Real-life superhero: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Person dressing up in a superhero costume}} |
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[[File:Super_Barrio_290706.jpg|thumb|alt=Superbarrio Gómez in Mexico City|Real-life superhero Superbarrio Gómez]] |
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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> |
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Early examples of this type of |
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> |
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==Reception== |
==Reception== |
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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/ | |
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> |
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Different |
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> |
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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 |
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> |
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==Fictional depictions== |
==Fictional depictions== |
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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 a story arc in the second season of ''[[Hill Street Blues]]'' (featuring a delusional man who believes to be a superhero and calls himself "Captain Freedom")<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leland |first=Jebadiah |title=Greatest Moments |
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> |
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==List of real-life superheroes== |
==List of real-life superheroes== |
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[[Category:Comics fandom]] |
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[[Category:Film |
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Latest revision as of 01:56, 28 November 2024
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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "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.