burt. Many Mzeusians are either vehemently for Burt or just as strongly against him. With Mzeusia polarized, will anyone be happy?

Mzeusians have been flocking to their TV’s and radios over the past week as exciting developments took place. A Money-please page was set up to publicly fund Burt in anything he might need. So far he's received around seven-hundred Moes of public money. The cult of Burt has seen huge increases in numbers but it's still thought the vast majority of people are not seriously supporting him.

Burt’s brand has now gone international and with tourism being Mzeusia’s number one industry, it is easy to see the extent of his popularity. Burt merchandise is even more popular than ever and as a result of this sky-rocketing support, Burt has shown himself publicly.

Burt revealed himself at one of Mzikos’s famous landmarks, the Colossus of Akses. Akses is the Mzeusian sea god. His statue dominates the skyline of Mzikos. Burt apparently made no attempt to hide as he marched up to the statue with a loudspeaker. Police attempted to arrest him but the crowd following Burt did not let them get to him and they were ordered not to use force. The crowd were taking videos and pictures the whole time he wa sout in public. At first the authorities were afraid that Burt was planning to damage the Colossus. Armed police arrived and cordoned off the area surrounding Burt and the statue. Burt was warned not to harm the statue and he reassured police that this wasn't his intention. The police relaxed, lowering their weapons although remaining in position.

Burt began to rail against the government much to the crowd’s delight. He accused them of taking his freedom of expression and “dragging it through the mud.” He also said that no matter the conspiracies, he had no powers, was perfectly human and was not spying on anybody. This was met by booing and groaning, but Burt struck a superhero pose and screamed orders into the loudspeaker. In an instant, everything was silent.

Suddenly police in plain clothes leapt at him and after a brief struggle, restrained him. More police arrived on scene, the crowd growing angrier at Burt’s arrest. More people were standing on the other side of the cordon, but police were stationed to keep them from getting through. Now Burt, five police officers and a small crowd of people were inside the cordon. A growing crowd gathered outside. More police tried to move the crowd away, but to no avail. The police were ordered once again not to use force, given the sheer number of people. The crowd wouldn’t let the police escort Burt away and so, he made his demands. Burt wanted to speak to the Telumas.

Shortly after, Burt was informed that Mr Tylosis was in a long meeting and would be another two hours. Burt waited and so did everyone else. Three hours later, Mr Tylosis arrived on the scene. He looked very relaxed, grinning as he stepped out of his limo. When Burt saw the escort he renewed his anti-government message but Mr Tylosis was unfazed. He approached Burt, shook his hand and nodded to the statue of Akses. “I’m glad you didn’t hurt one of the gods, thank you.” Burt smiled warmly. “I am a Mzeusian just as much as you are, I would never do such a thing, never in my whole life.”

Burt demanded they talk by the statue and so, Mr Tylosis conducted negotiations off the cuff. They were mainly one-sided with Burt giving long speeches and getting very agitated. At one point he spat on Mr Tylosis who, after a moment’s pause, calmly wiped his face with a handkerchief. The negotiations continue and the public keep swarming the site as the news of Burt's appearance spreads on social media. The talks have lasted around five hours and show no sign of stopping.

A reporter from The Mzikos Journal was on the scene to get the public opinion.

Person #1: “Oh my god, this is so amazing that I actually get to see Burt and the Mr Tylosis together, they are my heroes.”

Person #2: “I’ve been here since the beginning and it is super cool. Burt is making valid arguments but Mr Sirakles Tylosis is a fine talker and he has done such great things for Mzeusia, I don’t know who to support.

Person #3: “Burt is out in the open. What a brave man fighting against the system!”

Person #4: "The Telumas has come here himself. That shows dedication to solving problem. He has handled this crazy Burt situation very well.”

Person #5: “Burt is a hero and you can’t fault heroes. He comes here and speaks under the statue of Akses himself. It must be a sign of…something good.”

Person #6: “Burt is speaking under the statue of Akses. That is not forgivable, what if he (Akses) gets annoyed with all the people? He will destroy Mzeusia in a tsunami.”

Person #7: “The days of letting dressed up males’ prance around whenever they want are over. Mr Tylosis and Burt should both be put down.”

Person #8: “Have you seen my popcorn, because I don’t really care about your questions, I’m a poor woman going through withdrawal right here. Help, somebody help." (She tries to elbow her way through the crowd making a man drop his video camera. The man turns on her and they fight before being hauled away from each other by the people next to them.)

Mzeusia must now wait for tense negotiations to finish. We are all wondering what will be the outcome and how both sides will reach an agreement.

Negotiations between the Telumas Mr Tylosis and the superhero known as Burt have been going on for around ten hours. They had been going on for five hours when we left you last.
Mr Tylosis finally took the advice of his many advisers and ordered the uncooperative Burt to be taken to a holding room. As the police tried to drag him away, the public resisted and didn’t let them pass. Mr Tylosis, seeing no alternative, ordered the use of force but before a clash, Burt spoke to the public. This is what he said. “I don’t want violence and so you will let them take me away. I will not have a single person get hurt and if that means that I am stripped of my freedom then so be it.”

The crowd parted for them and Burt was led away. Mr Tylosis turned to the crowd grim faced. “Disperse. There isn’t anything to see anymore.” The crowd did as he said, some still chanting in support of Burt, others in support of Mr Tylosis.

The charges brought against Burt were vigilantism and resisting arrest. The court decided that he was resisting arrest on noble grounds and so he was only given four months of community service. For vigilantism he was made to pay a fine of 20 Moes and to attend at least three lectures on vigilantism after a 24/7 three-week long house arrest.

A reporter from The Mzikos Journal asked the public what they thought.

Person #1: “Burt has fought long and hard and I respect that. His sentence was too harsh.”

Person #2: (reacting to the first person without being questioned) “Well I think the court shouldn’t have been lenient and we should start using prisons.”

Person #3: “Mr Tylosis did very well with that. Burt doesn’t deserve punishment but what can you do?”

Person #4: “Mr Tylosis tried to reason with him for just over ten hours. I would have given up after ten minutes.”

Person #5: “Burt has been a brave man and I don’t want to see him go. He was doing a good thing.”

With the clash between Burt and the government resolved, what will happen now?

Around this date, five months ago, the man known only as Burt was given his punishment for resisting arrest and vigilantism. Today, he has appeared on TV in his superhero costume for the last time. Here is what he said.

“During the time I spent serving my punishment, I have come to realize that there is no need for more superheroes. Yes, I said more superheroes. What I mean by that is simple, we already have so many in Mzeusia. They are the men and women of our emergency services, army, even the cleaners for without them, nothing would look nice. Mzeusia doesn’t need anymore and anyway, it was so much work for no pay.

I plan to move on to other things. I have been offered a job by the government which I thank them for. I urge everyone out there to keep superheroes in the world of fiction for that is where they belong. Today I will dispose of this outfit and join your ranks once more. It’ll feel good to be back. Thank you and build the new path.”

Following this statement, the number of police recruits spiralled out of control. The Burt comics have announced that they will continue even though Burt has resigned, and the film director has said that the film will still go ahead. There is also a new found enthusiasm for superheroes with Batman easily making second place for the most popular, second only to Burt himself. There were a couple attempts from people to become new superheroes, but they were quickly arrested and lightly punished.

At the end of it all, a reporter from The Mzikos Journal gets the public’s thoughts.

Person #1: “I am sad to see Burt go but he was happy in the end and it all worked out.”

Person#2: “Thank everything that this is over, maybe now my little daughter will stop going on about being a superhero one day.”

Person #3: “The government handled that quite well I would say. Nicely done.”

Person #4: “Cooperation is always good to see. It brings out the true Mzeusian spirit.”

Sirakles Tylosis himself: “I am glad to have sorted that out. Some question my decisions but I made sure nobody was harmed and both parties worked together in the end.”

That's probably the last we’ll see of Burt and I thank you so much for getting to the end.

If you do want to see more of him however, he may just come back if you let me know you want him to.