Dashing valiantly through the shadowed streets of the crime-strewn metropolitan steel jungles taking on the vile scum of the urban night, defending the homeless, and protecting the neighborhoods, these stalwart crime fighters do more than just take justice into their own hands. Every night holds not only a patrol to bring law to the lawless, but a chance to help those in need, keep the streets clean, raise money for charities, and inspire every person they happen to meet.

As a society they call themselves the Real Life Superheroes (RLSH), and they’ve banded together just like their comic book inspirations in the goal of making the world (well at least their part of it) a safer place to live. Check out the members of this unique group…

(The true identities of the following registered Superheroes are protected. Though many of these individuals have revealed their true identities to the world, it is not for this humble author to do so.)

Name: Civitron

Jurisdiction: New Bedford, Massachusetts

Status: Registered RLSH

Classification: Social Activist

Name: Life

Jurisdiction: New York City, New York

Status: Registered RLSH

Classification: Social Activist/Hero Support

Name: Dark Guardian

Jurisdiction: New York City, New York

Status: Registered RLSH

Classification: Crime Fighter

Name: Phantom Zero

Jurisdiction: Unrevealed, New Jersey

Status: Registered RLSH

Classification: Public Servant/Social Activist

Name: Agent Null

Jurisdiction: Portland, Oregon

Status: Registered RLSH

Classification: Crime Fighter/Public Servant

Name: Nyx

Jurisdiction: Unrevealed, New Jersey

Status: Registered RLSH

Classification: Protector

Name: Mr. Raven Blade

Jurisdiction: Seattle, Washington

Status: Registered RLSH

Classification: Detective/Crime Fighter/Public Servant

Name: Captain Black

Jurisdiction: Savannah, Georgia

Status: Registered RLSH

Classification: Social Activist

Name: Knight Vigil

Jurisdiction: Tampa Bay, Florida

Status: Registered RLSH

Classification: Public Servant

Name: Anubis

Jurisdiction: Unrevealed, North Carolina

Status: Unregistered

Classification: Currently Unknown

Name: The Watchman

Jurisdiction: Unrevealed, Wisconsin

Status; Registered RLSH

Classification: Crime Fighter

Name: Shadow Hare

Jurisdiction: Cincinnati, Ohio

Status: Unregistered

Classification: Crime Fighter

Name: Mr. Silent

Jurisdiction: Indianapolis, Indiana

Status: Registered RLSH

Classification: Crime Fighter

Name: Zetaman

Jurisdiction: Portland, Oregon

Status: Registered RLSH

Classification: Public Servant/Hero Support

Name: Polar Man

Jurisdiction: Iqaluit, Canada

Status: Registered RLSH

Classification: Social Activist

Each with their own chevron emblazoned upon their costume, brilliantly shining in the night, these heroes don’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk every night in their hometowns. They ensure the safety of the weak, education of the youth, and the future of not only society but of their families and loved ones too. To many observers they are just a bunch of wannabe do-gooders who couldn’t make it as cops, dressing up and running around at night with pipe-dreams of glory and fame, metallic symbols glittering in the street lights.

Truth be told, if they wanted fame, they probably wouldn’t be putting themselves in harms way, risking life and limb, night-in and night out. All to make their homes better places for not only themselves, but others. Most importantly, for those who cannot. Yeah the costumes may be a little goofy, but the truth is they have put their lives on the line. Some having even been shot at and forced to defend themselves on a regular basis.

For more information on these and other Real Life Superheroes you can visit their official sites:

http://www.reallifesuperheroes.org

http://www.superheroesanonymous.com

There you can also check out updates as to what these caped crusaders are doing, view the online registry, read about what it means to be a superhero, and exactly how you too can make a difference in your community and maybe one day…the world. I for one, am inspired.

Kudos to you public servants. Now go kick some ass!

-Jarod Warren