Victor Hammond was the black sheep of his affluent family of scientists, forever trapped in the shadow of his elder brother's genius and success. When his parents died in a hit-and-run accident, he grew estranged from his brother and, stealing his prototype Mach V -- a suit made of concentrated superkinetic particles which would allow him to manipulate his molecules at hypersonic speeds -- went on a superpowered joyride. When his brother came looking for him in a desperate attempt to bring him home, he was mortally wounded by a paranoid drug dealer. As he died in a remorseful Victor's arms, he made to use the stolen Mach V to better the world around him as a superhero. Burdened with guilt for his role in his brothers death, Victor honoured his memory by promising to use the Mach V for good. Able to call on his suit by saying '1701.45', Victor became Mach V -- the reluctant protector of the streets of Westside and the Hypersonic Man!

With a history running away from his problems and an inherently selfish outlook on life, Mach V is unused to risking his own safety for others. Though he would like nothing more than to use his powers for instant gratification, he pushes himself through adversity for the sake of his brother's dying wish and, while he may not always show it through his hotheadedness and showboating, each step he takes in his quest to enforce justice on the beleaguered streets brings him closer to realising his full potential as a hero and a human being. As his flippancy and sardonicism give way to a genuine desire to do good, Mach V must look past his late brother's request and ask himself what it is he truly wants to be.