Category Articles 2010

Originally posted:  http://diario.elmercurio.cl/detalle/index.asp?id={a303bc63-5bfb-4e15-8169-ed8033083040}#
Medios de Seattle han reportado sobre un grupo de hombres, los Rain City Superhero Movement, que patrulla las calles de la ciudad durante la noche. No son los únicos en ese país.
GASPAR RAMÍREZ Phoenix Jones es un hombre negro de edad indefinida que maneja un sucio Kia blanco por las calles de Seattle. No se sabe cómo se gana la vida, tiene al menos un hijo, usa máscara, traje a prueba de balas, por las noches combate el crimen y quiere hacer de éste un mundo mejor.
Y, claro, Phoenix Jones no es su verdadero nombre. De hecho su título completo es Phoenix Jones el guardián de Seattle, y es el líder de los Rain City Superhero Movement, un grupo de enmascarados que desde hace algunos meses vigila esa ciudad y que ha llamado la atención de los medios estadounidenses.
Inspirados en la estética y valores de los cómics -el bien triunfará sobre el mal-, los luchadores anónimos de Seattle son los más recientes de una tradición que silenciosamente se ha instalado en EE.UU.
Si Batman tiene a Robin, Phoenix Jones tiene a Buster Doe, su “sidekick”, como se les conoce en la jerga del cómic. “Desde que estaba en el colegio que combato a los abusadores. Supongo que en cierta forma nací en este ambiente”, dice Buster Doe a “El Mercurio”.
Los Rain City… no pueden volar ni correr como el rayo. Pero ¿quién necesita superpoderes cuando se posee entrenamiento en combate, artes marciales y primeros auxilios? No tienen cinturones con trucos ni armaduras, pero manejan tasers y armas similares. Phoenix Jones no se despega de su pistola lanza redes, una netgun .
Por unos vidrios rotos
Si a Batman lo picó el bichito justiciero cuando de niño vio cómo asesinaban a sus padres, a Phoenix Jones le pasó al revés. Su Kia blanco no pasa por el agua hace un año intencionalmente: quiere guardar las manchas de sangre que hay en él como un recordatorio de que en el mundo hay gente mala.
Hace poco más de un año volvía de un parque de diversiones con su hijo cuando a lo lejos vio que le habían destrozado el parabrisas de su auto. Corrieron, el niño resbaló, cayó sobre los vidrios y se hizo un profundo corte en la rodilla que dejó sangre en todo el vehículo. Ninguno de los curiosos quiso ayudarlos, señaló The Daily Beast en una nota sobre el héroe. Decidió que alguien debía hacer algo contra los maleantes.
Los enmascarados saben que salvar al mundo como Superman o los X-Men no es lo suyo. Por eso patrullan de noche, denuncian asaltos, robos, a veces tratan de detener a los maleantes, o simplemente alimentan vagabundos.
Héroes cercanos a la comunidad, no dudan en fotografiarse con admiradores e incluso policías.
Tienen claro que no hace falta kryptonita o un organismo simbiótico alienígeno para derrotarlos. “Sí, es muy peligroso. Hay que tomar ciertas precauciones; de otro modo podrías terminar en el hospital o en un ataúd”, dice el señor Doe.
La policía por ahora se ha tomado con humor la presencia de enmascarados, pero saben que pueden pasar por situaciones peligrosas y poner en riesgo sus vidas.
Los Rain City… incluyen además de Phoenix y Buster Doe, a Green Reaper, No Name, Gemini, Thorn, Penelope, Thunder 88 y Catastrophe. Y como se dijo, no son los únicos ni los primeros.
Real Life Superheroes (RLSH) es el equivalente a La Liga de la Justicia. Tiene entre 50 y 150 héroes reales activos en las principales ciudades de EE.UU. y en países como Gran Bretaña, México e Italia.
“RLSH es un movimiento de gente que crea personajes, usan disfraces y salen a hacer la diferencia positiva en sus comunidades”, dice a este diario el héroe anónimo que administra el sitio reallifesuperheroes.org, una suerte de oficial de comunicaciones de la agrupación.
No podía obviarse la pregunta ¿por qué usar máscaras para hacer buenas acciones? “Para llamar la atención, si no usáramos capas y disfraces no tendríamos la repercusión que tenemos”.
Una frase común entre enmascarados es: “hacer del mundo un lugar mejor”. Lo dicen en RLSH: “con sus acciones pueden hacer la diferencia. Todos podemos hacer una diferencia”. Lo ratifica Buster Doe: “Soy simplemente un hombre con una máscara que sueña con un mañana mejor y persigue su fantasía de futuro”.
Esta Navidad, los niños de Seattle y de EE.UU. podrán jugar tranquilos porque afuera, donde el mal acecha, Phoenix Jones, Buster Doe y el resto de enmascarados patrullarán las calles con una sola meta: hacer de éste un mundo mejor.
300 superhéroes de carne y hueso se estima que existen en Estados Unidos, según el documental “Superheroes”.
Justicieros con capaA mediados de enero próximo se estrena en EE.UU. el documental “Superheroes”, “un viaje al interior del mundo de los cruzados con capa de la vida real”, según dice la publicidad.
La producción sigue el día a día de héroes como Mr. Xtreme, un guardia de seguridad de día y vigilante de noche que patrulla las calles de San Diego; o el New York Initiative, un cuarteto que custodia los vecindarios de Brooklyn. El documental se estrena en el Slamdance Film Festival.
Los justicieros de capa y máscara sin superpoderes han sido material de ficción los últimos años. Películas como “Kick-ass” (2010), “Defendor” (2009), y la chilena “Mirageman” (2007), con Marko Zaror, tocan el tema.
English Translation
As in the comics but no special powers:
U.S. sleep in peace while the crime-fighting masked superheroes
Seattle media have reported on a group of men, the Rain City Superhero Movement, which patrols the city streets at night. They are not alone in that country.
RAMIREZ GASPAR Phoenix Jones is a black man of indeterminate age who drives a white Kia dirty the streets of Seattle. No one knows how to make a living, has at least one child, use mask, bullet proof suit, at night fighting crime and wants to make this a better world.
And, of course, Phoenix Jones is not his real name. In fact the full title is the guardian of Phoenix Jones Seattle, and is the leader of the Rain City Superhero Movement, a group of masked monitored for several months that city and has attracted the attention of U.S. media.
Inspired by the aesthetics and values of comic books, good will triumph over evil, “Seattle anonymous fighters are the latest in a tradition that has been quietly installed in the U.S.
If Batman has Robin, Phoenix Buster Jones has Doe, his “sidekick”, as they are known in the jargon of the comic. “Since I was at school to fight the abusers. I suppose in some ways I was born in this environment,” says Buster Doe “El Mercurio”.
The Rain City … can not fly or run like lightning. But who needs superpowers when it has combat training, martial arts and first aid? They have no tricks or armor belts, but they manage Tasers and similar weapons. Phoenix Jones comes off his spear gun networks, one netgun.
For some broken glass
If Batman was bitten by the bug vigilante when a child saw his parents killed, Phoenix Jones went backwards. His white Kia does not pass through the water intentionally a year ago: want to keep the blood stains in it as a reminder that the world has bad people.
A little over a year back from an amusement park with his son when he saw how far he had shattered the windshield of your car. They ran the child slipped and fell on the glass and took a deep cut on his knee that left blood all over the vehicle. None of the curious wanted to help, The Daily Beast said in a note on the hero. Decided that someone should do something against criminals.
The masked men know they save the world as Superman or the X-Men is not your thing. On this patrol at night, reported assaults, robberies, sometimes try to stop the bad guys, or just feed homeless.
Heroes near the community, do not hesitate to take pictures with fans and even cops.
They clearly do not need kryptonite or alien symbiotic organism to defeat them. “Yes, very dangerous. We must take certain precautions, otherwise you could end up in hospital or in a coffin,” said Mr Doe.
The police has now been taken with the presence of masked humor, but know they can go through dangerous situations and risk their lives.
The Rain City … also include Phoenix and Buster Doe, Green Reaper, No Name, Gemini, Thorn, Penelope, Thunder 88 and Catastrophe. And as stated, are not the only nor the first.
Real Life Superheroes (RLSH) is the equivalent of the Justice League. Has between 50 and 150 active real heroes in major U.S. cities and in countries like Great Britain, Mexico and Italy.
“RLSH is a movement of people who create characters, wear costumes and go out to make a positive difference in their communities,” he told this newspaper the unsung hero reallifesuperheroes.org running the site, a sort of official communications of the group.
I could not obviate the question why use masks to do good deeds? “To attract attention, if we do not use layers and costumes would not have the impact we have.”
A common phrase is masked, “make the world a better place.” RLSH they say in “with their actions can make a difference. Everyone can make a difference.” Buster ratifying Doe: “I’m just a man in a mask who dreams of a better tomorrow and pursues his fantasy future.”
This Christmas, the children of Seattle and U.S. can play relaxed because outside, where evil lurks, Phoenix Jones, Buster Doe and the rest of masked men patrolled the streets with one goal: to make this a better world.
300 superheroes of meat and bone is estimated to exist in the United States, according to the documentary “Superheroes.”
Caped vigilante mid January next year is released in U.S. the documentary “Superheroes,” “a journey into the world of the caped crusader in real life,” according to advertising.
The production follows the everyday heroes like Mr. Xtreme, a security guard by day and night watchman who patrols the streets of San Diego, or the New York Initiative, a quartet of Brooklyn neighborhoods custody. The documentary premiered at the Slamdance Film Festival.
Vigilantes and mask layer without superpowers are fictional material in recent years. Movies like “Kick-ass” (2010), “Defendor” (2009), and Chile “Mirageman” (2007), with Marko Zaror, touch the subject.

Originally posted: http://www.uwmpost.com/2010/11/29/real-life-superheroes/
By Kevin Kaber

Originally posted:http://www.datelinezero.com/?p=6095
Real-life superheroes have become a big phenomena. So big,in fact, that some police departments are asking officers to familiarize themselves with the who’s-who of their city’s crime-fighting crusaders.

Two things have been in short supply in recent years: 1) An actual sense of protection. 2) Sincere acts of heroism.
Lets face it, police brutality have become so commonplace that instances don’t usually warrant news coverage. The politicians in Versailles DC are good for nothing. And the Dept of Homeland Security, which includes the TSA, seems to have declared war on We the People.
Where to turn for real help, security, and heroism?
Real-life superheroes have begun to spring up everywhere. In fact, there are so many real-life superheroes running around the city of Seattle that the local police have been encouraged to study up on the real life superhero movement to familiarize themselves with a growing trend.
Many in Seattle have even formed an organized group called The Rain City Superhero Movement. This includes Thorn, Buster Doe, Green Reaper, Gemini, No Name, Catastrophe, Thunder 88, Penelope and Phoenix Jones the Guardian of Seattle. All masked, they carry Tasers, nightsticks, pepper spray, but no firearms.
The Seattle PD were informed that Captain Ozone and Knight Owl are not part of the movement. Good to know where these caped crusaders stand.
While this has gotten big enough in Seattle to get some media attention, it’s becoming something of a phenomena all across the United States.
This is not a trend, it is a movement. This movement could also go world-wide. (Naples, Italy, already has at least one steadfast protector. )
Local police are beginning to ask real life superheroes, or RLSH, to be careful. Seattle PI reports that on one occasion “police say a caped crusader dressed in black was nearly shot when he came running out of a dark park.” In another case, a witness on Capitol Hill saw the crusaders wearing ski masks in a car parked at a Shell station and thought they were going to rob the place.
A police bulletin has been sent to all Seattle officers this week, requesting they look at the Real Life Super Hero national website to get an idea of what they are dealing with.
The secret identity thing could become an issue, unless something is done to allow RLSH to work more efficiently with police. Seattle police were called out to Phoenix Jones and his team, who were apprehending a violent man swinging a gold club. But because they refused to identify themselves using their legal names, the police couldn’t take statements and the aggressor walked free (minus his club).
Phoenix Jones was later identified as a local 22-year-old black man who is driven around by a female friend who stays in the car when he gets out in his black cape, black fedora, blue tights, white belt and mask. He had agreed to be interviewed by police; and when he arrived at the station only partly dressed, he apologized. The rest of his outfit was being repaired because he was recently stabbed by a drug dealer.
Thank goodness Phoenix Jones is also wearing body armor, and a ballistic cup under his outfit.
Wikipedia has an article on RLSH, which explains: “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.”
A real life super hero website at rlsh-manual.com responds:

That’s what Wikipedia reports and – to a certain extent – it is true. Officially, a Real Life Superhero is whoever chooses to embody the values presented in superheroic comic books, not only by donning a mask/costume, but also performing good deeds for the communitarian place whom he inhabits. You don’t necessarily need to engage in a violent fight to be a crime fighter – you might patrol and report whatever crime you see. So basically, terms like “good deed” or “crime fighting” are open to various interpretations.
Many of the Real Life Superheroes retain peculiar characteristics, abilities, special training and paranormal faculties that make them even closer to their comic book counterparts.
…
WHAT WE DO:

• Crime fighting patrols and/or reporting illegal actions to Police.
• Fliers asking for help with specific unsolved crimes.
• Missing person’s fliers.
• Promoting social/environmental awareness.
• Helping the homeless with food/water/blankets.
• Donating blood

There’s another great RLSH website at reallifesuperheroes.org that seems to be updated with regular news, offers a registry for superheroes, and much more. The registry alone (where I obtained the RLSH images that you see) makes visiting the website well worth it. I only wish there were more entries; but I am sure that will change as more superheroes join the movement.
Perhaps a growing lack of faith in government is helping to fuel the RLSH movement. Perhaps it is the inevitable outcome of a whole generation of people who grew up on superheroes. Maybe it’s simply due to a lot of people being out of work, and seeking something meaningful to do with their time.
It’s probably all that, and more.
At any rate, this could be just the beginning of something very large and very strange. I, for one, am looking forward to looking up at the sky one night and seeing a superhero signal being activated over my city.

Originally posted: http://www.komonews.com/news/local/110685494.html
By Luke Duecy
In the middle of our interview in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, a scream in the distance sends Phoenix sprinting across a parking lot and peering down onto a street below.
He takes stock of the fight happening a block away, but quickly determines that it’s just a couple of friends yelling and shoving each other at a hot dog stand.
“It’s not something I need to prevent,” says Phoenix, who is wearing a mask, cape and hat.
Welcome to the world of Seattle superheroes.
There’s Buster Doe, No Name, Troop and their leader, Phoenix. We don’t know their real names, but almost every night they suit up and set out with Kevlar and stun guns for protection.
They say their mission is to patrol city streets and stop crime.
“I don’t go around and look for people who park their car wrong,” Phoenix says. “I do acts of violence — I physically saw you assault another person and I intervened.”
It all started years ago after one of Phoenix’s close friends got beat up outside a bar.
“There were like 70 people outside and no one did anything. No one called police, 911, nothing. They just stood there.”
On this night, under a full moon, I went along to see Phoenix in action. He has a wife, kids, a 9-to-5 job and a Facebook page. He also patrols cities all around Puget Sound five nights a week.
He says he wears the mask to protect his family from bad guys who may want revenge. But what about the costume?
“Surprisingly enough the easiest thing to hide bullet proofing under and be recognizable for police so I don’t get shot, is a super suit,” Phoenix says.
For Phoenix, being a real-life superhero is part feeding the homeless, part public relations, and nothing like the comic book heroes we all knew as kids.
“I’ve had a couple guns pulled on me,” says Phoenix, adding that he’s been shot and stabbed while stopping fights.
It isn’t all that exciting.
In an alley in the city’s International District, Phoenix confronted two men after hearing that someone was selling drugs in the area. He spoke to them and asked if they were selling, and the two men walked off.
While Phoenix says he’s just out to help, Seattle police would rather he not intervene directly.
“We would recommend and we would prefer that if people see a crime, witness a crime, have knowledge of a crime, that they pick up a phone and call 911,” Detective Mark Jamieson said. “We don’t want anyone to get hurt and certainly people that are dressed-up their intention might be mistaken by other people.”
Officials are concerned that these superheroes might take the law into their own hands. But Phoenix isn’t planning to sit around.
“I’m definitely not going to let my fellow citizens be assaulted when I can say ‘no,'” he says. “If I walk around and find nobody, that would be a good day. The fact is that I’m finding people – that’s bad – you shouldn’t need me.”
And then I saw what police are concerned about. At the end of our night, Phoenix stops a man who he thinks is trying to drive home drunk.
“Just back up!” Phoenix yells as the man rushes him. He warns the man to stay back or he’ll use a telescoping stun gun he just pulled from under his cape. “Stay back, stay away — I don’t want to have to Tase you!”
One of Phoenix’s colleagues calls 911, and police arrive to defuse the situation. But, the officers are worried.
“I know who you guys are, I know what you’re doing,” an officer tells the costumed group. “But, somebody drunk all of a sudden having people in their face with masks on… now it’s not the norm.”
Did the superheroes escalate the problem? For Phoenix the answer is no.
“We never had an issue with you,” Phoenix tells the man he tried to stop. “We just wanted you to get sober and get home safe.”
It’s just another night of crime fighting.

Originally posted: http://theweek.com/article/index/209642/seattles-real-life-superheroes-an-instant-guide
A group of self-described “superheroes” have been prowling the streets of Seattle claiming to save people from crime. Who are these costumed crusaders?
Move over, Watchmen. A real-life collective of costumed superheroes has taken to the streets of Seattle to fight for law and order. The Rain City Superhero Movement prowls the city late at night performing good deeds. But Seattle police worry that the amateur crime fighters could end up being seriously injured. Here’s a quick guide to what the caped vigilantes are doing:
Who are these masked men and women?
Seattle investigators have identified nine costumed individuals: Buster Doe, Catastrophe, Gemini, Green Reaper, No Name, Penelope, Phoenix Jones the Guardian of Seattle, Thorn, and Thunder 88. Phoenix Jones, a 22-year-old man who patrols the street in a black cape, fedora, white belt, and mask, revealed his real identity to Seattle police in early November. He is normally driven around by a woman who, wearing no costume, stays in the car while he performs his superhero duties. “So far, no confirmation if this is actually his mom,” says Alison Nastasi at Cinematical.
What do they do?
For the most part, they appear to drive around the city looking for fights to stop. One pair of “heroes” wearing ski masks was spotted in a parked Kia Fate that was later traced to the godmother of one of the “characters.” Another group of vigilantes were discovered by police “dealing with” an angry, golf-club-wielding man. The cops confiscated the club, but none of the anonymous superheroes wanted to press charges for fear of being identified.
Do they have any formal training?
“Everyone on my team either has a military background or a mixed martial arts background,” the man known as Phoenix Jones told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. “We’re well aware of what it costs to do what we do.” Jones told police he regularly wears body armor and a bulletproof vest when patrolling the streets. Other members of the “Movement” carry Tasers, nightsticks, and pepper spray. They say they do not carry guns.
What do the police think?
“Seattle police think they’re silly at best, dangerous at worst,” says Curtis Cartier at Seattle Weekly. One masked vigilante was almost shot by cops after running out of a darkened park, for example. Police say they would rather the costumed avengers help testify against criminals than put themselves in danger.
How do they find out about crimes?
That remains a mystery, says Cartier at Seattle Weekly. “They may have police scanners, they may have inside sources, or simply Internet access to the SPD police blog.” What they don’t have, yet, is a “skyward pointed spotlight of any kind.”
Who are they?
No one knows, but it hasn’t stopped some Seattle types from guessing. Like Bruce Wayne (aka Batman) and Tony Stark (aka Iron Man), “could the men behind the masks be local Seattle millionaires?” wonders the Belltown Blogger. “It’s interesting to imagine Bill Gates or Paul Allen doling out a bit of vigilante justice in our neighborhood.”
Sources: Seattle Post-Intelligencer (2), Seattle Weekly

Originally posted: http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/special_reports&id=7803443
LYNDHURST, N.J. – November 22, 2010 (WPVI) — Superheroes have been a part of our popular culture for generations. But you may be surprised to know that an actual real-life superhero community exists.
At first you might be quick to judge them. But once you hear their tragic backgrounds that mirror many of the fantasy figures we’ve come to love and their powerful missions you might think twice.
One says: “My name is Phantom Zero; I chose it because I have a love of cinema.”
Another says: “The name Nyx came from the Greek goddess of the night, which was the only time I could go out which was at night.”
We don’t know their real names, and we’re not allowed to show you their true identity. That’s because Nyx and Phantom Zero are living double lives.
“I read my first comic when I was 13 and I just kept thinking there has to be people that are doing this, obviously they don’t have super powers, but there still has to be people who want to do something good for the world,” explained Nyx.
Nyx discovered the Real Life Superheroes online community 5 years ago. It’s a community that stretches all over the world bringing strangers together with one common goal.
The secret society hopes to open the doors of their world to the public by allowing one man to tell their stories.
“I did quite a bit of research and discovered that the vast majority of media coverage was more exploitation only, they were looking for the humor in this story,” filmmaker Peter Tangen said.
Tangen is part of a team putting together a documentary about real life superheroes. He said he quickly learned that what these men and women are about is no laughing matter.
“I hope that as people learn about these individuals that they can look at their own lives and make a positive difference in the world around them,” Peter said.
Nyx says some of the heroes, including her, got into this to help fill a void.
“When I was 13 my mom died and that motivated me to want to do more with my life because she had never really gotten to live,” Nyx said.
Nyx also revealed she grew up in a strange religious sect forcing her to fight crime in the streets of Kansas City strictly at night.
“I couldn’t let them know that I was going out being a superhero and trying to help people.”
Nyx soon found her escape through Phantom Zero and moved to New Jersey. Like her, he too dealt with a tragic loss.
“One of the major motivations of me doing this was the death of my father,” said Phantom Zero.
Together they don’t fight crime but they do offer help to the homeless in New York and New Jersey.
But how are they received?
“Usually the people you’re helping don’t really care about the attire; they’re more than willing to accept help,” said Phantom Zero.
Nyx and Phantom Zero understand they will still have critics. But their hope is this:
“It’s very hard to convince the common man to pay attention to things, certain plights certain problems, in doing this we kind of standout and direct attention to those things,” Phantom Zero said.
For more information:
The Real Life Superhero Project
Real Life Superheroes
Superheroes Anonymous
Peter Tangen, Photographer
A site that challenges individuals to become heroes by undertaking various pro-social projects…
Superhero forums:
http://heroesnetwork.crimefightersnetwork.com/
http://www.therlsh.net/

Originally posted: http://thesnowballeffekt.blogspot.com/2010/11/real-life-superheroes-in-seattle.html
Here is an interesting article on the recent emergence of a superhero-movement in Seattle. They call themselves “Rain City Superheros  movement”, and claim to be part of a US-wide network of similar alliances. With names like Thorn, Buster Doe, Green Reaper, Gemini, No Name, Catastrophe, Thunder 88, Penelope and Phoenix, the group patrols the city by night looking for crime and danger.
The national website of the costumed heroes works as a sort of manual of the trade, as well:
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.
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
Yes, these people are real. Apparently MySpace works by augmenting the movement through a communication network amongst the caped crusaders around the world. ( if in need of a local vigilante, happy Hunting in MySpace.) According to Rain City Superhero Movement”- website, they do this, because “somebody has to do something”. And also, “they get a kick out of this”- which is understandable. Every time my Monday looks rainy and grey, I just slip on the Silk Spectre- outfit, perform a few kicks in front of the mirror while the soundtrack plays on the background and feel all powerful -a warrior woman. But these people go a bit further in they pursuit of action and justice.
The police in Seattle are worried that the heroes might hurt themselves, or someone else in the process.
In one instance a man dressed in black costume was nearly shot when running from a dark park. In another case, an innocent bystander mistook the heroes as robbers (sitting in a car with ski masks by the gas station does that to you, don´t think otherwise) and called the cops. The owner of the parked heroe-mobile claimed her godson just drives around going “good deeds”. Nice godmother, lending her Kia Fate for such heroic activities. Not many would understand, such a cruel world we live in.
Seattle police discovered the true identity of “Phoenix”, a mysterious character who is driven around the city by a civilian young woman (read: not into costumes). Phoenix was interviewed by the detectives and arrived to the station in most of his costume (parts were being repaired after an intervention to a drugtrade). In his usual attire, the character wears body armor, ballistic vest, arm and leg trauma plates and a ballistic cup. All this safety helped in stopping a bullet during a previous action incident last year. Note: all our heroes in the alliance do not carry firearms, just plain old pepper spray, tasers and nightsticks.
Seattle police state that there is nothing wrong in ordinary citizens getting involved in the criminal justice process – as long as they exercise caution, call 911 and remain as witnesses.
Call it what you might, I still find it incredibly impressive that these people are trying to do their part in stopping crime. Somewhat crazy, maybe, but incredibly sexy. In the utmost theoretical sense.

Originally posted: http://moviecitynews.com/2010/11/i-can-be-your-hero-baby/
By Kim Voynar
I was checking up on the weather forecast and school closings this morning, and this story about real-life superheros in Seattle caught my eye. Apparently the Seattle group, which calls itself the Rain City Movement, is part of the larger national group “Real Life Superheroes.”
With films like Kick-Ass and Super, which depict average people deciding to become superheroes, and the popularity of the superhero genre generally, I guess it’s not really surprising that normal folks would decide to become crime-fighter/vigilantes, though I’m not sure how smart an idea it is for your average person with a flashlight and mace to be going up against criminals armed with guns and knives.
One of the things I liked about Kick-Ass is its fairly realistic portrayal of what can happen in a situation like that. Kick-Ass gets his ass kicked. Even the seemingly invincible Big Daddy and Hit Girl find they’ve bitten off more than they can chew. Reality meets fantasy and smacks it around, hard.
On the other hand, I can understand the desire of people to feel like they’re doing something to take back their streets and neighborhoods from criminals. The police aren’t always effective, and I suppose it can feel empowering to be a vigilante fighting crime and making the streets safer … until you get shot or stabbed. Myself, I think I’ll keep my own costume-wearing tendencies safely confined to cons. But what about you? Would you ever consider being a Real Life Superhero? And what would your superhero be?

Originally posted: http://talkingskull.com/article/does-world-need-superheroes
by Niesey
There’s been a lot of hype lately coming from my hometown of Seattle.  Apparently there’s a group of people there who refer to themselves as “Real-Life Superheroes” from the “Rain City Superhero Movement”, and they’re claiming to be part of a nationwide network of crime-fighters.  They’re regular people (who perhaps have read a few too many comic books), that take to the streets in costumes with code names and try to fight crime. The Seattle Police Department has understandably stated some concern regarding the “superheroes”.  According to the Seattle PI article, there have been some events that have led to one “superhero” almost getting shot, and others being mistaken for criminals by citizens:

In one instance, police say a caped crusader dressed in black was nearly shot when he came running out of a dark park. In another case, a witness on Capitol Hill saw the crusaders wearing ski masks in a car parked at a Shell station and thought they were going to rob the place.

The self-proclaimed leader of the Rain City Superhero Movement is a 22-year-old man, that goes by the name Phoenix Jones.  He dresses in black with blue tights (what superhero costume is complete without tights?), and patrols the Seattle streets with his friends…  in a Kia owned by the godmother of one of the “superheroes”…  I guess “Real-Life Superheroes” use economical transportation.  No high-tech Batmobiles for them.
Reading the article on SeattlePI.com piqued my curiosity.  Are there really other “Real-Life Superheroes” in other parts of America, and perhaps the world?  I was amazed to find that indeed there are, and some of them have websites to share their philosophies, list their services, and ask for donations to fund their superhero ways.  There’s Captain B.L.A.C.K. of Savannah, Georgia, Knight Owl from Ohio, and Zetaman from Portland, Oregon.  But I also found that this superhero movement isn’t all that new of a concept.  London also had a “superhero” for some time in Angle-Grinder Man, who said in 2002 “I may not be able to single-handedly and totally cast off the repressive shackles of a corrupt government – but I can cut off your wheel-clamps for you.”  Maybe not all the “superheroes” keep completely within the realms of the law, but it seems that the majority are trying to make a difference in their communities by helping the less fortunate, and doing charitable work.
For people interested in becoming “superheroes”, there are plenty of websites and books to help them.  RealLifeSuperheroes.org recently listed a workshop in Brooklyn, New York, to assist people with creating their superhero costumes.  It cost $20, but included “free beer for those 21 and older.”  Or you could buy the book, How to be a Superhero.
What do you think about the superhero movement?  Are they necessary in today’s society, or are they just another case of a Neighborhood Watch Program getting out of hand, and turning into vigilante justice?  Would you ever consider taking on a new persona and running around in the night in tights? Or should we just stay at home, and let the police do their jobs?

Originally posted: http://ajfederation.wordpress.com/2010/11/19/real-life-super-heroes/
By far the most fascinating story I’ve read in a while. Seattle has it’s own league of super heroes, and they mean business. Phoenix Jones had a few Seattle media interviews to explain this craziness. The bottom line:

“Phoenix, some people might ask if you’re crazy. Are you crazy?” I asked during a recent phone interview.
“Have you ever seen something that you thought was wrong or not fair? That you wanted to change? And then you just thought about it for days or weeks?” He said.
“Of course.” I answered.
“Well I haven’t. I don’t stand by and watch things happen that are wrong. When I see it I fix it. Does that make me crazy?”

He and his sidekick Buster Doe are not alone. Teaming up in Seattle’s Real Life Super Heroes is Gemini, Green Reaper, No Name, Penelope, Thorn, Thunder 88, and Catastrophe (no idea at this time if this one wears a cat mask). According to Phoenix Jones they all have either have full military training, or are extremely well-versed in mixed martial arts. Better than an amateur getting themselves stabbed (Kick-Ass is not family friendly, nor is this clip):
Phoenix Jones has mentioned that he’s been cut early on in his crime fighting career. He added more layers of protection than the spandex and fedora he wears. Now they’re not just bopping thugs left and right that are littered throughout Seattle. They recon, determine real criminals, and call the police before engaging/distracting the criminal element.
Justify it however you want, you don’t need the caliber of genius like Lex Luthor to know how dangerous and deadly. As much as I love the comic book crime fighting crusaders, the reality is almost too grueling to root for… almost. I truly love the idea of real “super heroes” taking on drug dealers, thugs, and gangsters stalking Seattle streets. I hope it works, too! I’m trying to imagine criminals fearing a man wearing a fedora without a whip at his side.
These days law enforcement is always short of the protection towns and cities need. Amidst constant cuts, poor budgeting, and ACLU threats against gang elements, perhaps law-abiding vigilantes is what we all need. Good luck Phoenix Jones.
UPDATE: Forgot to mention that there is a nation-wide network of these super heroes. RealLifeSuperHeroes.org. And before you ask, I am not one of these masked crusaders.