There is something magical about superheroes that enchants and captivates us, but what if we told you that beyond life as we are know it, there are REAL-LIFE heroes that kit themselves in a costume and hit the streets hard to make the world a safer place for everyone…
Seattle resident Phoenix Jones is a masked, costumed crime-fighter that has seen his fair share of action through the years. He has a large following and has had a sizeable amount of media exposure, even appearing in GQ Magazine. By day he runs a foster care service for autistic youngsters, but by night he dons his costume and takes to the streets to serve and protect. Legally born Ben Fodor, he took to crime fighting after his car was first burgled and then he later saw his friend getting assaulted. Fed-up of crime, Ben jumped into action immediately by putting on a mask he had in his glove compartment, ripping off his shirt and apprehending his friend’s attacker. He subdued the assailant until the police arrived and gave his statement under the pseudonym Phoenix Jones and it was during that moment when his crime fighting alter ego was born. Working as Phoenix Jones sure does have its occupational hazards, but Ben Fodor actually had a highly successful amateur mixed martial arts career, so from battling in the cage, he has made the switch to battling on the streets. He dons a super-suit that has a built in chest plate for added protection. Jones’s heroic exploits have placed him in many hair-raising scenarios but still he fights the good fight.
One of Florida’s most endearing and intriguing residents is the social activist and real-life superhero known as Master Legend. He has spoken out about experiencing incidents of molestation when he was a child. Today he has become plague to wrong doers and societal hazards. His crime fighting ways have attracted mass attention from many in the public eye. Rolling Stone Magazine featured him when they ran an extensive piece on American super-heroes and he also appears in the documentary, “Your Favourite Neighbourhood Hero.” Apart from foiling criminal activity, Master Legend is actually quite the philanthropist. He helps forgotten veterans and the homeless by distributing food, clothing and toys. Some condemn him for enabling homelessness but it is obvious that his heart is in the right place. Master Legend wears an armoured costume and carries a high-voltage tazer and lays claim to over 1000 fights. His effort to clean up the streets earned him an award from the police in recognition of his bravery.
Another superhero that deserves a mention is the mysterious Urban Avenger from San Diego. He stands for justice for all and does not take kindly to people who break the law. This brave crime fighter has been a great crime deterrent. When he engages in night-time patrols he arms himself with various tools including a flashlight, rescue knife and a stun gun. Urban Avenger has been vocal about his stance on crime on several blogs. “Primarily I am a crime fighter, but I believe in helping out wherever and whenever I possibly can. The world cannot change if we do not contribute somewhere. The mask means nothing if the man behind it does not act.” – Urban Avenger.
We have only outlined a few of these superheroes, but apparently there are several costumed fighters around the world that are taking a proactive stance against crime. In America alone, an estimated 200 plus costumed heroes patrol the streets in a bid to put out fires wherever they can. Many of them form alliances and battle crime together. The US can possibly lay claim that they have a diluted facsimile of the Justice League of America. They may be dismissed as nuts, but their crusade is definitely something that is praiseworthy. As mere observers, I suppose we are not in a place to state otherwise…
