Lightstep knew something wasn't right with the guy.

He was just off... In a way that made Lightstep (who prefers to remain gender-less) feel somebody had to step in.

So Lightstep engaged with the man, asking what he was doing and why he was so agitated. Eventually the man said he was "going to kill someone." Revealing the gun he was planning to do it with turned the situation very real, very quickly.

The encounter ended with the gun-wielding man apprehended by the police.

All in a night's work for a Real Life Super Hero, or RLSH.

Lightstep is just one of Montreal's RLSH. Using a costume, body armour, and a mask, Lightstep patrols the streets of Montreal in the name of justice and, more typically, harm reduction.

According to Theresa Bianco, a psychology professor at Concordia University, the costume is a key element of Lightstep's work.

"The costume really helps break down barriers. It creates an opportunity for an open and non-threatening exchange, particularly when working with individuals who might be marginalized or disenfranchised."

On patrol on the streets of Montreal (Julia Jones)

Lightstep dedicates many evenings to easing the lives of the less fortunate.

Occasionally, Lightstep is called in to keep the peace and talk people out of committing crimes.

Working the streets of downtown Montreal, though, it more likely means handing out crack pipes - so addicts don't burn their mouths - and performing first aid on people who don't or can't access health care.

First aid for those who are unable to access the health-care system (Julian Ballester)

Lightstep says "extreme altruism" is behind their work; it's a way of combating what they see as a climate of terror around those who call the street their home.

Lightstep also distributes healthy fresh dinners to those in need. It's their fourth year of keeping the streets of Gotham –er, Montreal– safe and fed, with an estimated 20,000 meals served, always in costume.

On the street, Lightstep is met with hellos, cheers, occasional violence... and the odd hug.

Lightstep's name was inspired by one particular act of kindness. The idea occurred when a woman saw Lightstep handing out food and approached to ask for help getting home. On the way, Lightstep says they were approached five times by guys in cars asking her to get in and party with them. It made Lightstep acutely aware of the plight of everyone - homeless or not - in the big city.

These days, the police call Lightstep by name - and point them in the direction of people that could use help. Perhaps the Lightstep "Bat Signal" isn't far away.

Hear Lightstep's story by clicking the 'listen' button above, then collect the trading card.