Men In Tights, Real Life Superheroes

New year, new sarcasm… although I’m not sure what to make of this, the World Superhero Registry.   Apparently inspired by comic books and movies, there are people in this world who dress up in homemade costumes and attempt to right wrongs.   Unlike the people who dress up and just do kinky things behind closed doors, but I digress.

These self appointed guardians of justice are fighting gangs and trying to avoid comparisons to Ben Stiller’s Mystery Men.  The Times interviewed Citizen Prime a costumed crimefighter from Phoenix who considers himself a “Real” or real superhero.  The newspaper noted:

Prime patrols some of the most dangerous streets in Phoenix but, like most Reals, is reluctant to speak about the villains he has dispatched with a blow from his martial arts-honed forearm. He does admit helping a motorist change a flat tyre.

“Kids love the costume, so I seek to keep them out of the gangs today rather than take them on tomorrow,” said Prime who, at 41, regards himself as on the mature wing of the Real community.

He is worried about lunatics and hotheads. He says he would never act like the Black Monday Society in Salt Lake City who interrupt drug deals in public parks and face off against armed thugs.

I’m jaded, I think “superhero” then I want somebody with Bill Gates’ money and Bruce Lee’s moves putting on a cape and beating up criminals.

Or I think of females with impossible anatomical proportions, a Barbie ninja hybrid if you will.

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And don’t get me started on the objectification and exploitation of women in comic books, yes its prevalent but its a topic for another day.  If you don’t believe me check out Women In Refrigerators.

I find it hearting that there are people trying to make a difference, I just don’t know that they need a pair of tights to do it.  Maybe if the costumes were better.