Actually the Vette just has Life-time Brakepads that are really tough (& Really Sqweeky) :)

Best article ever written on us Ward, Stay Super!

SH

There is a documentary film about these guys out now called 'Your Friendly Neighborhood Hero'
Here's the website:
http://www.reallifesuperhero.com

Yes. Very cool article. Thank you for including me in it.

Very fair and balanced piece. Great research, Ward. Glad the message is being heard AND understood out there.

For regular Joes who are not quite ready to don a mask and cape, you can make a name for yourself at citizenheroes.com and do some real good out there.

Alright. Now I don't mind what was written about most of the others and myself, but some of this other stupid crap I just don't approve of.

Very well done! Thankyou! My first feature in an article =)

catch you later!

Black Arrow
xxx

Next time, if there is one, try to include someone expressly involved with the more "paranormal" aspect of the RLS movement--such as myself, Ragensi or Entomo.

There are "Reals" who do have "superpowers," if you will...they're just not as flashy as the ones in comic books.

These heroes, such as those in the Oracle Team (headed by Tothian) use their "paranormal" abilities to locate missing people, predict coming events, find criminals, and even do some hero work for the "other side," helping lost souls, or banishing dark spirits.

Take it seriously--it's more real than you'd think. =^^=

In the Quest,
--Foxfire
Shamanic Real-Life Superhero

Ha! My superfriend pointed this one out to me.

Wonderful job on this feature, Ward. I can tell that you spent a lot of time researching this phenomenon, and I'm happy to see that you were willing to put so much effort into it, and include extra media (M.L.'s paintball exploits made me laugh).

I don't think I'd be remiss to say that this is the longest, most comprehensive article on the subject that I've yet come across, and you did well to explain the pros and cons of our situation. Buen chiste.

Regarding the trepidation about showing up at Superheroes Anonymous, it was a very real concern for a lot of people. None of us knew who was putting it out, none of us had spoke at length with any of the representatives, and the thing smelled like a trap to a number of people. (After some research, I was no longer concerned, but I couldn't attend anyway. I believe that was the main reason that hardly anyone showed up, not out of fear for personal safety.)

But, taken from a different perspective, The Reals *were* crazy enough to dress up in spandex and such, so perhaps there might have been someone on the opposite end of the spectrum who was equally desperate? (The world loves its balance, you know. Ying and Yang, Good and Evil, to and fro, etc.)

Fortunately, this was not the case this time, and the ones who attended had a great day and even inspired the film director who started the whole thing to take up the cape and cowl himself! But, there have been crazed supervillains in the past, like the Unibomber, Killdozer, the Zodiac Killer, and Matthew Lesko, to name some off the top of my head, so doubtless there will be some maniacs in the future. I hope we'll be ready for 'em.

Again, excellent article, good content, nice publicity, and fight the good fight!

-Mr. Strange
your friendly neighborhood wizard

With all of the important news stories happening locally (and the many that are ignored by the Strib due to lack of reporters), you run something that borders on fanboy entertainment on your cover?

Give them bread and circuses indeed....

"In movies, a ninja will have some powder or smoke to throw at you to distract," he explains. "That's essentially what I'm trying to do."

(With *light*, that is...using the martial arts concept of metsubushi, or "clouding", in order to more easily facilitate either attack or escape)

In Seeing Justice Done,
~The Eye~

Ward,
I thought that you did an awesome job with the article and Nick did a fantastic job with the photos. It was so fun to work with you guys.
I also think that the article is comprehensive, balancing the light-hearted thrills of charitable acts with the real and potential danger of seeking out crime. To me, it paints the true picture, while still having fun and keeping the reader interested.
And the online content is a blast!
I take it that Alan already knows all there is to know about Real-Life Superheroes, so that we come running to his rescue, he'll recognize who's there to help him.

Geist out

I echo Geist's comments...the article was well-balanced and the content was top-notch!

Thanks, Ward, for portraying us as we truly are, and strive to be, as the Age of the Superhero/ine
dawns for us all.

In Seeing Justice Done,
~The Eye~

I love you superheroes, you're all awesome!

Thanks Chuckles! I think we'd agree that we're all just doing our best.
Take care and stay safe,
Geist out

You "reals" are all rank amateurs! I will defeat you all! Kneel before Colossus!

No, Dr. Colossus, you kneel before ME.

I had to respond to Alan. I realize it's difficult for such a well read, intellectual as yourself to appreciate something that isn't "hard news". I guess I have to wonder however, what is wrong with highlighting a group of people who really only want to do some good. They aren't out there for glory. The don't force their beliefs on anyone (a-hem) they just help. Also, to compare the Strib with City Pages is just plain wrong. City Pages is an alterative and in that regard they acheived it with this story.

Well-said, Not a superfan!
Geist out

Way to go, not a superfan! =D

Wonderful! It takes a strong spirit to don a costume in real life, not to mention going out there alone, facing danger and doing good deeds. May the Force be with you!

This is one of the saddest things I've seen in quite some time ...

Wait, you say you dress up in costumes, walk around and have a good time, and help people selflessly? This is a job for... Burning Man!

(Not a person but a place.)

To correct Foxfire, the Oracle Team is led by none other than the mysterious clairvoyant "X-Man." I used to lead it, but am somewhat retired.

MY NAME IS TOTHIAN AND I DESTROY EVIL!!!!!

I *heart* each and every one of you for doing what you do. May your brave spirit inspire others!!!

:D

Hi my names Gemma Ball, i'm doing a research project on real life super heroes for my final degree module. I would be really gratefull if anyone would offer to help me out in my studies by allowing me to interview a Real. Im based in London at the minute so am especially interested in Uk based heroes, But it woukld be amazing to here from anyone as its such a global culture. I f your willing to help please don thesitate to email me gem.t.ball@hotmail.com
Thanks!

FOR FUCK'S SAKE, WE ARE "NOT" FUCKING CALLED "REALS" - DON'T ANY OF YOU EVER USE THAT WORD, EVER!!!!! IT WAS A MISTAKE!!!!! WE ARE REAL-LIFE SUPERHEROES!

Shut up Tothian