Tag master legend

Originally posted: http://pmsoden.com/2010/10/26/super-heroes-in-real-life/
When you think about Superheroes what do you picture? Do you picture guys running around in tights with their capes flapping in the wind inside comic books ? Men and Women with Supernatural powers either from a radioactive insect bite, born with some mutated gene , or came from a dying planet? Or do you picture ordinary men and women out there doing good deeds for citizens? I bet you chose the first couple and not the later.
I have actually been reading comic books since I was 12. They started out being just Archie comic books or teenage mutant ninja turtles at the time. I never really got into Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman until an incident sparked at my house and I sat on a bathroom floor crying wanting to die. I didn’t really have the good life growing up. I was accused one time of always getting whatever I wanted. They had no idea the kinds of things I went through growing up and seemed to not even care. Sometimes people can hide things so well that people are often led to believe that they are something else. I guess in a way I had my own secret identity. The one I showed on the outside when smiling and hanging out with friends and the one that was at home where I would spend hours locked in my room to avoid certain situations such as being yelled at just for spilling a soda on the floor. The was a suicide prevention seminar that they gave out free comics of Superman who was helping a little girl out with her problems. Something sparked in me, almost like a light bulb went on.
That day I came home from school straight off the school bus my step-father was sitting at his desk smoking his cigarettes and spitting crud into his ashtray. He was sitting there with no shirt on , hair a mess and writing on his yellow pads that he always wrote on. I later found out what he was writing and regret to this day to find out what kind of sickness that was inside his head. I don’t remember the events the events in detail that happened that day besides showing him the comic book. Mom was in the kitchen cooking something and didn’t know what was going on. I remember being yelled at because I wasn’t doing something right. I remember running into my room and locking my door behind me. I remember him beating on it , yelling at me to open up my door, my mother yelling at him to stop yelling at me and my baby brother crying somewhere in the background. After it all died down I went into the bathroom and locked myself in there. I sat against the toilet holding the comic . I started to read it and was instantly inspired to do more with my life. It was like someone was telling me that it would be okay and that is where my Superman obsession came from.
I always wondered what it would be like if someone were to be a superhero in real life? What would this world do with someone like that?
I never really wanted to run around in a cape and tights myself except for the one year for Halloween I was Wonder Woman. Years later I am doing a project for a college class on the psychological effects of superheros on children and I discover some very interesting things. I just happen to fall on top of various random links to REAL LIFE SUPERHEROES! I was instantly interested and I had to find out more.
Wikipedia says that ,” Real-life superhero is a term 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. The actions of New York City police and firefighters during the September 11, 2001 attacks led to frequent use of the term.”

I started talking to RazorHawk on twitter. I instantly added him as a friend.
Razorhawk does a lot of work involving children such as Toys For Tots. He told me in an interview that they don’t go out looking for trouble but a lot of them do train to deal with this when it does comes up. He really wants people to be inspired and do good things for others. Kids especially accept superheroes in their lives and makes them go forward with doing good deeds later in their lives as well. It is almost like a Pay it Forward type of deal. He is working with the 2011 Homeless Organization to raise awareness on Homelessness. They are accepting all kinds of donations not just monetary! RazorHawk is a part of the Great Lakes Heroes Guild which includes other really great heroes such as Geist, Watchman,Doc Spectral, and Celtic Viking. He also runs Hero Gear so if you are looking for a super costume contact Razor Hawk! He is very passionate about what he does and he has already inspired me to do more for where I live.
Another Superhero I interviewed recently is Metatron Arc Angel. He does his best to help anyone he can. He actually started wearing a mask in second grade to beat up bullies. Like Razor Hawk and other Real Life Super Heroes he had training in street fighting , defending yourself, how to protect yourself, etc. He is with a group of other Real Life Super Heroes called Team Justice. It is a legally registered non-profit organization. Like all other Super Heroes they have to coöperate with the law and even though Metatron Arc Angel went to jail once he was recognized by the Sheriff’s Department with an Award. Look out for a book by him sometime in the future giving you all sorts of information and advice on RLSH’s!

Shadow Panther is another hero who since younger always wanted to do some good in the world . He didn’t just want to do good but wanted to be remembered as well. He wanted people to remember there are people out there that do help. His costume was designed after his favorite superhero of all time Black Panther. He is a member of the CFA (Fire Brigade) outside of his costume. This is another example how in or out of costume these heroes still manage to do some good! He also taught himself some martial arts and received training to work on the streets. All of these heroes know how to take care of themselves and the bad guys as well. He wears a bullet proof vest and carries pepper spray with him to protect himself. One of the questions I asked was if there is a moment you ever feared for your life and he said ” All the time ….,” because he loves his family very much and is constantly worried about them. His group is the “Stealth” group . All of these heroes have their own uniqueness about them and the groups they are in are one of those things.
I focused on the recent movie Kick-Ass and how it shows an ordinary person dressing up as a comic book hero. Most of these heroes did read comics growing up like Spider-Man was one of Shade Panther’s inspirations. There is not , however, the violence you see in this movie. This movie over exaggerates the vigilante to get people’s attention. I think in a way they got their attention the wrong way. Yes, it is inspiring to see people doing what this guy did but it is another thing to see the blood shed and the lives lost during watching this movie. In some way I really don’t like the vigilante justice thought of being a superhero. To me being a superhero is not about revenge and taking lives it is about making lives better and helping people who have no way to help themselves.
I really liked Shade Panther’s answers about advice on becoming a RLSH ,” Yes definitely, here are some options of what hero you could be..
Crime Fighter: Expect to die, just because it seems easy in the movies doesn’t make it easy in real life, you have to be committed, have training, and know what the hell you are doing and have a goal..
Green: Be consistent, take care of the earth in whole and encourage recycling and stopping logging. This is a very important role, add Treesong on facebook if you want to ask some more questions about this role..
Lifer: Walk around with a bag full of food (Bread, rolls, canned food, etc..), clothes (Shirts, pants, shoes, jumpers, jackets, etc..) and sheltering items (Umbrellas, tents, and pretty much anything that could help them in staying warm and dry).. This is a very kind and selfless thing to do, even I do this.
Patrol: Safer than crime fighting and very helpful, you patrol the streets or watch from buildings and report suspicious looking characters to the police. You could also call ambulances, fire brigades, and report crimes being committed, the possibilities are exemplary for this group.
Extremist: Nobody is in this group and I do not suggest it in any way, I am only putting this here because it is a category. The extremist will push there limits and generally go after high-end criminals (Mass Murderers, Serial killers, rapists, etc..) and also stop massive drug rings and prevent mafia hits. This I could only suggest to an extremely qualified Navy SEAL or members of the SAS or SWAT.”
These guys are not just doing it to show off their flashy capes and hide behind masks to make money. Some of these guys and gals are out there doing what they do and having to struggle to pay their bills when they get home. They sacrifice themselves everyday for the common good. They are out there doing what some only dare to dream to do . If you see someone needing water on the street do you walk over them and keep going or do you stop and give them some water or some change? Sometimes you might think ” well, they will only use it on alcohol or drugs” and in some cases that might be true . Most cases I can tell you for a fact it isn’t.
I do what I can when I can for people. My own daughter has taken the gloves off her hands for another child who needed them. If a 8-year-old little girl can do it , why can’t you?
Sometimes all it takes is a bit of caring to make the world a better place and this is what these guys and gals are all about . I really admire what they are doing and why they are doing it. I would be honored to one day meet one of the RLSH’s in person and shake their hand. They are not just standing by and letting the world revolve around them, they are making the world revolve.

Originally posted: http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/63950
Real World Superheroes of the South
by Miss Cellania – August 17, 2010 – 10:59 AM
Alternate universes and super powers may be limited to comic books, but costumed crusaders are everywhere in the real world. If they aren’t fighting crime, they’re doing good deeds, raising awareness, helping the downtrodden, setting an example, steering kids in the right direction, and generally making the world a better place, each in their own strange way. Here are a few that are based in the southern part of the United States.

Master Legend

Orlando, Florida

Master Legend goes on missions to find and help the homeless of Orlando. He began his superhero career in Winter Park, Florida. He works together with other Florida superheroes in both his missions and his music, as several heroes has formed a band called the Justice Force. The article The Legend of Master Legend was printed in Rolling Stone in 2008 and is reposted online at Real Life Superheroes. See a video featuring Master Legend at vimeo.

Danger Woman

Atlanta, Georgia

Danger Woman calls herself a “karaoke crimefighter”. She’s also a disability rights activist. Danger Woman is autistic and use her trusty microphone to give evil a headache with her singing. Her life and crusade against disaba-phobia (the fear of disabled people) is the subject of a documentary calledDisabled But Able to Rock! Watch the trailer at YouTube (warning: singing). You can keep up with Danger Woman’s activities through her MySpace blog.

Superhero

Clearwater, Florida

Superhero may have a generic name, but he’s well known in Clearwater. A former professional wrestler, he roams the streets in his 1975 Corvette and helps stranded motorists. He also makes appearances to teach road safety and to raise money for various charities with a particular emphasis on helping the homeless.

Hardwire

Greensboro, North Carolina

There’s not a lot of information on Hardwire, except that he used to go by the name Point Guardian and he’s retired from the superhero scene. Hardwire appeared as himself in the 2008 movie Your Friendly Neighborhood Hero.

Daddy Man

Zachary, Louisiana

Daddy Man is a role model. His alternate identity is Ivy Butler of Zachary, Lousiana. He created the superhero persona first as an inspiration to his seven children, and became a hero to other children, then a role model for other fathers. You can keep up with Daddy Man’s activities on his blog. Butler is the subject of the book The Chronicles of Daddy Man. Hear what Daddy Man has to say at YouTube.

Enigma

San Antonio, Texas

Enigma patrols San Antonio looking for any opportunity to do good. He posts his exploits at MySpace, where you can read about an incident earlier this year where he stopped a pair of car thieves. Enigma also lends his powers to environmental causes.

The Viper

Columbia, Tennessee

The Viper is a 20-year-old college student who dresses in green and patrols the streets of Columbia, Tennessee. The local police aren’t impressed, and in fact warned him against wearing a mask in public. The Viper says, “I am just a guy trying to do what’s right in tights.” Columbia citizens think it’s kind of neat to have a superhero in their small town.

Amazonia

Ocala, Florida

Amazonia has been working as a superhero since 2002, beginning in Lowell, Massachusetts and worked in both New York City and Ocala, Florida. She is now based in an “undisclosed location”. Amazonia patrols the streets looking for opportunities to help people and takes part in activities such as blood drives, helping the homeless, and environmental activism. Read more on her blog.

DC Guardian

Washington, DC

DC Guardian is part of the Capital City Super Squad, a group of nine superheroes who patrol Washington. An Air Force veteran, he hands out copies of the US Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights to remind everyone of what it means to be an American.

KnightVigil

Tampa, Florida

KnightVigil also goes by the name Darian VanLansing, although that’s not his true identity. He is a Christian superhero who works to provide needed food and clothing to the children of migrant workersin Florida.

The Crimson Fist

Atlanta, Georgia

The Crimson Fist turned to his superhero practice after years of drugs and alcohol. By day he’s an IT programmer; by night he spends his time helping the homeless of Atlanta. He patrols the streets and hands out supplies such as bottled water and socks to those in need, using his own funds. He wishes he could do more:

“I think for the most part, it makes me feel good to do it, as selfish as it sounds. The biggest motivation is just helping people, it’s enjoyable to me,” he says. “And if it means a little sacrifice, I’m OK with that. Because if I didn’t do it, I wouldn’t feel whole.”

Originally posted: http://kotaku.com/5611331/nerdy-real-life-superheroes-to-keep-city-safe-from-bullies-jocks

They walk among us—average citizens who don capes and masks at night to battle evil-doers. They call themselves Real Life Superheroes, and they are, of course, deeply nerdy.
A visit to the World Superhero Registry – the apparent home of this movement on the web – reveals images of adult men and women in full-on superhero garb with invented monikers like “Death’s Head Moth”, “Master Legend” and “Dark Guardian”. Their mission? To rid the city of crime and help those in need. Honorable goals, but they seem to be most successful at taking themselves waayyy too seriously and confusing the hell out of the criminals they encounter.
Dark Guardian, for example – whose only superpower seems to be his heavy Staten Island accent – records an encounter where he attempts to chase a hulking drug dealer out of Washington Square Park. When it is revealed that Dark Guardian isn’t actually a cop nor does he possess any sort of legal authority to tell the guy to move, things get kinddaaaa awkward. It’s like he’s just come to the stunned realization that he can’t shoot laser beams out of his eyes, and the drug dealer, towering over Dark Guardian, feels too bad for him to even bother roughing him up.
Then there’s Shadow Hare, a 21-year-old whose intimidating Venom-style getup is belied by some B-roll footage of our hero flouncing down a fire escape. Such is the problem for real life superheroes: life is just a little too real sometimes to pull off wearing tights.
“Citizen Prime” spent $4,000 on his custom body armor suit – and spends most of the time wearing it doing common household chores like watering the lawn and vacuuming. He lives in a pretty quiet neighborhood, which reveals itself to be another obstacle for our real life superheroes.
But life isn’t always so cushy for our real life superheroes. “Master Legend” demonstrates his Iron Fist, for use when drastic measures need to be taken (against defenseless load-bearing walls):
Local news anchors, of course, love these sort of stories because they get to do the reports in that bemused, sing-songy tone that lets us know that this is a story about “colorful local oddballs” who shouldn’t be “taken too seriously”:
It’s sad and hilarious and kind of touching. I suppose they’re heroes, in a way. They’re not exactly rescuing people from burning buildings… but they are wearing capes. And that’s gotta count for something, right?

By Tea Krulos
Hello my heroic friends!
Now is a good time for me to talk about what I’m doing, especially since there are a lot of new people to the forum, who may not know what I am all about. I’m a freelance writer from Milwaukee, and I’ve been working on a book for the last 13 months about real-life superheroes titled Heroes in the Night.
The book is built on three major key methods:
1. Research. That would include not only the history of the RLSH, but of comic book heroes, and groups or individuals that may have similarities to RLSH.
2. Extensive interviewing. I have interviewed over a 100 RLSH (and other people involved somehow) by e-mail, phone, and in person. I would like to point out that my lines of communication are open, and they are open to everyone. If I haven’t contacted you, please don’t be offended. It’s not that I don’t want to talk to you; it’s the simple fact that there are only so many hours in the day. Another thing I’d like to mention is that I consider myself a completely neutral party. I don’t have a “side” and don’t favor one style of RLSH over another.
3. “Field work.” This is my favorite and most exciting aspect of the book. I have had the time of my life getting to travel and meet RLSH on their turf. Its one thing to read a blog post about a patrol, but it absolutely cannot compare to getting out there and joining in on one. I have fully gone out and participated as much as I can. Starting in my hometown, I’ve joined the local RLSH, Watchman and Blackbird, out on the street several times for patrol, and have helped them organize strategy in my own neighborhood. This continues to this day, and in fact we were invited to participate in a community event which will allow at least a couple hundred neighborhood residents meet the RLSH.
I also have been to Minneapolis twice and Rochester, MN once, where I met Razorhawk, Celtic Viking, and Geist. I don’t know what to say about the Wisconsin and Minnesota RLSH except that they are all fantastic guys that I admire greatly and consider personal heroes.
My next trip was to the Superheroes Anonymous 3 conference in New Bedford, an amazing weekend for sure, with 15 or so RLSH in attendance. I met several people I would say are very active participants in RLSH organizing. Civitron was a great host, and in fact everyone was very hospitable to me. I honestly had a great time participating in the workshops and just hanging out.
I then traveled to the West coast to participate in an invitation by Thanatos for RLSH to join him on the streets of Vancouver for the winter Olympics. It was a humbling experience for me, and I have nothing but the utmost respect for Thanatos and his work. Along with the other RLSH in attendance, we visited homeless camps and even the set of Watchmen.
In Seattle I not only hung out with The Irishman, but also proved I can give villains a fair shake, and had a nice lunch with the members of ROACH.
My last trip (for the book at least) is scheduled for early June, to NYC. I am looking forward to not only reconnecting with some of the great people I met at SA3, but to meeting new people as well. It is with some sadness that I report that as my last trip-there are many places I would have liked to have gone, unfortunately money restricts my travels(everything so far has been funded out of my own pocket) and also the book must have an end someplace.
Now that I’ve told you the methods I’m using, I’ll also tell you how I got into writing it. What caught my attention back then was actually a blurb in News of the Weird; a great column by Chuck Shepherd syndicated in alternative newspapers that rounds up strange news. The blurb mentioned the article on Master Legend in Rolling Stone and an article in the London Times, both of which I checked out.
My interest at first was purely because it was a unique story, which I’m always looking for as a freelance writer. I’m a lifelong fan of comic books, which also grabbed my attention. I’ve imagined how awesome it would be to be a superhero. My dad read me comic books at night as a kid, mostly DC titles- Batman, Green Lantern, the Flash, and many others. I won’t say I’m a comic book nerd- not that I find the term insulting, but I’ve never really collected heavily- I’ll buy a few random titles here or there, and then usually pass them on to someone else. I buy comics to read them, not collect them.
I did an internet search and found out that we did indeed have a local RLSH here in Milwaukee- The Watchman. At this point, I still wasn’t sure what to make of all of this RLSH business, but I was willing to give the benefit of the doubt. I got a local magazine interested in running a piece on Watchman and set up a meeting one night at a city park near my house.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but after meeting the Watchman I found a lot of what he said made sense and I didn’t think he was crazy at all. In fact, at this point I asked myself who was crazier- guys in homemade costumes trying to make their neighborhoods a safer place, or people sitting on their ass complaining and moaning about how terrible everything is and asking oh, why doesn’t anyone do something?
After talking to the Watchman, and studying some people on the internet, I determined there was enough material for a book, and my adventures with the RLSH began. I have gotten to know some RLSH (and associates) pretty well, and I will continue to support these people and their efforts long after the book is sitting on a shelf somewhere.
The status of the book is that the writing should be done within the next few months. There are a couple of publishers looking at my book proposal right now. They could reject it, and I could reject them if I don’t like what they present me. For example- and I’m announcing this now for the first time- in keeping with the generous spirit of the RLSH, (as well as great people working on other RLSH related projects, like Peter Tangent and Amber Gant) I will be pretty insistent with my publisher that a percentage of book sales go to charity. I already have a pretty solid idea on this, but don’t want to mention more before things are ironed out.
Even if these publishers don’t go for it, it does prove there is an interest. I’m pretty confident it’s going to happen soon. In the meanwhile, I’m just focusing on making the writing the best it can be.
There are a few ways you can keep tabs on the project.
Some of you may not know, but I maintain a blog at www.heroesinthenight.blogspot.com where I post stuff at least a couple times a week, and in the past I’ve had special weeks where I post every day. I encourage you to add the blog to your “follow” list (if you have a blogger account) and to comment.
I post a “Hero Profile” every Thursday. By the way, that feature isn’t done because I think anyone is better than anyone else, I kind of just randomly select someone and go with it, and hopefully people get to learn a few small details of what the RLSH is all about.
In addition to the Hero Profile, I occasionally post excerpts from the book and also try to act as an unbiased RLSH news wire, reporting interesting events I see on the forum and elsewhere. The comments section often has interesting input and debates. These debates range from productive ones to ones that are kind of like people chasing each other around in fast motion like on the Benny Hill Show. What can I say? Never a dull moment.
In addition to the blog, I have social network sites and it would be great to have you as a friend-
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/heroesinthenight
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heroes-in-the-Night/126906443986127
Lastly, anyone is free to PM me on the forum or at my e-mail at [email protected]
Please be safe and smart out there, and keep up the good work!
 

Team Justice is leading the community with action once again by registering for the Pepsi Refresh grant. Please vote for them at http://www.refresheverything.com/teamjustice
Team Justice is the first Non-Profit Real Life Superhero organization, which RLSHorg did a in depth interview about. (Florida Supergroup Raises The Bar)
Team Justice mission with Pepsi is :

A homeless child lives a life of embarassment & fear. Our main focus has been to watch out for those children here in Florida. To that end not only does Team Justice patrol the streets providing assistance at a moments notice, but we also provide food & clothing to the less fortunate among us thru charitable outreach & direct donations to those who need it most.

So please consider supporting Team Justice. Go to http://www.refresheverything.com/teamjustice and cast your vote today.
 

Originally pubished : http://www.virginmedia.com/movies/movieextras/top10s/real-life-superheroes.php
With DIY superhero Kick-Ass bursting into cinemas, we meet the real men and women who have dedicated their lives to helping others…
Squeegeeman

Who? A “mass do-gooder” who vows to rid New York of both crime and grime. His superhero weapon of choice? A squeegee.
Why? Claiming to have been born with “Super-squeegee abilities”, Squeegeeman not only fights crime, but also goes on hospital visits, plants trees and collects money for charity. He claims that when someone walks down a clean street in New York or makes it home without getting mugged, they have him to thank, which kind of steals credit away from the city street-cleaners and the NYPD.
Movie hero equivalent: WALL•E, the only movie character to equal Squeegeeman’s superhuman dedication to cleaning and tidying.
Entomo, the Insect Man of Napels

Who? This Italian hero claims a near-death experience connected him to “a spiritual plane of existence involving insects”.
Why? Entomo lists his superpowers as sharpened senses, agility and an insect-like psychic ability he calls ‘parallelogram’ – apparently this helps him to establish “a specific psychological/physical profile only based on tiny, almost insignificant details”. Entomo battles criminals as well as corrupt politicians, and he even has his own superhero catchphrase: “Hear my buzz, fear my bite: I inject justice”. Catchy.
Movie hero equivalent: Spider-Man, who also developed creepy-crawly superpowers of agility and a special ‘spidey sense’.
Terrifica

Who? A guardian fighting for sobriety, chastity and the way home for drunk, vulnerable females in need of protection from lusty men.
Why? Like a disapproving parent in a costume, Terrifica patrols bars and parties in New York late at night defending inebriated women from lecherous guys looking to take advantage while armed with pepper spray, a camera and Smarties (to keep her energy levels up). Curiously, she even has her own arch-nemesis, Fantastico, a ‘supervillain’ lothario who dresses in velvet and skulks around bars trying to pick up defenceless women.
Movie hero equivalent: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, who also rescued damsels in distress from preying monsters and predators.
Zetaman

Who? A self-confessed nerd who adopted a costume and name to be more like the superheroes in his favourite comics.
Why? While Zetaman tries to steer clear of actual crime-fighting (“I guess it sounds kind of less heroic, but I don’t want to die”), he arms himself with a collapsible baton, a stun gun, an air horn and a mobile phone just in case. The most important items in his arsenal, however, are blankets, gloves, socks and sandwiches which he hands out to the men and women who are forced to live on the streets of his home town Portland, Oregon.
Movie hero equivalent: Superman, who shares Zetaman’s humanitarian attitude and his chest-based insignia.
Angle-Grinder Man

Who? A costumed vigilante who fights the system by offering a free wheel-clamp removal service for frustrated motorists in the UK.
Why? Rebelling against what he considers to be oppressive measures such as congestion charges, CCTV and speed cameras, Angle-Grinder Man takes a stand against “arrogant” politicians by providing wheel-clamp aid to persecuted vehicle owners in Kent and London (at weekends). His website lists his mobile number for such emergencies, presumably because no one has access to a giant Angle-Grinder signal light to shine in the sky.
Movie hero equivalent: V from V For Vendetta, another British vigilante who fights against a corrupt government.
Master Legend

Who? A costumed crime-fighter who claims to have psychic abilities, as well as powers bestowed to him by a voodoo queen.
Why? The daddy of superheroes, Master Legend has been thwarting criminals for over a decade and the local sheriff in his hometown of Winter Park, Florida has even confirmed that the masked hero has helped with many arrests. With his own means of transport (the Legend Cycle) and armed with his Master Blaster personal cannon (a spud gun), this old defender shows no sign of hanging up his tights any time soon.
Movie hero equivalent: Professor Charles Xavier from X-Men who also has psychic powers (minus the silver body armour).
Superbarrio

Who? A Mexican hero who takes a realistic approach to fighting crime and corruption: by organising labour rallies and filing petitions.
Why? Donning a red-and-yellow costume, complete with wrestler’s mask, Superbarrio is a champion for the working class and homeless of Mexico City. His work protecting low-income neighbourhoods by leading protests and challenging court decisions has resulted in the hefty campaigner becoming a folk legend – he even had a giant-size statue erected in his honour and once met with Fidel Castro.
Movie hero equivalent: Nacho Libre, the tubby Mexican wrestler who also has a secret identity.
Dark Guardian

Who? Criminals of New York beware! This highly-trained martial artist is “dedicated to making the world a better place”.
Why? Despite going through some costume changes in the past, Dark Guardian is a committed superhero who claims to have helped the police in apprehending various drug dealers and tracking down an illegal gambling den. Unlike most of his other superhero colleagues, he does not keep his true identity secret – his real name is Chris Pollack. Dark Guardian sounds better though.
Movie hero equivalent: Batman, the Dark Knight, as another hero of the night fighting against injustice.
Citizen Prime

Who? A recently retired superhero who fought crime in $4000 body armour and helped to found the Worldwide Heroes Organization.
Why? A financial executive by day, Citizen Prime would patrol the streets clad in a helmet, breastplate, pads and codpiece and was also particularly involved in his local community, often visiting youth centres and schools. News of his retirement was met with much mourning among the real-life superhero community, although criminals in his area presumably rejoiced.
Movie hero equivalent: Robocop, who wore similar armour and shared his attitude towards promoting good citizenship.
Death’s Head Moth

Who? Strikes fear into criminals with sinister imagery and a scary name. Probably doesn’t do many school visits.
Why? Armed with ‘moth-a-rangs’ (specially made metal throwing ninja stars shaped like moths) and a dark, brooding attitude, Deaths Head Moth fights crime in Norfolk, Virginia and is a well-known name in the superhero community, often teaming up with other heroes and being an active member of the Great Lakes Heroes Guild.
Movie hero equivalent: Rorschach, the cynical anti-hero in Watchmen who has an attitude as fearsome as his fighting skills.
Tothian

Who? Dispensing with the costume and novelties, Tothian focuses on the most important part of being a superhero: fighting crime.
Why? Having served five years in the Marine Reserves, Tothian has the discipline, as well as the physical capabilities, to treat crime-fighting as a serious calling. Claiming that martial arts is only one aspect of the training required to be a superhero (he also lists law, criminology, forensics and first aid, among others), this patrolling defender uses his special expertise to prevent crime and ensure the safety of the residents in his hometown, New Jersey.
Movie hero equivalent: Steven Seagal in every one of his movies. He has the combat skills and mental attitude to take criminals down
Captain Prospect

Who? Founder of the Capital City Super Squad, a team of superheroes who help to protect and serve Washington DC.
Why? Along with his superhero colleagues Nice Ninja, Spark, Siren, Justice, DC Guardian and The Puzzler, Captain Prospect helps the people of Washington DC by undertaking safety patrols, contributing to community events and organising fundraisers, as well as feeding the homeless. This patriotic do-gooder even chose the colours and design of his costume to reflect the DC flag.
Movie hero equivalent: Captain America, the leader of The Avengers, who will be starring in his own movie due out in 2011.
Mr. Xtreme

Who? Part of the Xtreme Justice League, a team of costumed superheroes who tackle violent crime on the streets of San Diego.
Why? Using a camouflage mask with bug-shaped mesh eye-holes to keep his identity secret, Mr Xtreme patrols the streets late at night armed with a stun-gun, pepper spray and handcuffs in order to apprehend criminals as well as promote a positive message to youngsters and raise public awareness about local crime. By day, however, Mr Xtreme is merely a mild-mannered security guard. Presumably, he takes the mask off then.
Movie hero equivalent: David Dunn (Bruce Willis) from Unbreakable, a security guard who discovers he has superhero-like abilities.
Shadow Hare

Who? A caped crusader who fights crime on the streets of Cincinatti with the ominous symbol of a demonic rabbit on his chest.
Why? Declaring to “see the shadows of shadows”, this costumed hero claims to have stopped “many evil doers, such as drug dealers, muggers, rapists and crazy hobos with pipes”. Despite being a trained martial artist who carries mace, a taser and handcuffs, Shadow Hare actually dislocated his shoulder while assisting a woman who was being robbed, just to prove that you shouldn’t be trying this at home. Luckily he can speed away on his Segway scooter if the fight gets too much for him.
Movie hero equivalent: Frank, the demonic rabbit from Donnie Darko who also liked to stick to the shadows.
Polar Man

Who? Hardly a crime-fighter, this local hero helps his community by shovelling snow off the steps for day-care centres and the elderly.
Why? Hailing from Nunavut, a particularly icy region of North Canada, Polarman is the friendly neighbourhood superhero who, as well as clearing snow for those in need, helps to keep playgrounds in order for the local kids and deters vandals. He is said to model himself on a man in Inuit legend who provided food and clothing to the poor while riding a polar bear.
Movie hero equivalent: Iceman, the sub-zero superhero from the X-Men who doesn’t, unfortunately, ride on a polar bear.

Originally published: http://www.timeout.com/film/features/show-feature/9752/was-there-life-before-kick-ass.html
By Tom Huddleston
The USP of Matthew Vaughn’s ‘Kick-Ass’ is that it’s about real life superheroes. But what about Mystery Men?
For the next month or so, you won’t be able to leave the house without hearing the words ‘Kick-Ass’. Matthew Vaughn’s teen superhero epic is fast, funny and extremely violent, but it also seems to be labouring under a misapprehension: that the concept of normal, everyday superheroes is somehow original. The film even opens with our hero Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) complaining that, in the real world, no one but the police dresses up and fights crime.
In fact, they do. A few years ago, a film played at the Sci-Fi-London Film Festival called ‘Your Friendly Neighbourhood Hero’. This wise and very amusing doc followed the exploits of four real-life costumed avengers – known only as Superhero, Master Legend, Mr Silent and Hardware – as they plied their trade on the suburban streets where they lived. Their exploits were relatively tame – none of them took down a major crime ring or foiled a villain in his underground lair – but, like Kick-Ass, they were dedicated ordinary Joes intent on remaking society in their own image.
Even in the realm of fiction the concept of normal folks with no special talents teaming up to fight forces of evil is nothing new. Alan Moore’s graphic novel ‘Watchmen’ was perhaps the first to imagine what would happen if society was suddenly overrun with masked heroes – his conclusion being that they’d become fascistic, sexually perverse social outcasts. Last year’s film version of Moore’s book turned the idea on its head by becoming exactly the kind of ultraviolent bonanza of special effects which Moore was satirising in the first place.
A decade ago, ‘Mystery Men‘ brought the very same concept which fuels ‘Kick-Ass’ – give or take a few vaguely supernatural elements – into cinemas, and was largely ignored by the ticket-buying public. It’s a shame, because Kinka Usher’s film was a smart, original and hilarious subversion of the superhero genre which deserves a second look.
Just check out the cast list for ‘Mystery Men‘: Ben Stiller plays Mr Furious, an ordinary guy convinced that his boundless inner rage makes him in some way special. Hank Azaria plays The Blue Raja, master of cutlery, while William H Macy brings his customary hapless warmth to the role of family man The Shoveller. There’s also room for Greg Kinnear as preening playboy Captain Amazing, Geoffrey Rush as master villain Casanova Frankenstein, Eddie Izzard as his sidekick Tony P, Janeane Garofalo as hipster hero The Bowler and the great Tom Waits as madcap inventor Doc Heller.
Sure, ‘Mystery Men’ plays things a lot broader and wackier than ‘Kick-Ass’. But it’s also sharper, more inventive and a lot funnier, taking the time to round out its lovingly drawn characters rather than just chucking them into another limb-slicing action sequence.
We’ve no doubt that ‘Kick-Ass’ is going to be a big box-office success. It’s got all the wisecracking, foul language and manic, intense violence that fanboys go nuts for. But once you’ve paid your money and got your kicks, give ‘Mystery Men’ a go: it would be a shame if this big-hearted, anarchic anti-blockbuster got lost in the shadow of its slicker but somehow less loveable offspring.

Local Businesses and Artists Join Together to Raise Money for “Superheroes”
ORLANDO, Florida (February 1, 2010) – Several Central Florida businesses and artists are joining together for “Heroes and Damsels” an online clothing, accessory, art, goods and services auction to raise money for “real life superheroes.” All proceeds collected from the online auction of items donated by local artists will benefit Team Justice, the Florida Team of Real Life Superheroes, a non-profit organization that uses the creativity of iconic comic book superheroes to help the community through activities such as safety patrols, school talks, hospital visits, aiding the homeless, distributing wanted and missing person posters and community clean-ups.
Clothing will be donated by AM/Fashion, a women’s clothing line by Central Floridian Anna Fuller that is inspired by her love of music. The jewelry will be donated by Chronicle Stones, a hand-crafted jewelry line by local artist Su Laing that incorporates custom and vintage pieces inspired by personal ornamentation.
Chronicle Stones will host the online auction the day of the shoot at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chronicle-Stones/100981131032
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:
“Heroes and Damsels” will photograph local modeling talent as well as member of the Team Justice Superhero team for the online option.
What: Heroes and Damsels Photo Shoot managed by Seven Red Apples Photography
When: March 28, 2010,9:00 am –Noon.
Where: Orlando Paintball Inc.,7215 Rose Avenue, Orlando.
For more information on the partners involved, visit the following sites:
Team Justice: http://teamjusticeinc.webs.com
Real-Life Superheroes: http://reallifesuperheroes.org
Seven Red Apples Photography: www.7redapplesphotos.com
A/M Fashion: www.amfmfashion.com
Chronicle Stones: www.chroniclestones.etsy.com
Orlando Paintball: www.orlandopaintball.com
Media Contact:
Irene Ayala
407-406-0320
[email protected]

Who: The Sunscreen Film Festival is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit charity dedicated to promoting the art of filmmaking, providing educational opportunities for individuals of all ages in all aspects of film and it’s related crafts, and creating economic development in the State of Florida and the Greater St. Petersburg/Tampa area through film and filmmaking.
What: The Sunscreen Film Festival is bringing together several Film Producers and Comic Book experts along with a group of Real Life Superheroes (Team Justice, also a 501 © 3 nonprofit charity) to present panels and workshops relating to comics and film during the 2010 Festival. Currently confirmed guests for this include;
Ralph Winter, Producer: X-men, Fantastic Four, Original Star Trek Films and many more Dan Lin, Producer: New Sherlock Holmes movie, Terminator Salvation, The Departed, Dean Batali, Producer, Showrunner: That 70’s Show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer,Leo Partible, Screenwriter, comic books, films: Behind the Screen: Insiders on Faith, Film and Culture, The Gospel According to Superheroes: Religion and Pop Culture (with a Foreword by Stan Lee)
When: During the Sunscreen Film Festival, which is from Wednesday April 14, 2010 to Sunday April 18, 2010.
Where: Muvico 20 &IMAX and the Baywalk Entertainment Complex in downtown St. Petersburg,FL.
Why: To further the non-profit missions of these two organizations. Additionally During the fest Sunscreen is partnering up with the Children’s Dream Fund to fulfill the wishes of several terminally ill children. This event will coincide with the Children’s Dream Fund event as well.
Sunscreen Film Festival
The Festival has been able to rapidly expand its reach by attracting top talent both in front of and behind the camera. Guests have included John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Patrick Wilson (Watchmen, Phantom of the Opera), and Jeffrey Donovan (Burn Notice, Changeling) along with accomplished screenwriters Steven DeSouza (Die Hard, 48 Hours) and Timothy Sexton (Children of Men). In addition, each year the festival draws professionals from all areas of the entertainment business and sponsors workshops to encourage and inform up-and-coming filmmakers looking to learn from some of the most knowledgeable people in the entertainment industry.
The Sunscreen Film Festival was recently named one of the “25 Coolest Film Festivals” of 2009 by MovieMaker Magazine.
Information about the Sunscreen Film Festival:
http://reallifesuperheroes.org/wp-content/uploads/Sunscreen_Film_Fest_Comics_Film.pdf

by Allison ‘Apocalypse Meow’ King
Anything is possible with a dream and a few friends. Just ask Master Legend.
Based in Orlando, this Real Life Superhero is the founder of ‘Team Justice’, and he isn’t doing it alone. The new non-profit joins heroes such as Superhero, Lady Hero, Tothian, Symbiote, Enviro-Hero, Entomo, Crimson Fist, Thanatos, Baffling Weirdo, Disabler, Securio, Ace Diamond, Knightvigil, and Brimstone to the cause. Master Legend originally formed his early team, then called the ‘Justice Force’. However, he later realized that the name was taken, and team member Tothian renamed the group ‘Team Justice’.
Superhero first met Master Legend during a handout on Christmas 2007, in Orlando. But the two main forces behind Team Justice had come from very different places.
A resident of Clearwater, Florida, Superhero served in the Navy and even graduated from the police academy. In the late 1990’s, he was a pro-wrestler that used his name as his gimmick. After an injury halted his career, Superhero retained the name and kept his persona alive for tv pilots. Superhero later worked in camera and audio, video retail and broadcasting for UPN, PAX, Ion and others. He was even a one-time bodyguard for actor Patrick Wilson.
Known as ‘Captain Midnight’ and ‘The Legend’ in his younger days, Master Legend partcipated in motorcross stunts and jumps. A master at Kung Fu and his signature ‘Twisted Tornado Kick’, he helped at youth camps for troubled youth. Already introducing himself as ‘The Legend’, a child once called him ‘Master Legend’ by mistake, and the name stuck. Knowing firsthand about being disadvantaged, helping others came easy to Master Legend. But the twenty-year Red Cross member always had to turn financial donations away because it was not legal to accept them for his patrols and missions.
Central Florida News 13 reported another Christmas handout for Master Legend, Superhero and other members in 2008. Master Legend, who had helped in the search for Caylee Anthony, had announced that all the gifts were being donated in her name. The 2008 toy drive at Christmas was bittersweet for Superhero, who was thrilled to help but was saddened that they couldn’t do even more. As many Real Life Superheroes have come to realize, some handouts are only as large as your own pocketbook. That’s when ‘Team Justice’ knew they had to do something.
Superhero started by completing applications for non profit status for the group by himself, so that Master Legend could retain his secret identity. Assisted by the Chamber of Commerce, a non profit advisor, judge, and two lawyers helped to provide invaluable support and guidance. After countless documents, procedures and waiting, ‘Team Justice’, now four years old, officially became a non profit organization on December 8, 2009. ‘Team Justice’ is proud to be the first non-profit organization of the Real Life Superhero Community. And thanks to the new development and assistance that the non profit status allowed, the 2009 Christmas toy drive was the best ever.
Team member Symbiote made arrangements with a Presbyterian church, and an 8 x 12 storage shed was soon packed wall-to-wall with gifts. Approximately 2000 toys were given away, thanks to help from the church, combined donations from ‘Team Justice’ and other generous contributors. Because of the new non profit status backing the event, each child was able to go through the line twice. In addition to toys, 600 diapers and many Master Legend goodie bags were given.
Master Legend has even found other ways to help others, in addition to charity. In 2005, Master Legend and Team Justice member Disabler were given a prestigious Heroes Award from the Orange County Sherriff’s Office. After Hurricane Charlie, the two heroes teamed up to free people that were trapped in their homes. Using their chainsaws, Master Legend and Disabler also cleared trees from highways and other areas, enabling scores of blocked cars to pass.
Being a part of Team Justice is an honor for Symbiote, who is excited for many productive missions with the group. He even created the website for Team Justice.
‘Master Legend and Superhero both exhibit qualities that I wish most Americans could show’, Symbiote says. ‘Master Legend is one of the most dedicated men I know to the cause. He would give you board in his own house if it meant helping you. And Superhero is one of the most charismatic people. His attitude is a super power’, he adds.
‘This is just the beginning’, says Superhero, referring to the non profit. ‘Now we’re running on all eight cylinders’.
Indeed. Thanks to Sunscreen Film Festival and C B & C Television, ‘Team Justice’ is working on achieving a $30,000 grant from the American Cancer Society. In return, Master Legend, Superhero and other members of the group will be filming commercials for health and cancer awareness for Univison. These Latin television spots will start filming January 2010 and air through the year. In addition, ‘Team Justice’ is planning a water and sock drive by April 2010, assorted anti-mugging patrols, and a meet-up in Orlando with Enviro-Hero.
‘I can’t believe how well everything has fallen into place, I’m very excited’, Superhero says. ‘We hit the ground running and we’ve been flying ever since.’
In addition to the plans and patrols, ‘Team Justice’ is working to acquire a warehouse and a business office in Orlando, in order to establish headquarters and handle even bigger projects.
‘It’s a dream of mine come true’, says Master Legend. ‘This is not a hobby for me, this is my life’, he adds.
‘Team Justice’ shows no sign of slowing, and they are leading by example in the Real Life Superhero Community. Displaying the results of hard work and persistence will be encouraging to other groups in the subculture that wish to achieve the same. The establishment of ‘Team Justice’ as a non profit is proof positive that any determined group of individuals can make a difference for their community, even if they are wearing helmets and tights. This development enables folks with big hearts to not only donate, but distribute and make an indelible mark on children and citizens everywhere.
Does Master Legend have any advice for aspiring non profits or heroes?
‘You need to stick to your mission. Don’t forget your purpose’, he answers quickly and matter-of-fact.
‘When you’re handing out goods, don’t look inside the box, keep reaching’, he says.
‘It just keeps flowing’.
Contact Team Justice at 407-588-7583 or email [email protected]
Also visit their website at http://teamjusticeinc.webs.com
Allison ‘Apocalypse Meow’ King is a costumed activist in Portland, Oregon.