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. They are often similar to neighborhood watches or militias albeit often alone or rarely in small groups. Some examples documented in the media include:
- On June 14th, 2007, real-life superheroes Squeegeeman and Captain Xavier Obvious were interviewed on ABC's Nightline news program. The duo apparently patrol NYC and post their adventures online. The heroes have also been documented in Radar Magazine, Timeout NY Magazine and HDNET's Deadline.
- 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, a self-proclaimed philanderer who calls himself 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".
- WTOP news In Washington DC reported on Metrowoman who uses a superhero costume and identity to spread information on using mass transit and the ecological benefits of using public transportation in the Washington DC Metro region.
- WTSP News CH13 Did a story on Superhero, a police advocate in Clearwater, Florida who provides roadside assistance in a 1975 Corvette Stingray.
- The Washington Post Reported a story about superheroes Captain Prospect and Justice who are real life superheroes and members of the Capital City Super Squad in Washington DC.
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
- The World Superhero Registry A directory of Real Life Superheroes
- Superheroes Lives A visual index of Real Life Superheroes
- Super League of Super-heroes NYC-based Superheroes.
- Earth Agents Resource site for heroes to network and get needed tools and materials.
- Real Life Superhero! A Documentary film being released about Real Life Superheroes.
- The Alternates Real World Superhero Community
- Zero to Superhero - The Superhero HowTo Zero to Superhero - The Superhero HowTo
- The website of Capital City Super Squad, a team of real life superheroes in Washington DC.
