Yuri 23 is a genetically manufactured human created by for the remaining members of the former Bolshevik (Russian Communist) party. Designed under the tutelage of the Communist scientist Sergei Jones (name was changed after the Flame War in 1986 wherein The American Justice Squad removed the communist government and forced assimilation of names to more American ones (which itself was not done until 1988)).
Yuri 23 was the 25th in a series of genetically made supermen that was not completed until 1986 and kept locked down in test tubes until around 1999 when he was opened up to begin training (his number was changed to 23 because of that whole 23 conspiracy thing). “Born” with no memory and limited brain capabilities Yuri was easy enough to mold into the perfect slogan spewing, ask-no-questions leader equipped with an assortment of genetic superpowers and the mind of what is essentially a 8 year old at the beginning of the series (which is more or less around 2007, lets say. (the only page to mention the year leaves it unclear only mentioning it is in the 2000s)).
The original goal for Yuri was to unleash him as the Millennium Man but at the time Yuri lacked speech abilities, use of superpowers and he had not speedily aged enough to be of use (wherein he ages about 4 times as fast as the average person currently leaving him somewhere in the equivalent of his 30s). At this point he grew up raised on the Communist Manifesto (Of Slogans) and learned the important skills of speed reading and public speaking.
After a disastrous attempt in power training in 2002, Sergei was forcibly trained to use his powers with the utmost care. His powers include, levitation (and thus flying) laser vision, superhuman strength and a myriad of other unexplored powers (most likely not including the ability to shoot out tiny versions of himself).
He has been assigned to lead the three other members of the Bolshevik Superhuman Alliance taking orders from Sergei and a small association of other leaders. The current plan is to take over the American Justice Squad and therefore the world!