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A real-life superhero (RLSH)^[1] is a person who dresses up in a superhero costume or mask in order to perform community service such as neighborhood watch, or in some cases vigilantism.^[2]^[3]^[4]

Early examples of this type of behavior are reported from the 1990s. One example is Mexico City's Superbarrio Gómez, who, in 1997, donned red tights and a red and yellow wrestler's mask in order to organize labor rallies, protest, and file petitions to prevent families from being evicted.^[5] A "real-life superhero community" in the sense of an online subculture began to develop in the mid-2000s.^[6]

Reception

Police response to the actions of real life superheroes is typically negative.^[7] An article from The Globe and Mail reports that the police "fear for the safety of these 'superheroes' and argue that sometimes they can get in the way of police work and become a liability".^[8] Police have expressed concern that RLSH insert themselves into situations without knowing all the facts and indicate that this is "not a smart thing to do".^[4] Police have indicated that super heroes who physically involve themselves in preventing crimes are practicing vigilantism.^[9]

Different organizations have used the concept of the real-life superhero for other purposes. In Austria, the artist collective qujOchÖ created Miss Magnetiq as a parody of the real-life superhero phenomenon. Together with her companions Nickel, Cobalt and Mangan, Miss Magnetiq tries to protect the city of Linz from catastrophe but always fails.^[10]^[11]^[12]

Real-life superheroes have also been used for publicity and marketing campaigns. Super Vaclav was a 2011 promotional figure for a Czech webhosting company.^[13] Purporting to combat the antisocial behavior of Prague citizens, the company released YouTube videos featuring him pouring buckets of water on individuals smoking near public transport stops and assaulting dog owners with their own animal's excrement left behind in parks.^[14] While garnering many views, the campaign did not appear to translate into takeup of the webhost being advertised.^[15] Metro Woman was a short-lived publicity stunt in 2005 intended to gather support for the Washington Purple Line metro project.^[16]

Fictional depictions

While superheroes in the strict sense are characters with superhuman powers, superhero fiction depicting vigilantes with no such powers have long been part of the genre, notably with Batman and Iron Man. Such characters are also known as "costumed crime fighters" or "masked vigilantes". With the development of the real-life superhero community, there have also been more realistic depictions of masked vigilantes in fiction performing the actions of real-life superheroes, such as in the comedy films Hero at Large, Super and Blankman, and the comic book Kick-Ass and its film adaptations. The concept has also been depicted in television series, including a story arc in the second season of Hill Street Blues (featuring a delusional man who believes himself to be a superhero and calls himself "Captain Freedom")^[17] and the Hawaii Five-0 episode "Mai Ka Po Mai Ka 'oia'i'o (Truth Comes from the Night)".^[18]^[19]

List of real-life superheroes

References

^ "What is a RLSH? ⋆ Real Life Superheroes". Real Life Superheroes.
^ "Superheroes: Interview with Michael Barnett". Superheroes. HBO Documentaries. 2011. Archived from the original on 26 December 2011. Retrieved 4 November 2011.
^ Sweeney, Phil (2011-10-23). "Head to Head: Is vigilante justice acceptable outside of comic books? - Opinion -". Louisiana State University: The Daily Reveille. Archived from the original on 11 January 2012. Retrieved 4 November 2011.
^ ^a ^b "Superhero Phoenix Jones: 'I'll keep Seattle safe'". BBC News. 2011-10-14.
^ "Defender of justice Superbarrio roams Mexico City". CNN. July 19, 1997. Archived from the original on August 1, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
^ World Superhero Registry (2006), internet archive link; Real Life Superhero Project (2010), internet archive link.
^ Flock, Elizabeth (October 19, 2011). "Real-life superhero movement growing, but not getting warm reception from police". Real Life Superheroes.org. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved June 14, 2012.
^ Chowdhry, Affan (16 November 2011). "Who are these real life superheroes?". The Globe and Mail. Toronto. Archived from the original on 18 November 2011. Retrieved 14 June 2012.
^ "Cops not fans of real-life superheroes". United Press International. January 18, 2009. Retrieved June 14, 2012.
^ "Miss Magnetiq. Eine neue Superheldin ist geboren" [Miss Magnetique. A new superheroine is born.]. qujOchÖ (in German). 17 September 2014. Retrieved 23 May 2019.
^ Affenzeller, Jürgen (23 September 2014). "Neue Helden braucht die Stadt" [New heroes need the city]. TIPS (in German). Retrieved 23 May 2019.
^ "Miss Magnetiq: Die Stahlstadt als elektromagnetisches Feld" [Miss Magnetiq: The steel city as an electromagnetic field]. Crossing Europe. Archived from the original on 13 July 2015. Retrieved 11 July 2015.
^ "SuperVáclav končí, za kampaní stál registrátor webových domén" [SuperVáclav ends, web domain registrar behind the campaign]. iDNES.cz (in Czech). 31 October 2011. Retrieved 29 May 2019.
^ Cmíralová, Michaela (5 October 2011). "Prahou obchází nový hrdina - SuperVáclav, a nekompromisně trestá přestupky" [A new hero - SuperVáclav - bypasses Prague and punishes offenses without compromise]. Novinky.cz (in Czech). Retrieved 29 May 2019.
^ Pavlinova, Alsbeta (4 January 2013). "ATL + BTL = integrovaná komunikace". E15.cz (in Czech). Retrieved 29 May 2019.
^ Miller, Mitchell. "'Metro Woman' Enlisted to Help Purple Line" (Archived 2007-10-10 at the Wayback Machine), WTOP-FM. Published April 6, 2005.
^ Leland, Jebadiah (31 October 2020). "Greatest Moments in History: Freedom's Last Stand". Through The Shattered Lens.
^ McGarrigle, Dale (November 30, 2018). "Hawaii Five-0 Season 9 Review: 'Mai ka po mai ka 'oia'i'o (Truth Comes from Night)'". TVFanatic.
^ "Hawaii Five-0, Season 9 Episode 9, 'Truth Comes from the Night - Recap'". TVFanatic. 30 November 2018.

External links

The Real Life Super Hero Project

[1] "What is a RLSH? ⋆ Real Life Superheroes". Real Life Superheroes.

[2] "Superheroes: Interview with Michael Barnett". Superheroes. HBO Documentaries. 2011. Archived from the original on 26 December 2011. Retrieved 4 November 2011.

[3] Sweeney, Phil (2011-10-23). "Head to Head: Is vigilante justice acceptable outside of comic books? - Opinion -". Louisiana State University: The Daily Reveille. Archived from the original on 11 January 2012. Retrieved 4 November 2011.

[bbc1-4] "Superhero Phoenix Jones: 'I'll keep Seattle safe'". BBC News. 2011-10-14.

[cnn.com-5] "Defender of justice Superbarrio roams Mexico City". CNN. July 19, 1997. Archived from the original on August 1, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2019.

[6] World Superhero Registry (2006), internet archive link; Real Life Superhero Project (2010), internet archive link.

[7] Flock, Elizabeth (October 19, 2011). "Real-life superhero movement growing, but not getting warm reception from police". Real Life Superheroes.org. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved June 14, 2012.

[8] Chowdhry, Affan (16 November 2011). "Who are these real life superheroes?". The Globe and Mail. Toronto. Archived from the original on 18 November 2011. Retrieved 14 June 2012.

[Copsnotfans-9] "Cops not fans of real-life superheroes". United Press International. January 18, 2009. Retrieved June 14, 2012.

[10] "Miss Magnetiq. Eine neue Superheldin ist geboren" [Miss Magnetique. A new superheroine is born.]. qujOchÖ (in German). 17 September 2014. Retrieved 23 May 2019.

[11] Affenzeller, Jürgen (23 September 2014). "Neue Helden braucht die Stadt" [New heroes need the city]. TIPS (in German). Retrieved 23 May 2019.

[12] "Miss Magnetiq: Die Stahlstadt als elektromagnetisches Feld" [Miss Magnetiq: The steel city as an electromagnetic field]. Crossing Europe. Archived from the original on 13 July 2015. Retrieved 11 July 2015.

[13] "SuperVáclav končí, za kampaní stál registrátor webových domén" [SuperVáclav ends, web domain registrar behind the campaign]. iDNES.cz (in Czech). 31 October 2011. Retrieved 29 May 2019.

[14] Cmíralová, Michaela (5 October 2011). "Prahou obchází nový hrdina - SuperVáclav, a nekompromisně trestá přestupky" [A new hero - SuperVáclav - bypasses Prague and punishes offenses without compromise]. Novinky.cz (in Czech). Retrieved 29 May 2019.

[15] Pavlinova, Alsbeta (4 January 2013). "ATL + BTL = integrovaná komunikace". E15.cz (in Czech). Retrieved 29 May 2019.

[16] Miller, Mitchell. "'Metro Woman' Enlisted to Help Purple Line" (Archived 2007-10-10 at the Wayback Machine), WTOP-FM. Published April 6, 2005.

[17] Leland, Jebadiah (31 October 2020). "Greatest Moments in History: Freedom's Last Stand". Through The Shattered Lens.

[18] McGarrigle, Dale (November 30, 2018). "Hawaii Five-0 Season 9 Review: 'Mai ka po mai ka 'oia'i'o (Truth Comes from Night)'". TVFanatic.

[19] "Hawaii Five-0, Season 9 Episode 9, 'Truth Comes from the Night - Recap'". TVFanatic. 30 November 2018.

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-{{short description|Wearing costumes to perform community service}}
+{{Short description|Person dressing up in a superhero costume}}
+[[File:Super_Barrio_290706.jpg|thumb|alt=Superbarrio Gómez in Mexico City|Real-life superhero Superbarrio Gómez]]
-A '''real-life superhero''' ('''RLSH'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://reallifesuperheroes.info/about/faq|title=What is a RLSH? ⋆ Real Life Superheroes|website=Real Life Superheroes}}</ref>) is a person who dresses up in a [[superhero]] costume or mask in order to perform [[community service]] such as [[neighborhood watch]], or in some cases [[vigilantism]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/superheroes/interview/michael-barnett.html|title=Superheroes: Interview with Michael Barnett|year=2011|work=Superheroes|publisher=HBO Documentaries|access-date=4 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111226062956/http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/superheroes/interview/michael-barnett.html|archive-date=26 December 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lsureveille.com/opinion/head-to-head-is-vigilante-justice-acceptable-outside-of-comic-books-1.2657687#.TrO09_SXudB|title=Head to Head: Is vigilante justice acceptable outside of comic books? - Opinion -|last=Sweeney|first=Phil|date=2011-10-23|publisher=The Daily Reveille|access-date=4 November 2011|location=Louisiana State University|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111030727/http://www.lsureveille.com/opinion/head-to-head-is-vigilante-justice-acceptable-outside-of-comic-books-1.2657687#.TrO09_SXudB|archive-date=11 January 2012}}</ref><ref name=bbc1>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15301830 | publisher=BBC News | title=Superhero Phoenix Jones: 'I'll keep Seattle safe' | date=2011-10-14}}</ref>
+A '''real-life superhero''' ('''RLSH''')<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://reallifesuperheroes.info/about/faq|title=What is a RLSH? ⋆ Real Life Superheroes|website=Real Life Superheroes}}</ref> is a person who dresses up in a [[superhero]] costume or mask in order to perform [[community service]] such as [[neighborhood watch]], or in some cases [[vigilantism]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/superheroes/interview/michael-barnett.html|title=Superheroes: Interview with Michael Barnett|year=2011|work=Superheroes|publisher=HBO Documentaries|access-date=4 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111226062956/http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/superheroes/interview/michael-barnett.html|archive-date=26 December 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lsureveille.com/opinion/head-to-head-is-vigilante-justice-acceptable-outside-of-comic-books-1.2657687#.TrO09_SXudB|title=Head to Head: Is vigilante justice acceptable outside of comic books? - Opinion -|last=Sweeney|first=Phil|date=2011-10-23|publisher=The Daily Reveille|access-date=4 November 2011|location=Louisiana State University|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111030727/http://www.lsureveille.com/opinion/head-to-head-is-vigilante-justice-acceptable-outside-of-comic-books-1.2657687#.TrO09_SXudB|archive-date=11 January 2012}}</ref><ref name=bbc1>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15301830 | publisher=BBC News | title=Superhero Phoenix Jones: 'I'll keep Seattle safe' | date=2011-10-14}}</ref>
-Early examples of this type of behaviour are reported from the 1990s. For example, [[Mexico City]]'s [[Superbarrio Gómez]], who, in 1997, donned red tights and a red and yellow [[Mexican Wrestler's Mask|wrestler's mask]] in order to organize labour rallies, protest, and file petitions to prevent families from being evicted.<ref name="cnn.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9707/19/mexico.superhero/|title=Defender of justice Superbarrio roams Mexico City|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801202526/https://edition.cnn.com/WORLD/9707/19/mexico.superhero/|website=[[CNN]]|date=July 19, 1997|archive-date=August 1, 2018|access-date=September 14, 2019}}</ref> A "real-life superhero community" in the sense of an online subculture began to develop in the mid-2000s.<ref>''World Superhero Registry'' (2006), [https://web.archive.org/web/20060112190728/http://www.worldsuperheroregistry.com/ internet archive link]; ''Real Life Superhero Project'' (2010), [https://web.archive.org/web/*/http://reallifesuperheroes.com/ internet archive link].</ref>
+Early examples of this type of behavior are reported from the 1990s. One example is [[Mexico City]]'s [[Superbarrio Gómez]], who, in 1997, donned red tights and a red and yellow [[Mexican Wrestler's Mask|wrestler's mask]] in order to organize labor rallies, protest, and file petitions to prevent families from being evicted.<ref name="cnn.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9707/19/mexico.superhero/|title=Defender of justice Superbarrio roams Mexico City|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801202526/https://edition.cnn.com/WORLD/9707/19/mexico.superhero/|website=[[CNN]]|date=July 19, 1997|archive-date=August 1, 2018|access-date=September 14, 2019}}</ref> A "real-life superhero community" in the sense of an online subculture began to develop in the mid-2000s.<ref>''World Superhero Registry'' (2006), [https://web.archive.org/web/20060112190728/http://www.worldsuperheroregistry.com/ internet archive link]; ''Real Life Superhero Project'' (2010), [https://web.archive.org/web/*/http://reallifesuperheroes.com/ internet archive link].</ref>
-== List of notable real-life superheroes ==
-Real-life superheroes wear masks or otherwise disguise themselves in order to perform deeds ranging from [[community services]] to [[Deterrence (penology)|deterring]] crime.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/9707/19/mexico.superhero/ |title=Defender of justice Superbarrio roams Mexico City |publisher=CNN |date=1997-07-19 |access-date=2011-10-14}}</ref><ref name="couriermail1">{{cite news |title=Captain Australia is Queensland's first superhero, and has vowed to clean up the streets of Brisbane |first=Anthony |last=Templeton |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/captain-australia-is-queenslands-first-superhero-and-has-vowed-to-clean-up-the-streets-of-brisbane/story-e6freon6-1226015976662 |newspaper=[[The Courier-Mail]] |location=Brisbane |agency=[[mX (newspaper)|mX]] |date=March 4, 2011 |access-date=June 14, 2012}}</ref>
-<!--Please note: This section is solely for real-life superheroes documented in newspapers, TV news, news magazines, and news websites. It is not for personal sites except as to clarify specific news reports. All of the entries begin with a news source. Please do not include yourself or your friends. Thank you.-->
-Some examples documented in the news media include:
-===Argentina===
-* Menganno works on the east side of [[Lanús]].{{clarify|reason=doing what?|date=June 2019}} He wears blue clothing, a helmet, and a shield similar to that of fictional superhero [[Captain America's shield|Captain America]], but with the colors of the [[Flag of Argentina]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.clarin.com/ciudades/superheroe-Lanus_0_479952141.html|title=Menganno: el "superhéroe" de Lanús Este|last=Villarreal|first=Milagros|date=13 May 2011|work=Clarin.com|access-date=22 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110821081734/http://www.clarin.com/ciudades/superheroe-Lanus_0_479952141.html|archive-date=21 August 2011|language=es}}</ref>
-===Australia===
-* Wearing specially made black knife resistant clothing and wearing a black mask, Black Rat of [[Sydney]] carries a utility belt and backpack containing a [[fire blanket]], [[fire extinguisher]], first aid kit and drinking water. He has campaigned for better lighting in the streets and more community involvement in neighborhoods.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/inner-west/black-rat-a-white-knight-for-sydney/story-fngr8h4f-1226666517701|title=Black Rat a white knight for Sydney|last=Murada|first=Lauren|date=20 June 2013|website=Daily Telegraph|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029092958/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/inner-west/black-rat-a-white-knight-for-sydney/story-fngr8h4f-1226666517701|archive-date=29 October 2016|access-date=2019-05-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/sydney-s-got-a-new-superhero-the-black-rat-17677550.html|title=Sydney's got a new superhero – The Black Rat|date=June 20, 2013|publisher=Yahoo! News 7}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://junkee.com/sydney-has-another-real-life-vigilante-superhero-and-hell-totally-kick-your-ass/44851|title=Sydney Has Another Real-Life Vigilante Superhero And He'll Totally Kick Your Ass|publisher=[[Junkee]]|author=Alex McKinnon|date=10 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/thefeed/story/people-need-play-active-role-keeping-their-communities-safe-real-life-superhero-black-rat|title="People need to play an active role in keeping their communities safe": real life superhero, The Black Rat|date=16 September 2015|website=SBS News|language=en|access-date=22 May 2019}}</ref>
-* Captain Australia, featured in the ''[[mX (newspaper)|mX]]'' and then ''[[The Courier-Mail]]''<ref name="couriermail1" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/brisbanes-captauin-australia-now-looking-for-a-sidekick-to-fight-crime/story-e6freoof-1226017065291 |title=Brisbane's Captain Australia now looking for a sidekick to fight crime |publisher=Courier Mail |date=2011-03-07 |access-date=2011-10-14}}</ref> and on television's [[A Current Affair (Australian TV series)|A Current Affair]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8221705 |title=Captain Australia |publisher=Aca.ninemsn.com.au |date=2011-03-09 |access-date=2011-10-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322045231/http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8221705 |archive-date=2012-03-22 }}</ref> is based in the [[Brisbane]], [[Queensland]]. He wears a green and gold suit and mask similar to [[Captain America]] with an [[@ symbol]] on his chest and a [[Batman]]-style utility belt. Police have expressed their preference that Captain Australia not intervene in incidents.{{clarify|reason=how has he intervened, or what does he do instead?|date=June 2019}}<ref name="couriermail1" />
-* Active since 2012, masked activists The Fauna Fighters are a [[Melbourne]]-based duo who use a [[Golden Age of Comic Books]] superhero motif as a method of publicizing animal-rights issues and supporting various animal-rights groups and charities. The [[Flying Fox]] and the extinct [[Thylacine]] have been featured in various publications.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ThatsLife.com.au/Article/Real-Life/Real-Life-Stories/Caped-Crusaders|title=Real-Life-Stories Caped-Crusaders|publisher=Thats Life|date=2012-03-04|access-date=2012-03-04|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108133632/http://thatslife.com.au/Article/Real-Life/Real-Life-Stories/Caped-crusaders|archive-date=2012-11-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://yolandaredrup.wordpress.com/tag/fauna-fighters|title=Is It A Bird, Is It A plane...|publisher=Melbourne City Journal|date=2012-05-22|access-date=2012-05-22}}</ref>
-===Canada===
-* Polarman of [[Iqaluit]], [[Nunavut]], shovels snow off sidewalks and keeps playgrounds safe for children during the day and patrols the streets for criminals at night, wearing a black balaclava, white pants and snow boots.<ref name="theage1">Fallon, Daniel. [http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/07/30/1091080431593.html?from=storylhs Net crusaders], ''[[The Age]]''. Published July 31, 2004.</ref>
-:Ark of [[Toronto]] was featured in an article for ''[[Postmedia News]]'' by Douglas Quan in November 2011, who commented on his reasons and methods{{clarify|date=June 2019}} on being a real-life superhero.<ref name="Quan">{{cite news|last=Quan |first=Douglas |title=Crusaders among us |url=http://www2.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/weekender/story.html?id=5e35c85b-8137-474b-8d4f-e2c6189c9628 |access-date=23 May 2013 |newspaper=Leader-Post |date=November 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202170418/http://www2.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/weekender/story.html?id=5e35c85b-8137-474b-8d4f-e2c6189c9628 |archive-date=2 February 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
-* The Crimson Canuck of [[Windsor, Ontario]], was also featured in the article by Quan,<ref name="Quan" /> as well as being interviewed on the radio station [[CKLW|AM800]] by Arms Bumanlag, and was featured in an article in the ''[[Toronto Sun]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dickinson|first=Kirk|title=Hometown Hero: Windsor's masked hero|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2012/10/21/hometown-hero-windsors-masked-hero|access-date=23 May 2013|newspaper=Toronto Sun|date=October 21, 2012}} as well as other local publications, university newspapers, and local Cogeco TV's Comic Book Syndicate and MTV Canada.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://windsorstar.com/life/windsors-real-life-superhero-crimson-canuck-part-of-a-growing-movement|title=Crimson Canuck: Windsor's real-life superhero part of a growing trend|last=Pearson|first=Craig|date=16 November 2012|website=Windsor Star|language=en|access-date=24 May 2019}}</ref>
-* Thanatos of [[Vancouver, British Columbia]], dresses in a trench-coat, skull-and-crossbones tie, and wide-brimmed hat while wearing a bulletproof vest as he distributes goods and goodwill to the homeless.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/real-life-superhero-takes-to-vancouvers-streets/article2098046/|title=Real life superhero takes to Vancouver's streets|last=Dhillon|first=Sunny|date=15 July 2011|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=14 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717232911/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/real-life-superhero-takes-to-vancouvers-streets/article2098046/|archive-date=17 July 2011|location=Toronto}}</ref><ref name="globeandmail1">{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090129.lsuperhero30/BNStory/lifeMain/home#|title=Capeless Crusaders|author=Mick, Hayley|date=2009-01-03|work=The Globe and Mail|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130214647/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090129.lsuperhero30/BNStory/lifeMain/home|archive-date=2009-01-30|url-status=dead|location=Toronto}}</ref>
-* The Katalysts Ontario, also known as the Justice Crew of Oshawa, in [[Oshawa, Ontario]], are a collection of individuals who patrol the streets at night, clean up local litter, and perform homeless outreach. Members include its founder Aftershock, Regulus, and the Nameless Crusader.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://chronicle.durhamcollege.ca/story.php?id=8237&issue |access-date=21 December 2013 |newspaper=The Chronicle |date=October 13, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224120135/http://chronicle.durhamcollege.ca/story.php?id=8237&issue |archive-date=24 December 2013 |title=Heroes jump from fiction to reality|first1=Matthew|last1=Jordan}}</ref>
-* Lightstep is a masked patroller currently located in Montreal. He is equipped with a bulletproof vest and a bag with first aid kit, needle collection containers, latex gloves, condoms, socks, gloves and hats.{{clarify|reason=what deeds does he perform?|date=June 2019}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.journaldemontreal.com/2016/11/24/un-superheros-veille-sur-montreal|title=Un superhéros veille sur Montréal|first=Delphine|last=Jung|work=journaldemontreal.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/read/i-spent-a-night-patrolling-with-lightstep-montreals-real-life-super-hero|title=I Spent a Night Patrolling with LightStep, Montreal's Real-Life Superhero - VICE - United States|last=Jones|first=Julia|date=14 November 2014|work=vice|access-date=22 May 2019}}</ref>
-===China===
-* Redbud Woman assists the poor in [[Beijing]], [[China]]. She has been seen several times wearing black tights and a blue mask, handing out food and warm clothing to the homeless.<ref name="Sumitra">{{cite web|url=http://www.odditycentral.com/news/mysterious-female-superhero-helps-beijings-poor.html|title=Chinese Redbud Woman - China's Real-Life Superhero|date=4 January 2012|website=Oddity Central|access-date=25 November 2016}}</ref>
-===Colombia===
-* Wearing a mask, Super Pan fights against hunger by handing out bread three days a week in poverty stricken areas of [[Bucaramanga]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vanguardia.com/santander/bucaramanga/video-255398-super-pan-un-heroe-bumangues-que-ayuda-a-los-habitantes-de-la-cal|title=Super Pan|last=Mateus|first=Luis Alfonso Cardenas|date=12 April 2014|website=Vanguardia|access-date=4 September 2015}}</ref>
-===Czech Republic===
-* Pérák is a masked vigilante based on the [[Pérák, the Spring Man of Prague|World War II era urban legend of the same name]]. Wearing black and a mask, he uses street art to educate the public on the [[Porajmos|Romani Holocaust]], and campaigns to shut down pig farms on the [[Lety concentration camp]] site.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vimeo.com/117853503|title=Pérák se vrací|website=Vimeo|access-date=2016-12-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://budejovice.idnes.cz/fiktivni-hrdina-perak-se-vraci-na-scenu-dyb-/budejovice-zpravy.aspx?c=A150127_094412_budejovice-zpravy_mrl|title=Fiktivní hrdina Pérák se vrací na scénu, pokreslil vepřín v Letech|date=2015-01-27|website=iDNES.cz|access-date=2016-12-15}}</ref>
-===Finland===
-* Dex Laserskater has been patrolling the streets of [[Helsinki]] since 1997. He has modeled his alter ego after the short lived comicbook hero [[Skateman]]. He specializes in guiding tourists, tipping waiters, doormen and street musicians and helping the police.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.apu.fi/artikkelit/laserskater-yon-ritari|title=Laserskater – Yön ritari|last=Kartastenpää|first=Tero|date=8 June 2011|website=Image|language=fi|trans-title=Laserskater - Knight of the Night|access-date=23 May 2019}}</ref>
-===France===
-* Captain Ozone has featured in the French ''[[Max (French magazine)|Max]]'' magazine,<ref>{{cite news|title=Fight Zone 07|author=Lacote, Pierre|date=April 2005}}</ref> the ''[[Koikispass]]'' magazine,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.issuu.com/koikispass/docs/kkp_74_nevers_web |title=Koikispass Nevers N°74 |publisher=Issuu.com |date=2010-12-02 |access-date=2011-10-14}}</ref> and the German edition of the ''[[FHM]]'' magazine.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hier Sind Helden|author=Reporter|date=January 2008}}</ref>{{clarify|reason=what deeds does he perform?|date=June 2019}}
-* The Defenders of France have been the subject of numerous press articles. L'Arpenteur ({{lang-en|The Surveyor}}) is one of their leaders.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.20minutes.fr/lille/1143775-20130424-vingtaine-heros-france|title=La France compte une vingtaine de héros|last=Lescurieux|first=Romain|date=24 April 2013|website=20 Minutes|language=fr|trans-title=France has about twenty heroes|access-date=22 May 2019}}</ref>{{clarify|reason=what deeds do they perform?|date=June 2019}}
-===Israel===
-* Park Wayne is a superhero active in [[Jerusalem]]. His outfit and identity are mostly inspired by [[Batman]] and [[Spider-Man]]. He has roamed the streets of the city protecting drunks, people at risk, and the creative communities in Jerusalem since 2010. He was featured in an episode of ''The State of Jerusalem''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestateofjerusalem.com/|title=Home|website=The State of Jerusalem|language=en-US|access-date=2018-03-10}}</ref> that followed him for a night in order to shed light on him.
-===Italy===
-* Entomo, the Insect-Man, is a masked patroller and activist{{clarify|date=June 2019}} who has been inspired by earlier real-life superheroes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.repubblica.it/2008/12/sezioni/esteri/supereroi-vita-reale/supereroi-vita-reale/supereroi-vita-reale.html|title=Sul web, in lotta contro il crimine sono i supereroi della vita reale - esteri -|date=31 December 2008|website=Repubblica|language=it|trans-title=On the web, in the fight against crime are the superheroes of real life|access-date=24 May 2019}}</ref><ref name="superint1">{{cite web|url=http://super.abril.com.br/cotidiano/super-homens-573741.shtml|title=Super-homens|last=Rodrigues|first=Alexandre|date=27 June 2010|website=Superinteressante|language=pt|trans-title=Supermen|access-date=28 October 2011}}</ref> In February 2009, ''[[Rai 4]]'' filmed a night-time patrol and interview with Entomo at an abandoned factory in Naples, aired on the TV program ''Sugo''.<ref>[http://www.sugo.rai.it/ Episode 7: "Supereroe a Gomorra"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100505130746/http://www.sugo.rai.it/ |date=2010-05-05 }}, ''[[Sugo]]''. {{in lang|it}} Published March 4, 2009.</ref> Following an interview on ''[[Il Riformista]]'',<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ilriformista.it/stories/Culture/57320/|title=Super Entomo, l'eroe di Napoli e le sue ronde|last=Ciavatta|first=Stefano|date=6 May 2010|work=Il Reformista|access-date=25 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100506050954/http://www.ilriformista.it/stories/Culture/57320/|archive-date=6 May 2010|language=it|trans-title=Super Entomo, the hero of Naples and his patrols}}</ref> Entomo was depicted in ''[[Panorama (Italian magazine)|Panorama]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blog.panorama.it/italia/2009/03/16/sicurezza-in-citta-a-napoli-invece-delle-ronde-ce-entomo-il-supereroe/|title=Sicurezza in città: a Napoli invece delle ronde c'è Entomo il supereroe|date=22 March 2009|website=Panorama|language=it|trans-title=Security in the city: in Naples instead of patrols there is Entomo the superhero|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322102312/http://blog.panorama.it/italia/2009/03/16/sicurezza-in-citta-a-napoli-invece-delle-ronde-ce-entomo-il-supereroe/|archive-date=22 March 2009|access-date=24 May 2019}}</ref>
-===Liberia===
-* Lion Heart educates Liberians about the dangers of human trafficking and the importance of clean drinking water. He is part of a grassroots movement in Africa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reallifesuperheroes.com/2011/07/20/water-for-africa/|title=Water for Africa|date=20 July 2011|website=The Real Life Super Hero Project|access-date=28 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://reallifesuperheroes.com/2011/03/25/lion-heart/|title=Lion Heart|date=25 March 2011|website=The Real Life Super Hero Project|language=en-US|access-date=23 May 2019}}</ref>
-===Mexico===
-[[File:Super Barrio 290706.jpg|thumb|Superbarrio Gómez of Mexico City]]
-* [[CNN]] covered [[Mexico City]]'s [[Superbarrio Gómez]], who is a high school dropout who wears red tights and a red and yellow [[Mexican Wrestler's Mask|wrestler's mask]]. He uses his unique image to organize labor rallies, protest, and file petitions to prevent families from being evicted.<ref name="cnn.com"/>
-===South Africa===
-* Spinnekop ({{lang-en|Spiderhead}}), whose real name is Eric Nefdt, a father of three, runs through [[Pretoria]] in a [[Spider-Man]] costume. He does this to raise awareness for children born with [[congenital heart defect]]s. In 2017, he completed the [[Comrades Marathon]] in a time of 11:30:06.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hometimes.co.za/2016/08/newsflash-spiderman-spotted-running-for-elisa/|title=Newsflash! Spiderman spotted running for Elisa|last=Steynberg|first=Mariette|date=18 August 2016|website=The Home Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212051349/http://hometimes.co.za/2016/08/newsflash-spiderman-spotted-running-for-elisa/|archive-date=12 February 2019|access-date=15 September 2019}}</ref>
-===Sweden===
-* Väktaren ({{lang-en|The Watchman}}) patrols{{clarify|date=June 2019}} the streets of [[Malmö]], wearing a dark suit with a white mask and white "V" symbol on his chest. When interviewed, the police stated that as long as he was not impersonating a police officer, he was not breaking any laws.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=1646&artikel=5628239|title=Superhjälte patrullerar Malmös gator - P3 Nyheter|last=Lyrenäs|first=Anna|date=27 August 2013|website=Sveriges Radio|language=sv|access-date=22 May 2019}}</ref>
-===United Kingdom===
-* The [[BBC]] reported on Angle-Grinder Man, a [[United Kingdom|British]] self-described "wheel-clamp superhero" who claims to use an [[angle grinder]] to illegally cut [[wheel clamp]]s off vehicles which have been clamped in by police and parking officials in [[Kent, England|Kent]] and [[London, England|London]]. Police indicate that they have received no word or complaint of his actions.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/3112670.stm|title='Superhero' takes on clampers|date=16 September 2003|work=BBC|access-date=22 May 2019}}</ref>
-* The newspaper ''[[This Is Local London]]'' featured an article on SOS (whose real name is Steve Sale), a UK superhero who [[gate crashing|gatecrashed]] the premiere of the film ''[[Kick-Ass (film)|Kick-Ass]]'' in April 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/6187104.Sutton_superhero_gatecrashes_Kick_Ass_film_premiere/|title=Sutton superhero gatecrashes Kick-Ass film premiere|last=Henderson|first=Jamie|date=1 April 2010|work=This Is Local London|access-date=14 October 2011}}</ref>
-* Knight Warrior (whose real name is Roger Hayhurst) wears a costume and attempts to break up fights in the [[Salford]] area. His mother has expressed concern for his safety.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/870771-caped-crusader-brings-peace-to-mean-streets-but-antics-worry-his-mum|title=Caped crusader Roger Hayhurst's antics worry his mum|last=Attewill|first=Fred|date=28 July 2011|work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|metro.co.uk]]|access-date=June 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110821091858/http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/870771-caped-crusader-brings-peace-to-mean-streets-but-antics-worry-his-mum|archive-date=21 August 2011}}</ref>
-* The Statesman is a super hero who patrols the streets of Birmingham wearing a mask,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.themarysue.com/real-life-british-superhero/|title=Real Life British Vigilante Goes Public, His Mom Shares Embarrassing Details With Press|last=Polo|first=Susanna|date=23 February 2011|website=The Mary Sue|access-date=24 May 2019}}</ref> [[Union Jack]] shirt and dark trousers. Reports of his effectiveness{{clarify|reason=in doing what?|date=June 2019}} are mixed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/meet-birminghams-very-own-crusading-superhero-223304|title=Meet Birmingham's very own crusading superhero The Statesman|last=Aspinall|first=Adam|date=27 February 2011|website=Birmingham Mail|access-date=24 May 2019}}</ref>
-* In August 2011, the [[BBC]] reported on Shadow (whose real name is Ken Andre) who patrols{{clarify|date=June 2019}} in [[Yeovil]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-14689055|title='Ninja' patrols streets of Yeovil|last=Rogers|first=Clinton|date=26 August 2011|work=BBC News|access-date=22 May 2019}}</ref>
-* A vigilante known as the Bromley Batman has been seen by several witnesses to have saved people from knife-wielding gangs and muggers in [[South London]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Alexandra |last=Sims |date=12 June 2015 |title=Who Is the 'Bromley Batman'? Rumours of South London's Very Own Superhero Are Sparked by Eyewitness Accounts |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/who-is-the-bromley-batman-rumours-of-south-londons-very-own-superhero-are-sparked-by-eyewitness-accounts-10317091.html |work=[[The Independent]] |location=UK |access-date=June 18, 2016}}</ref> His activities have been reported as far as [[Cornwall]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Victoria |last=Ward |date=August 13, 2015 |title='Bromley Batman' Pops Up in Cornwall to Save Man from Attack |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/11800205/Bromley-Batman-pops-up-in-Cornwall-to-save-man-from-attack.html |work=[[Daily Telegraph]] |access-date=June 18, 2016}}</ref>
-===United States===
-Real-life superheroes are notably prevalent in the USA compared to other countries, which may be attributed to the greater popularity of [[superhero]] [[comic book]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/41121744|title=Costumed crusaders taking it to the streets|last=Gold|first=Jim|date=14 February 2011|website=NBC News|access-date=14 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.insideedition.com/news/5801/nationwide-phenomenon-real-life-superheroes-fighting-crime.aspx |title=News - Nationwide Phenomenon: Real-Life Superheroes Fighting Crime |publisher=InsideEdition.com |date=2011-02-16 |access-date=2011-10-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927160158/http://www.insideedition.com/news/5801/nationwide-phenomenon-real-life-superheroes-fighting-crime.aspx |archive-date=2011-09-27 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.semana.com/noticias-gente/luchar-justicia/152468.aspx|title=¡A luchar por la justicia!, Articulo Impreso Archivado|date=26 February 2011|website=Semana.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110507041025/http://www.semana.com/gente/luchar-justicia/152468-3.aspx|archive-date=7 May 2011|access-date=22 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=13688705|title=Group Dresses As Superheroes To Combat Crime|date=2010-12-16|website=NewsOn6.uk|access-date=2011-10-14}}</ref>
-* One of the earliest examples of a RLSH was California's Richard Allen Pesta, alias Captain Sticky. Starting around 1974, clad in a blue jumpsuit with gold lame cape and boots and driving the "Stickymobile" he campaigned against abuses in nursing homes, supplied information on [[Health Insurance Fraud|health insurance frauds]] to authorities, and advocated for [[consumer rights]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=888&dat=19781014&id=wExSAAAAIBAJ&pg=6588,3623755|title=Captain Sticky-The Destroyer of Evil is not just another Caped Crusader.|last=Thompson|first=Elizabeth|date=14 October 1978|work=St.Petersburg Times|access-date=29 May 2019|page=3a|via=Google news}}</ref> He testified before the [[Federal Trade Commission]] hearings in 1978 and Congress in 1979 wearing his uniform.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1979/04/27/caped-crusader-on-the-loose/8deeb042-c63f-4b46-8740-4d0e1b886c7f/|title=Caped Crusader on the Loose|last=Kernan|first=Michael|date=27 April 1979|work=Washington Post|access-date=29 May 2019|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286}}</ref> He was arrested in 1986 when he rented his house to a film crew shooting pornography.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/13690b68a9208f7c7f3bf38d5233cd02|title=Anti-Crime Crusader In Trouble Over Sex Movie|date=17 December 1986|website=AP NEWS|access-date=29 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-12-17-me-3053-story.html|title=Rented Home to Adult Movie Crew : Captain Sticky Pasted by Vice Squad|last=Guatierrez|first=Hector|date=17 December 1986|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=29 May 2019|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035}}</ref>
-* Tothian is a Marine veteran who patrols in New Jersey. He and Ecliptico were interviewed for the ''[[Watchmen (film)|Watchmen]]'' 2009 film special feature titled "Real Superheroes, Real Vigilantes". <ref>{{Cite
-web|url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt1582590/fullcredits?ref_=m_ttfcd_tt</ref>
-* [[Phoenix Jones]] is a mixed martial artist who patrols [[Seattle|Seattle, Washington]] in search for criminal activity in a bulletproof vest and stab plating. Initially wearing a ski mask to intervene in a public assault, Jones later developed a full costume and adopted the pseudonym.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/real-life-seattle-superhero-phoenix-jones-suffers-broken/story?id=12589895|title=Real-Life Superhero Gets Nose Broken|last1=Hopper|first1=Jessica|last2=Karlinsky|first2=Neal|date=11 January 2010|website=ABC News|language=en|access-date=2019-05-22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/phoenix-jones-real-life-superhero-stops-wash-car-theft/|title=Phoenix Jones: Real Life Superhero Stops Wash. Car Theft|date=5 January 2011|website=CBS News.com|language=en-US|access-date=2 May 2019}}</ref>
-* Master Legend assists the homeless of [[Orlando]] and is a member of the Justice Crusaders.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/the-legend-of-master-legend-243895/|title=The Legend of Master Legend|last=Bearman|first=Joshuah|date=17 December 2008|website=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|access-date=24 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/os-master-legend-orlando-super-hero-20110916-story.html|title=Master Legend: Orlando's real life super hero|last=Prieto|first=Bianca|date=16 September 2011|website=Orlando Sentinel|access-date=24 May 2019}}</ref><ref name="msn1">{{cite web|url=http://cityguides.msn.com/citylife/article.aspx?cp-documentid=8974273|title=Your Friendly Neighborhood Superhero|last=Hardy|first=Paul|website=MSN City guides|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080808050300/http://cityguides.msn.com/citylife/article.aspx?cp-documentid=8974273|archive-date=8 August 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=24 May 2019}}</ref> Amazon based the 2017 black comedy series ''Legend of Master Legend'' on his super hero persona.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2017/03/amazons-legend-of-master-legend-pilot-brings-real-life-superhero-down-to-earth/|title=Amazon's Legend Of Master Legend Pilot Brings Real Life Superhero Down To Earth|last=Elderkin|first=Beth|date=20 March 2017|website=Gizmodo Australia|language=en|access-date=24 May 2019}}</ref>
-* [[Shadow Hare]] wears a mask and cape and patrols{{clarify|date=June 2019}} [[Milford, Ohio|Milford]], Ohio, armed with tasers, pepper spray and handcuffs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wlwt.com/news/19305002/detail.html|title=Cincinnati Superhero Patrols Streets Fighting Crime|last=Flack|first=Eric|date=27 April 2009|work=WLWT Cincinnati|access-date=25 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107031424/http://www.wlwt.com/news/19305002/detail.html|archive-date=7 January 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wlwt.com/news/19329060/detail.html|title=Shadow Hare Wins Over Queen City - Cincinnati News Story -|date=29 April 2009|website=WLWT Cincinnati|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107085821/http://www.wlwt.com/news/19329060/detail.html|archive-date=7 January 2011|access-date=24 May 2019}}</ref>
-* Captain Ozone has starred in [[Public service announcement|PSA]]s, made appearances at grade schools and [[cannabis|hemp]] festivals, created a video documentary on environmentalism, and organized a public demonstration for renewable energy.<ref>Merchant, Brian. [http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/09/captain-ozone-environmental-hero-climate-change.php Climate Change? This Looks Like a Job for Captain Ozone, Environmental Hero]. ''[[TreeHugger]]''. Published September 28, 2008.</ref>
-* Mr. Xtreme, a security guard, spends his free time as a costumed crime fighter handing out food and juice in [[San Diego, California]].<ref name="sdtribune1">{{cite news|url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-1n17heroes002224-dynamic-do-gooders-contribute-lor-2009jan17-htmlstory.html|title=Homemade heroes offer low-level law enforcement|last=Davis|first=Kristina|date=17 January 2009|work=San Diego Tribune|access-date=22 May 2019}}</ref><ref name="Copsnotfans">{{cite news |title=Cops not fans of real-life superheroes |url=http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2009/01/18/Cops_not_fans_of_real-life_superheroes/UPI-64571232303637/ |agency=[[United Press International]] |date=January 18, 2009 |access-date=June 14, 2012}}</ref>
-* Captain Oyster, whose real name is Liam Davenport,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.siriusxm.com/theopie&anthonychannel |title=MrOyster Liam Davenport |author=SiriusXM |date=2011-10-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112102556/http://www.siriusxm.com/theopie%26anthonychannel |archive-date=2012-11-12 }}</ref> patrols his [[Queens]] neighborhood looking for late-night crimes to solve through "intimidation and intellectual discourse".{{citation needed|date=June 2019}}
-* Crimson Fist patrols Atlanta twice a month with his wife, Metadata, to help the homeless in their area.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sundaypaper.com/More/Archives/tabid/98/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/5904/Real-life-superheroes.aspx|title=Costumed crusaders shine a light on Atlanta's homeless situation|last=Moreau|first=Kevin Forest|date=14 November 2010|work=The Sunday Paper|access-date=22 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119170350/http://www.sundaypaper.com/More/Archives/tabid/98/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/5904/Real-life-superheroes.aspx|archive-date=19 November 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2013/jun/10/man-wife-dress-superheroes-patrol-atlanta/|title=Man, Wife Dress as Superheroes to Patrol Atlanta|date=10 June 2013|work=[[Chattanooga Times Free Press]]|access-date=18 June 2016}}</ref><ref name="Kaitlyn Pratt">{{cite web|url=http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/22540545/the-crimson-fist |title=Atlanta's Superhero Helps Homeless |author=Pratt, Kaitlyn |date=October 2013 |access-date=2015-02-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207141842/http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/22540545/the-crimson-fist |archive-date=2015-02-07 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsatlanta.com/news/18675679/detail.html |title=Atlanta's Superhero Helps Homeless |author=CBS News Atlanta |date=2009-02-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211081014/http://www.cbsatlanta.com/news/18675679/detail.html |archive-date=February 11, 2009 }}</ref>
-* Wall Creeper and Zen Blade patrol in [[Denver]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.westword.com/2009-03-12/news/the-astounding-adventures-of-the-wall-creeper-colorado-s-own-superhero/1|title=The astounding adventures of the Wall Creeper, Colorado's own superhero|author=Warner, Joel|date=2009-03-11}}</ref>{{clarify|reason=what deeds do they perform?|date=June 2019}}
-* The Watchman and Moon Dragon were reported patrolling [[Milwaukee]]{{clarify|date=June 2019}} in 2009.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Everyday Heroes |first=Tea |last=Krulo |url=http://www.milwaukeemag.com/article/242011-EverydayHeroes |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130128184905/http://www.milwaukeemag.com/article/242011-EverydayHeroes |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 28, 2013 |journal=[[Milwaukee Magazine]] |date=September 28, 2009 |access-date=June 14, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fox6now.com/news/witi-091118-heroes,0,4838893.story |title=Real-life superheroes on the streets in your neighborhood |publisher=Fox6now.com |date=2009-11-18 |access-date=2011-10-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006090042/http://www.fox6now.com/news/witi-091118-heroes,0,4838893.story |archive-date=2011-10-06 }}</ref>
-* Terrifica is a [[New York City]]-based woman who patrols bars and parties in an effort to prevent inebriated women from being taken advantage of by men. Since the mid-1990s, she has donned a mask, blonde wig, red boots and cape, because, in her words, women "need to be protected from themselves".<ref>Robinson, Bryan. [https://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=91072&page=1 Meet the Anti-Sex in the City Superhero], [[ABC News]]. Published November 5, 2002.</ref>
-* In 2010, The Viper was stopped by police in [[Columbia, Tennessee|Columbia]], Tennessee, for patrolling the streets after midnight in a black and green mask and costume. He claimed that he was "just a guy trying to do what was right in tights".<ref>{{cite web |author=RoboPanda |url=http://gammasquad.uproxx.com/2010/07/real-life-kick-ass-prefers-to-be-called-the-viper |title=Real Life Kick-Ass Prefers To Be Called The Viper |publisher=Gammasquad.uproxx.com |access-date=2011-10-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722103038/http://gammasquad.uproxx.com/2010/07/real-life-kick-ass-prefers-to-be-called-the-viper |archive-date=2011-07-22 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
-* Dragonheart is a bilingual real-life superhero who operates in [[Miami]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://msnlatino.telemundo.com/shows/Al_Rojo_Vivo/video_player?uuid=2ae27af1-20f3-4536-812a-78eb9162650c |title=Hêroes de carne y hueso &#124; video player &#124; Al Rojo Vivo &#124; Telemundo |publisher=Msnlatino.telemundo.com |date=2008-08-23 |access-date=2011-10-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006063128/http://msnlatino.telemundo.com/shows/Al_Rojo_Vivo/video_player?uuid=2ae27af1-20f3-4536-812a-78eb9162650c |archive-date=2011-10-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{clarify|reason=what deeds does he perform?|date=June 2019}}
-* In [[Portland, Oregon|Portland]], Oregon, Zetaman patrols the streets in a minivan, giving help to the homeless. (Ret.) <ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wweek.com/portland/article-8534-the_adventures_of_zetaman.html|title=The Adventures of Zetaman|author=James Pitkin|date=5 March 2008|work=Willamette Week|access-date=23 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606033323/http://www.wweek.com/portland/article-8534-the_adventures_of_zetaman.html|archive-date=6 June 2013}}</ref>
-* Dark Guardian of New York, whose real name is Chris Pollak, has patrolled the streets of New Jersey and New York since the age of 19.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/new-yorks-real-life-super-hero_b_5a2b0764e4b0d7c3f26222bc|title=New York's Real Life Super Hero|last=Pride|first=David|date=8 December 2017|website=HuffPost|language=en|access-date=23 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2016/05/12/New-York-superhero-seeking-recruits-to-clean-up-the-streets/3511463070198/|title=New York 'superhero' seeking recruits to clean up the streets|last=Hooper|first=Ben|date=12 May 2016|website=UPI|language=en|access-date=23 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/dark-guardian-crime-fighter-plans-open-superhero-school/story?id=20728145|title='Dark Guardian' to Open Superhero School in New York|last=Curry|first=Colleen|date=31 October 2013|website=ABC News|language=en|access-date=23 May 2019}}</ref> In 2017, he became the head of the [[Guardian Angels]], a volunteer crime prevention organisation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20170210/annadale/dark-guardian-chris-pollak-guardian-angels|title=Real Life Superhero Dark Guardian Hangs Up Cape to Join Guardian Angels|last=Rizzi|first=Nicholas|date=13 February 2017|website=DNAinfo New York|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212091041/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20170210/annadale/dark-guardian-chris-pollak-guardian-angels|archive-date=12 December 2017|access-date=23 May 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2007/03/31/guardian_angels_launch_city_patrol_expand_across_us/ | title = Guardian Angels launch city patrol, expand across US | work = [[Boston Globe]] | date = March 31, 2007 | access-date = 2007-07-24 | first1=Suzanne | last1=Smalley}}</ref>
-* The Eye of Mountain View in California is a licensed investigator. His specialty is patrolling using homemade gadgets to record criminal activity so that it can be reported to police. He often works with his wife, Lady Mystery.<ref name="superint1" />
-* Squeegeeman "fights grime and crime"{{attribution needed|date=June 2019}} in Manhattan wearing a red mask and cape.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/humble-heroes|title=Humble heroes|date=28 September 2006|website=Time Out New York|language=en|access-date=24 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZfowBwAAQBAJ&pg=PA176|title=Less Than Hero|last=Browne|first=S. G.|publisher=Simon and Schuster|year=2015|isbn=9781476711744|pages=176|language=en}}</ref> He was reported as making a mock run for President in 2008.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uTrVAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA183|title=Heroes in the Night: Inside the Real Life Superhero Movement|last=Krulos|first=Tea|publisher=Chicago Review Press|year=2013|isbn=9781613747759|pages=183|language=en}}</ref>
-==Real-life superhero groups==
-[[File:ECHO May Day.jpg|alt=SkyMan, Red Ranger, El Caballero, and Dragon (members of Emerald City Heroes Org, or ECHO) monitoring the 2017 May Day protests in Seattle.|thumb|SkyMan, Red Ranger, El Caballero, and Dragon (members of Emerald City Heroes Org, or ECHO) monitoring the 2017 May Day protests in Seattle.]]
-===Canada===
-* The Trillium Guards of Ontario are a group of real-life superheroes started in 2011 by Ark Guard of Toronto, Blackhat of Ottawa, and the Crimson Canuck from Windsor. The group focuses on homeless outreach missions, and other charitable work. Some members also perform patrols around [[Ontario]], comparable to a neighbourhood watch. The team has expanded over the years to include Canadian Justice, Urban Knight, T.O. Ronin (formerly Hidden Sparrow), Ninja Knight, and Nameless Crusader. Crimson Canuck retired around the end of 2013, but was instrumental in helping build the real-life superheroes movement in Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/trilliumguards/|title=Trillium Guards of Ontario|website=www.facebook.com}}</ref>{{better source|date=May 2018}}
-===United States===
-There are several organized groups of real-life superheroes in the [[United States]].
-* A group of real-life superheroes from all over the United States, called Superheroes Anonymous, held their first meeting near [[Times Square]] in [[New York City]] on October 28, 2007. Along with filming a documentary and giving interviews to news media, their activities included cleaning up litter, helping the homeless, and handing out crime prevention materials.<ref>Lee, Trymaine. [https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/29/nyregion/29super.html Dressed for Halloween? No, to Clean Up Times Sq.], ''[[The New York Times]]''. Published October 29, 2007. Retrieved January 24, 2009.</ref>
-* Multiple media outlets have run reports on the [[Rain City Superhero Movement]], a former group of real life super heroes in [[Seattle]]. The group includes Buster Doe, No Name, Troop, Penelope, and [[Phoenix Jones]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://perezhilton.com/real-life-superheroes-hit-the-streets-of-seattle-to-fight-crime/|title=Real Life Superheroes hit the streets of Seattle to fight crime|website=Perez Hilton|access-date=23 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://komonews.com/news/local/a-night-with-seattles-superheroes|title=A night with Seattle's superheroes|last=Duecy|first=Luke|date=25 November 2010|website=KOMO News|access-date=21 July 2016}}</ref>
-* Real-life superheroes Captain Prospect, Justice, and Sparks<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/internedition/spring09/?p=915&cpage=1#|title=Street Superheroes|author=Kowal, Rachel|date=2009-01-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830063851/http://www.npr.org/internedition/spring09/?p=915&cpage=1|archive-date=August 30, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> are members of the Capital City Super Squad in [[Washington, D.C.|Washington D.C]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/22/AR2007112201295.html|title=Public Service With a Side of Spandex|last=Schrank|first=Delphine|date=23 November 2007|work=Washington Post|access-date=23 May 2019}}</ref>{{clarify|reason=what about them?|date=June 2019}}
-* [[Central Florida News 13]] did a story on Team Justice, a group of costumed superheroes giving Christmas gifts to the homeless.<ref>[http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2007/12/25/masked_heroes_give_gifts_to_homeless.html Masked Heroes Give Gifts To Homeless] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071229115634/http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2007/12/25/masked_heroes_give_gifts_to_homeless.html |date=December 29, 2007 }}, [[Central Florida News 13]]. Published December 26, 2007.</ref><ref>[http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2008/12/25/superheroes_bring_christmas_cheer_to_kids.html Superheroes Bring Christmas Cheer To Kids]{{dead link|date=November 2016}}, [[Central Florida News 13]]. Published December 26, 2008.</ref>
-*''[[Salt Lake City Weekly]]'' reported on the patrols of The Black Monday Society and the superhero identities of its team members Insignis,<ref name="gq1">{{cite web|url=https://www.gq.com/news-politics/newsmakers/201108/real-life-superheroes-mr-extreme-geist-insignis-master-legend#slide=1|title=Seven Real-Life Superheroes: Newsmakers|last=Zunger|first=Nurit|date=4 August 2011|website=GQ|access-date=15 August 2012}}</ref> Ghost, Ha!, and Silver Dragon.<ref>{{cite news|author=Constant, Paul |url=http://www.slweekly.com/index.cfm?do=article.details&id=9C1B9F58-14D1-13A2-9F0A483FCAB3951E |title=SLC Superheroes: The Black Monday Society keeps an eye out for street crime so you don't have to |work=[[Salt Lake City Weekly]] |date=May 1, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506203919/http://www.slweekly.com/index.cfm?do=article.details&id=9C1B9F58-14D1-13A2-9F0A483FCAB3951E |archive-date=May 6, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-real-life-superheroes-of-salt-lake-city-are-charmin-5798467|title=The real-life superheroes of Salt Lake City are charming and/or terrifying|last=Lamar|first=Cyriaque|date=5 April 2011|website=io9|language=en-US|access-date=23 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/26/us/crusaders-take-page-and-outfits-from-comics.html|title=Crusaders Take Page, and Outfits, From Comics|last=Johnson|first=Kirk|date=25 December 2011|work=The New York Times|access-date=23 May 2019|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> [[KSTU|Fox News Salt Lake City]] ran a story on the team as well.
-* ''The Jibsheet'' ran an article about a group of ten real-life superheroes in Seattle trying to help the homeless prevent their belongings from being stolen by gangs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thejibsheet.com/?p=4652|title=Homeless in Seattle: a struggle on the streets|last=Graber|first=Jeremy|date=14 February 2011|website=The Jibsheet|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816105053/http://www.thejibsheet.com/homeless-in-seattle-a-struggle-on-the-streets-4652|archive-date=16 August 2011|url-status=dead|access-date=23 May 2019}}</ref>
-* [[KSTP-TV]] reported on Razorhawk, Geist,<ref name="gq1" /> and the Great Lakes Hero Guild while they patrolled [[Minneapolis]]. The segment was re-broadcast nationally on ABC Overnight News.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://kstp.com/news/stories/S849976.shtml?cat=1|title=Meet real life Twin Cities super heroes|author1=O'Connell|first=Chris|date=25 March 2009|work=KSTP TV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090330122701/http://kstp.com/news/stories/S849976.shtml?cat=1|archive-date=30 March 2009|url-status=dead|last2=Muehlhausen|first2=Nicole}}</ref>
-*The Extreme Justice League, founded in 2006<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/10/29/in-san-diego-superheroes-patrol-the-streets/?noredirect=on|title=In San Diego superheroes patrol the streets|last=Kirkpatrick|first=Nick|date=29 October 2014|work=Washington Post|access-date=23 May 2019}}</ref> by Mr. Extreme, regularly patrols [[San Diego]]. Their duties include homeless outreach, safety patrols and attempting to de escalate fights. A registered non profit, they work with the local community and the police,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2016/jul/20/cover-people-have-attacked-us-it-didnt-end-well/|title=Xtreme Justice League – San Diego's vigilantes|last=Deal|first=Chad|date=20 July 2016|website=San Diego Reader|language=en|access-date=23 May 2019}}</ref> and have featured in several news stories.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/support-xtreme-justice-leagues-fight-for-the-homeless/509-d0e26322-dbf2-43b6-8303-9b08e7c19c33|title=Support Xtreme Justice League's fight for the homeless|date=6 December 2017|website=KFMB|access-date=23 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Xtreme-Justice-League-Patrols-Streets-of-North-Park-270677561.html|title='Xtreme Justice League' Seeks to Save North Park|last=Tagharobi|first=Sherene|last2=Adams|first2=Andie|date=10 August 2014|website=NBC 7 San Diego|language=en|access-date=23 May 2019}}</ref><ref name="sdtribune1" />
-*A ''[[Thrillist Media Group|Thrillist]]'' article on the world's first superhero training center called The Superhero Foundry in [[Las Vegas]] was published in August 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/las-vegas/superhero-foundry-how-to-be-a-superhero|title=This Superhero School Will Train You to Be a Legit Vigilante|last=Kachelriess|first=Rob|date=1 April 2019|website=Thrillist|access-date=23 May 2019}}</ref> The group, called the Guardians of Tomorrow, is a citywide neighborhood watch group created to address the concerns of mass shootings and felony crimes after the [[2017 Las Vegas shooting]] that happened across from the [[Mandalay Bay]] during a country music concert.{{Citation needed|reason=needs citation to show this is why the group was started, and possibly a news article to the story on the shooting|date=May 2019}}
 ==Reception==
-Police response to the actions of real life superheroes is typically negative.<ref>{{cite web |title=Real-life superhero movement growing, but not getting warm reception from police |first=Elizabeth |last=Flock |url=http://archives.reallifesuperheroes.org/2011/10/19/real-life-superhero-movement-growing-but-not-getting-warm-reception-from-police/ |publisher=Real Life Superheroes.org |date=October 19, 2011 |access-date=June 14, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202114415/http://archives.reallifesuperheroes.org/2011/10/19/real-life-superhero-movement-growing-but-not-getting-warm-reception-from-police/ |archive-date=February 2, 2014 }}</ref> An article from ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'' claims that the police "fear for the safety of these 'superheroes' and argue that sometimes they can get in the way of police work and become a liability".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/who-are-these-real-life-superheroes/article2237980/|title=Who are these real life superheroes?|last=Chowdhry|first=Affan|date=16 November 2011|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=14 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118022812/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/who-are-these-real-life-superheroes/article2237980/|archive-date=18 November 2011|location=Toronto}}</ref> Police have expressed concern that RLSH insert themselves into situations without knowing all the facts and indicate that this is "not a smart thing to do".<ref name=bbc1 /> Police have indicated that super heroes who physically involve themselves in preventing crimes are practicing vigilantism.<ref name="Copsnotfans"/>
+Police response to the actions of real life superheroes is typically negative.<ref>{{cite web |title=Real-life superhero movement growing, but not getting warm reception from police |first=Elizabeth |last=Flock |url=http://archives.reallifesuperheroes.org/2011/10/19/real-life-superhero-movement-growing-but-not-getting-warm-reception-from-police/ |publisher=Real Life Superheroes.org |date=October 19, 2011 |access-date=June 14, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202114415/http://archives.reallifesuperheroes.org/2011/10/19/real-life-superhero-movement-growing-but-not-getting-warm-reception-from-police/ |archive-date=February 2, 2014 }}</ref> An article from ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'' reports that the police "fear for the safety of these 'superheroes' and argue that sometimes they can get in the way of police work and become a liability".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/who-are-these-real-life-superheroes/article2237980/|title=Who are these real life superheroes?|last=Chowdhry|first=Affan|date=16 November 2011|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=14 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118022812/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/who-are-these-real-life-superheroes/article2237980/|archive-date=18 November 2011|location=Toronto}}</ref> Police have expressed concern that RLSH insert themselves into situations without knowing all the facts and indicate that this is "not a smart thing to do".<ref name=bbc1 /> Police have indicated that super heroes who physically involve themselves in preventing crimes are practicing vigilantism.<ref name="Copsnotfans">{{cite news |title=Cops not fans of real-life superheroes |url=http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2009/01/18/Cops_not_fans_of_real-life_superheroes/UPI-64571232303637/ |work=[[United Press International]] |date=January 18, 2009 |access-date=June 14, 2012}}</ref>
-Different organisations have used the concept of the real-life superhero for other purposes. In Austria, the artist collective [[:de:qujOchÖ|qujOchÖ]] created Miss Magnetiq as a parody of the real-life superhero phenomenon. Together with her companions Nickel, Cobalt and Mangan, Miss Magnetiq tries to protect the city of [[Linz]] from catastrophe but always fails.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://qujochoe.org/miss-magnetiq-a-new-superheroine-is-born|title=Miss Magnetiq. Eine neue Superheldin ist geboren|date=17 September 2014|website=qujOchÖ|language=de|trans-title=Miss Magnetique. A new superheroine is born.|access-date=23 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tips.at/news/linz/land-leute/297829-neue-helden-braucht-die-stadt|title=Neue Helden braucht die Stadt|last=Affenzeller|first=Jürgen|date=23 September 2014|website=TIPS|language=de|trans-title=New heroes need the city|access-date=23 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crossingeurope.at/program/programm2013/film.html?movie%3D5609%26L%3D1|title=Miss Magnetiq: Die Stahlstadt als elektromagnetisches Feld|website=Crossing Europe|trans-title=Miss Magnetiq: The steel city as an electromagnetic field|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713022137/http://www.crossingeurope.at/program/programm2013/film.html?movie=5609&L=1|archive-date=13 July 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=11 July 2015}}</ref>
+Different organizations have used the concept of the real-life superhero for other purposes. In Austria, the artist collective [[:de:qujOchÖ|qujOchÖ]] created Miss Magnetiq as a parody of the real-life superhero phenomenon. Together with her companions Nickel, Cobalt and Mangan, Miss Magnetiq tries to protect the city of [[Linz]] from catastrophe but always fails.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://qujochoe.org/miss-magnetiq-a-new-superheroine-is-born|title=Miss Magnetiq. Eine neue Superheldin ist geboren|date=17 September 2014|website=qujOchÖ|language=de|trans-title=Miss Magnetique. A new superheroine is born.|access-date=23 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tips.at/news/linz/land-leute/297829-neue-helden-braucht-die-stadt|title=Neue Helden braucht die Stadt|last=Affenzeller|first=Jürgen|date=23 September 2014|website=TIPS|language=de|trans-title=New heroes need the city|access-date=23 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crossingeurope.at/program/programm2013/film.html?movie%3D5609%26L%3D1|title=Miss Magnetiq: Die Stahlstadt als elektromagnetisches Feld|website=Crossing Europe|trans-title=Miss Magnetiq: The steel city as an electromagnetic field|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713022137/http://www.crossingeurope.at/program/programm2013/film.html?movie=5609&L=1|archive-date=13 July 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=11 July 2015}}</ref>
-Real-life superheroes have also been used for publicity and marketing campaigns. Super Vaclav was a 2011 promotional figure for a Czech webhosting company.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.idnes.cz/zpravy/domaci/kampan-supervaclav-si-objednal-registrator-internetovych-domen.A111031_140354_domaci_jj|title=SuperVáclav končí, za kampaní stál registrátor webových domén|date=31 October 2011|website=iDNES.cz|language=cs|trans-title=SuperVáclav ends, web domain registrar behind the campaign|access-date=29 May 2019}}</ref> Purporting to combat the antisocial behavior of [[Prague]] citizens, the company released YouTube videos featuring him pouring buckets of water on individuals smoking near public transport stops and assaulting dog owners with their own animal's excrement left behind in parks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BIIdMU8G2c|title=Meet SuperVaclav Czech Masked SuperHero|publisher=YouTube|access-date=2011-10-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.novinky.cz/koktejl/246525-prahou-obchazi-novy-hrdina-supervaclav-a-nekompromisne-tresta-prestupky.html|title=Prahou obchází nový hrdina - SuperVáclav, a nekompromisně trestá přestupky|last=Cmíralová|first=Michaela|date=5 October 2011|website=Novinky.cz|language=cs|trans-title=A new hero - SuperVáclav - bypasses Prague and punishes offenses without compromise|access-date=29 May 2019}}</ref> While garnering many views, the campaign did not appear to translate into takeup of the webhost being advertised.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.e15.cz/byznys/ostatni/atl-btl-integrovana-komunikace-943641|title=ATL + BTL = integrovaná komunikace|last=Pavlinova|first=Alsbeta|date=4 January 2013|website=E15.cz|language=cs|access-date=29 May 2019}}</ref> Metro Woman was a short-lived publicity stunt in 2005 intended to gather support for the Washington purple line metro project.<ref>Miller, Mitchell. [http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=30&sid=492563 'Metro Woman' Enlisted to Help Purple Line] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010163123/http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=30&sid=492563|date=2007-10-10}}, [[WTOP-FM]]. Published April 6, 2005.</ref>
+Real-life superheroes have also been used for publicity and marketing campaigns. Super Vaclav was a 2011 promotional figure for a Czech webhosting company.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.idnes.cz/zpravy/domaci/kampan-supervaclav-si-objednal-registrator-internetovych-domen.A111031_140354_domaci_jj|title=SuperVáclav končí, za kampaní stál registrátor webových domén|date=31 October 2011|website=iDNES.cz|language=cs|trans-title=SuperVáclav ends, web domain registrar behind the campaign|access-date=29 May 2019}}</ref> Purporting to combat the antisocial behavior of [[Prague]] citizens, the company released YouTube videos featuring him pouring buckets of water on individuals smoking near public transport stops and assaulting dog owners with their own animal's excrement left behind in parks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.novinky.cz/koktejl/246525-prahou-obchazi-novy-hrdina-supervaclav-a-nekompromisne-tresta-prestupky.html|title=Prahou obchází nový hrdina - SuperVáclav, a nekompromisně trestá přestupky|last=Cmíralová|first=Michaela|date=5 October 2011|website=Novinky.cz|language=cs|trans-title=A new hero - SuperVáclav - bypasses Prague and punishes offenses without compromise|access-date=29 May 2019}}</ref> While garnering many views, the campaign did not appear to translate into takeup of the webhost being advertised.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.e15.cz/byznys/ostatni/atl-btl-integrovana-komunikace-943641|title=ATL + BTL = integrovaná komunikace|last=Pavlinova|first=Alsbeta|date=4 January 2013|website=E15.cz|language=cs|access-date=29 May 2019}}</ref> Metro Woman was a short-lived publicity stunt in 2005 intended to gather support for the Washington [[Purple Line (Maryland)|Purple Line]] metro project.<ref>Miller, Mitchell. [http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=30&sid=492563 {{"'}}Metro Woman' Enlisted to Help Purple Line"] ({{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010163123/http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=30&sid=492563|date=2007-10-10}}), [[WTOP-FM]]. Published April 6, 2005.</ref>
 ==Fictional depictions==
+While superheroes in the strict sense are characters with superhuman powers, superhero fiction depicting vigilantes with no such powers have long been part of the genre, notably with ''[[Batman]]'' and ''[[Iron Man]]''. Such characters are also known as "costumed crime fighters" or "masked vigilantes". With the development of the real-life superhero community, there have also been more realistic depictions of masked vigilantes in fiction performing the actions of real-life superheroes, such as in the comedy films ''[[Hero at Large]]'', ''[[Super (2010 American film)|Super]]'' and ''[[Blankman]]'', and the comic book ''[[Kick-Ass (comic book)|Kick-Ass]]'' and its film adaptations. The concept has also been depicted in television series, including a story arc in the second season of ''[[Hill Street Blues]]'' (featuring a delusional man who believes himself to be a superhero and calls himself "Captain Freedom")<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leland |first=Jebadiah |title=Greatest Moments in History: Freedom's Last Stand |url=https://unobtainium13.com/2020/10/30/great-moments-in-television-history-freedoms-last-stand/ |website=Through The Shattered Lens |date=31 October 2020 }}</ref> and the ''[[Hawaii Five-0 (2010 TV series, season 9)|Hawaii Five-0]]'' episode "Mai Ka Po Mai Ka 'oia'i'o (Truth Comes from the Night)".<ref>{{Cite web |last=McGarrigle |first=Dale |date=November 30, 2018 |title=''Hawaii Five-0'' Season 9 Review: 'Mai ka po mai ka ‘oia’i’o (Truth Comes from Night)' |url=https://www.tvfanatic.com/2018/11/hawaii-five-0-season-9-episode-9-review-mai-ka-po-mai-ka-oiaio-t/ |website=TVFanatic}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hawaii Five-0, Season 9 Episode 9, 'Truth Comes from the Night - Recap' |url=https://www.tvfanatic.com/shows/hawaii-five-0/episodes/season-9/mai-ka-po-mai-ka-oiaio-truth-comes-from-the-night/ |website=TVFanatic |date=30 November 2018 }}</ref>
-{{Unreferenced section|date=September 2019}}
-While superheroes in the strict sense are characters with superhuman powers, superhero fiction depicting vigilantes with no such powers have long been part of the genre, notably with ''[[Batman]]'' and ''[[Iron Man]]''. Such characters are also known as "costumed crime fighters" or "masked vigilantes". With the development of the real-life superhero community, there have also been more realistic depictions of masked vigilantes in fiction performing the actions of real-life superheroes, such as in the comedy films ''[[Hero at Large]]'' and ''[[Blankman]]'', and the comic book ''[[Kick-Ass (comic book)|Kick-Ass]]'' and its film adaptations. The concept has also been depicted in television series, including the ''[[Bones (TV series)|Bones]]'' episode "[[The Superhero in the Alley]]," the ''[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation]]'' episode "Hero to Zero," and the ''[[NCIS (TV series)|NCIS]]'' episode "Secrets."
+==List of real-life superheroes==
+{{main|List of real-life superheroes}}
 == See also ==
@@ Line 145: / Line 25: @@
 == References ==
+{{Reflist|30em}}
-{{Reflist|30em}}https://patch.com/michigan/dearborn/classifieds/announcements/142796/dearborns-own-real-life-superhero
 ==External links==
@@ Line 155: / Line 35: @@
 [[Category:Real-life superheroes| ]]
 [[Category:Comics fandom]]
-[[Category:Film and video fandom]]
+[[Category:Film fandom]]
 [[Category:Fandom]]