Tag viper

Originally posted: http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/02/23/britain-real-life-super-hero-the-statesman/
By Chris Sims
Here at ComicsAlliance, we’ve been keeping tabs on the “Real Life Super-Heroes” for a while, chronicling the triumphs of Phoenix Jones, Guardian of Seattle and the somewhat-less-than-triumphs of Tennesee’s Viper, and today, there’s a new champion of justice walking the streets: The Statesman, stalwart defender of Birmingham, UK!

And not only is he the perfect candidate for inclusion in a worldwide anti-crime organization, should America’s real-life super-heroes ever decide to follow Batman’s lead and franchise into Phoenix Jones, Guardian of Seattle, Incorporated, he’s also the first real life super-hero to actually display evidence of metahuman powers.

And by that, I am of course referring to his totally sweet facial hair.
Yes, he might look like what would happen if Captain Britain forsaked his job as mystical protector of the British Isles in favor of taking a position as head security guard at the mall — and actually, why aren’t there more super-heroes rocking cargo pants? — but that is a set of mutton chops that brooks no sass from ne’er-do-wells.
Especially since the combination of the Motörhead ‘stache and the latex domino mask makes him look like a strange transporter-accident combination of the Comedian from Watchmen and Lemmy Kilmister:
If that’s not something that’s going to intimidate the criminal element, I don’t know what is.
And according to his profile in London’s Daily Mail, he’s already mastered the most important lessons for any super-hero, following the rules set down by comics: He has a boring day job that requires him to wear a suit (just like Superman!), he lies to his girlfriend about his whereabouts while he’s out fighting crime (just like Spider-Man!), and he somehow expects to maintain a secret identity despite having an extremely distinctive beard (just like Green Arrow!). He even wears a utility belt that contains his crime-fighting equipment, including a flashlight, a Sharpie and a little notebook (just like Batman!) (sort of!).
So for the English criminal community — which I believe is made up almost entirely of Bullet Tooth Tony and Lord Voldemort — watch out! The Statesman is on patrol with a mission to end crime!
Just so long as crime takes place betwen 7 PM and midnight. The dude’s got work tomorrow, you know?

In what is surely just the first shot fired in the inevitable war between the authorities and masked vigilantes, the police of Columbia, Tennessee have demanded that the local superhero, the Viper, cease his activities in the fair southern U.S. city. The move, reported by ABC News, recalls the harsh actions of government authorites in Watchmen, where the notorious Keane Act outlawed all masked crimefighters in the United States. Things aren’t quite as violently oppressive in the quiet city of Columbia – where, the ABC reporter takes care to note, there are many pigeons – but it is very much against the law to wear masks on the street. As such, the mysterious Viper has found himself S.O.L.
Garbed in a Power Rangers-esque costume of green tights and a mask, the Viper told ABC News, “I’m not in it for the ‘wow’ factor.” But while the Viper only wishes to inspire his fellow Columbians to do the right thing, the local police saw things differently. “My future endeavors are limited right now, since i’m confined to headquarters,” he said, deppressingly.
The events in Columbia do not bode well for other real-life superheroes like Phoenix Jones, especially as their flamboyant actions continue to draw attention from the media and perhaps undermine the authority of the police. In any case, ComicsAlliance will continue to monitor the situation.
Xeno be with you, Viper. We join the good citizens of Columbia, Tennessee in awaiting your defiant return to action.
[Via ABC News]

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://arklatexhomepage.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=114315
In a town where they’ve engraved “justice” and “honor” on the public square, a new word, a new name is the talk of Columbia.
Bike shop owner A.C. Howell says “the Viper, I believe. Isn’t he the Masked Viper?”
Yes, the Viper. He’s a man police found patrolling the public square with an arsenal of equipment, including plastic sticks and ninja throwing stars. His goal? Find crime and report it to police. Officers spotted him outside the wheel last week.
The bike shop’s owner couldn’t help but chuckle.
Mr. Howell says “I don’t know. He needs something to do. Probably needs a job. I hope he’s looking out for my benefit. I hope he’s guarding my store.”
For what it’s worth, Columbia police didn’t want to talk about The Viper today. But a lieutenant once told the
paper in town they’re doing just fine without any caped crusading.
Columbia resident Laura Truelove says “I wasn’t sure how to take it at first.”
As word of the viper spreads, plenty of people want to know what would possess the 20-year-old to pick up an alter ego.
Ms. Truelove says “I hope it’s just coming from an aspect that he’s just wanting to do something fun and maybe entertaining to grab some attention.”
By phone, the Viper said it’s a matter of pride. He told the Columbia Daily Herald, quote, “I am just a guy trying to do what’s right in tights”. The Viper is a college student and a fan of comic books.
And only he knows when his pursuit of peace will continue.
Mr. Howell says “I welcome him to Columbia. I hope he does some good.”
 

Originally posted: http://insidemovies.moviefone.com/2010/07/09/meet-the-viper-hes-a-real-life-superhero-video/
By Tim Reeves
Any self-respecting comic book superhero fan has, at some point, dreamt of donning a costume (preferably spandex), pulling on a mask and hitting the streets to deliver some some real life vigilantism (complete with wisecracks, obviously). The recent movie Kick-Ass addressed this scenario and worked on the assumption that once someone started a crime-fighting career, others would surely follow.
Well, in a case of life imitating art, a 20-year-old student in the US (where else?) has decided that enough is enough and he’s taking on the criminals of Columbia… in a green and black suit.
Chemistry and Art major, Christian Tyler Hardee, has been apprehended by the local police force prowling the streets, looking for crime to bash up. Sounds pretty exciting. To top it all off he’s also changed his name – not to Super Chris or anything rubbish like that. No, at night Chris becomes… The Viper. Brilliant.
According to the Columbia Daily Herald, The Viper was stopped around 12.30am the other night in his costume. He was wearing a utility belt (containing a screwdriver and mobile phone) and two plastic sticks. Upon searching his car, officers found ninja throwing stars – can this guy be any better prepared?
Thankfully for the citizens of Columbia, the police didn’t arrest him but left him off with a warning (even though, apparently, it’s illegal to wear a mask in that city). As The Viper later told the paper: “I’m just a guy trying to do what’s right in tights.” Well done, that man.
Watch the news report about The Viper below:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Orignially posted: http://www.theatlanticwire.com/features/view/feature/Amateur-Superhero-The-Viper-Protects-Tennessee-Town-1565/
By Max Fisher
Tennessee’s unemployed–10.3 percent of the workforce–are coming up with new and clever ways to fill their days. One man in the small town of Columbia who is almost certainly jobless has even become a superhero. Dubbing himself The Viper and donning a green suit and mask, he has so far only succeeded in annoying the local police, who say he violates an ordinance against wearing masks in public places.
The Viper has plenty of crime to fight. Columbia’s violent crime rate in 2008 was 1,235 incidents per 100,000 residents, less than nearby Nashville and Memphis but still high for a town of Columbia’s size. So even Columbia’s skeptical residents are willing to embrace the hope of a new, Viper-led era of peace. Columbia bike shop owner A.C. Howell told the local NBC affiliate, “I don’t know. He needs something to do. Probably needs a job.” But Howell added, “I hope he’s looking out for my benefit. I hope he’s guarding my store.”
Who is the caped crusader? Skyler Swisher of the Columbia Daily Herald secured a phone interview with the Viper, who one assumes was calling from his Viper Cave 100 feet beneath the Earth. Or maybe from his dorm room.

By day, he’s a mild-mannered college student studying chemistry. But at night, he becomes the Viper, a superhero looking to stamp out crime in Columbia.
Christian Tyler Hardee, 20, caught the attention of Columbia police officers when they spotted him wearing a mask and green-and-black tights about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday near the Bicycle Shop on the Square.
… Hardee, a self-professed comic book nerd, said he knows he’s just a regular college student without super-human powers, and his behavior might be viewed as strange by some. But for Hardee, dressing as a superhero is a way to inspire the community to stand against wrongdoing and perform acts of charity.
“I am just a guy trying to do what is right, in tights,” he said.

 

Originally posted:http://www.wavy.com/dpps/news/strange_news/real-life-superhero-patrols-streets-ob10-jgr_3468713 
‘Viper’ causing quite a stir in Tennessee
Updated: Tuesday, 06 Jul 2010, 7:38 AM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 06 Jul 2010, 7:38 AM EDT
COLUMBIA, Tenn. (CNN/WSMV) – He may not have any super powers, but a college student donning a tight costume and patrolling the streets of Columbia, Tenn. is causing quite a stir.
The man, who calls himself Viper, says he’s out to stop crime by reporting to police when he sees it happening. But last week, the Viper found himself at the center of authorities’ attention because he was breaking a city ordinance banning people from wearing masks in public.
Authorities say he was carrying a utility belt that was holding a screwdriver and wrenches. They say they also found ninja stars in his car.
Now, the Viper’s becoming a household name around town.
“He’s just wanting to do something fun and maybe entertaining to grab some attention,” said one area resident.
Police let the college student turned superhero go, but they did urge the green-clad man to leave crime fighting to the men and women in blue.

Originally posted: http://www.columbiadailyherald.com/articles/2010/07/04/top_stories/0viper.txt
By SKYLER SWISHER
By day, he’s a mild-mannered college student studying chemistry. But at night, he becomes the Viper, a superhero looking to stamp out crime in Columbia.
Christian Tyler Hardee, 20, caught the attention of Columbia police officers when they spotted him wearing a mask and green-and-black tights about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday near the Bicycle Shop on the Square.
But the aspiring superhero assured police he was working for good not evil. He told officers he was on the prowl in search of crime to report.
Hardee, a self-professed comic book nerd, said he knows he’s just a regular college student without super-human powers, and his behavior might be viewed as strange by some. But for Hardee, dressing as a superhero is a way to inspire the community to stand against wrongdoing and perform acts of charity.
“I am just a guy trying to do what is right, in tights,” he said.
During his patrol of Columbia, he donned under armor, carried two plastic sticks and wore a utility belt. On the belt, he stowed a screw driver, wrenches and a cell phone to quickly call police if he stumbled across crime. Officers also found ninja throwing stars inside his car parked near the Bicycle Shop, according to a police report.
Columbia Police Lt. Michelle Jones said the department does not need the assistance of a superhero to keep the city’s streets safe. She discouraged the public from patrolling the streets while dressed in costumes.
“We always encourage the public to be good witnesses but not actively get out and look for crime,” she said.
Police determined Hardee was not breaking any laws, other than a city ordinance that prohibits wearing a mask that obscures the face in public. He was advised of the ordinance and was not cited.
Jones said detectives interviewed Hardee and encouraged him to stop his patrols. Investigators are worried he could frighten the public or hurt himself or others.
Hardee said he will continue to look for crime but without the full costume. To date, he has not stumbled upon criminal activity.
The 20-year-old studies chemistry and art at Union University in Jackson. He hopes to land a job with his chemistry degree, make some money and then embark upon a career as a comic-book artist once he is financially secure.
“I am not out of touch with reality. … I am just a normal guy,” he said. “I know what happens in the movies doesn’t happen in real life.”
He also wants everyone to know he is not trying to inspire children to follow in his footsteps, and he did not don the costume in search of publicity.
“If I wanted attention, I would go streaking or something,” Hardee said.