Real-life superhero

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The term Real Life Superhero is variously applied to real-world people who dress and/or act like comic book superheroes. Sometimes, this label is bestowed upon them by those whom they have helped or the media, while at other times, the aspiring superheroes apply the label to themselves. Sometimes, the term is applied to firefighters, police officers, and other good samaritans who rise to the occasion when lives are on the line, or when charitable works need doing. The actions of New York City police and firefighters during the September 11, 2001 attacks led to frequent use of the term, as in this CNN report.

People who invent superhero identities

Some media reports have focused on an Internet-based community that's developed around creating superheroic identities and helping others. These people wear masks or otherwise disguise themselves in order to perform "heroic deeds" like community services or fighting crime when they come across it.

Some examples documented in the media include:

• Time Out New York Magazine interviewed Tothian Squeegeeman and Dark Guardian, 3 real-life Superheroes who met on MySpace, patrol dangerous neighborhoods of New Jersey and New York City, and mostly work on their own, but occasionally will team up to go on public missions to give water & snacks to the homeless.

• Phoenix Magazine interviewed Citizen Prime and Green Scorpion, two Phoenix-based real-life superheroes who perform volunteer work and citizen patrols.

• ABC News and NPR's Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! radio program interviewed Terrifica, a New York City-based woman who patrols bars and parties in an effort to protect inebriated women in danger of being taken advantage of by men. Since the mid-1990s Terrifica has donned a golden mask, Valkyrie bra, blond wig, red boots and cape, to distract the men she tries to dissuade from seducing drunk young women. She carries a utility belt containing a pepper spray, cell phone, lipstick, a camera to photograph alleged predators, a journal, Terrifica fortune cards, and Smarties for energy. Terrifica has an arch-nemesis: Fantastico.

• The BBC reported on Angle-Grinder Man[1], a British self-described "wheel-clamp superhero" who uses an angle grinder to cut wheel clamps off vehicles in Kent and London.

• CNN covered Mexico City's Superbarrio, who wears red tights and a red and yellow wrestler's mask. Rather than fight crime and corruption with violence, he uses his unique image to organize labor rallies and protests, and file petitions.

• The Age described Polarman of Iqaluit, Canada, whose primary interests are shoveling the snow off of sidewalks during the day, and patrolling the streets for criminals at night.

• The Sydney Morning Herald interviewed Brokenman, a costumed Australian who created fake crime scenes with chalked body outlines to highlight his views.

• The Detroit Free Press reported on Jackson, Michigan superhero Captain Jackson, who is an "officially sanctioned independent crime fighter." He and his team the Crimefighter Corps, regularly patrol Jackson's downtown area, do volunteer/community work and report any crimes that they see.

• Intake Weekly and FOX59 News interviewed Mr. Silent who regularly patrols the Indianapolis area along with his partner Doktor DiscorD. Comic book writer Warren Ellis Blogged about their growing superhero team called the "Justice Society of Justice".

People who emulate established superheroes

For attention or to highlight a cause of significance to them, some people name and/or garb themselves like established comic book characters. As they are particularly photogenic, this often gets them more publicity than they would get if they were dressed in everyday garb. Quite often they climb something. Some examples of this behavior documented in the media include:

• Urban climbers like Alain "Spider-Man" Robert, George "The Human Fly" Willig, and "Spider Dan" Goodwin are known for committing the illegal act of climbing skyscrapers. Robert has even worn a Spider-Man costume while climbing, as in this Tribune India picture.
• Members of the advocacy group Fathers 4 Justice staged an incident at Buckingham Palace by dressing as Batman and Robin and draping a banner reading "Super Dads of Fathers 4 Justice."
• Similarly, two individuals in Whitley, England dress as Batman and Robin to perform good deeds locally. Their actions include saving a stranded motorist; chasing a streaker off the field at a football match; helping a young boy contribute to charity; and racing for charity themselves. They filmed a segment titled "Batman Five: The Mini Movie" for a satellite TV channel, and they are featured in the Reading Evening Post, which has chosen to protect their secret identities.

External links

• Heroes Network The place for heroes to network.
• TheAlternates.org Team of Real Life Superheroes.
• Global Heroics Message board for Real Life Superheroes.
• Earth Agents Resource site for heroes to network and get needed tools and materials.
• Real Life Superheroes Ezboard Run by Beerio; a great collective of Real Life Superheroes.
• Superheroes Lives A visual index of Real Life Superheroes
• The World Superhero Registry A directory of Real Life Superheroes
• Super League of Superheroes NYC-based Superheroes.