From publisher blurb:
The major tech conglomerate, Twilight, Inc., formed a research project to study ways to predict earth tremors and possibly even lessen their effects. This project, codenamed Cabrakan, utilized experimental technology. One of the researchers, Asa Waltersmith, developed the device used. During a live test, a prototype suffered catastrophic failure and exposed Waltersmith to what should have been a lethal radiation dose. Instead, it altered him at the atomic level. After Waltersmith awoke in hospital quarantine, he accidentally discovered his ability to unleash vibrations with a touch. This discovery resulted in the death of his doctor and the destruction of his room.
Under ordinary circumstances, a criminal like Alex Smith (AKA Thrash) would end up at a standard prison rather than the Gereza Maximum Security Facility. Take away his armored suit, his laser armbands, and his jet-propelled skate boots, and he has no special powers of any kind (at least not apparent ones). Smith suffered the misfortune of being at the wrong place at the worst time and triggering an accident that killed a U.S. senator— a man considered a promising candidate for president in the next election.
This PDF contains everything you need to know about Shatter & Thrash in the Amazing Universe Campaign or any other superhero campaign.