Originally posted: http://volumeone.org/magazine/articles/1695/A_Hero_in_All_of_Us.html/page/1
international group the Real Life SuperHeroes
by Eric Larson
Marco Rascón Córdova has always felt a calling to stand out. And for the past 20 years, he’s answered it in a most peculiar fashion: by patrolling the working class neighborhoods of Mexico City in cranberry-red tights and responding only to the name, “Superbarrio.”
One glance at him – overweight, middle-aged, and by all means slower than a speeding bullet – and it’s clear that, by traditional standards, he’s far from super. But to Córdova, “traditional” isn’t the kind of hero he’s going for. In fact, he’s not looking to beat criminals to a pulp at all. He’s striving to protect the rights of the working class through organized protests and petitions, all the while donning his brightly colored get-up. And the best part? He’s not alone.
Over the past several years, dozens of inspired people across the globe – representing both the early-twenty-something and near-senior segment – have tied capes to their necks and set out to do good for the public. Look up to the sky: here come the Real Life Super Heroes. (Holy new phenomenon, Batman!)
Before I continue, I think it’s important to note how widespread this occurrence actually is. In September of last year, an official Real Life Super Hero project was established serving as a meeting ground/alliance for emerging heroes across the globe. According to the website, more than 150 individuals are currently in action, serving both publicly and privately. Meetings and conferences are continually held across the country to share ideas and teach strategies to old members and newbies alike. In short: this is the closest thing to the Justice League this world will ever see.
Within it, the personalities and “powers” are unique to each hero involved. Take Angle Grinder Man from England: lanky with shoulder length hair and a baby blue onesie, he works pro bono on the streets of London by cutting the wheel clamps off paralyzed vehicles. Then there’s Terrifica from New York City, who prowls the downtown bars to keep inebriated women from getting taken advantage of. Polar Man from Canada shovels driveways for the elderly, and Recycle Boy teaches children the importance of being resourceful … and the list goes on.
A particularly intriguing hero is SuperSuperDara, hailing from Brazil. Similar to most RLSHs, she deems public service one of her greatest contributions. To SuperSuperDara storytelling is the best weapon to teach children about the dangers of sexual abuse.
“(It’s) a serious problem, which leads to psychological scars that will last forever,” she told me. “I try to warn children and make parents, educators, and community members aware of this paradigm shift they need to do.”
A day in the life of our Brazilian hero involves visiting schools and reading aloud her favorite story, Segredo Segredîssimo, which, according to her, strongly reiterates the importance of sexual abuse awareness. Her contributions are well-received by her community, and her tweets are regularly followed by congressmen and popular Brazil-based magazines, she said. Her ultimate goal is to make a radical shift and teach protection techniques to the younger generation.
“Changing paradigm is necessary in Brazil, and in order to do so a superhero is required,” she said. “Mere mortals couldn’t do such a thing.”
Now with all these people across the globe standing up to serve their communities, I’m forced to ask: why not Eau Claire? Sure, the city’s been named one of the safest places to live in the country, and the biggest crimes I’ve seen in my four years of residency have been petty at worst. (To the thief of my patio chair: the hunt continues.) But as these RLSHs have proven you don’t need invisibility, inhuman strength, or even web-shooting wrists to be considered super. Volunteering and displaying pro social values in any atmosphere are steps in the right direction. The project stems much deeper than a group of adults who spent too much time with comic books as kids; although, as some have stated, the reading material was definitely an inspiration.
INTERVIEW: Rochester Superhero Geist
Of the more well-known heroes from the RLSH alliance is Geist from Rochester, Minnesota. Although relatively new to the league, Geist has managed to make his name quite well-known. His costume, which he describes as “green Space Cowboy-chic,” is as bizarre as it is badass. I was able to get in contact with him via e-mail a few weeks back. Here’s a snippet of my ventures into his mind:
Volume One: So, Geist – how long have you been doing this?
Geist: I became active as Geist, doing charitable missions and crime patrols, in April of
2007.
V1: That’s cool. What was it that inspired you to pursue something like this?
INTERVIEW: Rochester Superhero Geist
Of the more well-known heroes from the RLSH alliance is Geist from Rochester, Minnesota. Although relatively new to the league, Geist has managed to make his name quite well-known. His costume, which he describes as “green Space Cowboy-chic,” is as bizarre as it is badass. I was able to get in contact with him via e-mail a few weeks back. Here’s a snippet of my ventures into his mind:
Volume One: So, Geist – how long have you been doing this?
Geist: I became active as Geist, doing charitable missions and crime patrols, in April of
2007.
V1: That’s cool. What was it that inspired you to pursue something like this?

Originally posted: http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/features/Feature-Modern-day-costume-heroes.6513746.jp
Published Date: 07 September 2010
By KATY ROSS
That’s what many 25-year-olds do when confronted with the monotony of the hamster wheel of life, when nothing matters but who you are going to the pub with at the weekend and whether you happen to get lucky. Instead, each night when he gets home from his job at an non-profit organisation in Brooklyn, he goes to his wardrobe and pulls on his superhero costume, then goes about the important business of saving the world, one step at a time.
He is not alone. Lazaros, or ‘Life’, to give him his superhero moniker, is one of a legion who make up the real-life superhero movement, a worldwide community of loosely affiliated individuals committed to a broadly defined ethos of making the world a better place.
These people may look as though they have jumped out of a comic book or Hollywood blockbuster, but they are all ordinary citizens who haven’t got a super power between them. What they share is an all too human ambition to help solve some of society’s most challenging problems by donning masks and costumes and venturing into their respective neighbourhoods to feed the hungry, comfort the sick and protect the innocent.
“We are just people who want to make a difference,” says Lazaros, who co-founded the New York-based website Superheroes Anonymous, to bring superhero groups together through outreach, education and creative community service. “We are not delusional – we know we’re humans with limited abilities. But inside every human is the capacity to do something kind, brave and strong for our fellow humans; some among us simply choose to do so in secret.”
But why the need for costumes? Would these good deeds not be equally welcomed if carried out in jeans and T-shirts? Working from the basic premise that the definition of a real-life superhero is someone who creates their unique persona to do good acts for others, Lazaros believes that “just because you are becoming something greater than yourself when you do these acts of good does not mean you have to be wearing a mask while doing them.
Nevertheless, the costumes do provide a universal symbol of good that people can recognise. When my father went out on the streets dressed as a Rabbi, people recognised him and trusted him. Dressing up in a superhero costume means something similar to me.”
The Real Life Superhero Project is photographer Peter Tangen’s attempt to document the work of the individuals who make up the movement. “They are some of the most amazing people I have ever met,” he says from his home in Los Angeles.
“As I researched the project I was struck by the irreverent and almost insulting tone of some of the reporting into these altruistic people who devote their time and effort into helping others. Their approach is very savvy though. In some ways they are marketing good deeds. They are drawing attention to personal power in an entirely unique way.”
Despite the hurdles the movement faces, its numbers are growing fast and are currently estimated to be in the region of 250 to 300 around the world. The work they do is varied; for example, The Cleanser will actively go out and clean the streets. Direction Man will go out and offer directions.
Other people have less specific personas and just aim to help. With great costumes, though, comes great responsibility, and while the superheroes are united in their aim to make the world a better place, their community has at times been divided on how that should be done.
Some members advocate a high-profile existence, helping the less fortunate through established non-profit organisations. Others want to fight the bad guys, vigilante-style, hiding in the shadows while supporting the work done by those in law enforcement.
Before moving to New Jersey to be with her boyfriend, 20-year-old Nyx, like Peter Parker in Spider-Man, prefered to keep her true identity secret. Living in Kansas, she would secretly take photographs of drug dens and send them to the authorities.
“It was dangerous work and I used to carry weapons. But I’m in New York now and things are different,” she says.
“We need to remain focused about our aims. I ask myself how I can be most productive. I want to help people feel safer and happier, but the best way I can do that is by volunteering. So now I work with my boyfriend at a homeless shelter. Everyone has it in them to make a difference, and I think this is the best way I can help.”
In Atlanta, Crimson Fist, a compact 5ft 6in, admits on his first night patrol it was the shock of seeing a man in a red and white cape and mask that scared off the two men he had confronted in an alley for attacking one another.
With a history of substance abuse, he says his superhero work is an attempt to make up for treating people poorly in the past.
“Generally when I go out on patrols I pack up a backpack with different supplies – in the summer I hand out bottled water, in the colder months, I give them clean shirts and socks and things like that.”
Citizen Prime, real name Jim, works for an unnamed financial institution by day and is one of the most respected members of the superhero community. Recently retired, he is consulted by many of the other super- heroes for advice. Prime distributed literature on drugs and crime and boasted a $4,000 custom-made outfit with breast armour.
On reflection, he likes to think his humour was his key weapon in diffusing awkward situations as he patrolled the streets of Arizona.
It would be easy to assume the actions of these members, and the many others committed to the movement, stem from a sense of disillusionment with society’s limitations, and that the new breed of superheroes are simply looking to find purpose in their lives. This isn’t always the case though.
Many of these people come from extremely successful backgrounds. Some are employed by non-profit organisations but others work on Wall Street or in politics.
As Peter Tangen puts it: “These people come from all walks of life. The organisation is very focused but it isn’t political. There are committed Democrats, Republicans, the whole spectrum of society is included. These are people with relationships, families, successful lives.
“They are not people who are lacking. They are people who are doing what they can to make a difference to the world they live in.”
For Lazaros, the motivation to get into the movement wasn’t through some sense of disillusionment, but more a desire to share his good fortune. Raised in the Jewish tradition of leaving the world a better place than the way he found it, he was imbued at an early age with strong values of charity, courtesy and kindness, modelled for him by his Hassidic parents, who always gave to others, even when it was hard to do so.
This moral code, underscored with a powerful sense of social justice, led him to his work with the homeless and disenfranchised.
Now minimally costumed in a mask, tie and jacket, he sets out every day with a backpack brimming with toothbrushes, lotions, soaps, even sweets, delivering the smaller necessities of life that fill in the gaps left by the NYC Department of Homeless Services.
The challenge, as Lazaros sees it, is to find people who are creative and altruistic and encourage them to express those charitable impulses in ways that may range from the subtle to the extreme. It is also what he sees as the ultimate mission of Superheroes Anonymous. “If I can inspire someone to do even the littlest of things to help others, and they in turn can do the same, think of how many thousands can be helped.”
www.reallifesuperheroes.com
This article was first published in Scotland On Sunday on Sunday, 5 September, 2010

Originally posted: http://www.dogmaticblog.com/2010/08/31/the-real-life-super-hero-project/

Even for as far back as I can remember, I have always been fascinated by superheroes, comic books and the world of alter-egos and visual characters. That very fascination has moulded who and what I am today. The mystery surrounding a secret identity just astounds me and if it were at all humanly possible – I wish superheroes actually existed. And I wish I could be one!
Cue fanfare, whilst I don my dark shades, slip into my all-black garb and let the wind blow through my hair!
Now, an avenue exists for like-minded freaks, The Real Life Super Hero Project exists to collate this unique subculture of genuine heroes.
Anonymous and selfless, they choose every day, to make a difference in the world around them. Whether it be feeding the hungry, comforting the sick, or cleaning up their neighborhoods, they save real lives in very real ways. These are not “kooks in costumes,” as they may seem at first glance. They are, simply put, a radical response… to a radical problem.
So who are these modern day heroes? They are our neighbors, our friends, our family members. They are artists, musicians, athletes, and yes, politicians. Their actions serve as reminders that as most giving today has become reactive—digital and removed, temporarily soothing our guilt and feelings of helplessness—we have blinded ourselves to simple principles and practice of compassion and goodwill.
Photographer Peter Tangen has earned the trust of this loose network, to visually document the genuine power of these individuals—and in the process, reveal the soul behind their endeavor.
At first, The Real Life Superhero Project was conceived as an avenue to shine some light on this new breed of activism and altruism, through a photographic installation to benefit the established organizations the superheroes believe in. But as more people were brought into the wholly volunteer project, largely through Tangen’s infectious enthusiasm, the scope and purpose expanded exponentially.
Now, what began as a gallery exhibit, has come to serve as the launching pad of something far greater—a living, breathing community that inspires people to become the positive forces for change we all can be. To become more active, more involved, more committed, and perhaps, a little super in the process.
Check out the website here for more info.

Originally posted: http://www.good.is/post/picture-show-real-life-super-heroes/
By Patrick James

In the real world, no man can outrace a bullet. No woman commands storms with her mind. No one spins webs from his wrists or flies across continents or shoots lasers from his eyes. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t super heroes among us. Inside every human is the capacity to do something kind, brave, and strong for our fellow humans; some among us simply choose to do so in secret. In the spirit of the heroes who fill the pages of comic books, an unlikely assortment of men and women have been donning masks and costumes, and venturing into their respective neighborhoods to feed the hungry, comfort the sick, and protect the innocent.
The Real Life Super Hero Project is the photographer Peter Tangen’s attempt to document the work of these loosely affiliated individuals; it’s also a gallery exhibit designed to raise money for the causes with which these men and women are affiliated. Highlighting the people who do good under the secrecy of masks with no hope for personal gain, the Real Life Super Hero Project is a call for all of us to engage with and help those around us.
“Celebrate and honor them,” says Tangen. “And find the hero in all of us.”

Originally Posted: http://evansgallery.wordpress.com/2010/08/11/real-life-superheroes-and-real-life-artist-team-up/
By jaredevans85

If you know me at all, you know that I like superheroes. Like most children (and most adults if we just admit it), I have always wanted to be a superhero. Sure, part of that is the powers, as well as the snazzy get-ups, but I’ve always been in love with the idealism. Superheroes come from a world where good stands against evil, you know what’s right and what’s wrong, and you can stand up and do something about it. That may very well be the biggest fantasy of all.
I’ve been aware of the Real Life Super Hero (RLSH) movement for several years now. Citizen Prime (a resident of Utah I might add) was one of the first public faces of the movement, and over the years more and more people are making costumes and heading out to save the world. However, while many comic book heroes spend their time giving well-delivered right hooks to villains and ne’er-do-wells, these heroes are often more concerned with social projects, including helping the homeless, crime prevention, and charitable work. They all have different reasons and motivations for putting on a costume, but to me, however effective it may be in the end, it shows that people want to get out into the world and do something. The crazy costumes and code names represent the fact that we can be more than what we are, and we can always take another step up. While I won’t speak for all of them, it’s clear that the ideals of helping others and justice for all aren’t lost on some of these heroes, and they want to make a difference.
Photographer Peter Tangen, known best for his Spider-Man and Batman movie posters, has begun to document members of the RLSH community, creating vivid and stylized posters and portraits. The site, www.reallifesuperheroes.com,has only been around for a few months, but already profiles a number of heroes, including DC’s Guardian, New York’s Life, and Rochester, MN’s Geist. It’s a brilliant project (I actually considered trying to write a book about it a few years ago), and Tangen’s work is very professional and engaging. Whether you agree with their ideals or their fashion sense, give the site a look. It’s certainly a fascinating subculture, and one that I expect we’ll only hear more from in the future. We certainly don’t need anyone on the streets delivering vigilante justice, but we could always use a few more helping hands.

Originally posted: http://www.comicvine.com/news/real-life-superheroes-assemble/141832/

By Tom Pinchuk
The number of Real Life Superheroes popping up throughout the country is making for a veritable movement at this point. It was only a matter of time before this movement got properly documented. Hence… the Real Life Superheroes Project, a sort-of multi media essay about these altruists who’ve given their everyday charity a creative flourish. You might recall the piece we ran in April about some of these characters who’ve been using costume personas to feed the homeless and counsel wayward teens amongst other charitable efforts. Well, this Project marks the first gathering of these heroes on this scale, making it something of a true-to-life equivalent to the founding of the JUSTICE LEAGUE.
The whole project’s a pro-bono effort from Peter Tangen, a photographer whose work includes all those memorable posters for the first new SPIDER-MAN and BATMAN movies, as well as the revivals of A NIGHTMARE ON ELM ST. and FRIDAY THE 13 (all of which you can see on his website.) This project of his puts all these heroes into set-ups that could easily be posted up in your movie theater’s poster gallery. He’s even got an ensemble portrait of the 20-odd heroes that pays homage to the poses Alex Ross used so memorably for the covers of KINGDOM COME and JUSTICE (which, as an aside, I’ll say is actually pretty surreal to witness.)
These costumes range from looking professionally-designed to cobbled together, but Tangen’s photography makes them all look impressively iconic. Bleeding Cool got wind of this recently, but the project’s continuing to expand. I’ve included only a couple mages here, but there’s a whole host of posters, portraits and videos on the project’s website. Seriously, it looks like they’re launching a whole imprint here.  Anyway, check it out and found out all there is to know about these heroes. You might even get some ideas on how to bring this brand of creative altruism to your own community.
Tom Pinchuk’s the writer of HYBRID BASTARDS! & UNIMAGINABLE. Order them on Amazon here & here.

Originally posted: http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=27754

By Shaun Manning, Staff Writer
With heroic names like Life, KnightVigil, the Crimson Fist and Thanatos, the subjects of photographer Peter Tangen’s latest project might sound like new and exciting additions to the Justice League, or members of a new superteam spinning out of the Avengers. In fact, these and other heroes are members of a community that patrol the streets of New York City, Atlanta and Vancouver to give aid to the homeless, mentor at-risk youth and perform other charitable deeds – in real life. “The Real Life Superhero Project” is a collection of portraits, videos and movie-style posters created by Tangen and a team of volunteers, designed to celebrate the men and women who, for several distinct reasons and to many different effects, put on a costume in an effort to improve lives in their communities.
Tangen is a Los Angeles-based photographer whose primary business is shooting promotional materials including movie posters for films and television shows with the iconic posters of “Spider-Man” and “Batman Begins” among his works. The artist, who discovered the real-life superhero culture on the internet as he was looking for a project to undertake independently, told CBR that the culture has existed perhaps for decades but is experiencing a reemergence now. Most of the heroes do not know each other personally, but there is an active online community.
“Because I’ve done so much work within the genre of superhero movies, the idea that these people exist really appealed to me,” Tangen said. “I began to do a lot of research and discovered there’s quite a large community of people who are referred to by the media as ‘real-life superheroes.’ I decided I wanted to do a photographic essay on them.

“I went to Vancouver to do a photo shoot for a client, and I reached out to a man up there who goes by the name Thanatos,” Tangen continued. “At the time, he was a 61-year-old man in Vancouver and his short story is that he was going out at three o’clock in the morning in civilian clothes, just giving food and supplies to people who were living on the streets and not getting into the shelter system. He felt, after doing it for three years, that he wasn’t being especially effective. The people he was helping wouldn’t recognize him from previous visits and he wasn’t really creating any sense of awareness of his efforts.” Awareness, Tangen explained, was not for Thanatos’s benefit but to create a sense of continuity, to give the idea that a certain person cares rather than simply being one of a succession of anonymous, one-time givers who might never think of the beneficiary again.
“He wanted to take it a step further. The local police department had indicated to him that the only thing that people on the streets of Vancouver have to look forward to is death. So he decided to take on the identity of Thanatos, which in mythology is the god of death,” Tangen said. “What he’s discovered since deciding to do this a year and a half or so ago, maybe two years now, is that the people he helps remember him. I’ve been on the streets with him at three o’clock in the morning, doing a homeless outreach, and I’ve seen people that have never met him before and I’ve seen people he’s helped for quite some time. There is a different reaction because of the appearance than you would have if he were in civilian clothes.
“He’s effectively marketing good deeds. For people who are living on the streets, who have no real community besides those on the streets with them, he creates in them a sense of belonging, that there’s someone looking out for them, which is impossible to do in civilian clothes because you’re not easy to remember,” the photographer continued. “So the work he does up there is really quite extraordinary and he does it all self-funded. And he gives people his business card when he meets them – which is, you know, a business card for Thanatos and on the back of it, it says ‘Friend.’ I’ve learned that what he’s trying to do is just make a difference in the world in a small way, but the effect he has is that can identify with them in a way that is much more impactful for someone on the streets that he may be helping. Because there’s one person helping them on a regular basis, instead of the anonymity of passing strangers, what he’s done is remembered.”
Thanatos was the first to be photographed, and his stature within the real-life superhero community made him an effective advocate for Tangen’s project, which the photographer hopes will be a departure from the way the community is normally presented in the media. “In my research, I learned that stories about these people are being treated in three ways by the media: the first and most common reaction the media has is to exploit them or mock them or do a light-hearted puff piece that isn’t in any way serving them,” Tangen told CBR. “Second to that, and less common, is an investigative journalism approach, just looking at what these people are and what they do. It’s a little bit more intellectual, but it is still without opinion: this is what they do, you make up your mind whether they’re crazy or not. It also doesn’t really react to the effects that they have on the world around them.
“On rare occasions, people in the media have discovered this culture of people and understood that in fact the stories they tell and what they stand for can actually be very inspirational. Because, in effect what they stand for is the idea that one person can make a difference. And I can tell you countless stories of how that’s actually the case,” Tangen continued. “I decided that I wanted to tell a story that was inspirational. Once you get past the idea of their costumes and you actually see what they’re doing, you realize that have actual real power that we all share. So I began to assemble my little plan with a group of collaborators. A couple weeks after I photographed Thanatos, we had 19 people from all over the country come into LA for a one-day photo shoot. It was quite an extraordinary event.”
Tangen noted that the day of the photo shoot was a significant even within the community itself, as it was the first time many of the heroes had met each other. “These people who came from across the land had the opportunity to meet people they’d been in communication with for several years but had never actually met. They had the chance to get together and talk about what they do.”
About thirty volunteers from the photography and film industries, using donated equipment and services, came together to work on the photo shoot. “Everybody that was there, was there because they had heard about these people and were inspired by the story. The impression people had at the end of the day was that it had been an amazing event,” Tangen said. “People said they felt they were literally better people for having been there and experiencing that event. If we had been hired to do what we did that day, not including the cost of actually flying people in, the photo shoot itself would have cost easily $100,000 to execute, but we did it for next to nothing because of the volunteer basis of everybody that was there.”
Tangen said the posters were designed to show the heroes “not how they see themselves, but how the people they help see them,” and were created in the style of movie teaser or character posters to portray a series of individual stories. “Generally speaking, it’s a rule of thumb that a really good movie poster tells a story. It may not be the story of the movie from start to finish, but it tells a story enough that it piques the interest of the viewer and tells enough about what the movie is that they understand what they’re going to go see,” Tangen explained. “The content of the movie poster is typically three different elements: one is the visuals, whether photographic or illustrative or a combination of those things. Another is the copy that might be tied to the poster. And then the third is just the title of the movie. Each of those elements should add to the overall narrative of what the poster is. So if you have a Tom Cruise movie about a secret agent and it takes place during wartime, you don’t want to tell all of that in a line of copy. You want to have the visuals and the title of the movie add up to that information.”
Taking the example of the “Life” poster, the first to appear on his Real Life Super Hero Project website, Tangen walked through the thought process. “Since he’s so much in the street, he rarely goes anywhere without granola bars or something that would enable him to help someone who’s helpless or needy, we decided that we would have him reaching into a group of people that could use his help. It’s a very visual tool to get that message across. And because he’s so much in the streets of New York City, we chose a New York City location for the background image. Since he was raised a Hasidic Jew, we decided we were going to use the Hebrew text for the word ‘chai,’ which is translated into ‘life,’ for what would be in other posters the title of the movie. Then for the copy line, we further express the idea that, where people make an effort to help others, there’s a further opportunity for those who are being helped to have hope,” Tangen said. “Those elements together talk about him, where he is, what he stands for and the optimism that he inspires in people that he serves.”
In addition to the movie-style posters, Tangen and his crew created a series of other photographic pieces. “We did a couple of group shots that are very definitely an homage to Alex Ross; straight up, out of the box, we’re not ripping him off – we’re honoring him. The other thing done is [we created] a series of portraits, which you can see a few of on the website,” he said. “As much as the posters are meant to show them as they are seen by the people they help, the collection of portraits was shot very much in the same style, with the intention of having the viewer look past the mask, perhaps identify with the real human being behind the outfit and and hopefully discover themselves the relatability of that person as a regular person and find in themselves a hero they may have not known existed.”

Originally posted: http://golgotron.com/2010/08/the-people-will-look-up-and-shout-save-us/#more-5398
By Chase
2010 has ushered in the era of the super hero.  Amazing comic book characters are inspiring several franchises in movies, video games, TV and more.  As movie goers, we look to these characters and relate to them, admire them, aspire to be them.  The super hero saves the people and protects their city, but outside of the movies and the comics we have the same problems with crime and poverty and death. We have real-life issues that parallel those of the comic book world.  There isn’t a mad scientist threatening to blow up DC, but there are people getting mugged in the streets, parents losing children to gangs and drugs, people losing everything and struggling to survive on the streets.  The real-life super heroes are out there, but they don’t do it for the fame or because they loved Iron Man 2.  These heroes are out there helping their communities and looking out for the less fortunate.  They are out there with a message, a message that has fallen upon few ears until now.
Ken Goldstein is one of the founders of Planet Illogica.  With his help, Peter Tangen was able to bring about “The Real Life Super Hero” project and voice this heroic message.  While in Vancouver, Peter Tangen, photographer for major movie posters such as Hell Boy and Spider Man, was doing a photo shoot when he met one the many people who exist to help others.  Peter met a man who wears a costume, and goes by his own super hero name.  He helps the homeless, stops criminals, and protects his community.  These super heroes exist all over the world.  They may not have super powers, they may not be able to fly or stop bullets, but they act out of their own volition to help people, even just by getting to know the name of someone homeless.  Good deeds like these happen everyday, most of which go unnoticed.  The heroes have their own personal reasons for taking action but they all share a very real, very inspiring message.  That message is the power of a symbol.  A symbol that doesn’t draw attention to the guy dressed like a super hero, but to the good deeds he does everyday.  The symbol of helping your fellow man and showing that the homeless people you pass everyday on the street are not invisible.  They want people to call the police when they see a mugging instead of closing the blinds.  Drug dealers, gang members, homeless people, they are all still human beings.  Many of these people need help and even a small act of kindness can change their lives.
So how did Planet Illogica offer their support and bring light to the efforts of these super heroes?  They held the launch of “The Real Life Super Hero” campaign with Golden Apple in San Diego during Comicon. Guests got a chance to do a photo shoot with Peter Tangen dressed as their own alter ego super heroes. The event was to announce the launch of the campaign and possible future plans. Unbeknownst to anyone at the launch, except for Tangen, six real life super heroes attended out of costume and under their alter egos.
There are many sites dedicated to the super hero community.  They share stories, philosophies, and encourage others to join their cause and give them advice.  There are many icons in the media that send a different message of what it means to do something heroic.  Kids and adults get inspired by these icons and confuse being a super hero and doing a heroic deed.  “The Real Life Super Heroes” say that you can do heroic deeds everyday with or without a mask.  It is a concern that in the future someone will come along amongst the wannabes and hero fans that will start taking the law into their own hands or declare themselves a “Real Life Super Hero”, then go out and rob a bank or commit crimes at large.  “The Real Life Super Heroes” do not declare themselves as an organization.  They are a collective of people inspired by a message and are taking action.  They all live by a strict code and stress this code to any newcomers.  They ask that if you are planning on taking action that you obey any laws where you live, and to not become a vigilante dealing  judgment and deciding what’s right and wrong.  The heroes say that they do not deem right from wrong, but simply uphold their moral and ethical code.  The websites are a place for newcomers to get information and gain advice and guidance, but likewise if they are joining for the wrong reasons they can be turned away.

Peter Tangen did a side-by-side photo shoot of the super heroes, one in costume and one out of costume (for those who would take off their masks).  The heroes wanted people to see past their masks and look into the eyes of a person looking to help.  The other side was not to compare themselves to Batman or Superman, but to show themselves how the people they help see them.  To the homeless, these people look like shining super heroes.  They extend a hand to the homeless and they see a caped crusader, a savior in a mask with a gentle smile.  The heroes do not judge who they help or who joins their cause.  People of all walks of life put on these disguises because they have been inspired to do something good.  They use their costumes to market good deeds, not to market being a super hero. Even with the colorful costumes, there is still a sense of humility and humbleness.  Heroes have been in the media and have experienced humiliation and being mocked, so of course they became reluctant to use media to spread their message.  Peter Tangen gained the trust of the heroes, understood their message, believed in it, was inspired by it, and that’s really what this project is all about.  The greatest power any of these super heroes have is to inspire.
Many companies and charities love the idea of spreading heroic acts.  From small things such as handing out water to large donations and giving people another chance at life, every day people can become super heroes in the eyes of those in need.  To get involved with “The Real Life Super Hero” campaign or just find out more as it develops, you can visit www.planetillogica.com. You can also visit the heroes community site www.reallifesuperheroes.com.  It’s time for people to believe in something.  One man has the power to change the world.  We can care for those less fortunate, look past them being homeless and see a fellow human being in need.  The idea isn’t to strap on a bullet proof vest and hit the streets with your cape blowing in the wind, but you can take the time to do something heroic.  To become a symbol for good.  To become inspired.

Original content – http://www.bleedingcool.com/2010/08/01/the-real-superheroes-in-pictures/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+BleedingCool+(Bleeding+Cool+Comic+News+&+Rumors)&utm_content=Google+International
The Real Superheroes In Pictures
Submitted by Rich Johnston on August 1, 2010 – 6:29 am
Bleeding Cool has run a number of articles on real so-called superheroes, people who dress up in costume and perform anti-crime patrols and responses in their local neighbourhood.
But we never thought to make them look as much as comic book superheroes as possible.
Real Life Superheroes is an online project to do just that. And the results are nothing short of spectacular.
And here are a few videos talking to these ladies and gentlemen who take cosplaying to a whole new level.
 

Originally posted: http://fantastico.globo.com/Jornalismo/FANT/0,,MUL1608987-15605,00-MAIOR+EVENTO+DE+CULTURA+POP+REUNE+MIL+PESSOAS+NA+CALIFORNIA.html
Terminou neste domingo, nos Estados Unidos, a maior reunião de super-heróis do planeta. O encontro foi na Comic-Con, em San Diego. A Comic-Con é o maior evento da cultura pop do mundo. E também reuniu gente que faz histórias em quadrinhos, desenhos animados, programas de TV e videogames.
San Diego, na Califórnia, virou esta semana a capital mundial dos super-heróis. Mais de 120 mil pessoas lotando as ruas e os corredores do maior centro de convenções da cidade, onde realidade e imaginação se misturam.
Prepare-se: você vai conhecer agora o maior evento de cultura pop do mundo. O povo faz fila pra virar zumbi e pra comprar uma infinidade de quinquilharias. Tudo isso ajuda a tocar pra frente um negócio que fatura bilhões de dólares todos os anos. Brincadeirinha cara, roupas, varinha mágica. Só a bola de cristal sai por US$ 150, quase R$ 300. E as bonecas, quase perfeitas, custam até R$ 800.
Quem quiser, sai com tudo o que precisa pra virar o personagem que desejar. Ou, então, para criar novos heróis e novas histórias. E não faltam interessados.
Tudo isso começou lá na década de 60, em uma pequena feira de compra, venda e troca de gibis usados em Nova York, com bancas, que hoje dividem espaço com dezenas de stands que representam a indústria dos quadrinhos, da animação, de programas de TV, cinema e até de videogames.
Um dos maiores negociantes de gibis dos Estados Unidos mostra uma preciosidade: o original do Capitão Marvel, desenhado na década de 60. Preço? US$ 3,5 mil, quase R$ 7 mil.
O comerciante diz: “Nos gibis está a alma de tudo o que se vê hoje no cinema, nas séries de TV e nos jogos eletrônicos”.
Um dos lugares mais procurados por fãs dos quadrinhos é onde estão três brasileiros: Gabriel Bá, Fábio Moon e Rafael Coutinho. Eles são famosos nos Estados Unidos.
Rafael, por exemplo, desenha o American Vampire, a primeira história em quadrinhos escrita por nada mais nada menos do que Stephen King, mestre da literatura de terror. Para eles, apesar da presença da tecnologia, os quadrinhos feitos à mão ainda terão muito tempo de vida.
A Comic Con é como um túnel do tempo da ficção. Passado, presente e futuro ao alcance dos olhos e das mãos, como uma réplica de uma das motos digitais de “Tron, O Legado”. Uma refilmagem de um clássico dos anos 90 que ajudou a revolucionar o cinema feito com computadores.
Mas na Comic Con dá pra fazer muito mais do que só tirar fotografia. E que tal fazer parte da cena de um filme que só vai ser lançado no ano que vem?
Sente na cadeira, obedeça ao diretor e pronto. Você está participando de uma perigosa perseguição, no filme Green Hornet, uma versão para o cinema do seriado Besouro Verde, produzido na década de 60.
A Comic Con teve também palestras com gente do mundo dos negócios da ficção. Em uma delas, polêmica! Sylvester Stallone estrela o filme “Os Mercenários”, com cenas rodadas no Brasil, onde ele disse que “teve mais liberdade para filmar cenas de violência”. “Você pode explodir o país inteiro e eles vão dizer ‘obrigado, e aqui está um macaco para você levar de volta para casa'”, falou o astro de Hollywood durante uma palestra. Só depois da repercussão negativa, Stallone pediu desculpas.
É mundo da fantasia em choque com o mundo real. Nas várias festas que aconteceram por causa da Comic Con, uma foi especial. Pessoas normais podem ter seu momento de poder. Até o repórter…
O idealizador do projeto “Super-herói do mundo real”, o fotógrafo Pete Tangen, diz que qualquer um pode explorar seus “super poderes”.
E, se quiser, também fazer parte de um grupo secreto. À meia-noite, eles deixam o bar. E voltam em seguida, com suas roupas especiais. Estes são, digamos assim, “super-heróis de verdade!”, vindos de várias cidades do mundo. Mas em vez de armas e equipamentos sofisticados, eles carregam água e biscoitos. A missão é ajudar gente que dorme nas calçadas.
Porque usar fantasias de herói pra fazer isso? Eles respondem: “É para chamar a atenção para o fato de que dá pra ajudar quem precisa com ações simples”. E qual é o superpoder que está em ação hoje aqui? “É a incrível força da bondade”, responde o mascarado.
English Translation

Biggest pop culture event brings together 120 000 people in California

Anyone who wants it out with everything you need to turn the character you want. Or, to create new heroes and new stories.
Ended on Sunday, the United States, the largest gathering of superheroes on the planet. The meeting was at Comic-Con in San Diego. The Comic-Con is the biggest event in the world of pop culture. And also met people who do comics, cartoons, TV programs and video games.
San Diego, Calif., this week became the world capital of superheroes. More than 120,000 people crowding the streets and hallways of the largest convention center in the city, where reality and imagination intermingle.
Prepare yourself: you will know now the biggest event in the world of pop culture. The people line up to turn zombie and to buy a plethora of trinkets.  All this helps for tomorrow a business that grosses billions of dollars every year. Just kidding dude, clothing, magic wand. Only the crystal ball goes for $ 150, almost $ 300.  And the dolls, almost perfect, costing up to £ 800.
Anyone who wants it out with everything you need to turn the character you want. Or, to create new heroes and new stories.
This all started back in the 60s, in a small market to buy, sell and exchange used comics in New York, with stalls, which now share space with dozens of stands that represent the industry of comics, animation, programs TV, movies and even videogames.
One of the largest comic book dealers in the United States shows a gem: the original Captain Marvel, designed in the 60s. U.S. $ 3500, almost £ 7000.
The trader says: “In the comics is the soul of everything that you see today in movies, on TV shows and video games.”
One of the most sought after by fans of the comics is where three Brazilians: Gabriel Ba, Fabio Moon and Rafael Coutinho. They are famous in the United States.
Rafael, for example, draws the American Vampire, the first comic book written by no less than Stephen King, master of horror literature.  For them, despite the presence of technology, handmade comics still have long to live.
The Comic Con is like a time tunnel of fiction. Past, present and future scope of eyes and hands, like a replica of the bikes digital “Tron, The Legacy.” A remake of a classic ’90s that helped revolutionize the cinema done with computers.
But at Comic Con gives to do much more than just take the picture. And this part of the scene from a movie that will only be released next year?
Sit in the chair, director and ready to obey. You are participating in a dangerous pursuit, the Green Hornet movie, a film version of Green Hornet television series, produced in the 60s.
The Comic Con also had talks with people in the business world of fiction. Sylvester Stallone stars in the movie “The Mercenaries”, with scenes shot in Brazil, where he said he “had more freedom to shoot scenes of violence. “You can blow up the whole country and they will say ‘thank you, and here’s a monkey to bring you back home,'” said the Hollywood star during a lecture. Only after the backlash, Stallone apologized.
It’s fantasy world in shock with the real world. In the various parties that happened because of Comic Con, one was special. Normal people can have their moment of power. Even the reporter …
The mastermind of the “Superhero of the real world,” the photographer Pete Tangen, says that anyone can explore their “super powers”.
And if you want, also part of a secret group. At midnight, they leave the bar. And back then, with their special clothes. These are, shall we say, “super-heroes for real!” From various cities around the world. But instead of arms and sophisticated equipment, they carry water and biscuits. The mission is to help people sleeping on sidewalks.
Why use a hero fantasies to do that? They respond: “It is to draw attention to the fact that it gives to those who need help with simple actions.” And what is the superpower that is at work today? “It’s the incredible power of goodness,” replied the mask.