The origins of the masked vigilante are revealed as young Diego de la Vega returns home from Spain to the city of Los Angeles. Spurred by a letter from his father detailing the cruel injustices being perpetrated, Diego, with the help of his mute servant Bernardo, join the fight against Comandante Monasterio and his army of lancers. But Diego discovers even far more sinister forces are at work when he pieces together clues that may lead to a clandestine organization intent on overthrowing Los Angeles.