Bleeding Cool RLSH In Pictures

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.
 

Superhero Obsession: Why We Love Fantasy

Originally Posted: http://abcnews.go.com/2020/superheroes-jesus-hercules-superman-iron-man-inspire-fantasy/story?id=10770296

From Jesus to Hercules to Superman and Iron Man, All Cultures Have Own Mythic Heroes

By JON MEYERSOHN

May 31, 2010—
It is a most basic human urge, the age-old, universal desire to overcome our limitations, to soar and to unlock superpowers hidden within us. Living out those fantasies is more popular now than ever before.
Nearly every weekend, somewhere in the United States, a convention is held to celebrate comic book superheroes. Thousands turned out for the C2E2 convention in Chicago, which celebrates the culture of superhero comics, artwork and graphic novels. While comic art and writing have long been popular, the genre is undergoing a revival of sorts.
“It’s really the golden era of superheroes,” said Jim Lee, co-publisher of DC Comics, who attended the convention.
There’s been an explosion of superhero movies this past decade, featuring classic figures such as Superman, Batman, Spiderman and Iron Man. The recent hit, “Iron Man 2,” has grossed more than $200 million since opening earlier this month.
Watch the full story on “SuperHumans!” a special edition of “20/20” Tuesday, June 1 at 10 p.m. ET
But beyond the fun and the fantasy, at the heart of these stories is something deeper. Superheroes have long provided a window into the human psyche.
“They’re empowerment stories, and what’s better than that,” said screenwriter David Koepp, who wrote “Spiderman,” among other scripts about ordinary people who discover they have extraordinary powers. “The golden age of fantasy is often when society is going through a hard time.”
As for why now, Koepp said: “I think 9/11 and the souring of the economy have had a lot to do with it, because people want fantasy. They want to escape to a place where they feel a fantasy of success and omnipotence, you’re safe and you’re protected.”
It’s no coincidence that our first great comic superhero, Superman, first appeared in an earlier age of deep anxiety — the Great Depression. He reflected a nation’s need to be uplifted. Soon, Americans were in the midst of a wrenching debate over whether to get involved in World War II. Superman and other comic book heroes were drafted to help convince a divided nation that the U.S should enter the war. Superman was even depicted battling Hitler.
“They became cheerleaders for the war effort,” said Christopher Knowles, author of “Our Gods Wear Spandex.” “These characters were very important, as sort of motivators for the populace.”

Was Jesus the First Superhero?

Knowles said mythic figures have always been an important part of society, dating back centuries. “Superman is really the modern incarnation of Hercules.”
In the ancient world, said Knowles, “gladiators would dress up as their favorite god or hero. You would have generals that would pray to a certain god, before they went into battle. So this is something that’s very deep within ourselves. It’s an impulse, this need to transcend human weakness and immortalize ourselves.”
Every culture — and every religion — has its mythic heroes. Princeton University professor of religion Elaine Pagels, a leading expert on the history of Christianity author of several books, said even Jesus appeared to be imbued with certain “superpowers.”
“He heals people with a touch,” said Pagels. “He can raise the dead. … When people feel vulnerable, they look at Jesus with the superpowers who’s going to come in the clouds … and right all the wrongs. What could be better than a God who could come and do all of that? ”
Every era creates the superheroes it needs. There is currently a new wave of super-heroines, following in the footsteps of Wonder Woman and Bat-Girl.

Modern Day Super-Heroines

Among those creating the new generation of female superheroes is writer Gail Simone. “We’ve got some great, strong, powerful female characters now that have their own fans,” said Simone. “And, they don’t have to have Superman in the comic with them to be successful.”
And they don’t have to wear spandex to fulfill the role.
“A really interesting example … is Twilight,” said Knowles, who contrasted the familiar image of a frightening Dracula with the new image of vampires as sexy and young. “They glow in the daylight. … They’re beautiful, they’re intelligent … they give young girls what they want in life … eternal youth, eternal beauty, everlasting love. These are not vampires anymore, these are superheroes.”
The recent surge in interest in superheroes has also created a market for early comics. Recently, New York comic book dealer Vincent Zurzolo sold a high-grade first edition of the 1938 Action Comics #1, the first appearance of Superman, for a staggering $1.5 million dollars.
“Superman ushered in the age of the superhero,” said Zurzolo. “Before superman there were heroes, but nobody quite like Superman with super powers. ”

Real-Life Superheroes Among Us

More than 70 years later, people seem to want more than ever to relate to and even become superheroes. In the recent movie, “Kick-Ass,” actress Chloe Moretz plays a young girl who dresses up and morphs into a real-life wanna-be superhero.
And across the country, people are actually creating their own real-life superheroes personas. There are more than a dozen of these real-life superheroes, with names like “Thanatos,” “Nyx,” and “Life,” who dress up and take to the streets to fight crime and help the needy.
“None of us are ever going to shoot rays out of our eyes and we’re probably not going to fly any time soon,” said “Life,” who helps feed the homeless in upper Manhattan, wearing a black vest, hat and mask. “But …we all have the powers to do something, and it’s just a matter of using out own god-given gifts and putting them toward good and making the world a better place.”
This month, Los Angeles movie poster photographer Peter Tangen is mounting an exhibit of those real-life superheroes — including “DC’s Guardian.” Tangen photographed more than 20 real-life superheroes for a project that will help raise money for children’s charity.
CLICK HERE to see Tangen’s photos of real-life superheroes and CLICK HERE for more information on Tangen’s exhibit
“It immediately caught my attention that there were these people that actually took it into the real streets and used it in their lives to try to make the world a better place,” said Tangen.

Will Superhero Boom End?

Is there any end to this current boom in superheroes in sight? Not soon, according to Knowles. “When is the economy going to really rebound? When are we going to go back to those nineties boom times? When are we not going to be worried about terrorism? We need the fantasy … it’s a balm.”
There’s also a full slate of superhero movies over the next couple of years, including, “The Avengers,” “Thor,” “Captain” “America,” “Green Hornet” and “Green Lantern.” It’s all part of that yearning to unlock the superhero within us.
“Superhero stories, all heroic myth stories teach us and tell us that it is possible, that you can do it,” said artist and author Arlen Schumer. “In real life, we often cannot overcome our obstacles. We cannot get justice, we cannot right wrongs … and we need stories to tell ourselves that we could be this; we could act this way.”
Watch the full story on “SuperHumans!” a special edition of “20/20” Tuesday, June 1 at 10 p.m. ET
Copyright © 2010 ABC News Internet Ventures

 

Tracking as opposed to trailing

By Thanatos
Tracking is somewhat similar and takes a larger investment in time but the results are still obtainable and in a safer procedure as well. You basically trail somebody in steps once you know where the steps are located.
I’ll explain how I tracked one individual from downtown to a location in another city here in the lower mainland.
I watched one dealer leave everyday about noon and return in a few hours with more supplies to sell. so the first couple of days I followed him as far as the sky train station.
then I waited at the sky train station and followed him on to a train. I watched him get off in New Westminster for a couple of days.
Then I waited at the New West station at the time he should be coming through. I followed him to the bus area and noted what bus he got on. Again for a couple of days to be sure of the pattern.
Next I rode the bus, making sure to be ahead of him by a few people when boarding the bus, and again noted where he got off. Then I drove around the area and looked it over. it was a older residential area. kind of quiet but there was graffiti around.
I decided to ‘stake out’ the area of the bus stop and see where he went from there. So I could hang out in the area for a while I dressed in a hard hat, safety vest and a clip board. Then I walked around the area and stopped at every hydro pole and wrote the serial number down on my clipboard. It at least looked like I was doing something.
I watched him get off the bus and walk over to a house that had caught my eye. The yard behind the high fence was full of garbage and the place looked to be lived in by about a dozen or more people.
He stayed a hour and just as I was getting ready to leave, having listed all the poles and not wanting to draw attention by just hanging around, he left and waited for the bus.
the next day I followed him from the sky train station back to downtown.
I relayed the information about the location of the house to my police contact.
I wore different clothes every time. everything from ‘street’ clothes to a suit to work clothes. You have to take your time and sometimes even start all over from the beginning again.
Also before you run out and try this it pays to practice ‘playing spy’ with friends or family or who ever. Once you feel comfortable then you might attempt it. Just remember if you think you’ve been spotted then terminate what you’re doing and approach it from a different angle.
This isn’t a comic book or a movie. This is real life and these people play for keeps.
Originally posted: http://www.therlsh.net/the-bat-cave-f21/tracking-as-opposed-to-trailing-t3148.htm

Evidence Collection

By Thanatos
If your going to collect evidence remember, most anything you collect is not going to be admissible in any court of law. However it can be used by police to establish what is referred to as ‘probable cause to suspect a criminal activity and investigate’.
If you are going to collect evidence and want it to be useful you have to follow rules and procedure as best you can. you want to be able to prove, to the police if to no one else, that you took the correct procedure on collecting it. this allows them to be able to say that evidence was given to them by a trusted source of information. that’s you.
in another thread is a breakdown of a simple evidence collecting kit. you don’t need everything all at once to get started. read up on proper procedure, found all over the internet and apply it to what you do.

First set up a proper system of keeping track and logging the evidence. you should be able to tell police where you got it, when, how and how was it handled after collecting. being able to show pictures and logs and notes goes a long way to convincing police how professional you are trying to be. trust me, it helps.
evidence01
Get a separate book to keep track of anything you collect. also keep good notes on all of your activities.

I picked a very loud cover so it wouldn’t get left out. the black envelope is what I use to transfer evidence to my police contact.
Who says we can’t do things in style and still look good?

Forum discussion: http://www.therlsh.net/the-bat-cave-f21/evidence-collection-t3003.htmevidence02

Vancouver Olympic meetup in February 2010

Message from Thanatos:
-I am inviting all RLSH here to my city, Vancouver British Columbia in February of 2010 to co-incide with the winter olympics here. the cityis planning on making the downtown areas ‘safe’ by simply removing all the people on the street for the duration of the games. this means that close to 600 people will be forced into the downtown eastside of the city. this area is known as “Canada’s poorest postal code area”. this is the area where I do most of my work.
I am contacting the downtown residents association about us doing patrols and neighborhood watch kind of things for them. there will also be handouts done for the homeless.
a lot of this is in the planning stages yet and we shall see where it goes. I will have a hall or place for us to meet and plan and work from.
the meetup will last about four days as that is about all the time I will be able to take off work at that time.
I will post info as it becomes available, I have started with a listing of the downtown hotels in the area.
these are scans of the hotel listing provided by the downtown eastside resisdents association.
please keep in mind these are the hotels located in the downtown eastside and are NOT by any means 5 star hotels. this is right in the thick of things with stuff happening all around.
Vancouver is a strange beast and while many would like to jump in and ‘engage’ some of those you will see around you here, the best method is watching and calling in the actions to the police.
there is just too much going on to try to stop it my ‘traditional’ means of operation.
More details can be found at
http://www.therlsh.net/upcoming-events-f10/vancouver-olympic-meetup-in-2010-t1116.htm
 

Florida Supergroup Raises The Bar

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.

Real Life Superheroes

Originally posted at http://hubpages.com/hub/Real-Life-Superheroes
What is happening to America? Our once proud country is becoming a black hole of despair. Social Security is going broke, Our national debt is sky-high. Health-care costs are rising through the roof. People are losing their jobs, their homes and their hope. As the dreams of our fathers slip farther and farther from the the sight of most Americans, people are losing faith in our politicians, our systems and each other.
What can we do to bring back our hope? Here are the stories of a few people who decided to fight on the side of hope and justice. People who believe that one person CAN make a difference. People who are trying to make our world a better place…
Real life superheros…
Do You Have a Superhero In Your Neighborhood?
These superheroes live in our neighborhoods, patrol our streets and help our needy. They live normal lives and hold normal jobs. The superpower they hold is caring. These heroes have taken upon themselves the daunting job of helping others. Their super-caring has led them to a life where action is preferable to inaction…where lending a helping hand is necessary…where love and justice are not just words, but a way of life.
What makes a superhero? Many will never understand, but there are a few people in this world who know. We may or may not sympathize with their need to don the superhero uniform and go forth to help others, however we should be able to recognize the altruism that is behind it. Let’s get to know some of today’s real life superheroes before we judge them.
Phantom Zero
From: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=48882705&blogId=457750147
“I’m a relatively normal citizen who wants to increase the amount of good in the world…” (Phantom Zero @ MySpace)
Phantom Zero speaks of how he did not always fit in as a child. Growing up, his feelings oscillated between a longing to fit in and a pride in being different. Phantom Zero’s sense of being different was one reason he found superheroes appealing. Here were some who, due to special powers or extraordinary life events, would never be like the other people in their lives. He connected with these misunderstood “monsters”.
Over time Phantom Zero came to realize that different was not bad…different was unique, special, and admirable. Realization that it is the person, not possessions, that makes the man, a sense of self strengthened in his soul. Phantom Zero acquired the power to be himself, to know himself and to love himself.
Phantom Zero…an ordinary man turned superhero or a superhero disguised as an ordinary man? Many of us question our ability to change our world. We question our ability to alter our reality. Not Phantom Zero! He knows that change is within each and every one of our grasps. We are each superheroes, all we need to do is to make a decision…a decision to live with honorable intent. Phantom Zero has made “a pledge to increase the amount of good in the world to counteract the evil.” Will you join him in his pledge?
Phantom Zero’s Philosophy on being a Real Life Superhero
“The most important aspect of being a Real Life Super Hero is as simple as this:
You selflessly serve a pro social mission.

It’s not about conquering groups of people to display your physical or martial prowess.
It’s not about having scads of cutting edge technology at one’s disposal.
It’s not about training one’s mind to the limits of human perfection so they can out think everyone and everthing that comes their way.

It’s about being a champion of good (and almost everyone has the capacity to do a little good every day).
The reward one receives from doing good deeds is the deed itself, the service to the greater good, and the benefit that said service offers to mankind.

At least, in my mind, that is what being a Real Life Super Hero is.
Sincerely,
Phantom Zero”

Quoted from: Phantom Zero’s MySpace Blog)

Learn More About Phantom Zero
Nyx
 
From: http://www.myspace.com/nyx22
“I respect all RLSH [Real Life Super Heros] of every sort, it’s not an easy life we’ve chosen but we’ve chosen it nonetheless.”
(Nxy @: MySpace)

In legend, Nyx was the shadowy, black-winged Greek goddess of the night. Seldom seen, Nyx has existed since the beginning of time. As shadowy as the Greek goddess, Nyx writes, “Like the night, I cannot be proven or disproven to certain degrees; and also much like the night, when morning comes there will be no trace of me.” (MySpace)
Patrolling the streets of New York City and northern New Jersey, Nyx watches over their inhabitants. Under cover of the night, she is there to help and protect. Preventing and intervening, Nyx makes her stand to preserve the safety and welfare of humanity. Nyx writes, “I feel a certain degree of loyalty to every being that inhabits this earth, a compulsion to watch–to help–to protect.” (MySpace).
Nyx’s true identity is as obscure as the moonless night. She does not seek acclaim or fortune. Her only pay is increasing the amount of honor and benevolence in this world. In these anonymous actions, Nyx strengthens and nurtures the tide of good.

Learn More About Nyx
Mr. Xtreme

“We don’t harass people, don’t violate their civil rights. First and foremost, we prevent crime…We do what we are allowed to do legally as citizens.”

(Mr. Xtreme-quote from UPI article Cops Not Fans of Real Life Superheroes) Security guard by day, real life superhero by night… Mr. Xtreme fights his archenemy apathy on a daily basis. He had spent years watching and hearing of apathy’s evil deeds. One day he decided he could no longer put up with apathy’s callous disregard for the people in this world. Donning his mask of caring, he formed the Xtreme Justice League to counteract the heartless deeds of apathy. Now you will find Mr. Xtreme patrolling the streets of San Diego. Utilizing his power of super-caring he scans the city for people to help. His secret power of xtreme conspicuousness allows him to present a visual deterrent to would be criminals. Understanding that the best offense is a good defense, Mr. Xtreme knows it is easier to prevent crimes from happening than to stop them once begun. A true champion of justice, Mr. Xtreme campaigns to increase the public’s safety awareness and to empower others to take action. “…I don’t mind if people get on their cell phones or call the police or try to shake me down… At least I’m getting people to see what I’m doing and hopefully that will get them into the habit of calling the police when there are problems and suspicious activities.” (The Daily Aztec)

Mr. Xtreme’s Motivation

“I’m trying to give back to the community and do something positive,” Mr. Xtreme said. “All this apathy just kind of bewilders me and makes me kind of lose faith in humanity sometimes because nobody cares. ‘Another victim, another statistic’ and all we hear is, ‘it’s time for a wakeup call’, and I’m tired of hearing of wakeup calls…instead of getting on with our lives we need to devote and dedicate our lives to take a stand… …Our role out there is a neighborhood watch: Deter crime and make sure it doesn’t happen in the first place or raise awareness… When I go out and do this it feels really rewarding…I’m not bound by society’s rules, I don’t have to be a kissass…I’m trying to do something positive and give back to the community in a time when not too many people care.” (Quoted from The Daily Aztec-“Superhero Makes San Diego a Better Place“)
Learn More about Mr. Xtreme

A Change in Perception When I first read about these Superheroes, I thought it was just a joke. After doing the research for this article, my thoughts changed drastically… From humor, to interest, to wonder, to joy…I have found a group of people who are actively working to increase the amount of good in the world…without any wish of return. True altruistic activity! I have focused on Real LIfe Superheroes found in North America, but rest assured, Real Life Superheroes are actively increasing the good all around the world. I have not yet seen one, but when I do I will personally walk up and shake their hand and thank them. In the meantime, here is a big shout-out to all the Real Life Superheroes in the world: Thank You for all you have done and will do! You have my respect and support. Knowing you are there has increased the joy in my world. You are dawn in a night of strife. Your effulgence radiates outward, rippling toward a better world. Let us all be a part of this ripple; let caring and compassion unfurl in our world, expanding and pervading to touch each of us. There were too many wonderful Real Life Superheroes out there to cover each one. I have included a few more of the videos I found and links to find out more about them. You will find several others if you take the time to search. It will be time well used. When you need a pick-me-up from the greed and apathy of our world, read of these beacons of hope and be inspired. Master Legend “I’ve cut trees and rescued people and animals. I’ve brought water and snacks (to those in need) with the help of my friend “The Disabler”. I’ve done big things and little things and they all seem to equalize. I’ve saved a few lives and shut down a lot of crack houses. I love watching them get torn down. I want people to realize this is not a joke. I have almost been killed doing this. I am always out to save and protect in costume or not. I have scared some people and have been attacked by people I was helping. I walk or drive around looking to help if needed, giving what ever kind of help I can supply. I did not choose this life, it chose me.” (Master Legend: Quote from The EnemyBlog.com)

Learn More About Master Legend

Superhero “I have the exact same arrest powers as anybody reading this article: citizen’s arrest. If a perp is going to leave the scene or is hurting someone, then I will step in and use reasonable force to detain them.” (Superhero quoted from: Rational Reality)

Learn More About Superhero

Amazonia “I do what I can to help stranded motorists and others who may need assistance to handing out supplies to the homeless. I also do the crime fighting side of RLSH work, I have helped people who were being mugged, beaten or otherwise harassed in one way or another. I will do whatever it takes to ensure that another human being is safe. I don’t have a death wish, but I will lay down my life if it means the preservation of anothers.” (Amazonia @ MySpace)

Learn More About Amazonia
Thanatos, the Dark Avenger
“I’ve learned that in order to fight evil, you have to fight apathy, ignorance and indifference as well.”
(Thanatos @ MySpace)
Learn More About Thanatos-The Dark Avenger
The Watchman
“In order to make a real difference, people need to know that we’re out there. We must inspire others as we have been inspired. We must be actively contributing to the betterment of our world, and people need to see us doing it.” (Watchman @ MySpace)
The Beetle
“I am not sure who will take the time to read my words, and uncertain who will even take them to heart if they do indeed read them. We stand at the crossroads, we few. Perhaps I should say we many, but in the grand numbers of the populace it is indeed we few. We stand for something everyone should believe in. We are the eyes for the blind, the hand that lifts the fallen, and the voice for those too afraid to speak. Still we stand. Holding a constant vigil for truth and justice in a time of disbelief and scorn. What makes us hold this post I wonder? I know that I do this for my children, for the weak, and for those who are afraid. Something tells me most of you also hold these same truths. The fact is, we stand, while others lay down and let the evil overcome their neighborhoods. We fight when no one else can find the courage. And yes, we face the every day onslaught of nay sayers to our cause. I know I have said it before, but alas I must say it again. I am truly proud to stand and fight along every other RLSH. It is not our fight alone, but sometimes it does feel that way. Thank you all.”
(The Beetle @ MySpace Blog)
Learn More About The Beetle
Ferrox
“I am just an ordinary person with my heart set on a goal. My goal is to make a difference in the lives of as many creatures as I can. I don’t want recognition or praise. The feelings I have inside are more than gratifying enough. To shield off others from knowing who I am, I have chosen to follow my husband into the league of RLSHs. At first I laughed when he told me what he wanted to do. When I explored deeper and found out that their were others like him, I was motivated. These people are not “weirdos in costume” they are people who share the same goal as me. To change the world we live in for the good.”
(Ferrox @ MySpace)
Learn More About Ferrox

Easter Seals Drop Zone event for 2009 September 15th

Message from Thanatos:
-I am a real life superhero here in Vancouver, dedicated to fighting crime and evil. I was inspired as a child myself by such great heroes as the Shadow, the Spirit, the Green Hornet, Doc Savage and others.
I wear a mask to hide my identity because who I am is not as important as what I do.
I fight evil by being a symbol to people everywhere to prove to all that ONE person can make a difference.
Helping Easter Seals help these kids with disabilites is my biggest challenge.
I am so proud to be a part of Easter Seal’s Drop Zone event. I have a special place in my heart for these kids. Fighting for them is one of the greatest challenges we can face.
Children with disabilities have always held a special place in my heart. I won’t go into the specifics, let’s just say I know from my experiences in the past.
These are great kids. Wonderful kids who deserve a chance to live and enjoy and just exsist like any other normal child. The fact that they have special needs and requirements to sometimes do even the simplest things we take for granted means we have to do more.
The United Nations has set forth, the basic human rights of a child. That’s right. A child. It dosent say only the rich. It dosent say only those who have two legs and can run. It dosent say only those who need no care.
It says a child. Even a child who needs help, who needs care. Who needs special devices just to live and move around.
These are the ones who need our help.
These are the ones we can reach out and help. Right now.
I am asking for you to back me in this. What ever your reasons. I would go farther than 20 storeys for these kids.
If I can do this to draw attention to what Easter Seals is doing, then you can be a superhero as well by donating and helping make a difference.
That is what it is all about. Helping to make a difference in the lives of these children.
Thank you on behalf of some very special kids.
Thanatos
I am asking everyone to please, help Easter Seals fight evil in a big way and help these kids. Last year I raised $760 to help these special kids out. I didnt get to do the rappel down the 30 story building but that’s OK. The rappel is just a perk and a good way to show the world that we, real life superheroes really do care. I am proud that I raised money to help them out and this year I am doing the same thing.
my goal is $1500 in order to rappel but I want to raise as much as I can for Easter Seals. it dosent matter if I make the goal or not. every little bit helps.
All I am asking is that everyone who reads this, everyone who goes out and tries to make this world a better place just donate $5. with all the members of these boards I should be able to go far beyond the goal and really help make a difference. You can make that difference.
go to my profile at
https://payment.csfm.com/events/bclions/dropzone_van/visitor/?action=profile&participant_id=698993361219554906
and give what you can. show the world we really are what we say we are.
Easter Seals does so much that I thought it best if youread their own words on what they do.

Capeless crusaders

HAYLEY MICK

From Friday’s Globe and Mail

His transformation into Vancouver’s dark knight begins in the shadows, after a long day’s work and when his 12-year-old daughter is asleep.
First he puts on the knee pads and protective vest; last is the skeleton mask. Before stepping out the door, he grabs a bag of marbles to trip a foe in hot pursuit. “Old martial-arts trick,” he says.
Clad in all black, cape billowing as he prowls the streets looking for trouble, he is no longer a 60-year-old father and husband who fought in Vietnam before becoming a delivery man with a college degree.
He is Thanatos: sworn enemy of drug dealers, gangsters and thieves, and one of a growing number of real-life superheroes.
“We are out there for the people to do good,” he says. “And we’re real.”
A year ago, Thanatos donned his mask for the first time and joined a network of crusaders patrolling their towns and cities across Canada and the United States. He posted his photo on MySpace and introduced himself: “I am fighting a war for good against evil,” he wrote. Soon he was on regular nighttime reconnaissance missions, he says, tailing bad guys, gathering evidence and passing tidbits on to police.
Like most real-life superheroes, Thanatos keeps his true identity a secret. What he will say: “I’m not a fat kid in his mom’s basement or some geek living out a fantasy.”
Hundreds more similarly caped crusaders are listed on the World Superhero Registry, a roster assembled about five years ago that includes the names of more than 200 crime fighters from Hong Kong to Michigan, even Nunavut.
This new breed of superheroes adore graphic novels, can’t wait for Watchmen to hit theatres and are mostly men. Among them are friends of the homeless (Shadow Hare), animal activists (Black Arrow), sworn enemies of Osama bin Laden (Tohian) and one who shovels the front walks of Nunavut’s seniors (Polar Man).
Most patrol the streets alone, but they have vibrant social lives on the Internet. On website forums such as the Heroes Network, they swap tactics on uniforms (should I wear ballistic protection?), patrolling tips (how should I respond to a casual drug user?) and what to wear. “I don’t wear spandex, for a variety of reasons,” says Chaim Lazaros, 24, a superhero called Life from New York.
They are united in a mission to fight criminals and make the world a better place. The growing community is divided, however, over how that mission should be accomplished.
Some want to fight bad guys vigilante-style, remaining in the shadows and adding a caped wing to their city’s law-enforcement ranks. “I’m prepared to make citizen’s arrests if necessary,” writes Geist, a superhero from Minnesota, on his Web page. But others advocate a high-profile existence, helping the less fortunate through established non-profit organizations.
The difference in philosophies often results in heated arguments, says Phantom Zero – also known as a 32-year-old call-centre worker from Lindenhurst, N.Y.
“There are people who hate me online. Because they pretty much think they’re psychic. Or they have superpowers. They think they’re hard-core vigilantes and they don’t like people who do charitable acts.”
Thanatos has seen arguments erupt over whether real-life superheroes should carry weapons, which he is against. “This is not the movies,” Thanatos says. “You can’t leave the guy tied up on the police’s doorstep like Batman. That will not hold up in court.”
When Phantom Zero first went out on patrol, he kept an open mind. Inspired by what he had read about the superhero movement online, he donned a black outfit, a hood and white mask, then set out looking for trouble. He wasn’t prepared to “punch someone in the face,” he says, but had his cellphone ready to take pictures or call police.
“I never came across crimes worse than public drunkenness and urination,” he says. It got worse when he took a job in the peaceful suburbs.
Phantom Zero concluded that “vigilantism is moot.” After that he connected with a group of superheroes who focus on things such as helping the homeless and raising money for children’s hospitals.
One of the more high-profile proponents of this type of work is Mr. Lazaros, co-founder of a group called Superheroes Anonymous. Their coming-out moment happened in October, 2007, when he summoned a group to New York. Decked out in masks and capes, they picked up trash in Times Square and handed out crime-prevention literature. “It was awesome,” he said.
Last year, his league of heroes took a road trip to New Orleans to participate in a Habitat for Humanity project, hammering away in their costumes. Mr. Lazaros plans to make Superheroes Anonymous a registered charity.
Thanatos says he falls somewhere in the middle of the two extremes. He raises money for groups such as the Easter Seals, and every month distributes care packages stuffed with flashlights, food and plastic sheeting to homeless people, which makes his daughter proud.
But he also wants to bring “wrongdoers” to justice by acting as an extra set of eyes and ears for police. Using tools in his “crime kit,” he picks up evidence with tweezers and stores it in sterilized plastic containers. His wife, who goes by the name Lady Catacomb, trails behind with a video camera to document any scuffles (there haven’t been any to date).
Staff Sgt. Ruben Sorge, who heads up the division that covers the downtown Eastside where Thanatos often patrols, says he’s never heard of the superhero. But any citizen who’s willing to dole out food and supplies to the homeless is welcome on his beat, he said. And he encourages reports of violence or crime, “no matter what the person’s wearing.”
Real-life superheroes are often asked why they don’t just do good deeds without the costume or masks, and each has his own answer.
Phantom Zero says anyone can help the homeless, but in a costume you attract attention.
Mr. Lazaros agrees, adding it makes him feel more responsible. “It’s like, okay, now I’m a superhero,” he says. “Now I have to embody these ideals.”
For Thanatos, his identity should be irrelevant. “What I do is much more important than who I am.”
If you could have a superpower…
Come on. You know you’ve thought about it. Would you scale buildings? Soar the skies? Turn invisible? Read minds? Exude super charisma? Which power do you covet most? Weigh in here .
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/article968643.ece