Several years ago, Chicago's number of masked heroes was already declining, but citizens could still rely on Slipshift to protect them. The reason for the decline was a series of murders dubbed the "Mask Murders" in which the cities vigilantes were systematically hunted and killed. With confirmation that Slipshift was still in action, the media could only wonder how much longer he'd be alive. One night, after rescuing a busload of hostages, Slipshift was stabbed in the back by a dark figure. Though he was gravely wounded, he used his ability to phase through solid objects to get slink away from his intended killer.