Determined to stop the Squadron Supreme from taking over the United States, Nighthawk (Kyle Richmond) planned to assassinate its leader, Hyperion with a bullet made of argonite, an isotope whose radiation was lethal to him. The opportunity to kill Hyperion came during a Presidential speech. Richmond addressed the nation, taking responsibility for his actions while under control of the Overmind. He then turned the podium over to Hyperion, who made the speech in which, in effect, the Squadron Supreme seized control of the United States. While Hyperion spoke, Richmond stood behind him, and tried to force himself to fire the gun, but was unable to kill his friend.
Nighthawk spent the following year organizing a counterforce powerful enough to oppose the Squadron. He spoke with Professor Imam who assisted him on his quest. He managed to recruit three of his foes, the Mink, Pinball, and Remnant, one expelled Squadron member; the Golden Archer (who renamed himself Black Archer), and five superhumans beings who had not gone public with their abilities, Haywire, Inertia, Moonglow, Redstone, and Thermite. The Redeemers later convinced Foxfire and Lamprey to join after they freed her from behavior modification.
When the Redeemers finally confronted the Squadron the battle was devastating with casualties on both sides. Nighthawk, Foxfire, Lamprey, Pinball, Black Archer and Thermite were all killed in the confrontation. Although Nighthawk had died, he still won the battle. The Squadron Supreme surrendered and Hyperion proposed that the Squadron disband.
