I've actually been thinking about this for some time as well. I noticed those particular "superheroes" you mentioned, and I have to say that while they try, they're pretty lame. I've given it some thought, and I've decided that I would try my hand at becoming a vigilante when I become older. I'm a 2nd degree black belt in karate, so I can defend myself and I know how to fight. I know this whole idea sounds stupid, but I'm just replying to the topic :). Training starts this summer...

P.S. spider-man 2 does look badass!

So if...I'm sorry...WHEN you become a superhero, what will your name be? All the other names are corny, so it has to be cool. Yes, I'm excited to see spiderman 2 but probably more excited to play the game that's coming out around the same time.

I lije it

I have also often wondered why no one has tried helping out the police or something like that, and I have also thought of trying it my-self. I am a 2nd degree Black-Belt ( Like the person up their -funny- ) In kung-Fu and a rising Green-belt in Karate. The only problem in this would be tecnology and money, but I guess I have plenty of time to think of something. I think I would pick a simple name like, Scorpion !

It can be done. I know Iv'e done it. As far as the gadgets it's not hard to get them if someone ows you a favor.

I'm only a red belt in karate but I would love to got around helping people - there are definately more than a few bad neighborhoods around where I live. I've been training alot harder lately (going for yellow belt in october!! yay!!) and my friend and I have been contemplating the idea ALOT. We can make our own weapons easily but the only problem is getting the project off the proverbial ground.

P.S I saw Spidey-2 on the second day it was out and I was truly inspired also the CGI and effects kicked major octo-butt! (I also managed to use my powers to sneek a McDonald's breakfast of pancakes and sausage into the cinema with me! I ate it during the trailers!)

ahhhh nooooooooooooooo

I'm back again with nothing better to do. But can you guys believe that they arrested Batman and Robin after they infiltrated Buckingham Palace. We Brits are truly insane (when it's for a good cause!). I saw all the action from my sofa and couldn't believe that he'd lasted an entire SIX hours stood up there on his own after they caught Robin as they were scaling the walls. These guys are real heros.

P.S. Mystery Men kicks ass too!

The link didn't come through. Try again. I'm curious.

Sorry guys the link didn't work - but if you check out the new link then you should be able to find the link in the search engine - Key word: fathers 4 justice

I have actually patrolled my neighborhood by myself - Did not have too much happen except for me scaring two kids with baseball bats - I don't know what they were up to but they went back to where they came from and did not carry out what they were going to do.

If you are interested like some have showed in becoming in a way a superhero which in our day do not exist - but a vigilante which is more suitable a name please e-mail me and possibly if you live nearby we can work together or even if not we can share ideas.

E-mail me at chrischaosvas@aol.com

Why be the hero, when you've obviously got the know how to be the villan.

. . .well, that wasn't the first response I was expecting. . .

I feel kind of embarassed now about throwing all that out there. It's just, where do you vent about something like this? Who'd understand, you know? I've been checking this page just waiting to see if anyone replied.

But you want to hear something funny? That's occurred to me before, too. I mean, look at it from an "Unbreakable" perspective. My head is larger than a normal person's should be. It's noticeable, I've had a lot of people ask me about it (including a naval petty officer during a brief stint where I thought I should be a soldier, funny story). And I have beautiful, blue eyes that are slightly larger than the other characters, too. I'm obsessed with heroing, and torn up about it not being real. I'm prone to disregarding laws and religions because I think they're just man-made things, and whatever a person does doesn't matter in the universal scale of things. I've got a slight megalomaniacal streak. Despite a very muscular body, over the past few years I've developed a lower back problem that had me unable to walk for two weeks back in 2002, just because I twisted the wrong way standing up. And damn the Scriptwriters if my high school football team wasn't called "the Warriors", too. And I injured my wrist and had surgery at 17 that stopped me from weightlifting two hours every day, and I've never been back into it the same since.

There was a time, a few years back, that my best friend from high school told me over the phone that she'd switched from only being a smoker and drinker to weed and harder drugs. I nearly had a breakdown the next morning in an IHOP with my family, sobbing all over my pancakes. Later that day, I was just storming around, and wishing I could invent something that would just make alcohol and drugs poisonous to humans - you use it, you die, instantly, no cures. And I remember thinking, "I wonder if this is how supervillains get their start?" How many villains do you know that really thought they were the bad guy?

It's even occurred to me that a person could buy a large warehouse, and spend years outfitting it with traps and death-dealing devices without anyone else knowing, and then do something bad to lead the cops to it, but only in the end have it set up so that someone comic-book-heroish could get through and catch you. *Force* a hero to rise, sort of like Elijah did, even if it means you have to be the bad guy.

But. . .I don't know. It's all up in the air. I think it's just the choices you make in life. I've been on both sides, just like everybody else is in smaller, less garish ways that don't require a matching cape. Square jaw, big head, I guess it's just the one you choose to pay attention to.

Okay, I promise, no more super-long-winded replies. I don't want to eat up this entire page. Thanks for reading.

I know how you feel. There are always those questions and sometimes I feel like comics like Marvel, DC and Dark Horse have made us a promise of realism with the depth of their characters - then I realise that I'm an idio for thinking that. I know they're not responsible. I also think it would be awesome to be an actor as a superhero - then you'd have yourself saving people on screen with all the wire work and stuff! I also agree that capes suck! They look great but still suck! I really wish there was something that people like us can do but there isn't...yet. Maybe WE NEED to start something. Something big...
P.S. Check out the link it might help. Got my yellow belt! Going for Green!

I'm sorry, Madaline, what link? The Battle Orders one under your name? I'm not sure how it applies. :)

www.battleorders.co.uk - it sells weapons and training stuff if you click on the name it should take you to it, if not just copy and paste.

Thanks. . .I'm just glad I did a little more research online about non lethal weapons before I spent a bunch more money. Apparently stun guns aren't all they're cracked up to be, although Tasers still seem to be strongly favored, unless they miss and you use up your one shot. And pepper sprays seem to be unpopular, too. I found dozens of accounts from online people who tested things on themselves and weren't even remotely disabled by them. One guy recounted an ongoing story of a customer at his gun store he knew that just bought a Myotron, and the guy took the Myotron from him and tested it on himself, through clothing, bare-chested, all of it, with barely any effect. "Designed for the FBI" indeed. Doesn't mean the FBI actually uses it, or asked for it.

I've been thinking more about what you said about needing to start something. . .I can't help feeling that if just one person managed to do this stuff, there are hundreds of people ready to follow suit, who just needed that extra push. Of course, then comes the bad with the good, and you've got a lot of nutjobs doing it too. I've also thought a lot about the "alternative" ways of doing it, like the Video Vigilante that films prostitution in action and performs citizens' arrests, or cyber vigilantes that go after child pornographers. No masks, just brave people making a difference one case at a time. After all, in real life, there's no such thing as patrolling rooftops and happening upon a crime in progress (not as often as they do in the comics, certainly). I know that law enforcement agencies almost universally discourage this sort of citizen involvement, because of the safety and legality issues concerned in trusting untrained people not to be stupid and get themselves or others hurt. But it's funny to think that if someone like that makes it on the news, a lot of people will probably think, "What makes them think they have the right to try to fight crime like that?" When really, they never should have forgotten that *everyone* has the right.

People are fickle. Like those dudes who watch the football on sunday and scream at the players for not doing something right - yet not having the balls to play the game for themselves. e.g. "don't fight crime like this, do it like that because we wear blue hats." People don't think like they do in the comic book world - no one takes vigilantes seriously enough to trust people like us. Remember - Laws are like eggs - they're made to be broken... or at least bent enough to find loop-holes.
Did any of that make sense?

P.S. Self testing, although dangerous, does cut costs on human guinea pigs!

When you really think about it, it's kind of ironic to be truthful. Because of all these laws etc. the heroes (if caught) will be, treated as the very criminals we want to stop in the first place. It's a weird world out there...

After some very heavy thought the past few days, I finally came to a very liberating conclusion. There has not been a *single day* in at least 10 years that I haven't thought about wanting more than anything to do this. (Before that, it's spotty. I don't know what I thought about when I was 3. :) But what I decided was, hell with it. I'm doing this, no matter what happens. I'll go further into debt, I'll risk my health, life, freedom and sanity to chase this crazy dream. Because I don't want to be sitting in my house when I'm 75, and wishing I had taken the chance back when I was 25, instead of choosing to live afraid forever. And I feel so happy right now to have finally just let go and made the choice. Nervous, but happy. :) I think I've got a good plan laid out. We'll see how it works out. If it does, I probably won't be back here again. I'll still check in, though. Wish me luck!

You seem so passionate about all of this. It seems like being a fire fighter or police officer would be something you would be suited for. So the question is, why not? Is it the target incident. That you would become too passionate to your work and end up in some sort of Legal trouble? The police officer would be just punishing people again, so I could understand why you wouldn’t want that. But a fire fighter would be helping people. It may not be the glamorous super - hero thing, but it seems like it would be helping people. It sounds like something you should at least check into, maybe. I just recently had a co-worker leave to be a fire-fighter, he had been trying for years to become one, and when he finally left he was happier. That may be irrelevant, but it just seemed that he was happier with the job helping people. Plus it seems that fire-fighting would be able to help you in some ways to at least get closer to what you are wanting. Or is it because of your back that your not able to try the fire-fighting thing?
*Well, anywaz, I hope you find what your searching for.*
Good Luck in what you are trying, and be careful. :)

Thanks for the response. . .and actually, both of those had crossed my mind before, and you hit the nail on the head with each one. I couldn't stand being a cop, because almost your entire job is to punish people. Too many rules, too much structure, and for good reason, but obviously, the system doesn't work. There are too few cops against the entire human race, and I think people need to know that there's something beyond the law that can still get them. As for firefighting, yeah, I am kind of worried about my back, as it would be a full time job and I don't want to pop suddenly when I'm carrying a victim from a burning building. The nice thing about vigilantism is that you really can pick your battles, and then take as much time to get healthy again in between as you need. Besides, I don't deal well with heat. :) I've grown up in almost exclusively cold places, and Texas summers alone sap the strength out of me. But my older brother has been a firefighter for about 8 years now, for the military. Ironically, he hardly ever fights fires, most of their calls are emergency medical situations. But I don't want to be an EMT, either.

I think. . .I think it's the whole anonymity thing. It's the feeling of being free to do what you have to and not worry about the legal system or crooks getting off on stupid technicalities or what the public will think of you after they see your face and name on every news channel later that night. Any time I've considered alternative, legal careers to try to satisfy my dream, they always come up short. It just feels like this is what I'm supposed to be doing with my life. And ever since I gave in to that feeling when I made my choice, I have been so happy. My life feels like it's been thrown into sharp, clear color. I have been working hard and making things move since then, although I'll skip out on the details here. I've already said quite a bit about myself, so I'd rather stay semi-anonymous and therefore out of jail, thank you. :)

Children, put on your tights, and give 'em hell.

I just hope that you don’t turn villain. You said it yourself, looking for real life super hero’s there just are not that many. But I’m sure there are more than enough villains to go around.

Although one other thing seems ironic to me, this:
“and whatever a person does doesn't matter in the universal scale of things.”

Do you really mean something like this, when you obviously have so much passion for the real life hero thing. I guess I’m not even really sure what I’m asking, It’s just that from the sound of things, you really want to try to make a difference, but at the same time, you can’t possibly mean this, right?

No villains! And Good Luck. :)
Fanboys growing up to be villians is such a sad story! Lol. ;)

No, I promise I won't turn villain. :) Of course, a really *clever* villain would say exactly that. . .hmm. . .you'll just have to take my word on it.

As for the universal scale of things, it's a tricky one for me. . .I think most problems people stress about are ridiculous, when you finally get a mental grasp of just how unbelievably huge the universe is compared to you. We are subatomic-sized creatures riding around on our atom-planet and getting angry because another subatom-chain pulled its car in front of ours at an inopportune moment. Or there's the "Silent Earth" theory I think about. . .an atom bomb goes off in a city, killing millions. The world is horrified. Everything changes, globally. Now jump to the surface of Jupiter. You might see a bright flash coming from Earth, but you wouldn't hear anything, airless space, right? Now to the edge of the Milky Way. You don't see anything, or hear anything. Now a few galaxies over. You don't even know our galaxy exists. At the outer edges of the humongous universe, the Earth is comparatively the size of an atom, or less. That's why I always get amused when every alien we run into in movies and TV is the same size that we are. We have a conditioned, egocentric view of everything that we can't help. But when was the last time you worried about one of your atoms losing an electron? This theory makes me think that (any religious or metaphysical views aside) the universe *does not care* what we're doing down here. No good, no bad, just whatever a person does or doesn't do. Emotions, morals and so on are solely based on our survival instincts, and the things that interfere with them. Good and bad are based completely on the perception of the one perceiving them. Since he lost, Hitler was a monster who killed and experimented on helpless humans. If he won, Hitler was a hero who just wanted to make everyone the best they could be, the perfect race. See? You find a dollar, that's good. The person that lost that dollar thinks its bad. Same event, two perceptions. And so on, with everything.

But, on the other hand, and this is something I only realized a week ago, I will probably never see the edges of the universe. I'm down here, for life. So the things around me have to matter. It's all I'll ever have. To refer to "Watchmen" again, Dr. Manhattan changed his mind about life and its inherent miraculousness, and decided that there were so many miracles going on all around us, all the time, that we forgot they were miracles. That *this* atom would strike *that* one and form this particular life that affects that one, and so on in an ever-weaving ripple pattern on the pool, is unbelievable to think about. Maybe there still is no good or bad, but there is always choice, and how you feel about that choice. So I'm going to fight, and I'm going to help people, no matter how strange it seems.

PS, I saw the picture in that English newspaper of Batman and Robin at the sports arena, after chasing off the streakers. Those guys are awesome! And it made me think, I could always wear a costume under my clothes, just in case someone needs help. . .you never know. :)

Well, Even if it is strange, You should be glad you have a dream. That in at least some ways can be met, it sounds like. I grew up dreaming of one thing, and when I got older I realized that I didn't want that at all. It wasn't just that I lost I dream, but in reality I never had one to begin with. With each failure I've faced, it's become more difficult for me to find a new dream. I dunno, I guess I'm just slightly venting now. Anywaz, thanks for replying.

It's a shame Nighthawk was taken, that would've been an awesome name. :)

And one more thing, I found a few more articles using vigilantes rather than real life super heroes. I’m sure you’ve already figured that out, but just in case. ;)

Hey Hero - I e-mailed you - hit me up - I would like to talk

Hey Chaos, yeah, I e-mailed you back. Should be there shortly. :)

And Angel, thanks for the encouragement. Same to everyone else. As far as the Nighthawk name goes, it's not like Marvel could sue me unless they found me first. :) But I definitely think I've come up with a better one. Or two. You never know. It's funny to think, but real-life-practical costume requirements can change the entire identity you were aiming for, and skew you off onto a different one. I'm still curious how a concealable bulletproof vest will look under spandex, and should be finding out in the next few weeks, my new creditors willing.

I can't help wondering if the gracious Mr. Schmidt has been keeping tabs on this ongoing conversation, and how he feels about it.

Actually I have been keeping tabs and reading every last word. Honestly, I'm not in the same boat. My wish is more along the lines of telekinesis and/or flying both of which are impossible. Therefore, it's simply a "man that would be cool" kind of thing rather than what you're going through. Anyway, its late so I can't write much. Take care and if I see you on the news, let's just hope it's for doing something good.

Happy Turkey Day, everybody!

Happy Turkey Day to you too!!! What's a turkey day?

You know. . .up at 6, peck some corn, mill around, stare at things, some light squawking and then back to bed at dusk.

Oh you mean like a chicken's day. Well, whatever lights your candle! I hope you had fun doing that all day.

Madaline: Just to make sure, you do know I was talking about Thanksgiving, right? :)

me: Actually, I've been discussing that with one or two people. Even one person fighting the good fight in any major city is more than before.

I haven't stopped back in a bit just because of the holiday, but I'm still raring to go. Minor setback, the credit got denied, but I make enough salary that I can save in the meantime for the things I need. And I really appreciate the people who have contacted me. . .this has turned into a very cool experience all around, because so many people seem to share the same dream.

I'll be in touch as developments continue. Here's an interesting thought to puzzle over: Rorschach's mask is two layers of clear plastic-material with viscous fluid in between them, right?

So how does he breathe? :) Anyone who's had to wear just a spandex mask knows how labored that can get. Just another example of where comics have to cut off and real life design has to step in. :)

Hero, you know who this is...

I find, especially in darkness, that a hat and hoodie covers the top half of the face quite nicely - without the eyes, its very difficult to make someone out.

Just to think about.

Hi guys, it's been a while - alot on these days and collage is simply craptacular!

Hero: I didn't know you were American (I just saw the word Liverpool!) and (I think) I knew that you were talking about Thanksgiving - I was just screwing with ya :P My humour is a terrible thing.

It's good to see some new faces around here. It's really promising to think of. We should start our own organisation! AND because this is the internet we could have branches all over the world...I know I'm getting ahead of myself but I can still dream, right!

Cheers, cheerio and all that, Miss Madaline. :) Yeah, it's a funny thing, but a lot of people get confused when I say Liverpool, New York. My family actually almost ended up in England a few years back, but fortunately didn't (no offense, I just like living in the US. All my stuff is here.)

I think Hero can answer the surveillance/criminals questions. Actually, I'd like to know some of that stuff myself. (hero, hit me up)

Just a thought though... maybe you guys shouldnt be broadcasting all your intentions OVER THE NET. If 'they' want to, its not difficult to trace it back to you...

Personally, being a ring-leader intrigues me...

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Elijah. You want to know something funny? Two people have already figured out who I really am now. :) Ah, well. It's unbelievably easy to do anyways, I just wasn't being cautious enough. I just hope any other curious seekers will be equally discreet with their knowledge.

Oh, and Elijah - I *would* promote you to Ringleader, but due to my potophobia, I have never raised a Glass.

Thank you! Good night! *bows*

Okay, anyways. Seriously. One of the big things I want to warn up-and-comers of out there is, *don't* waste your money before you ask someone else who's already used the product you're interested in. There are plenty of self-defense forums full of people who got suckered into buying pen-style stun guns, or Myotrons, or dozens of other self-defense and surveillance items that don't do the job well. I know quite a bit there myself, i.e. all the credit debt I've loaded myself down with finding out what doesn't really work. I freely invite anyone considering buying something vigilantism-related to e-mail me first and ask me if I've tried it, or if I know a place they can get it cheaper.

As for finding criminals, anyone out of their late teens would probably be surprised to discover just how many people they knew from school or work are into, or have done, something illegal. And almost everyone loves to brag about the stuff they've gotten away with. An ex-coworker of mine grew up in some bad hoods, and despite being a really nice guy has extensive knowledge of how the crime flows around his home town. Beyond that, if you're drug-prevention-aimed like me, it's pretty easy to find people in your area into drugs just by searching online in member lists for popular websites. Most marijuana smokers are pretty open about the fact they do it, because many don't think it's wrong. One of the big conundrums once you know who they are is the question of following, or hitting at home? Do you want to catch them in the act, or just "put the fear into them"? Tricky.

I *would* say, if anyone wants to discuss the more in-depth stuff about possibly networking, learning more about surveillance and tactics and so forth, we should do it privately, by e-mail. The last thing I want is to tell some 12 year old on here that it's okay to run out and try to find dangerous criminals, and then tell them how to do it, too. I remember being that old, and being sure I was strong and no one would hurt me, but to any kids reading this - wait. Learn, grow, and wait until you're an adult to go into a field this weird and dangerous. And I think that actually trying to set up a webpage is going too far. Despite the rampant publicity this page seems to be getting all of a sudden, having a place for the police to go right to would not be smart. Better to just keep it to straight e-mail between the people who end up being serious about all this, to keep prying eyes away.

Anyways, this vigilante needs some shut-eye. Stay healthy, all, and I'll talk to you soon.

"Luck favors the prepared. I didn't know Jak-Jak's powers, so I covered the basics."

"Jak-Jak doesn't have any powers!"

"No? Oh well. He'll still look fabulous."

If you haven't seen the Incredibles yet, *go*. :)

Seriously, thanks for the vote of confidence, me. I'm curious about what sorts of ideas you've had toward superheroing or vigilantizing, yourself.

*blushes* ummmm....just so you know, that me who wished you good luck not the me been putting up messages before, (that would be me *rolls eyes*) been busy for while, but checking here much as possible. good luck to you to, though. i try much harder check back more. if not sure which me i be, use email i put up earlier. if still want me to, next week or so, when i have better time, i send you email with ideas.

sprry for the confusion- i didnt realise there was another 'me'. im a tad confused, but my amazing ignorance should help me out there...

if anyone has read American Psycho, the main character would make a very interesting villain. If you havent read it, be warned: its gore content is unparelled (but its a damn brilliant book)

Maybe there *is* only one Me, and they're schizophrenic. . .*da da DAAAAA!!!* (evil surprise music)

i think this one at least is a little schizophrenic. now why did i go and post that on the internet? shut up! you shut up! stop it! oh...

yes, another message from (mixed up) me. Hero, me and my friend have been considering e-mailing you. can you please repeat your e-mail? or if you prefer, mine is edgar_allen_poe@hotmail.com.

Sure. . .I've got a new one, heroesarentborn@hotmail.com. Feel free to e-mail me any time.

i just might take you up on that, thanks

If you are serious about doing something like this, you must truly think about the risks that are involved. You must think about the skill, time, money, courage, and desire needed to do this.

I'm going to say in 2006 - you will all be hearing about vigilantes and heroes cleaning up crime.

If you are serious leave your e-mail and you will be contacted.

Don't waste anyones time if you do not posses the skills or drive to do this.

edgar_allen_poe@hotmail.com. i couldnt be more serious, ive been planning for years. please put 'hobby' in the subject.

also, i fully understand the risks- i was once arrested while on 'patrol', incase you have doubts.

Thinking - it might be the right way to go if I was the Giles or Wesley of the forming group.

eyeforakill@hotmail.com
I am the friend mixed up me is talking about (wrongfully arrested on the same patrol). Don't take the address name the wrong way - trust me, this for the GOOD

you know they were going to make a series called 'ripper', about giles when he was younger?

wesley and giles are pretty cool, but that robin wood guy (the principal) has gotta be the best vamp slayer, unless spike counts.

out of all of them (even van helsing!) Blades gotta win hands down. id like to see a vampire slayer of somekind in the next Underworld movie.

Just a quick and vague update - my posts on here are slacking off because things are now moving out in the real world. It's becoming extremely interesting times for all of us, and like Dark Angel said, anyone with the serious capability and drive is welcome to leave an e-mail address for us. I still check this post at least once a day, so don't worry about being ignored or missed.

have you read about this 'Captain jackson and Crimefighter Girl'? http://www.captainjackson.org/captainjackson/

Heh. . .nothing but respect for people that go out like that (i.e. Terrifica, Captain Jackson) and do the publicly welcomed, mascot-style safety patrol things. And Crimefighter Girl is certainly a gorgeous defender of justice (if way too young to be saying that about :). Not many girls could make yellow work for them. But why do they actually spell out their whole names on their chest plates? I could make them *much* better costumes. *lol*

Still and all. . .some people are just meant to be out in the daytime, encouraging people and being civic-minded. I guess I'm just the other kind. Even Terrifica, ridiculous as her getup is, spends her time in bars at night, dealing with the darker side of life, trying to directly stop women from making stupid mistakes. You have to wonder how many times she's thought "Why the hell am I still doing this? Does anyone even care?" But the point is, she's out there. Somebody's got to do the dirty work behind the scenes. If the system worked, we probably wouldn't have invented the idea of superheroes in the first place.

im new but i read all the above. All of you have great ideas but maybe i can help. I dont mean to be rude but you guys need as much help as you can get to take this thing global.

like you, i too have dreamed of being a superhero or vigilante for a long time. what i need is how to make my own gadgets. i want something like batmans utility belt with a grappling hook and bat-arangs. i also need gas pellets of all kinds. if anyone can help me find a website or something to help me make my gadgets. you can reach me on AIM (colombianguy129) or gamefan129@msn.com

As for the people like terrifica they have no right to wear those costumes. LOL. Im taking thing too serious but i guess thats how vigilantes are supposed to be like ;-)

You dont need gas pellets or any gadget for that matter.

Fear is your greatest weapon. The element of surprise is your greatest ally.

i guess i could be like the scarecrow (whoops, he uses gas too) :-/
gadgets are still helpful and its nice to know that you have something to defend yourself besides fighting skill.

The only gadgets I would ever consider using would be a bullet-proof vest (That is, if I can find one versatile enough), armor plated forearm guards, a grapple - would be nice, you can rapell down pretty quickly on any rope if you know how, smoke bombs/sticks/whatever - to aid my disappearance. Ninja vanish.

If you do things right, you dont NEED to actually have a physical confrontation with someone. Theyll be out before they know youre there.

Sorry, Robin, but I can't figure out what in that link was what you were talking about. :) The Superhero Supply Company is (so far) just a front for a tutoring and writing class service. Where were the advanced techniques you mentioned?

And Elijah, I agree with you on the element of surprise, and I always said I'd rather be a throw-in-a-few-knockout-bombs and tie-'em-up-once-they're-unconscious kind of hero. :) I also considered dressing up so terrifyingly that people would think I was really some kind of monster, but I want people to at least partially trust me, if word gets around.

P.S. - If anybody's tried to e-mail me in the past few days, I haven't gotten it because Hotmail won't let me in for some reason. I think they're updating their image again and my dialup can't handle the download or something. In the meantime, anyone who did write, please send your message again to look_upinthesky@yahoo.com. Thanks!

Much personal information is being communicated from folks here. Might be wise to ask Mr. Schmidt to remove certain elements given the nature of the possibilities being explored here. Certainly am intrigued by the response user Hero has gotten, have chatted with him myself. Think Terrifica is a well-intentioned woman doing good in society and approaching a practical issue, but certainly is engaged in a different vocation than the one being discussed here. Some of you will be receiving e-mails.

Mr. Schmidt actually very kindly agreed to remove some of my posts with personal info (to be re-posted in an edited version by my later), but I haven't been able to reach him lately for some reason.

With his colorful lifestyle, television appearences, and action figures, Mr. Armes recalls to mind the excesses of the fictional Ozymandias.

Am curious to what extent or what lack of blessings he would bestow on the differing options being explored in this discussion.

I personally am more interested in precedents in realistic citizens vigilantism. The Guardian Angels come to mind.

my thoughts exactly, although the more dramatic superhero style stories are very interesting.

I was just pointing out that whether or not people can actually have 'super powers' , but people ARE more capable of things that they might think.

i think many phsycic powers are probably acheivable, through meditation, and that they (and possibly other abilities we have yet to imagine) come from the other 90% of the brain that humans dont use! this in mind, it could probably be said of dogs and other animals with similar brains as they also use only about 10%. although i have to say telekenesis im not so sure about; defying gravity? its too physics-ignorant to really happen.

'bruce almighty' couldve made a great superhero!

hero, you sound like a total loser. Get a girlfriend, please!

Baked: Heh. . .I was wondering when someone was going to say something like that. I was really surprised everyone else was so supportive. Three responses: 1 - If I'm a loser, what were *you* doing on this page in the first place, then? 2 - Read my first post more closely, man, I have a girlfriend. (Congratulate us, everybody, first anniversary next week! :). And 3 - With a name like "Baked", I'm assuming you're probably into marijuana or some other drugs. Go get rehab, then tell *me* to get a life again.

Okay. . .feel free to post whatever terrific, well-thought out comeback you can come up with, to put me in my place and crush my spirit utterly. Or, oh wait - I just remembered this was the internet, and you have absolutely no way to do anything to me that actually matters. *shrug* Sorry. Feel free to insult me anyways, if it helps.

you're right, I apologize. I guess I'm a total idiot. I'll go to rehab in the morning. thank you, hero!

No, no, don't thank me. It's all part of my commitment to help my fellow man. I'd do the same for any idiot. Up up and awaaaaay! *flies into the sunset, then remembers his house is several million miles down from the sun, and returns to Earth sheepishly*

first anniversary eh? Congratulations!

Thanks, Raven. :)

Mr. Baked -

The Internet has long proved itself a difficult medium for discourse. Without the social inhibitions of face-to-face communication, the endless binary landscape of the World Wide Web becomes a playground for folks unable to act restrained once offered the ability to post anonymously. Inane chatter, pointless commentary, and poorly-executed perjoratives become the rule of the land. Cliché cut-downs relying on the ubiquitous title "loser" and the disgusting charge to "get a girlfriend" do nothing to improve this landscape and leave those of us two or three steps above such immaturity often glad that we will never have to meet a person such as yourself in person.

Regardless, I do not see how the potential actions of concerned private citizens engaging in the enforcement of the social contract and the protection of their fellow citizens can be termed actions of a "loser." The obvious thing would be to point out that your own pointless aside in this discussion would be more appropiate to the conduct of a "loser," but I think I have already made my point.

whhaaa ttcchhh. that was supposed to be a whip sorta noise.
ubiquitous ? perjoratives? are they real words??
seriously though, good points!

I've always been impressed by a good "ubiquitous". No one can stare down the barrel of a loaded vocabulary!

Although my first thought afterwards was "We're naught but humble pirates. . ." :)

Anyways, we've all kind of gotten off topic. Anybody have anything heroic on their minds they want to discuss?

Curious what motivation people would have for wanting to engage anonymous crimefighting - or crimefighting in general.

I could see various reasons. One stated here is the specific disgust with the traffic and usage of illegal narcotics. A possible issue is that some people may think certain drugs are unjustly banned, but either way I would venture that the drug culture is rooted less in civil disobedience to obtain liberties of consumption as much as willful rebellion against the social contract. However, this serves as an example of a specific vendetta that a particular person may have to bring them into the field of crimefighting. Another motivation could be that perhaps a loved one was shot, or raped. Perhaps white collar crime ruined one's livelihood.

But the aforementioned social contract could also be a major factor in the decision to join the fight against crime. Human nature often makes the act of "getting away" with something forbidden by society glamorous. The ability to cast doubt on the viability of criminal activites into the hearts of those who would willingly or unwillingly chip away at the foundation of society could be a strong motivation.

However, there are many points in past and contemporary human history where the social contract has been flawed - frankly, I doubt that the practiced, applied social contract of any society in the history of mankind has not had its cracks due to human nature. There have indeed been times in American history where unjust laws existed or certain people groups were unjustly persecuted by society. We can never be too arrogant to say our modern era is free of such things, but perhaps should never be too careless to think of every new social innovation as something worthy of celebration. Some vigilantes may see themselves as fighting condoned or ignored crimes. This type of vigilantism would seem to bring one more closely in conflict with society, but for the person engaged may be a necessity in order to act on one's convictions.

It may be just for the adventure of it. With a simple set of rules and standards based off our criminal law, one could have an exciting time attempting to bring the allure of the costumed crimefighter into real life.

What do you think inspires the existing (yet more low-key than what we are discussing) costumed agents in real life? Terrifica seems to have a vendetta concerning the protection of women. Angle-grinder Man seems to me to be more of a criminal, but indeed is acting out of his particular views on the social contract.

Someone earlier mentioned a book by MacIntyre. I shall try to obtain a copy this next week.

I think the ideal situation would be a team of anonymous crimefighters choosing a specific metropolitan area and then targeting specific hot spots of illicit activity after careful deliberation upon the various factors of crime in that city.

If the mission is prevention of street crime, then specific areas are targeted and high-risk businesses or residences guarded. Presence is kept clandestine as much as possible, and the area is committed to until visible change is seen or a revolution of civil participation is ignited in the residents.

If the mission is aiding the law in tracking down specific criminal individuals, then careful surveillance should be employed and the goal should be to work as an auxiliary to the police (which should be the goal in all endeavours if the upholding of the social contract is preserved, unless the police force of the city in question is corrupt). "Hero" has enumerated some very brilliant particulars in this vein to me, though I doubt they bear repeating in this thread.

A sense of perspective should always be kept. This is not a comic book. Anonymous crimefighters are unlikely to find themselves fighting the denizens of Hell or an invasion from another world. Instead, crimefighters acting without a governmental mandate should respectfully enforce the social contract and seek to inspire feelings of civil responsiblity in the citizens they protect for the sake of starting a greater cultural revolution where crime is never glamorous and citizens strive to aid law (and thus become stronger participants in their government, perhaps working to put more pressure from the constituents upon any potential corruption in the governing bodies). We want society to function to its fullest.

I would hope that any anonymous crimefighter would spend equal time in his public identity working to improve safety and society.

These are just some thoughts.

for me, its doing the right thing, really the only way to do it would be anonymously (is that spelt right?) fighting crimes and 'spend equal time in his public identity working to improve safety and society' as you said. its the best way to live, setting an example of hope and justice for the 'underdog' and the victims of crime.

Should be old news to those of us who have been exploring the prospects of civilian crimefighting for a while now, but the Video Vigilante is an example of someone striving to keep the social contract enforced.

His work is purposeful and precise. He has a clear goal and has clear methods. Also, he has shown an impartiality toward offenders by releasing a video depicting possible police brutality.

Videovigilante.com is his website. Should prove inspirational.

With all the talk of the dangers of vigilantism illustrated by the mob rage in South Africa that brings to mind the violent past of the United States' South and West, it is good to see a fairly successful vigilante. He is not anonymous, but admits he puts himself in danger.

Imagine his methods done by someone leaving nothing but a moniker and a symbol.

Guess who's back! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope it's some bloke in cheap tights! Missed you lot I've just had so much going on lately it's been inasanely unbelievable!

Hero - congrats on the anniversary. Long time no see!
The Dutchman - You really know what you want out of being a vigilante.
Baker - You're a tosser. End of story.
The group of people named 'me' - I'm glad to know I'm in good company with the identity crisis thing.
Elija Price , Edgar and everyone else - Never give up (holy rusted metal that sounded cheesy! : ) ! )

In the long time since I have been here last I have had so many moments where I've seen something - minor things really- I've just wanted to help so much. Then I realise that I'm with my family or friends and I don't want anything to happen to them. This is one of the major dilemmas in the business. Has anyone else had the same thing? (Except for Peter Parker or course)

I go to university next year and by then I could be a black belt in karate! I'm going for green next month. Brown by the end of this October! Boo Ya!

I Shall keep dreaming...

Hello again, Madaline, good to see you! I have been away for a while, but only because the more things pick up out here in the world, the less I find I want to post anything more about it on the blog. :) I think I'm getting closer to the end of my days of "Walter Kovacs pretending to be Rorschach", for those who get my meaning, and it's making it harder to talk about anything.

(While leaving fingers alone and elevator shafts unsullied, that is. No killing.)

Congratulations on the progress with your belts! And yeah, I've had similar dilemmas about family and the woman I love. Not so much "Will my enemies attack them?" but "What will they do if I die?" But everyone dies. You can't hide from it, so you may as well decide how you're going to live until it happens. Cops and firefighters wake up every day, kiss their families goodbye and go out to face a world that could easily kill them. Of course, everyone's choice will be different, but I've made peace with it, and have made arrangements so they could too, if it happens.

welcome back Madaline!

Thank you, Mr. Schmidt! For those of you who may be slightly confused by where my humongous original post went, Mr. Schmidt kindly deleted it at my request, due to the overwhelming amount of personal info it contained that provided an easy avenue to track me down in real life. Fortunately the few that did seem trustworthy and upright (well, one supervillain-in-potentia, but they know who they are, and to stay the hell out of my Fortress. :) So, if any following posts around it cease to make sense, I apologize, but it was really necessary. For those unfamiliar with it, it was a rant about how I've been obsessed with being a superhero for my whole life, and even seem to have the skills, physical attributes and strange occurences that make it seem like there's some Comic Writer in the Sky trying to make me do it. I was terribly upset about it at the time, but I'm not anymore, since I finally gave in to it, and things are becoming ultra-cool from that moment. So, there's the gist, anyone who wants to chat further can always contact me at heroesarentborn@hotmail.com, and I check this blog at least once a day. Cheers all, and keep up the good fight! Thanks again, Mr. Schmidt!

weve talked about super hero films and games, so what about music?

yea iv always wanted to be a vigilante. iv been considering it for awhile. then my freind last night said last night that we should get master cheif suits made with bullet proof material, and become a vigilante team. and when he said this he sparked the vigilante spirit in me again, and i searched the net to see if there were people like bat-man who dont have powers but still fight crime independently.

Thanks for the welcome guys! Good to see you all too.

Three cheers for Mr.Schmidt! There always has been a big helth hazzard on this business hasn't there. Must be murder for people like us to get insurance. I do worry though, just incase I do something incredibly stupid to help someone. I suppose you've got to be really good a weighing up risks and knowing your own limits.

A friend and I have come up with Nun-jas - The world's first crime fighting nuns! Also something about an army of MacDonald's employees with tazer guns came into it. One hell of a way to cook up confusion!

Have any of you guys got a theme tune yet? Something rocky with a catchy tune! Just for the pure fun of it... :)

www.musictoslayby.com is a site where people put playlist's they would have on an mp3 if they were vampire slayers (as a character in the film Blade: Trinity does!)

Destruction and Chaos are sure to ensue. I've been on a destructive mess for some time now. Just try to stop me!!!
Hehe, I even scared my little friend. She asked me to not destroy any place she was at. I'm not taking over,
I'm destorying!!! You can not stop me, unless you pay me one billion dollars, *Evil laugh* Mwu ha ha, Mwu ha ha. Miss Evil.

talk about melodramatic :D

perposterous? music just hapens to be one of the most inspiring things you can find- and thats pretty important in this kind of business. something that makes you feel powerful and righteous, that reminds you of what the world is like and who you are. Hardly perposterous.

With all due respect to one bearing the moniker of such an esteemed poet, the sort of undertaking Hero and the Dark Angel and perhaps myself are contemplating would have to be rooted in an intrinsic feeling of empowerment and righteous that would not need to arise from music. Music can augment passion at a given moment, but I would be reticent to base such preparation on mere feelings. And I would be wary to single out musical preferences for concern of it being an easy means of identification to someone with patience, deductive reasoning, and access to a search engine. To make a cruelly weak pun, it is perhaps naught but Aaron Copland's revered "Fanfare for the Common Man" that runs through my head, for truly my thoughts are a celebration of human society and a desire to help people in more covert ways than I currently do.

The Dark Angel is correct that entering this sort of vocation isn't meant to be a pathway to certain glory. It is dangerous and against the flow. That is not a sort of self-aggrandizing assertion to lay claim to some sort of superiority to those of us considering aiding society in the enforcement of its contract. It is true. Look at the slings and arrows leveled at our predecessors who have called the public to enforce the social contract and not let society rot itself without remedy.

And the Dark Angel voices one of my desires - to see men and women of mystery inspire the common man. Any act of kindness or act of civil responsiblity is the sort of thing we want to see.

My goal would never be to make myself a target or to leap at a mugger in order to nurse a fetish.. My goal would be to think, to formulate, to test, and to implement. It is fortunate that Hero is here to temper any baser inspirations of mine and to offer to share his research.

im just saying i find certain music can help to inspire people and particularly to remind us of things that cause us to want to do what it is we want to do (and most of you are doing). at least for me. i didnt mean that one day i heard a nice song, and decided i wanted to fight crime and risk everything for people i dont know. basically, the right music can be inspiring in a way, and can stir those 'mere' feelings that alot of people need, and are much better with. music is a very important expression and can invoke alot of emotion. if you find that preposterous, im not complaining, but it isnt fair for you to complain because i like a good, powerful song and want to say that.

Wow, it has been way too long since I've dropped in here. I was away on vacation for a week, for those of you who don't know yet. And, to put a quick and easy conversational end to this music thing, the original point of the whole idea was just "Does anyone have a theme song?", just for the fun of it. No need to stress or argue fine points. It's great to plan details and think strictly in real life terms, but most of the people I've talked to enjoy letting our inner dreamers run free too and just talking about the wacky side of all this, just for fun, keepin' it loose. I used to play the theme song from the 1997 "The Saint" Val Kilmer movie whenever I went out to do. . .certain. . .things. *cough* Anyways.

Dark Angel - well spoken, man. Sorry I've been out of touch lately. Besides enjoying the surf, I've been trying to spend less time on the internet and more time hitting the weights. I am getting seriously musclebound. Plus my girlfriend was hurt when I kept missing her phone calls while online doing the hero research stuff. :) Send me an e-mail, let me know how things are going on your end.

Dutchman - hello again, my friend. I'm sure I don't know what you mean about me tempering your "baser instincts". (Homerism: "Of course! Security work! At last, a way to combine my love of helping people with my love of hurting people!") Dangerous and against the flow - that's really accurate. I went to a funeral today, my first in ten years, and it made me think a lot about what my death would mean to people I knew. But I've cheated death in a lot of ways in my quarter-century so far, what's a few dozen more times? :)

Raven - I forgot to put this in my e-mail to you, but no - I've never made it into the paper. I'm really, truly hoping I never will, other than as a crook's confused, disbelieved testimony as to the crazy costumed freak that tied him up. On the other hand, if my designs come through, my costume's going to be pretty sweet, so maybe I'll send some 8 by 10's to the local press.

Seriously, though, I'm just picturing the day that, no matter how careful and well-prepared I've been, some clever reporter or cop is going to come cruising along the net right to this blog, trace me out and make a famous bust. Maybe I'll change costumes and modus operandi's every time just to mess 'em up.

Oh, one more thing - something I find inspirational is to look at the old comics, of the Justice Society of America and others I think of as the "original" costumed heroes. When there was a sudden burst in the world's (especially America's) desire for masked heroes in bright costumes, and so in the comic world, where there once were none, one by one they slowly emerged and grew into legends. I feel like that's what might happen out here, even though we're in "modern times" (defined as "whatever time I'm living in now"), one by one some of us will venture out into the world just like Alan Scott, Rex Tyler, Wesley Dodds and others did in fiction. Or, for more realistically possible analogies, Oliver Queen, Dinah Lance, Ted Grant and everyone's favorite Bruce.

If you haven't read Batman: Year One yet, pick it up.

"I would rather die than wait another hour."

Dont you just love that bit in year one when you know hes about to face a trigger happy swat team in a building thats being bombed, and then he LOSES HIS BELT?! i remember first reading it, and realising the next few pages would be full of the shadowy and very intelligent techniques that are the reason i love Batman so much. I remember a similar feeling in Watchmen, during the prison riot when the other convicts are breaking into Rorshachs cell. Two heros with no powers, both armed with the most important crime fighting tool of all- a big ol' can of whoopass!

also, i beleive the new Batman film, Batman Begins, is based on year one. a fair deduction based on the title for a start!

how do u play the game

Excelsior. The Justice Society of America match very much what we're talking about - it's not a group of misanthropes gnashing their teeth at the police and society. It's a group of people looking to aid the government as every citizen should, and hopefully inspire people in the process.

"It took a seventy-thousand dollar piece of meteorite to stop the other alien. All I would need for you is a penny for a book of matches." - Batman threatening J'onn J'onzz :)

chris: Sorry, what game are you talking about?

And as for Batman Begins, I was so excited when I heard they were trying to "wipe away the sins and stupidity of the last three sequels". Then I saw the pictures of the "first" Batmobile. (It's like a Big Wheels street-racer Hummer with armor plates strapped on.) And read how the Batsuit is going to be muscle-regenerative, have stealth capability, be completely bulletproof, and have been developed by the government. Oh, and Bruce has to spray paint it black. Yeah. Don't they have *any* real Batman fans working in Hollywood?

I mean, Henry Ducard taught Bruce manhunting. That was it. Manhunting. Not swordfighting with armored bracers, on what appears to be a frozen lake. Gaaaaaaah! And I don't recall him ever *training* with Ra's Al Ghul and the League of Assassins, although I suppose that could've happened while he was "honing his mind and body to perfection".

Admittedly, it does look a lot darker and more serious than, say, the last three movies. It'll probably still be good. But I'm not opening my heart to it until I see for myself. :)

Oh, and P.S. to all you other up-and-comers out there. I learned an important lesson today in a SuperTarget dressing room. Spandex looks terrible over a bulletproof vest. It makes your arms look freakishly small in comparison, and all the little bits that stand out from the vest show up all over the spandex. On the other hand, other than the heat, Safariland Zero G ballistic vests can be worn quite comfortably through several hours of shopping, eating and other normal activities. :)

P.S. to Raven - "You're the one who tried to shoot the *cat*-" *WHAM!*

that sounds as confusing as the time scaling in a tarantino movie! i think they changed the costume ideas to make it more up to date- plus it would makes sense e.g. if you were a billionnaire superhero wouldnt you have your costume more 'high tech' as in some sort of armour outfit? if youve heard of 'lectus' suits or read 'the tin man' you'll know what i mean, in a nutshell the government and a number of contract companies in the good ol us of a have made jump suits of kevlar and spandex ( they are very complicated- something like you said about the new batman costume being muscle regenerative etc rings a bell) the basilcally stiffen milliseconds before impact to be practically indestructable. they have other qualities, ie in the tin man there is a compressed air jetpack! also the helmets are seriously high tech, so i wont try and explain them! im prety sure i havent made much sense as it is. also i find that the new batmobile reminds me of the model in 'The Dark Knight Returns' being more military/tank like. Not as cool as the first two Burton versions though.

Sometimes I wish they would make the movies to reflect the time Batman actually grew up in. . .I'd like to see an original Batman running around in a 30/40/50's-ish type world, driving around that big long Batmobile with the pointy bat-head on the front.

Hello, Mark Schmidt your gracious host here.

Just out of curiousity (since I'm a gaming addict) how many of you play the City of Heroes MMORPG? I played it for quite awhile (moved on to World of Warcraft) and thouroughly enjoyed it. Sound off and let me know if you have. If you haven't, spend the $40 (or so) and play the free month that is included. It's really a good game and the choices as far as character looks are astounding.

I only get to play it once a week, but when I do, I do so religiously. :) My character's only up to level 13, but he's a hilarious one, and people seem to really enjoy fighting alongside him. It's so much more fun once you get up into the higher powers. . .I love being able to jump several hundred feet at a time, and one or two levels more and I should be flying.

are there any free downloadable demo's that you know of on the net? the game has always interested me, but i cant find any demos.

would you help/ advertise charities to the public as a superhero in some way? its just an idea thats always interested me.

I don't think there are any downloadable demos anywhere, but don't buy it unless you've got a Pentium 4, Radeon graphics card and high-speed internet. You can get the game on Ebay for about 10 to 20 bucks now, though, and it's totally worth it.

Did anyone else see the news about the Video Vigilante getting charged with paying prostitutes to go do their thing so he could film it and make money selling the videos to news outlets?

I still don't know what to believe about it. . .that's the problem with non-anonymous crimefighting. People will always be messing with you, because you're bad for business. If they can discredit him and get the public to want him to stop, they win. Of course, it's also easy to believe the whole thing might be one big setup. . .like the old witch hunters, who only got paid by towns for the witches they found. You have to keep finding them, or else you're out of a job. Might be the same situation here, although I'd like to believe the guy is honest and just being framed by angry prostitutes and pimps (and probably more than one enraged "client").

with the media as lax and desperate as it is these days, i doubt there is anything to it. when theres a man like that out there, people are going to say that sort of thing, and that is all it takes. characters as 'radical' as Video Vigilante are always going to be the victim of negative press, and i should suspect it has probably happened before on a much smaller scale.

also thanks for the info Hero, after i purchase that cool batman mask im after ( :D ) ill be getting city of heroes faster than a speeding bullet!

Long time no see!

Next time I'll keep theme tunes out of the topic : ) City of Heroes sounds so awesome. I'll look into getting hold of a copy - I might learn something from it!

Be back soon...

Raven: Oh, and by the way, I don't know if you already knew, but CoH is a subscription game. You have to pay about. . .um. . .somewhere between $12 and $20 a month to play, I think. I can't remember exactly how much. You pay less per month if you sign up for multiple months at once, but it's probably a better idea just to pay for one and then see if you still like it. Some people get tired of the endless leveling (well, up to 50) real quick, but I'm addicted. Too bad I can't play more often. :)

makes sense now- thanks Hero

Yes, I believe it's something like $12.95. When you buy the game, you do get the 1st month free. I however am playing World of Warcraft. Sorry :-)

what are you gong to learn from a video game?

That once you reach level 13, enemies who are only level 3 won't attack you anymore, even if you walk up and stand right in the middle of them while they mug a helpless woman?

Or, that it's okay to ignore people in trouble, because the enemies attacking them are so low in level, you won't gain any experience? Just let the mugger work, man. Damn. You don't see him throwin' salt in *your* game.

(These are a lot funnier once you've actually played.)

Hold on, I'll just. . .hover. . .up. . .to. . .the. . .rooftop. . .any minute now. . .

since this seems to be a forum full of sharp minds, i think a little challenge to test your thinking skills might be fun:

http://deathball.net/notpron/notpron.htm

this is the biggest, hardest riddle on the internet. It isnt point and click, the first 'level' is a picture you must 'analyse' i guess. its a lot of fun and will put your wits to the test!

Ive read all this page in the the last two days and I think that your ideas are brill. i live in Britain and ive had the same dream of helping people in the vigilante way all my life. since i was a kid ive been thinking about all this stuff and how i can get different gadgets to work. i think you should make this thing big. i think that parkour is a must (or some form of it)

Have you ever done any vigilante-ing yourself? do you have any ideas?- i am also in Britain, i have to say its good to see a fellow countryman on board!

Hi Edgar.
I cant say Ive really done much except climb out of my bedroom window at 2 in the mornin. but that was scary.especially since I was only 9yrs old.
on the subject of non lethal weapons maybe shocking gloves would be cool.

Ive been making different masks since I was young. my dad showed me how ,and I was away

Hey all. . .even though I know I shouldn't share anything personally damning anymore, I've got to tell you all about this, and I swear to your deity of choice that it's true. :)

Last night I was coming home from the gym (I recently got an all-night membership so I can work out after dark) and as I pulled into the parking lot of my complex I saw a teenager trying to sneak around the side of a truck so I wouldn't see him as I went past. I did a quick three-point turn and pulled up right in front of the truck as he was ducking behind the hood again. I called, "Come on out, I know you're there." Nothing. So I parked a few spots down and got out. He was just coming around the side of the truck again, *still* trying to mess with the passenger door even though he knew he'd been seen, the schmuck. I said, "That your car?" in a menacing way as I walked up, and he took off running through some forest between my complex and the next one over. I also called after him, "Yeah, you *better* run, motherf***er." because, well, what can I say, that's just me. :)

So anyways, I drove to my normal spot just a few hundred yards down, ran inside and called 911, then drove back over and watched the truck in case he thought about coming back, 'cause he didn't seem too bright so far. I met the officer as he drove past, told him the story and the description, and he and another officer combed both complexes. A few minutes after I went back to my apartment he called me and asked if I wouldn't mind stepping out to ID the guy, they had him in custody. Sure enough, it was him. Scrawny little punk too. When I said, "Yes, sir, that's *definitely* him," the guy put on the worst imitation of innocence I've seen and was like, "What??" like he couldn't believe I would accuse him. The cops thanked me, shook my hand and left, and I went home and hollered quietly to myself for a while. :)

Woo. . .I forgot how incredible that stuff feels, sending a crook to jail, even a small-time one like that. I thought, "Personal doubts? Who am I kidding. . .I was *born* to do stuff like that." I felt completely, totally alive and happy. If you've never tried it, it's the best rush there is.

And to think, if I hadn't stayed for those extra sets at the gym, or not stopped for milk on the way home, I might have missed it entirely. "Sometimes the night is kind to me." :)

Anyways, cheers all, I just had to get that out. Nice to know you don't *always* have to wear a costume. (Although my gym pants and tank top coincidentally matched the colors of my new suit, but that's a little too far private. :) Keep up the good fight!

Super kudos on the catch Hero and keep up the damn good work! I haven't done anything like that in an age.

wow its like your a superhero or something! imagine such a thing, catching criminals in the act and sending them to jail... lol :D your a naturual

awesome! maybe it would be good not to have a real costume just a mask.

A mask is a lot more difficult to wear than most people think. If its raining, you're going to basically have a wet twoel over your face. If its not its still insanely hard to breathe. If youre in it all night youre going to be so hot in the thing you wont be able to think. Not to mention that masks scream 'criminal' and draw uneccesary attention to whoever is wearing one.

Thanks for the kudos, all. I'm still riding high on it, although I keep checking my own car in case any retribution may follow. :) He did get a good look at it, after all. Little weasely kind of person, he'd probably never face me in person, either, just slash my tires and run home to hide. Besides, I've probably got about 100 pounds on him. :)

Good point about the masks, Elijah. . .especially those nomex and kevlar balaclavas they sell in law enforcement catalogs. Those things are hot, itchy, and damn hard to breathe in. The ones small enough to fit over just your eyes (a la Green Lantern-esque) are not enough to hide your identity. Spandex is good, easy to hide in a pocket, and with the new "spandex meshes" available from custom fitters, you can make a breath-easy space over your mouth that still remains dark. Even regular 6 oz. spandex isn't all that hard to breathe through.

do you think it would be good to have some sort of batcave. or even some sort of super hero transport?(like the batcar)

what about some kind of globa intelligence network. some kind of passworded website. It would be good to take this thing global

I almost forgot something. wouldnt you have to be approved by the police. maybe prove yourself and the then get their approval or be a deputy

As long as you dont break the law (more difficult to avoid than most might think) and go looking for trouble too obviously, it shouldnt be very difficult to at least become legitamate. Although, the 'name and shame act' that was debated over here iin Britain, and The Watchmen's Keene Act are very likely to become a reallity if too many of us operate in the full light of the public. Like you say, guys wearing masks are always going to look suspicious, especially if they crop up on numerous crime scenes...wearing spandex!

Seriously. . .and also, I agree on nixing the customized-car idea, and similar things. You guys have to understand, *none of this is legal*. The police will never accept or be friendly with a "nutjob in a costume" going around beating up criminals, probably not even just helping people without ever engaging in violence. They'd automatically assume you were at least partially crazy and try their best to prevent you from working. If you drive something like the Batmobile, you're going to get pulled over unless it's already licensed and registered. Without plates, you're a moving target, and with 'em the cops already know who you are. Better to have something that'll blend in no matter where you park it, and have all your superfly equipment hidden inside, out of sight.

I think the best standpoint to approach all this from is to realize that as a vigilante, you are just a different type of criminal, one who's breaking the law for good reasons, but who will nevertheless be tracked, caught and punished if you aren't good enough to elude the law. Before you even start, you need to find out local punishments for assault, vigilantism, breaking and entering and all the other things you're probably going to be charged with if you get up to the same things Batman does. Then figure out if you're willing to spend that long in jail and suffer the embarassment of the media making a momentary "big story" out of you once you're exposed. Think of lost friends, jobs and so on. Yeah, it's melancholy and sucks to think about, but if you don't face realities like that first, you shouldn't even be putting on the mask.

maybe it was better you not getting him anyway D.A. not that it wouldnt have been hard but you might have gotten aressted for sreet fighting or something.

It cant be easy evading police especially if they use helicopters so you'll need to knoww all the tricks in the book.
you might need to know the area really well, and it might be usefull to be able to get onto the roofs. have you heard of ''le parkour''.it would really helpful to know or some form of it.

just because u dont like it Mr.people on this site are all wanna be well just becsuar u dont like it dosen't mean that can lie about this site ok am outy

I believe The Question had an old red Volkswagon with a V6 engine or something like that? also a point- does the Green Lantern have superpowers, or a really cool gadget?

kaitlyn: Ummm. . .what? I think you called us all wannabes, but I'm not sure what you were talking about in the rest of it.

R: Green Lantern had an ultimate weapon he didn't use enough, in my opinion. I mean, take the real issue where he was trying to save a broken-down school bus full of kids from a railroad track. Oh no, it's yellow! So he files them all out, and I think the bus gets trashed. Okay, so what about the tires? The undercarriage? The road underneath it? The man has a ring that can *HOLD THE EARTH TOGETHER* and he can't figure out how to scoop up a bus out of the way, or stop the train, because one part of the bus is yellow. Yeesh.

my bro likes green lantern but I dont think much of him.

lately Ive been making my final suite. Ive started with a mask but Im no where near done

I'n glad that I'm not the only one that has no idea what the hell Kaitlyn is on about! I have to admit that I was always more of a Spider-Man fan or Daredevil (he really kicks some ass!) and the 'yellow' thing with GL 'is' kind of strange when you put it in the hold-the-world-together context. Meh, I guess everyone has their weak points...however strange.

I know their just comics and they're just fiction but some of them are really logically challenged when it comes to the small details : )

Check out the link for a laugh(http://www.brianmung.com/spiderman.htm)

Did I mention that I've got my green belt now! Man it was tough to get. By I'll be a black belt in under two years time now (Boo ya!) When I get it I'm taking up Kung-fu as well as keeping it up.

Can you tell I've had sugar? I'll be back soon. Keep on truckin'...

DD really does kick ass doesnt he? i just re-read Ultimate DD and Elektra for the sake of it, and although its not exactly my favoutire story, he's such a cool character you could do practically anything with him, and that badguy ass would still get some kickin' !

I was just pondering the thought: if theres a debate about wether Batman is a superhero because he doesnt have 'powers' as such, what about GL? Has he got powers, an amazing gadget, a power-giving gizmo?! If its a gadget etc, then is he still a superhero because then, he would technically not have powers? Personally id say its a gadget that is a super-power, but im not so sure. Batman IS a superhero! he took on Superman in Dark Knight Returns, he's beaten Predator, hes saved the world, even the universe numerously! (and he has a really, really cool car:D)

I am very glad to find this forum and have a level kevlar vest that I intend to further reinforce with steel plates for my suit. I am also seriously thinking about setting up a secure website for freelance crimefighters, but am so far unconvinced that it could be made secure enough for our needs. I find it kind unfortunate that everything must be kept covert, as such exploits could be quite inspiring to the average person who may despair for the fate of mankind. A big part of the appeal of the superhero archetype is the ability to inspire.

IT WOULD SEEM several people here seem to be actively engaged in crimefighting to some degree and have costumes completed, or nearly completed. In that case, has anyone decided on names yet?

i think that kind of thing should probably be kept confidential, but as no one knows anything about me, i decided on Raven a couple of years back.

If I were to set up a site for freelance heroes, would anyone be interested in posting pictures of your costumes, and the names you guys picked, stories, tips, etc. I was thinking of calling the site something along the lines of "NATIONALSUPERHEROREGISTRY.COM" and having links to equipment manufacturers, legal help, etc. There could be different forums for gadgets, tactics, general philosophy, etc. Any thoughts?

I have just spent the past few hours reading EVERYTHING!
took AGES.
But i am really interested in this, it's been a dream of mine for some time as well.

I walk past a newsagents everyday and see headlines like...
"Counsellors house fire-bombed" and
"Local gang threatens take-away".
It's just too much.
Too many of my friends have been assaulted by Chavs who are just *bored*. The police don't do anything. They're too tied up in the beaurocracy.
It's time SOMEONE did something.
People always say "Someone should do something about that" well i am someone.

I might be interested in the site - we can share info
Justice glad to hear your interested in this - there are many if we can get many together we can get this thing going - the web site may be a very good thing.
Let me know about it if this happens.
I have a feeling once a few of us get this started it may really kick off and hopefully have a good effect.

I HAVE STARTED WORK ON THE SITE AND AM PLANNING ON HAVING IT UP AND RUNNING WITHIN TWO WEEKS. IT WILL BE A BIT SHORT ON CONTENT AT FIRST, BUT I EXPECT IT TO TAKE OFF PRETTY QUICKLY. I BELEIVE THE TIME HAS COME FOR THE SUPERHEROES TO COME OUT OF THE PHONE BOOTH.

Kevlex: *ROFL*!!! "Come out of the phone booth." That's priceless! :)

Justice: E-mail me, heroesarentborn@hotmail.com. I'd like to talk to you.

I'd been musing for a few weeks now (since "Superhero Supply" is already stolen as the front for a tutoring service, punks) that if I do somehow make it to old age, I'd retire and open up a website/shop catering to the specialized needs of folks like us, with in-house custom-made costumes, gadgets, and (probably imported) weapons. And call it "The Utility Belt". :) Heh.

Im not too hot on the idea of a website.
Sounds like a great plan but if anyone really wanted to hack it, then everything would be revealed.

Justice: I am looking into security measures to incorporate into the site, but precautions could also be taken by anyone using the site, such as uploading anything dubious from an internet cafe, or using a hotspot that cannot be traced easily. I am not an expert. If anyone has suggestions, I am open to them.
Regardless, I feel that this needs to be done and intend to proceed. If the world wide web can support hundreds of sites dedicated to women smearing fecal matter on themselves, I think there room for at least one site that supports those of us who want to make the world a better place in a somewhat eccentric manner.

Seriously, some of you are retarded.

Spandex suits? Websites? You must not be taking this seriously.

The moment you put on a spandex suit or a mask you're a sore thumb. You've got to think logicially about this. You need to be practical wihout being conspicuous. Its not that hard. Combat boots, gloves, a hat wont draw any attention. They make vests thin enough to take every day bullets tht can fit under a thick shirt without even being noticed. Stick it under a coat or something and you're in luck.

Second of all, any website can be hacked. Especially you pay 9.99 for after searchnig for two minutes on google. If you guys really become involved vigilantes the FBI is goin to get involved, and they wouldnt even need to hack your site. They flash a piece of paper to the webmasters and they'll GIVE your IP adresses out.

Get your head out of comics (and your asses) or the first thing your going to be is a jail cell.

Elijah Price: first of all, if you do decide on something like a traditional costume, the only people that should be seeing your outfit should be those that you are going after, which can be accomplished with a trenchcoat or similar outerwear en-route: Most of the time it should be concealed. If you are going to wear a mask, it should only be for those occasions when anonymity is essential, such as just before entering a hostile environment. A lot of the traditional superhero garments are going to have to be reworked. I personally feel that chainmail, kevlar and steel are superior to spandex, which will stop nothing more dangerous that nerf weapons.
As for safety on the website, I am still looking into that, but I think that it still might be doable for the hard core members, especially if the serious people take precautions. Sending some of the information on a cd or floppy by regular mail to be input by the webmaster might be a partial solution. I hope that you understand that some of the comments here are using comic book terminology, even when it will be less than completely accurate in practice. This is a bit new to all of us, and we are kind of feeling our way along in the dark.

SORRY, I shouldn't speak for others without their permission. On my own behalf, this is a bit new to me. I have always thought that there should be real life superheroes and have spent lots of time over the years conteplating the practical means of becoming one. This forum is the first clear evidence that there are others out there taking it seriously, aside from borderline cases like "Terrifica", "Polar man", "Angle Grinder Man", Etc. If we can start some sort of movement, I beleive it will be self-sustaining in short order, and it's mere existence will say something about the human spirit. A world with super-heroes in it is a world closer to the way it ought to be.

Kevlex: Hear hear. I disagree with people who are seriously getting into this registering on any kind of website (heck, our IP's our probably readily available just from this blog), but I respect what you're trying to do and agree completely with the "feeling our way along in the dark" part. Although, for reference, at least three of the people on here are not from the US. Maybe "International"? :) But there's no security in a website. The best we could do is talk in vague generalities, like we do here.

Elijah: I understand your feelings on how serious we all need to be, but I think you owe us an apology. For someone who "isn't ready to get involved" and "has no idea what he'd contribute" but still "wants to be the Giles of the group", you might be a little more courteous to others who are just as inexperienced as you.

As far as spandex goes, I agree, regular clothing would be easier. I simply personally am choosing to wear it and hope for the best, because one: I've got a body that I've worked hard for and that looks pretty f***ing intimidating now under spandex, and two: I'm not walking around the streets in it. I'd have tear-away clothing on over it, and no mask or spandex will be showing until the necessary moment. Even then I might not have time to get my outer gear off if someone might be hurt while I do it, so I may just charge in without looking particularly comic-bookish. I know it offers no protection, but offers a lot of flexibility underneath the separate armor I wear on top of it. The parts of me I can make bullet-resistant I am. But having spandex on makes you better contained, agility and silence-wise. I don't have pantlegs scraping together with each step, and I can kick you in the face without the leg bunching up on me. Plus, there's nothing extra for my opponent to grab. Just a personal choice. . .I've weighed the options in every direction, and this is what I think will work best for me.

It's all kind of a moot point anyways, as I won't be "patrolling" any cities, at least I don't expect to. It'd draw too much attention from the police, and you'd probably never encounter a crime because there's too much city for one person. Anything I do get into, I expect to have plenty of time to prepare in advance. We should be forcing the "bad guys" to fight us on our terms.

P.S. to Mark - I finally passed level 14. SuperJump freakin' RULES. :)

I'm hesitant enough to comment on this site as is and have to use an irregular means of access to do so just so I can rest easier. I would not be interested in a "superhero site" of any fashion as that described.

The Internet is not an ideal place to interact and trade information. There are always holes to be found anywhere, leading to anyone, if one is so inclined to look. The Internet is hardly an exception.

In all truth, my first reaction to the exuberant posts that Mr. "Price" reacted to so harshly was suspicion that a joke is being played by these new posters.

This isn't a game. Here are private citizens looking to possibly bring the issue of crime to a public awareness by taking active measures to address our local situations - and as of now, full anonymity is a thing to be prized. Some in our number, or perhaps all, may eventually look to be the symbols of a new era of increased civilian participation in the enforcement of the social contract (and aid of the public bodies assigned to that function), but this is not a game.

Am inclined to think that those of us looking to become les gardiens de sûreté, so to speak, should do well to understand that this is not going to be a four-colored battle against garish villains. We are looking to enact change in our cities and neighborhoods like the Guardian Angels or the Video Vigilante have sought to do - and perhaps in doing so create a new culture that prizes the social contract.

To that end, I think perhaps I've stayed here longer than I should have. I'll be staying in touch with the few I already am. Thanks to all for the encouragement and ideas, but this is going to be my last post. If anyone new down the road wants to contact me, my e-mail's listed a few times on this page. Keep up the good fight.

All of the concerns voiced over the possible website are completely reasonable, however, I beleive that I have found a means for even the most cautious individuals to contribute to it completely anonymously. I will have more details later, and I hope you will at least consider the protocols I plan to propose once the website is up. I plan to start the site with Terrifica, Angle Grinder Man, etc. and see who else shows up. I plan to post a picture of my own suit, once it is complete, under a pseudonym, although I do not intend to become an active crimefighter anytime in the forseeable future, because I will be out in the open due to running the website.

Another reason for starting a site is to be able to reach others who may already be walking this path, and may need support, or words of caution, or both. This is the first forum I was able to find that was leaning in the direction of actually taking some action, but now that I have found it, I doubt we are the first ones. When I was younger, I carried around a mask in case I ran into trouble that might allow me to use it. Just a mask. No weapons, no kevlar, just a mask. I bought the kevlar vest and materials for a costume much later, as an adult, long before I found this group. I felt that this was something I needed to do to bring the world closer to my vision how it could be.

Bye Hero! your an inspiration- i hope you will still read this page! youve given more to its readers that the rest of us combined. Nuff said.
Price- if ONE MORE PERSON says 'this isnt a game' blah blah blah i think i might implode! we get it already! do you really still think that us guys (and girls?) who are buying kevlar and talking about equipment are not taking this seriously? we all most probably have the same or similar concerns, but we dont display authority issues over it. i dont mean to sound like a punk , and i dont want to offend you in any way (i love your name btw i dont think anyone elso knows where its from) it just annoys me when people repeat that sort of thing, its really unnecessary, we've past that point now.
KEVLEX- id love a secure site to unite heroes all over the world, if not just to share & compare, it would certainly gain a more lighthearted view on our little underworld. if it really is secure, and people use other computers to access it other than their own, i dont any problem and would love to be a regular visitor.
edgar allen poe- stop moaning !

HERO: I completely agree with EDGAR ALLEN POE, I thank you too. This has really got me energized.

EDGAR ALLEN POE: thanks for the balanced perspective. I appreciate it. As for security on the website, I have a completely safe method for submitting profiles and stories. The forums will NOT be secure. Participants in the open forums will be advised to either post from a secure location, or to disclose no information that will cause concern. I am planning on charging 10$ to post a picture along with profile, etc. which will hopefully help pay for site upkeep. I was planning on making an exception for anyone from this forum, but that raised security issues, you will undestand why when you read the security protocols.
I had originally wanted the chat forums to be secure, but barring a huge investment that I cannot afford, It cannot be done to my satisfaction. I refuse to risk other people's welfare by pretending they are secure. At least the most important parts of the site will be completely safe. I still haven't totally decided on the site name. the front runners are "InternationalSuperheroRegistry" "WorldSuperheroRegistry" "WorldJosticeLeague" "SuperheroRegistry" "InternationalJusticeLeague", and I would appreciate input in that area.

im under 15 and my dream is to be a hero. i have exelled in moterbikes and pushbikes since i was 4 1/2, heck im even getting my neighbours who support my dream to teach me 2 drive. i need a a load of gadgets to help me. i created a blueprint of loads but need to make them. i really need help 2 save people. i recently had 2 climb onto my mums roof using a gutter so i could save a couple of kittens. can any 1 gimme a site of non leathel weapons or sumin 2 help me.
i ned this 2 save people from crime. i always put my neck on the line.
please help me. i moniter this site every nite and i think its safe to ask for your help.

marvelmaster

marvelmaster123: PLEASE get training and give this a lot of thought before you try anything. The good guys usually win when they are better prepared, better trained, and more motivated than the bad guys. Good intentions don't stop bullets or knives. Another thing to take into account is that the bad guys are hard to sort out. For instance, suppose you find a drug dealer and get into a fight with him. You win, and are completely unharmed. The drug dealer is knocked out and has a busted knee and some bruises. Is this a good outcome? Most people will say "HELL YES!!! Those vermin get what they deserve!" On the surface this is a clear victory, but did our hero consider that this might have been an UNDERCOVER POLICE OFFICER: an honest, worthwhile man, who MAY recover from that head injury, but will never be able to walk properly again due to that knee injury? Those type of mistakes are completely unacceptable! Take your time training and think everything through carefully! You will need a lot of custom equipment and should learn how to build and repair it yourself because it will take a lote of abuse if you become active and actually end up being attacked repeatedly. You must protect the public not only from the bad guys, but from your own potential mistakes.

I know how tempting it is to dream up a cool name and run around with a mask on at your age, and that the last thing you want is a speech about responsibility from some guy on the internet, but it is, as im sure you know, a very dangerous hobby. I agree with DA, it is practically a necessity to know some martial arts, as you will probably end up in a fight at some point. You should also probably wait untill your at least 20, because you will be experienced and fully grown by this time. But if you cant wait untill you are 20ish, then i would say for now, stick to being a do-gooder, saving kittens and such. It might be an idea to volunteer at a youth centre, and if you come across information about criminals e.g. drug dealers, send it to the police annonymously. Keep a pencil and paper for taking down license plates etc, and have a cell phone to call ambulance/fire/police services quickly. You might even want to carry a small first aid kit. If this isnt quite superhero-y enough for you, then have a symbol that is always present on your clothing, for example, sew on something subtle to the shoulder of a jacket and the back pocket of a pair of trousers. a costume is not necessary, this will help capture the 'air' you are wanting at your age. Just make sure that you dont go looking for trouble too obviously, and DONT carry anyhting illegal! if youre involved in a crime need to give a statement, it is very risky to carry ninja stars and tasers around policemen who are trained to spot such things. I think if you do these things, keep in shape dont get carried away, you should be able to live the superhero dream to a realistic point, untill youre just a bit older. I hope this helps. my e-mail is edgar_allen_poe@hotmail.com. please put marvel master or heroing or somehting in the subject.

sorry, been gone long time, much changes happen in my life. right now, very hard be superhero. right now, better helping others, have some knowledge of forensics (at some point cops may come look for heroes, we are breaking some laws after all ;) and can give advice to keep good guys out of jail. also, maybe later work in public relations because hope to get job at news at some point (maybe put in misleading article, lead cops away from good guys.) remember old email i put in? contact me there, if no leave note here. will try catchup soon.

The website will be WWW.WORLDSUPERHEROREGISTRY.COM and should be ready in just a few days. I am going to start it out pretty simple and see how it goes. It will certainly be online within a week.

having trouble with the webhost, will have to work on the site a little more. should not be a long delay.

Hey guys. I've been so busy with one reality that I almost forgot about this one! Although not entirely... BYE HERO!!! I'm slightly miffed that I missed you before the last post but it can't be helped I suppose.

I haven't read everything that's been posted since my last visit because I'm short on time but I'll be back sooner or later armed with time... and proably a purple belt too!

The good fight shall be fought!

Continuing problems with webhost, additional delay of site launch.

WWW.WORLDSUPERHEROREGISTRY.COM THE SITE IS ONLINE!
PLEASE CHECK IT OUT AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK! I had to switch webhosts. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER USE "WEBHOSTINGDIRECT.NET" Their service is horrible and their site is usually non-functional. I am now using someone very dependable. I look forward to hearing from you all!

I SPOKE TOO SOON! I will try and get it back up again soon. AARGH!!

OK! Check out the site now! WWW.WORLDSUPERHEROREGISTRY.COM

WOW nice going Kevlex! its so cool to have such a big stepping stone toward public acceptance etc for all of us, im going to register as soon as i can get to a public computer! A fantastic job too.

EDGAR ALLEN: Thanks for the review! I really hope it takes off. I posted a link to it in WIKIPEDIA under real-life superheroes. Check out the submission guidelines and I think you will find them as anonymous as can be if you follow the directions for sending in pictures and a profile. The main e-mail for the site is: "KEVLEX@worldsuperheroregistry.com"

When I was a kid I lived by the "superhero code" and that got me involved in martial arts and so-on.

In my 20s (this was the 1980s and the Guardian Angels were big news) I put in some hours on the rooftops of my home city.

No costume. The idea is not to draw attention. I did sometimes carry a mask but I never used it. I also carried a very powerful flashlight and five shrieker alarms.

In two years of patrols I stopped exactly one mugging. The bad guy was a big Polynesian dude and he had a woman by the throat, pushing her up against the wall of an alley. I shone my light into his eyes from across the alley and ordered him to back away. He couldn't see me and probably thought I was a cop. He grabbed the woman's handbag and took off down an alley, then for some reason stopped and threw the handbag back at her. It may have been some kind of domestic argument.

At other times I found a bunch of stolen backpacks and handbags in back alleys and dumpsters - always emptied of anything valuable - and one stolen motorcycle. I stopped some kids from throwing bottles at pedestrians from one of the upper levels of a carpark; same tactic as before, stay in concealment and just make it obvious that someone can see what they're doing. I used the light and a shrieker. I'm sure they thought I was a security guard or something.

My advice; no "costumes" unless your real agenda is to live out a fantasy/fetish or to get publicity.

Don't confuse a couple of years of martial arts training with the ability to survive a street fight; if you've never fought for real in the street then stay out of harm's way. Even if you can really fight it's much better not to force a situation to escalate.

Street criminals are paranoid about getting caught in the act and will run if you give them the chance.

Do not carry any illegal weapons nor anything that is readily identifiable as a weapon.

Know your area absolutely including escape routes and stick to that area. I strongly recommend working rooftops as most crime is at street level and distance is your best defense. Light and sound are your best attacks.

Know the laws relating to trespass, citizen's arrest and self defense. If you adopt my tactics you will almost certainly be engaging in criminal trespass and if you are challenged you must either be able to talk your way out or physically escape. I did both at different times. You need to be in excellent shape. My son is into le Parkour (French urban acrobatic skills) and I would have studied that 'til I dropped if it had been around back in the day.

Consider carrying a video recorder/camera of some sort - these days you could probably use a cell phone (none of this technology was available when I was doing my thing). Do not use the cell phone to alert the police unless you are willing to have the call traced back to you. Any contact between yourself and the police (providing physical evidence, etc.) is up to your own discretion but I did everything anonymously.

Most importantly, unless you are fully prepared to engage and restrain violent criminals - a very serious risk - resign yourself to first response tactics. Your goal is to stop the crime, not to apprehend the criminal, and the best way to do that is to surprise and distract them with the knowledge that they are under active surveillance. Keep above the action, use light and sound as your weapons.

Hi again! I am considering whether to add superbarrio and the batman and robin duo from england to the list of real-life superheroes on the website. I already have AngleGrinder Man, Terriffica, and Polar Man listed and they are the best I have found so far. Any thoughts? I have also added a new onsite forum that does not need any kind of sign-up to participate. The site is not a membership site for various reasons.

I have transferred the couple of posts from the blogs I was using as forums to the new on-site forums. I think it is much nicer now and more convenient..

the site is doing very well. traffic is picking up, but no new profiles have been submitted yet. The forums are not getting much response yet.

I have added a tutorials section to the site. Check it out and see if you have any wisdom to lend newcomers.

Hey if I want to buy this game onnline but not wait for it to get here in the mail where can I download it please.. ty

sorry i havent been here for a while- my computer had a mid life crisis! KEVLEX, the site is, of course, looking fantastic! your hard work is obvious and well apreciated. The nano-second im able to, ill post my profile before you can change into your super-tights! Dragonfly i presume youre asking about City of Heroes- ive had a look but i cant find a downloadable version anywhere, im afraid.

Thanks Edgar Allen. I will keep working on the site. More improvements to come when time allows. I look foreward to seeing your suit! Someone needs to get the ball rolling and it would be great if it was someone from this forum!

There will be the emergance of a vigilante/superhero on the east side of the united states starting soon.

God Bless you all and keep up the good fight.

HEY! "Can't give my name" at least tell us your superhero name! It won't compromise your real identity.

You can call me Dark Guardian

Before we begin, we'll start with my name. It's just a nickname that stuck back in late 2002. I find capes to hinder stealth maneuvers in real life.

Which brings me to my point:

SHJ, you, as well as the Video Vigilante, are amongst my list of well-respected vigilantes. Psychological warfare, if done correctly, can oftentimes end the fight before it begins and prevent the crime from going any further. A one-man Neighborhood Watch so-to-speak.

My tactics are very similar to yours. I'm glad I'm not the only one using their brains before anything else. I'm not calling anyone else stupid, but SHJ is the only one I've noticed who publically spoke of his exact methods from experience.

SHJ, do you have an e-mail address?

Next month my mission will begin. I will clean up the scum from the sreets and bring down the drug trade in my area. Hopefully I can inspire others to stand up for what is right ineveryday life. God bless all those who stand up for what is right.
I will not fail.

Real life super heroics will be an important part of future society. Hopefully some oif the people on this board will follow this path. Crime fighting is too important to be left in the hands of the government.

On a practical note 'going on patrol' is not a productive use of time I've done it and in three months never saw a single crime in progress. Investigating local crimes or actively hunting local criminals is alot more productive.

Pick up some books about crime investigation and private detection (Paladin Press is a useful outlet for this).

One of the easyist criminals to find are drug dealers. Ask your local pot heads who there dealer is (or pay a homeless person to take you to there dealer). Once found you can give the dealer a serious beating with a warning to find another career. You can leave him tied up and call the police but in my experience he will just be let go bwith no charges pressed so these days I don't bother.

Buy all your local papers every day. Unsolved crimes are reported that you may be able to deal with and criminals named when convicted in court (you should start a database of these people, you may want to contact them when investigating future crimes).

Some other tips:

Wearing a suit and tie while crime fighting means you won't be stopped and searched by the cops unless you act 'really' suspicious. Only put you mask on at the last minute.

A cash bought mobile phone with cash bought credit is the only way to be anonamously contacted.

If questioning people don't pretend to be a cop people will ask for ID or clam up. Pretend to be a reporter for your local (small scale) paper, if neccassary say that your paper lets you pay for information. (telling people you are just a concerned citizen will only get you funny looks not information)

Do carry a personal weapon, a billy club and brass knuckles are best but martial art stuff such as tonfu or nunchaku are ok.

Avoid ranged weapons, guns are too dangerous and throwing knives/stars, cross bows, e.c.t are all inaccurate.

Smoke bombs and flash bombs can be bought legally from paintballing stores.

Try to add boxing to your martial arts training. It not only improves your punches and footwork but it gets you used to being hit (which most dojo's don't).

And always have an escape route prepared (for use against cops and criminals) it should go over rough ground where cars cannot follow. Most cops let there fitness drop after they come out of the acadamy so you will be able to outrun them if you haven't stinted your training.

Indiana's Citizen's Arrest laws for our Midwestern Superheroes who wish to fight crime without becoming criminals:

IC 35-33-1-4
Any person
Sec. 4. (a) Any person may arrest any other person if:
(1) the other person committed a felony in his presence;
(2) a felony has been committed and he has probable cause to believe that the other person has committed that felony; or
(3) a misdemeanor involving a breach of peace is being committed in his presence and the arrest is necessary to prevent the continuance of the breach of peace.
(b) A person making an arrest under this section shall, as soon as practical, notify a law enforcement officer and deliver custody of the person arrested to a law enforcement officer.
(c) The law enforcement officer may process the arrested person as if the officer had arrested him. The officer who receives or processes a person arrested by another under this section is not liable for false arrest or false imprisonment.
As added by Acts 1981, P.L.298, SEC.2. Amended by Acts 1982, P.L.204, SEC.7.

Thank you! Very useful information!

No problem. Check your Registry e-mail accounts, Kevlex.

HEY!: THANKS DARK KNIGHT!!! I HAVE MAKE THE IMPROVEMENT TO THE SITE YOU SUGGESTED!!

Batman Begins got it right. One man can do nothing, he can be destroyed and locked up.

But a well oiled machine can make a difference. A group, a network. It also really makes you question yourself. If you had his toys would you be out there every night? If Bruce didn't, would HE?

I still think some of you are ridiculous. Purple capes and spandex britches keep popping into my mind when I think of some of you. Galivanting about because Dungeons and Dragons is getting boring now that you"re 35.

But if you want my honest to goodness advice. If you want to kill a snake - go for the head. Dont take out the drug dealers and pot smoking teens - take out the drug lords polluting the streets and causing poverty, sickness, hunger, desperation. Dont concern yourself with purse snatchers. Get to the bottom of the WHY, why is he stealing. Hunger? Lose his job? Figure ways to AID, not aresst. Take out one crooked cop, rememebr there's a thousand more most likely. Get to the bottom of the corruption, kill the head.

But above all, lead by example. As one man you're dust. But by motivating an entire community you build a network, you'll find friends in higher places, people that can do thigns you can't. Stopping politicians, changing laws, firing corrupt officials. Things you can't do with your fist and a grappling hook.

You're not Batman. Dont try to be.

Anyone who's still checking this post out, meet your newest vigilante ally. In a few years, once I've gotten some martial arts training, costume, allies, weapons,etc., I'm hitting the streets. I intend to kick evil where it hurts the most.
Anyone who's posted here, I owe you. I needed the wake-up your words gave me. Anybody still here, I would love to talk to you. Oh... whoever created this post, I owe you a gigantic thank-you. Thank you for asking that question.
Let's go get 'em, fellow vigilants!

Hey Hero...I really want to talk to you, but e-mailing isn't an option, so...if you're still checking this out, I'll be checking all the time.I haven't had time to read this whole post (has anyone noticed how darn BIG this thing's gotten?!) but I know that you are someone extraordinary in your own right and I would give my right leg to talk to you.
Anyone else on here who isn't freaked at the sudden emergence of some crazy person on a private board who says they want to be a vigilante, please keep up!!!!! I never in a trillion years realized that there was ANYONE who shared my dream, and to find so many people...it's too good to be true!!!!
So...anyone listening, write soon.
Thanks, people.

Wolf-Blade: That was the same reaction I had upon finding this forum. If you have not yet done so, check out www.worldsuperheroregistry.com We need more input if you have anything you feel like contributing in the forums or perhaps even sending in a tutorial if you have any advice to newcomers.

i know i'm hoggin' all the space here,but don't wrench me please!! i don't dare vent this stuff anywhere else and u seem 2 b the kind of people who'll get where i'm coming from.
dark guardian:how's your crusade going?

my training is going really sssllloww. i'm not telling anyone i know about this and it can be really hard to keep myself motivated. but every time i hear a siren and know that there's nothing i can do but pray...i tighten my belt, drop+do pilates as well as re-reading any info i've got. i'm under 15 + i intend to hit the streets at 18. is that too soon? i've got a martial arts teacher lined up, but weaponry's another subject entirely.
kevlex:cool-o site!!!!! you rock at that, really awesome!
Elijah Price:i agree about taking the head, but dudes! we're out there to do whatever we can!!!! we're not out there because we're bored, we're out there because we NEED to be. get me?
*sheepish grin* ok, off my high horse. no more chattering til some1 else does.
Keep the faith.

yo kevlex, you there?

i already checked the site...really cool! however i don't think i've got the expertise to give any advice, and i don't have the guts to make an idiot of myself!
if ur reading me please write!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey, Wolf Blade: Don't worry about hogging the space! If you have something to say, go ahead and it will be a welcome addition. If you wait until you are 18 and train in the meantime, you can really get to where you can kick some ass. Be choosy about the martial arts instructor if you can. There are a lot of real posers out there running studios. As for weapons, it would be best to make your own and you should spend some time learning the different skills needed to construct your gear.

Elijah Price: One man can do a lot if it is the right man and he chooses his fights well. It is of course most effective to strike at the head of the snake, but not everyone has the time or resources to do so. If I did not have to work for a living, I think I could get a lot done, but currently anything I do has to fit in in between working eight or more hours a day etc. I am working toward getting to where I can work for myself full time and can do as I wish, but until then, I am doing what I can. As for reforming the political system, I would rather tackle the criminal underworld: it is a much more realistic task.

One thing that I have been contemplating: Criminals are not that difficult to find if the search is global. If a superhero organization had sufficient resources and personnel to handle trouble wherever it arose, it would never lack worthwhile foes. Genocide is occuring as we speak. Slavery still exists in some countries. Prostitution is not a pretty industry, but there are some places where brothels are stocked with people literally kidnapped and held captive to be raped for money! Occasionally serial killers are released on technicalities and are allowed to merge back into the general population. I have a newspaper clipping describing a man who raped a woman and CUT OFF HER ARMS! He later was released from prison and soon had killed someone else!!! Why was no-one watching him? Why would anyone EVER let him out!!!????? If an organization of superheroes with sufficient resources to be truly global could be assembled they would NEVER lack for important work!!!

kevlex-thanks 4 the encouragement!! i really need it! im looking at a jujitsu instructor. he's also a cop so i figured he knows what he's doing. problem: he'll know my fighting style and trace it back 2 me once i get out!! ARGH!
what kind of weapons do you think? non-lethality is uncompromisable.i have no intention of bcoming the evil i fight. but except 4 ninja stars and tear-gas, i'm having trouble coming up with stuff! oh...do u think my name sounds cheesy?

WOLFBLADE: The name is fine. This is a dramatic sort of activity, well suited to dramatic names. The important thing is that YOU like it. As for the teacher tracing your fighting style, I would advise that you learn at least two styles prior to going into action. It will make your style less specific and make you a much better fighter. If you do only learn one style, it is unlikely that anyone will be able to pinpoint you by it even if they get a good video tape of the action: martial arts are very common now. As for non-lethal weapons, I probably would not include the ninja stars. They can do real damage in the right hands. I would lean more toward stun guns (perhaps adapt them as stun-gloves or a stun-baton or sword) and tranquilizer darts(Choose the ingredients carefully: Ketamine is the most harmless one I am aware of, but there may be even better choices.). People can still die from either one in unusual circumstances, but the risk is greatly reduced. The most important things you can do to reduce the risk of death or injury to others is to become well trained and to plan your actions well! As for "Becoming the evil you fight" if you end up killing someone, I feel that that only truly applies if you are going after people who are not worth apprehending. If you get in a fight with a casual pot user and he ends up dead due to your sloppy planning or execution, you are indeed guilty of poor judgement, both by attacking in the first place and by letting it get out of hand: you will have committed a deep injustice that cannot be corrected and should consider getting off the streets permanently! If, on the other hand you have the same scenario but your opponent was a serial child murderer, you made a minor mistake that indicates a need for more training, but you have still improved the world significvantly.

kevlex: thank u SOO much!!! i really needed the advice. u totally rock, dude! + darn straight!some people wouldn't blieve the kind of trash going on the alley next block down!!! there's ALWAYS a need 4 justice. there's no shortage of evil in this world.
here's a thought:
what if u get injured in a fight?what if it gets infected? how do u explain it? this is 1 point i don't c bing discussed. 1st,u should perhaps study medicine @ least a little so as 2 take care of urself. no sense in telling the nurse @ ur local hospital: "My cape got in the way," "my mask slid," or "my grapple broke."
2nd, u should always have a ready alibi.if u own a quad/motorbike, u could say u wrecked. b sure to pick an out-of-the-way place 4 ur alibi. a crash on main street would b in the news. + pick ur alibi carefully. u may not b able 2 use it twice.
anything i screwed up?
Keep the faith.

Wolf Blade: That is an excellent suggestion: you should know at least first aid, not just for yourself, but for assisting others. If you pull someone out of a burning building or out of the water you need to know cpr. If you are rescuing someone who has just been shot or knifed by an attacker, you should at least know the basics to keep them alive until the ambulance shows up. Eventually, perhaps we can find sympathetic folks in the medical field to assist us in times of need. The motorbike crash excuse is good too. You could even buy an old junk motorbike or bicycle stored someplace in pre-crashed shape to back up your alibi on a moment's notice without having to sacrifice a useful vehicle.

aAny suggestions for smuggling stuff past people you're living with?

what size stuff?

Anything and everything to do with this!

oh, and can you recommend any sites on how to make a stun sword or baton? I have absoluetly no knowledge on the subject!

Ninja/throwing Stars; a few posters have suggested adding throwing stars (or shuriken) to their arsenal.

Throwing stars are often described as metal confetti. They are useless for engageing a enemy and inadequate for 'distracting' an enemy.

Avoid them.

first off, you are still in school and probably carry around a backpack for school books, etc. If you don't, get one and start carring it more and more often, using it during non-school hours as somplace to keep snacks and general junk. If it is too much of a pain to take all your school junk out of your backpack that often, you can always get a second, smaller backpack for that purpose. Once you establish a pattern of carring it around for general use, you can carry whatever you want in and out of the house that way without being noticed. BUT THAT IS NOT YOUR REAL PROBLEM! The real Issue is that it is your parents are in charge of making sure you don't do things exactly like this! You should assume that ANYPLACE you store unusual items will be inspected by them at some point. I would recommend two things to take care of this: FIRST: Do not go active for at least two or three years and get trained! SECOND: develop hobbies that will mask your real purposes. Start learning electronics: there are books on building countless devices in the library, or available from edmond scientific.(Perhaps tell your parent you want to build a battle-bot, which will explain away a lit of weird stuff lying around!) If you have electronic projects in progress, you can easily have others that will not be noticed at all, such as making your own homing devices! (EASY) If you take martial arts, involve your parents, and behave responsibly. If you do you will probably be able to keep the associated weapons and equipment in full view without alarming your parents. Costumes can be passed off as halloween costumes in progress, especially if thrown in a drawer with a few cheesy masks, etc. You should also learn how to sew and perhaps learn metal forming and how to laminate fiberglass. The sewing will help with costume construction and the experience with working with fiberglass will help if you want to manufacture laminated kevlar body armor. You can explain the sewing by saying you want to earn some spare money and are thinking about learning to make halloween costumes to sell in early october.(Get a cheap used sewing machine with metal gears) You might actually sell stuff and earn some extra dough for your equipment! The possibilities are endless for ways to do everything you want right out in the open! (((PLEASE NOTE: If you solder, use lead-free solder and if you work with fiberglass, read up on the appropriate safety gear and use it every time!!!! It does you no good to prepare for crimefighting, only to develop severe health problems due to skiping safety procedures! Fiberglass resins are really nasty! Always read all the safety warnings and then assume the person writing them was an optimist!)))

Mass produced throwing stars are for the most part fairly poor weapons, but my father, who is trained in many martial arts and hand-makes his own swords and stars makes ones that are quite effective: quarter inch thick, large, and razor sharp. I would not want to get in their way!

To Elijah Price,

First off, I would like to commend you on your clever name. However, starting at the bottom isn't always bad. In cases where you start at the bottom end of a large problem for a community (such as meth distribution) it can be a very good thing. It all depends on how exactly you go about it.

For example, in this county one arrest from a buyer can lead up to 7 more arrests in under 24 hours that go right up the "food chain". Being that there's more than one source for the same problem here, you can't just go to "the source" and be done with it like it's a comic book. There are many sources and starting at the bottom gives you chains that lead to the multiple sources.

However, rather than beating up the buyer and making him scared enough to just GO COMMIT THE CRIME ELSEWHERE, it's best to gather information and be a bit of a Detective about it and then give it to the law enforcement officials who have the authority, manpower, firepower, and forensic resources to make the arrests and put them in jail instead.

So, though purple spandex and flowing capes are pretty stupid when dealing with real dangers, don't let yourself believe that there is only one way to get things accomplished.

black knight: nice name. yeah, no ninja stars in my artillary. the only ones i could afford are the cheap, mass produced ones that couldn't hit the broad side of a barn anyway.
Kevlex: don't know what I'd do without you! I already carry a backpack, so that's no problem. i think i'll be doing ok. what are the pros and cons of having a sidekick, do you think? a partner in this kind of situation can be handy, but how do you know you can trust someone? If my questions are bugging the crap out of you, just tell me to shut up. I know you have better things to do than answer some internet wannabe's inquiries.
my dad *groan* will jump for joy when he finds out i'm taking up sewing. one complication is that i'm homeschooled, which means, hey, a heck of a lot more contact than I bargain for! the electronics should be no problem either. (by the way..homing beacons are REAL?!)
keep writing all, i check this every day!

WOLF BLADE: Hold off on the sewing part if you think your dad might give you flack. Sewing can be learned easily and quickly. You can save that for later when you have a place of your own. As far as working with someone else, build your personal relationships over the next few years while you are building your equipment and getting trained. It will take time to learn which friends will stick with you over the years and which ones are going to flake out on you. As you learn more about your friends you will come to understand which ones might be worth approaching. Working with a sidekick or partner has risks both for yourself and for them, but is may also save your life at some point if you take an extreme path. If you do end up involving someone else, they need to be well trained in the skills that will keep you both alive. You might want to keep an eye out for friends in your karate class. In the handfull of years until you are ready to get into the action, we may end up with enough activity in your area that we may be able to find a sidekick for you. It just depends on how thing evolve on the website and in the real-life Super Hero community. Homing beacons are real and the low tech ones cost almost nothing to make, although their range and precision is not as good as the higher priced ones. (I will try to get a simple schematic and instructions up on the site sometime soon.) I am still experimenting with various stun weapons. Once I get a design I think is presentable, I will be posting schematics and photos. If anyone out there is aware of someone working in this area let us know. And finally, no, you are not bugging me at all. I appreciate your enthusiasm. Feel free to ask anything!

a link has been added to the tutorials section that gives details on how to build a small homing device.

Is spandex all it's cracked up to be, or should it be avoided when constructing a costume? And are there any bullet-proof materials besides kavlar?

My favorite bulletproof material is dyneema-UD. I have not been able to find a good souce for the raw fabric, though. Spandex has it's place, but it is mostly popular due to it's prevalence in comic books, where superheroes are usually invulnerable no matter what they wear and mainly use costumes for decoration or concealing their identity. It does have the advantage of allowing freedom of movement, though.

I checked on ebay and found that a variety of inexpensive bugs and homing devices are available on ebay. They do not sell bugs that record, though, LOL!

Kevlex e-mail me at DarkGuardian00@hotmail.com .
I would like to speak with you.

DARK GUARDIAN: E-mail has been sent.

Kevlex: If they're no glitches, I'll be signed up as a martial arts student today. The guy who runs the place is a cop. Do you think I should try to be friends with him and maybe have him as a police ally? Or is that an absolute no-no? Are jeans w/belt a good idea for a costume, or do they inhibit movement? I'm working on getting my dad to teach me soldering. There's a guy I'm eyeing for sidekick, nothing certain yet though. I've known him for a long time. He does martial arts, plus he has a LOT of knowledge concerning weapons, crime, computers and law.I'm going to hold back for a while, no worries.

There's this book I've got called The Batman Handbook. While some of the stuff is WAYYYY over the top, there are a couple good pointers. The problem is they wrote it assuming you want to BE Batman, so that sucks.

WOLF BLADE: Don't give yourself away to the cop. you will have at least a few years to get to know him better, and it really does take at least years to find out who you can trust. For all you know he might sell pot on the side, or be a garden variety dirty cop. By all means make friends with him and perhaps bring up topics that might give you an idea as to his world-view, but give it a lot of time. If you approach a cop and make a mistake, it is a BIG mistake! Personally, I would not approach him at all due to the high risk. Jeans and a belt are not bad, assuming they are not too tight to allow freedom of movement. Once you are enrolled th the class, try practicing your moves in whatever you were thinking about wearing and it will be easy to tell if it is practical.

This is Wolf Blade, but from now on I'll be going by Elessarsecret on here.
Kevlex: I don't think he's dirty, but I'm not taking any chances!! I've decided not to risk it. I just want the cops to know we're both on the same side (provided they're not in for pay only.) I would much rather have the police as backup rather than rivals. I'm FINALLY enrolled in the class. Is it wrong to have fun training for a job like this? Because I love it.
I'm holding back on the costume for a while, since it probably won't fit in a few years.

Does anyone have any ideas on mask designs?

P.S. Has anyone heard of M.S. 13? I think they definately deserve attention.

Elessarsecret: Of course it should be fun! Martial arts are a blast. The entire process of becoming a superhero should build confidence, self reliance and strength of body, mind and character, as would any life lived well and with purpose. I did not think that the cop was likely to be bent, I was just pointing out that possibility as an example of problems with approaching him. More likely, he would turn tou in to the police to keep you from getting in too much trouble. What is M.S. 13?

hey kevlex im working on my costume over the next couple of months, i cant wait to see it on your site, which is looking great btw. elessar secret, interesting name, from lord of the rings isnt it? i think youve got what it takes as far as i can tell. my email is edgar_allen_poe@hotmail.com if you want to talk on msn. sounds like your really keeping a level head and asking all the right questions, so add me and we'll talk.

Kevlex: I've linked my name to a site page that explains MS-13. They're a gang that's, in short, a death sentence for every law-abiding citizen this side of the globe.
Edgar Allen Poe: how the crap did you know it was from LotR?! No one else has caught on yet. I'm obssessed to the drowning point with that story. Elessar is, as you might know, another one of Aragorn's names.'Secret' is because...well, I'll tell you when I get to know you better. Let's just hope I can handle myself when I hit the streets, or it's curtains, then a nice long dirt nap! I would e-mail you but my housemates (aka the parents) don't even know I come to this site, so that's out of the question. They would NEVER!! support this crazy scheme, so I'm stuck. But I'll be thinking, I REALLY want to talk!
P.S. The level head comes from way too many operations going into smitherines due to not asking enough questions. And 5 years is going to be a LONG time to keep excitement going!!!

Elessar: I am a big LOTR fan, but it has been years since I last read them. Interesting info on MS-13: Definitely worth looking into.

EDGAR ALLEN POE: I look foreward to seeing your costume too. Thanks for the kind words about the site. I work on it when I get the time, more to come!
ELESSAR: You could always e-mail EDGAR ALLEN from the library or an internet cafe, using an anonymous e-mail service, give him a MAILINATOR e-mail address (Check it out! very handy!)to use to reach you, then return there a few days later to check the e-mail.

Hello. I don't want to talk to much here. But I highly suggest someone writes a detailed guide for trainee's...

Hello. I don't want to talk to much here. But I highly suggest someone writes a detailed guide for trainee's...

Dam it double posted on it's own. This is why I didn't want to post here. Now I look like an idiot...

Eiro: don't be silly! You don't look like an idiot, I have tried to post before, gotten a really good thought together, then erased it all by entering the code wrong! LOL! It happens, don't worry about stuff like that. The idea for a beginner's guide is good, but it might be hard to create a universally accepted one due to the very different philosophies postulated here. Hopefully the superhero website will be usefull for that purpose eventually, allowing people to pick and choose what they want to incorporate into their personal style of crimefighting.

I am considering writting a guide myself. Although I am new, I can write it as I go, and it will detail much more because it will include the entire experience.

I was wondering though, i'd like to join the forums despite the risks. But my problem is that they are difficult to look at. Maybe you could consider using an Invisionfree forum (www.invisionfree.com). They are very secure, and only the Administrator has access to I.P.'s....

Yo Kevlex and Edgar Allen! Guess what? My computer crashed! I escaped being caught sneaking on my mom's by the skin of my teeth. I'm looking for the mailinator thing,but don't be surprised if it takes a while.Nice to know I've got a fellow LotR fan on here! Edgar: are you an MSN member?
If so, you could create a private chat room and we could meet there. Now keeping an eye out for good costume things.
Eiro: Hey! I've done the same thing as Kevlex, no problem! That guide thing would be good, but I have to agree with Kevlex, there's just too many views.

CRAP! The above post was from me.See, Eiro? I make mistakes too.

Eiro the Hero: Despite my earlier doubts about producing a guide, you should go ahead with it. People may not all agree about it, but what the hell, It is worth doing none the less. Elessarsecret: Tough break with the computer! I have had them fail on me many times too. If you want to check out mailinator, just go to mailinator.com. you can pick any e-mail address such as spatula@mailinator.com and you can send e-mail there without any setup. the downside is that anyone at all can read anyone's e-mail, but if you pick an obscure e-mail that will not matter much. It is an interesting setup.

i'll look into the private chatroom thing anyway, i havnt done it before, but i'll ask my friends i know some of them have so it shouldnt be a problem. As for this guide idea, i agree with Kevlex. There are a lot of views, so write a guide and put your views out there for us all to read. On top of that, just getting your ideas down may help you develop them, and you'll always find it useful to spend time musing and improving old ideas, trust me!

Kevlex: not only a tough break, ALL OF MY STUFF GOT WIPED! You name it, it's lost! Dang it! I'll check out mailinator when I can, but I won't be able to for a while. That sounds very handy though!
Edgar Allen: Let me know when the chatroom is up. I won't be back here for at least 5 days due to circumstances.
Eiro: Yeah, go ahead with the guide, it's a good idea. If the readers want to follow their own style, there's nothing stopping them, after all!
See y'all when I get back!!

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I'm getting my thoughts together right now. I want to be a writer when I get older so I should be a valid candidate...

elessarsecret-think was you, had idea to wear jeans for part of disguise? maybe rethink, wear patterns on seams are unique. if pic of jeans caught by any surveillance cams you maybe in trouble. surveillence pics will only be useful if same jeans found, but could make circumstantial evidence if you arrested and charged by police. Also, maybe good idea find VERY common shoes to wear. shoes wear differently on different people but type of shoe sold to many people in many different stores much harder to trace.

ps-was first anonymous
pps-i LOTR obsess too, very good b ooks and movies!

Also, yes tracker transmitter real. use many on wild wounded animal when release. give info on animal movement, others

Thanks to whomever emailed me with a link to this site. My name is Brian Bates, better known as the Video Vigilante. Hope i can offer some useful information to your little corner of the Internet.

VV do you have any sort of costume or outfit/uniform ?? just wondering because if you did, it would make you a certifiable 'superhero' !

No mask, no cape, not even a "bat signal." Just me, a video camera, and an unwavering will to see my mission thru. I have found though that what I wear has a direct impact on the reaction I receive from criminals, law enforcement, and the media. If I am dressed casual, then I am treated casual. If I dress in business attire then I am treated with more respect - the bad guys back down with lots of "yes sir" and "no sir," while the media and law enforcement take me more seriously too.

VIDEO: Do you have a website?
What kind of camera do you use>

No. This Forum was the begining, But this place will be the end. for those of you that are serious about this.....No more posting here.Post with eachother....this place is being watched. Remember that.Private e-mails only.....Video Vigilante, We appreciate your interest in us, but your services will not be needed. Take care...God Bless and be safe..But your troubles are your own. If you need us we willl be there....but if not, please do not endanger us.There is a Revolution to be started......Let it begin....for those who think I am being harsh......Listen to reason, and see what s being sacraficed.....i am not being paranoid, I am being careful. Secrecy is our best weapon.

The Gaurdian: I for one would like the video vigilante's input. Personal e-mail only gives the illusion of security. It is all accessible to any govt agency that is interested, or any competent hacker. We enjoy a degree of safety here for the time being simply because the authorities do not take us seriously. I doubt they will devote significant resources to watching us anytime soon.

i agree, KEVLEX. Revolution? Secrecy is our best weapon? I was under the assumption that we were helping people, not taking over the world, and since when do the good guys use weapons? perhaps 'security is an essential factor' or 'hidden identity is a nessecary tool'....seriously, revolution?? Those kind of messages are going to attract wanna be anarchists and thus are the ONLY reason 'this place will be the end' or whatever pre-apocolyptic prophecies you phrase. 'for those who think I am being harsh......Listen to reason'

Mr. Bates, I tip my mask to you. :) What you're doing is truly incredible, and I think you will be a very welcome and valuable addition to this forum.

Hello, all. :) Yep, I'm still around, and have been watching the blog and registry with interest. I'm not going to go into the whole "be careful, don't give away anything!!!" speeches that will always be popular here. Anybody considering this work has to have a pretty extreme personality to begin with, and it takes all types.

Want to hear a funny story? On the Registry, an up-and-coming applicant is called Green Scorpion. Based on something I recently *coughweaponcough* built, I was trying to think of Scorpion-related names. And I also was thinking "Hm, Green Arrow, Lantern, Hornet. . .what about Green Scorpion? Naaah, it'd never work." I swear, later that night I went to the Registry, and Bam, there it was. Sorry, guy, no offense. :)

And yeah, to anyone interested in corresponding, I'm still available at heroesarentborn@hotmail.com. Look forward to hearing from you, and I'll offer any advice I can.

Keep up the good fight, all.

Ok, Let me try this again,

After Reading your reactions to my post, i was very offended. Especially what Mr. Poe said. This is just something that I am very passionate about. Since as far as I could remember. IT wasn't til recently the drive returned to me, But then came a decision...either pursue this or I go pursue my career with full force. I felt I could not do both, It hurt, It really did.. Because I know what I wanted to do, I know if I devoted myself to this cause. I felt it in my bones, That I may have a chance to help change this world. Help people, protect. When i say revolution, I mean kinda what the Dutchman said before. A group of Mystery men, sparking something in people. To do good. So we could not only be the ones that can help, But we could inspire everyone in this world to stand up and belive in themseleves to make a difference. Those people that think that there is no more hope. For instance,(this maybe a long stretch, but please hear me out.) In places where ther are still slavery,oppression.Rwanda for example. Women and children being killed and raped. What if by some chance there was girl or guy..that heard a story of masked individuals going around and saving the lives of people. What if they were tired of what was happening to their families and friends. What if they were inspired by the actions of people like us.....That may be far fetched. I don't want to take over ther world. i want to help inspire it, help change it, Because face it, If it didn't need to be changed or helped. There would no reason for this site......And Mr. Bates, I aplogize for the rudeness, I had no place. As I did more research, and looked at what you do...IT is very neccesay in your town. Again I apologize. And as for the remark of Secrecy is our best weapon.....If we are reall going to start a network, then we need to be secretive of how we do it. Cause when this gets to the magnitude that i know it will. We will be a target...not only from the goverment. But from the very people we put away. i only have our Families and friends in mind....Now, back to the decision I had to make, I made the decision that involved my career. But i always had this in the back of my mind. After some soul searching. and a random incident in finding this forum. I think i know what I am going to do. i am not going to Give up on my dream job..but nor am i going to forget about what i know is right. I decided to pick up my mask...I mean hell, "SECRET IDENTITY" right?...anyways. i hope that explains me, and where i am coming from. I was in the wrong as how I went about things. You guys re-inspired me...angain,I'm sorry.

i intended no offense with my response, and im sorry i wasnt more understanding, i just acted on first instinct. I first read your message and thought that it was ...a lot of things i didnt like. I stand by what i said, only i regret that my reply was not as understanding as it was insensitive. we are all passionate about this, and, well, we're talking on msn right now so ill leave it there!!!!

The Gaurdian: I certainly do not wish to lose your input or that of the video vigilante. I also think that heightened security will be necessary eventually: if you look at the Profile submission guidelines for the superhero registry, you will see that I have been putting thought and effort into that, but we also need to be available to assist those who wish to join the ranks of real-life superheroes.

I'm back! Finally! When I read the Guardian's post, I totally freaked. I was shaking all day. So thanks for renewing my faith, guys, I was too scared to post there for a while! Guardian: I'm afraid I owe you an apology. I was all up and ready to write an accusive post, with every motive I could think of that you might not want vigilante allies to contact eachother, or newbies like me to get the proper training. I'm sorry. My fear overloaded my common sense.
Edgar Allen: Write me at Elessarsecret@mailinator.com. I think it'll work. Any luck with the chat room?
This whole deal has only strengthened my resolve. Sirens are heard on a daily basis in my town now. If ever I had any doubt that this is what I'm meant to do, it's not there now.
Let's hit it.

Elessasecret: I applaud your your enthusiasm and drive. Stick to this, I already know you will be a valuable asset.

Kevlex: You have been putting a lot of thought into your site. I like it alot..It will be helpful.

elessar good to have you back! i have 'my space' blog thing for anyone to post on if they cant contact me via email. the link is above.

Edgar Allen: good to be back! Look i havent got much time, but it seems that ur page is password protected or something. Might want to check that. my email is in my last post, sooo. ill write more later!!!!

AM HERO: I picked the name because I live in the desert (scorpion) and care about the environment (green), but Id be willing to let you have it if you are interested. If you want to use it, let me know soon, though.
EDGAR ALLEN: The good guys always have used weapons, they just use them for good, not evil! Ask any cop. I know you were just turning a phrase, but I get sorta bent when I hear the philosophy that the good guys can't use anything more potent than good intentions to defend themselves and still be good. Good guys are defined by their actions, not by equipment.
ELESSAR: Like yer attitude. Try an stay in one piece and outa jail so you can put it to good use. Take the time to train.

Green Scorpion: Heh, nah, appreciate the gesture but you can keep it. It's just that I have something that kind of resembles something to do with scorpions. 'Nuff said. :) I've got a huge imagination, I'll figure something else out.

Thanks for all the support guys! I'm definately meant for this. I know I'll get impatient in the years to come, but, hey: "The difference between 'skilled' and 'killed' is only one letter." :)
Here's a few questions:
1.Do police check rooftops at the scene of a crime? I don't intend to "patrol" on the roofs, but if the police arrive sooner than expected and I need to dissapear...
2. Does anyone know of a sturdy, waterproof, common brand of shoe/boot with excellent tread? I check all over but for this kind of job we're not talking about flip-flops at the local Wal-Mart:)
3. Is there a place where you can get a good quality, second-hand digital camera for under $50?
I'm open to suggestions.
Edar Allen: Have you written yet? My e-mail is kind of weird, I'll have to get a real one soon. I'm still fiddling with your blog thing!

P.S.-Edgar Allen: I just tried to check my e-mail and the site's down for maintainence. If you tried to write me, I probably won't get it for a while.

"Is there a place where you can get a good quality, second-hand digital camera for under $50?
I'm open to suggestions."

No.

Elessarsecret: you could probably get a decent digital camera cheap off ebay. You probably won't get cutting edge technology but you should br=e able to find something with a megapixel or two that will do the job for most purposes.

elessar- maybe ebay for cams, but be careful, no gaurantee on quality. when shop for shoes, maybe ask staff for "running shoes" because you "like to run" or check camping store. rocky mountain boots good for camping boots, or other camping gear also very good, very cool.

ps-Hero-good to see/hear from you and know you still around

Friends: I need help, Does anyone know of anyway to research an individual? I need criminal bacground,driving history,addresses.....i know there are background checks we can buy online, but I don't want it to link back to my credit card..This is very important. I can't go into on here..please help any way you can. Thanks in advanced.

Email Hero on that one. BTW, the internet is a veritable treasure trove of info.

A tip: go to Google/maps.com. Yes, it truly is f-ing awesome. In a jam? Have your 'operator' (via transmitter) talk yuo through the city with SATELLITE IMAGES of any place you can think of. Also good for scoping out places before you infiltrate.

I just zoomed in so close to my own house I could see my car!

AM The Gaurdian: If the internet is not going to work for you, and you can afford it, hire a private detective for cash under an assumed name. It would not take one long at all to find out that sort of info. You might also think about taking a correspondence course to become a private detective. they are inexpensive and would give you the skills you would need to find out that sort of info in the future.

Most of the "cases" that i have had in the past, the investigative work wasn't too extensive. i mean I was able to get info from people....but in this case I need to stay as far away as possible. The things i'm dealing with, It's just better to stay as far under the radar as possible. I just thught maybe someone knew of a faster and efficient way to find this info. I didn't want to involve a lot of other people(private investigator). I appreciate your help Elijah Price and Kevlex.

i don't know team....this "case" that i am looking into, there is something bigger going on. I can feel it....Days like these I wish we had an Established Network.

Elessarsecret, sorry it took a few days to post, for some reason the message wouldnt show (??) i have sent you an e-mail, when you first told me about you mailnator address but dont worry it wasnt anything important(or interesting im afraid!) i'll keep checking my blog. Guardian, a network would be great, i think we would all benefit greatly from it. You guys in the US must surely be able to set something up, if not just to share you resources? just an idea to get the gears rolling. Also Elijah Price i checked out google maps and loved it, thanks for the tip it'll be very useful.

Gaurdian, send me an e-mail at heroesarentborn@hotmail.com, I can probably help you with your investigation needs.

And. . .errgh, sorry, but this is a sticking point with me. . ."Guardian". Please. :)

I was just re-reading an article relating to a massacre of a busload of people in Honduras. The gang responsible just randomly murdered a busload of people to show their displeasure with their president's attempted crackdown on gangs. They said "Enjoy this Christmas, because next year will be worse." I wish we the resources to go after people like that and prevent whatever they are planning for this Christmas.

i can only suggest that a contact who is employed in the relevant law enforcement agency would be necessary. Unless there is an actual superhero who by day works with the national law enforcement? it is a far stretch, but there must be people like us with that sort of job.

Border town in texas, Nuevo Laredo.It is being over run with drug dealers. They can't even get a police chief, who ever gets the job, is killed. I've been looking at this for a while.

Well then, sounds like I'm not the only person on the planet who might like to go night-prowling in tights :-D. Okay, Hero, I read the up to like December's comments where you were talking about little kids waiting (good idea), so I don't know specifically what you've said since, but I have dreamed of doing exactly the same as you for quite some time (flashback of playing Spiderman with friends from kindergarden to 4th grade, Webhead being yours truly), and I've even made countless designs of suits and costumes for how I would like to appear. Anywho, if ANYONE wants to talk about the hero-biz further, please write or IM- rothfus7@hotmail.com
-theunknown-

Okay, if anyone does want to contact, just send me an email with the subject " -theunknown-herobiz " thanks bunches, I'm hoping to especially hear from Hero, Elijah, or Madaline Draven :-D

We're special. :)

I'm working on becoming a superhero, was even before I found this. I'd like some advice on the matter of masks.

I've done my research and found that in my state it is illegal to wear a mask in public except on holidays or at officially sanctioned rallies. This law was created to curtail the Ku Klux Klan in the years following the Civil War, so I don't have a problem with it on principle.

Problem is, it makes it rather difficult to have a costume you can quickly change into or out of. I thought about a motorcycle helmet, but considering I don't own a motorcycle and can't drive particularly well to begin with (hey, we all have our weaknesses), that won't work.

I've also toyed with greasepaint, but it can get kinda hot, even at night. I've also found that I'm too readily identifiable under it, and even some of the tricks I learned in theater to alter my facial outline either only really work at a distance or require stage lighting, which is not something a superhero wants to have much of. Application also takes about an hour, though at least baby oil can remove it quickly.

Any other ideas for how to circumvent the mask law?

as i have not had a costume (yet... :) ) i always use a wool hat and scarf, or a hood to cover my face. i also try and waer something with a collar that can be stuck up. what about false beards, tattoos or even nose ? there are also masks/ helmets for other sports i.e. paint balling. even some cool shades can help conceal your identity.

Scarecrow PS a bit tatty hood would look especially good coupled with...i dont know, say a black poncho? :D

Mr. Poe.....it's been too long.

and by the way, Welcome Scarecrow

Welcome as well, Scarecrow. . .and honestly, I think you may be thinking too deep into the law. If you're going to be wearing a mask to do something illegal like vigilantism, then getting arrested for having a mask on will probably be the least of your worries. If you're going to get caught, it's going to be mask or no mask. Like most of us here are probably planning to do, the mask won't even be on your face until it's just before go time, and then will come off again once you're safe and sound afterwards.

As for helmets. . .not owning a motorcycle doesn't mean you can't carry a helmet with you in a backpack. Who's going to know you don't have a bike? You could have parked it somewhere and not wanted to leave your helmet behind. Of course, a level III ballistic helmet and faceshield may be a bit harder to explain should some sort of search ever be performed. :)

I'd definitely avoid facepaints and wigs and such. . .especially for anyone out there thinking about the Robin/Green Lantern/etc. style "domino" mask that's supposedly held on with spirit gum. As an ex-veteran of the theater, I can tell you that spirit gum will not hold stuff to your face reliably for *any* length of time, especially once you start to sweat. Besides, you can't apply it to the mask in a hurry, and afterwards you're going to have sticky stuff all over your upper face. Not too inconspicuous.

Here's what I think I'd recommend. . .if you're going to do general snooping or patrolling around and feel you *have* to wear a mask, get a simple spandex hood with eye holes. It's pretty easy to breathe through, I have several of different thicknesses. You can tuck it in any pocket and it will probably not be felt during a pat-down, plus it takes up almost no space at all. Then, if you have a helmet in a backpack for protection during a fight, you can pull it on over the mask, or exchange the two quickly. Just some thoughts.

Oh, and I'm just a touch too lazy right now to read back through this entire page and see if I said this already, so here's another thing I discovered. . .there's a special "spandex mesh" being sold with custom made spandex gear (or as fabric by itself, but if you don't know how to sew, I'd have it done for you by the shop) that can be used for breathing holes, or eye holes. I have a mask with it in place at the eyes, and it's pretty awesome stuff. Even in the dark, with it right next to your eyes, you can almost see as if there were nothing there. But anything except a light pointed directly at your face will just show it as opaque. If your mask has, say, Spidey-shaped eyes, with black spandex mesh in them, you're in the dark, and have a light shone up or down at your face, the mask's eyes look cool and scary. In bright light, you can see through the mesh from the outside, but your face is still pretty shaded.

Anyways. Just some thoughts, as I said. Hope this helps. Have any more questions?

HI SCARECROW: I have not come up with much regarding your mask problem, but if you are going to use a scarecrow outfit, maybe you could glue straw to your face? I pretty much agree with hero though, If you are going to be sought by the police for your other activities anyway, the mask won't make much difference.

what about some bandages? that would be scarecrow ish, and it wouldnt break the mask law, plus its light, easyily breathable, compact, simple to put on and you'd look as cool as 'Hush' !

I just read that we are sending 600 troops to Nuevo Laredo to whip the place into shape, so I guess that is pretty much taken care of.

hey KEVLEX, my costume is really coming along now, the gloves are done and im halfway through the torso peice and gauntlets :D ill submit for the registry the second its finished!

Kelex, The Nuevo Laredo sitch...They have sent troops there before to attempt to restore order. It actually wasn't too long ago. It didn't help. It is going to take some drastic measures in order to clean that place up.I live near the border...and the drug dealers run the city. They have most of the police in thier pockets. And even before it got so bad.most of the cops were not much help,unless it would benifit them in some way...but who knows, maye this time the mexican government will make a difference.

EDGAR ALLEN POE: Nice to hear about the costume progress. I look forward to seeing it.
THE GUARDIAN: I thought it was the USA sending troops this time. I will have to go re-read the article.

Kevlex, From what I understood it was the mexican troops...I know they have sent theor troops before...but maybe it is us....i need to check, it just didn't seem very likely for us to do that.

Edgar allen: I haven't recoved any e-mails from you..Everything ok?

Question.....is there other sites like this one? Another place where people like us go to?

Hello,
I'm the owner of this original feed. If you all want, I can get free hosting and set up a snazzy webpage with forums. It's something I've been thinking about. Let me know and I'll see what I can do.

Mr. Schmidt,
That's sounds pretty cool. I have been curious about something..I appreciate you starting this forum...but what do youthinkn of us? I mean, do you support it? Iknow it wasn't exactly what you were asking originally...but what do you think?

THE GUARDIAN: There is WORLDSUPERHEROREGISTRY.COM, although I like the way this forum is laid out better than the one on that site. This forum here is also a lot more active than the one at the registry.

Kevlex: Buddy, ofcoarse I know of the site. There was a lot of work put into it. I should have mentioned that sit in my post..i just figured it was understood.I think everyone that comes here know about WORLDSUPERHEROREGISTRY.COM.

GUARDIAN: LOL! Just making sure anyone tuning in late was up to speed.

Test. Something's not working for me. Disregard this message

Hmm, it worked there. Gonna try again with my original message.

Ok, this is weird. I'm trying to post a link but the comment never shows. Something weird is happening. Must be the forces of evil. Gonna keep trying.

superheroes dot members dot winisp dot net

Mark Schmidt: I like your site layout and will link to your site as soon as I do the next update on the registry.

I added the link to Mark Schmidt's new site on the forums page and the links page. It looks like we will soon have an interview with "Captain Jackson" and will probably be adding him to the registry.

I just completed my phone interview with Captain Jackson and will post it sometime soon. He will also be added to the registry as soon as possible.

The interview with Captain Jackson is online now after a few difficulties. Check it out!

Do any of you know if anyof ourpotential heroes lived around the area devestated by katrina?

heres an idea for the american heroes among us- isnt there some sort of loophole where you can be reccognised as a public group and perhaps even get government funding of some sort? i know its far fetched...KEVLEX, an interview with captain jackson? that rocks!!!

I posted the profile for Green Scorpion, but he has not yet provided a usable photo. If he does not provide an acceptable photo by the end of the month his profile will be removed until I Receive one.

EDGAR ALLEN: Thanks for the kudos on the interview. Captain Jackson was very helpful and even sent me a dvd of his activities. I haven't had a chance to watch it yet though.

How is everyone doing? I have not checked in for awhile. I am trying to limit my time on here for my own security reasons. I hope all is well with you all.

The Gaurdian: Nice to hear from you again! Thing are going well, although there does not seem to be as much activity lately, probably due to school starting up again. You should think about using internet cafe's and paying cash if you are very concerned, either that or use other security precautions. Ask your local hackers or do some research and you will find ways of remaining anonymous.

Greetings all,

I was first "awakened" to this business September of 1999. I'e done a lot to begin establishing a knowledge base and training for skill sets. I've already posted extensive introductions on both Mr. Schmidt's new forum site, and Kevlex's. I recommend anyone involved here get to a public computer (libraries are best) and join the new forums. There we can carry on more focused discussions in separate threads. I also hope to help Kevlex improve the site more.

Most of my benefit to this small community will be intellectual based to begin with. I specialize in strategy and planning, as well as knowledge bases. I hope to assemble a great reading and datalink list for our members to use, especially those needing information before we have established an official underground contact network.

The single greatest contribution I hope to make is the Five Heroic Laws, a set of principles I devised to act as a barrier against "undesirable" participants entering this work (none of whom I detect here). Reading the past discussions, it's obvious we are all very human and differ in our philosophies, but I hope the Five Laws will act as a unifying edict that we can all agree a private crime-fighter must abide by. We may have differeing goals and plans to affect change, but I hope we can be unified in mutual aid.

By Thursday I should have much more to post in Mr. Schmidt's forums. Please do get around to signing up and declaring yourself (I realize there are those who guard their privacy, so a mere sign of your involvement is appreciated).

I'll try and contact everyone who has presented emails by tomorrow. Good luck until then.

Strength and Honor,
Nexus

"I am the vengeance of humanity. I am He who is connected to all things. I am Nexus."

!ATTENTION ALL!

I've sent out several messages to create a newsletter address book, so that any major "community" updates can be seen by those who choose to see them, but not by having to visit potentially "flagged" sites.

link, The Dutchman, D.A., stein B, Elijah Price and The Gaurdian have all (wisely) chosen not to post email addresses, but if they do have secure or anonymous addresses they check from time to time, please email kamillion99@mailinator.com

Hero: ce-mail-g

Has anyone heard from Hero?

No, I've heard back from Raven, Kevlex and WolfBlade, but not Hero.

Gaurdian, if you have a contact email (secure), please send it to kamillion99@hotmail.com

Hey, somebody on the registry forum had a cool idea. Does anyone know where to get glow in the dark fabric?

Nexus: I'm still here, but I'm in touch with those I need to be. I choose to abstain from your grouping, thank you.

Hey everyone.
Ok, I need some help. This might sound weird but:
Is it possible, even theorectically, to put a silencer on an engine? I've more or less decided that when I get started I'll use a motocycle as my transportation means, but who ISN'T going to remember a roaring 'cycle going down their street at 2:00 AM? Apparently they can silence a gun, so why not a motorcycle? If you know of a way to do this or know that it's impossible, please let me know. Thanks!


"Your focus determines your reality."

*Elessar

Hero: Understandable. Please keep in touch, though.

Elessar: Electric engines are the quietest locomotion, try researching that. Silencing a combustion engine is essentially a waste of time.

Elessarsecret: Silencing a gasoline engine can be done and I could probably find a schematic if you really want to. I know someone who has done some research into similar applications, but buying electric is probably easier if you can afford it.

Hello again everyone! I know I haven't posted anything lately at all, but I have kinda kept up to date as to what everyone is thinking of. Right now as far as costumization, I do have a couple of general ideas. Black of course, I'm thinking three quarter length-sleeved tight shirt, and depending on the look i'm going for, either a black trench coat and no mask (which would look wicked at night flying by on a black motercycle) or no coat and a black mask with some sort of eye covering (i was thinking a mask very similar to what was used for the footsoldiers in the Turtles movies would work VERY well), and then of course black gloves to prevent any prints being lifted by the cops. I know overall, if I had the materials, what I would want to wear, but what I'm having trouble with is 1. what my name should be, and 2. because I live in a more spread out, in the country-type city, the buildings aren't close together and aren't near as tall or elegant as what I would like to use as my homebase. If anyone has any help or suggestions to any of this, please let me know. Thanks to all

Heh. . .that was something that bothered me back in my old hometown. . .it was nice suburbs, and I walked around all night without ever being hassled by the cops or encountering a crime. I could easily climb on to rooftops, but they were so far apart I'd have to climb, look around, get down, walk the quarter mile to the next one, climb up, etc. :) It's the tradeoffs of country and city life. . .the sheer size of most cities means that even though crime happens more frequently on the streets, you probably won't be nearby when it does. And in the country, crimes tend to be more of the secret, kept-in-the-family kind, but everyone is watching everyone else. The cops around here are too da** efficient in many ways. . .I've apparently been reported as a potential burglar several times now because people in the same neighborhoods saw me sneaking around a crook's house, or leaving my vehicle dressed in black at 3AM. *sigh* Real life sucks. Fortunately they don't seem to be cross-checking occurences, otherwise I'd probably have been officially taken in and questioned by now.

Sorry to hear of your troubles, Hero, though it certainly does stand as important lessons for the rest of us to be aware of.

As for naming, unknown, you usually need to consider various factors:

-What impetus was it that made you believe you should do this? Are there specific crimes or ills you'll be attacking?

-What manner or character would you operate under? What type of personality and demeanor does your alter ego carry?

-What area are you going to operate in?

-Are you using a totem or symbol of some kind, or even a theme?

A decent real world name is hard to come by, because without real powers, overly fantastical handles are laughable (at best). You just need to consider something that is an identifier, but also isn't outside the realm of a real-world nickname.

**But don't choose anything closely related to your cvilian identity!**

I have a name i descarded MonkyMan
take it if you want it

I wanted a more regional name

Unknown: i would have said 'ghost rider' but thats kind of taken!
how about: Phantom Rider
Pale Spectre
Grim something...
Highway Phantom
Pale Rider
Easy Rider!!!
who are your heroes?

Some of you were discussing some type of hero guide earlier. What do you think about a more literary approach? Not a step by step guide but just a story that you can learn from. When I read the bit about not using a grappling hook because your arms can be ripped off, I laughed for a full thirty minutes. Perhaps a story about someone just getting into the business and trying out different techniques could be a more helpful and interesting guide.

Perhaps. At the moment, I'm more concerned about dispelling myths about this work that are hold-overs from the fantastical world they're inspired from, ie rooftop patrolling, flashy costumes, adolescent wards, etc.

There's a lot of hard facts to face, and it's better we disillusion those who see this as another wekkend warrior activity that is easy to separate from your private life.

I hope to start compiling a good list of literary references and posting it on both Mark and Kevlex's forums. There are plenty of books out there to help improve valuable skills, but any text on real world superheroics would have to be an underground publication. In fact, it might be best served to be an online document formatted for ease of printing.

I found the comments on this board facsinating and am offering my information services to anyone who is interested. If your serious, and you need suits, gear, or weaponry(non-lethal, of course) drop me a line. S/N is ShadowWithNoName

ShadowWithNoName: do you have any info on the netguns coming out of china? Are they effective? Where can we get ahold of them at a decent price? What about ballistic masks at a reasonable price?

Shadow, please send me an email at kamillion99@hotmail.com if you have a secure address. I'd be most interested in talking.

Green Scorpion, if your talking about the police type Netguns that the Chinese police currently are using...the closest thin i can recommend is a monofilament net launcher that animal control uses to capture animals with. From what I do know, they appear to be quite effective if you know how to use them the right way. as for Prices....
i'll have to get back with you on that.

Nexus, being that i just got broadband and am still setting up a secure network, i'm not totally secure yet. But i will be soon. You can contact me at ShadowWithNoName@aol.com for now. Soon as I'm secure, we can discuss anything thats on your mind.

I enjoy a challenge. I can fabricate costume elements and equipment. If there is something that you cannot make or find, come to me, and we can negotiate. Leave a note in this forum or any of the others and I will notice it eventually.

Professor,..where ya been hiding all this time? LOL Your just the person I've been looking for :-D Been looking for some reasonably priced grappling gun/components for quite a while now. Email me at ShadowWithNoName and we can talk. Thanks in advance.

I don't know if this is a re-post..

AM D : In regards to the manuel with the literary approach.I like the idea. You should put an outline together, or if you have anyhting all ready done...that would be cool.. any ideas to help the cause are always welcomed.

Nexus:with all do respect, I don't think that you should be striking down ideas just because they don't fit your way of wanting to do things. I think it's great that you are trying to get things together. but personally, as i stated before, I like Am D's idea, and so did a few others here.


Most of the people that some here are new to all this....heck all of us us are a nivice to some sense....I'm just trying to let eeryone know that all ideas are welcomed.

We are all in this together...we walk the same path...Remember that..This is about making a difference and helping others. The good fight.

I'll begin working on this guide and try to make it as realistic as I can. I might end up posting peices of it instead of throwing the whole thing down all at once. Peer editing has always been helpful so feel free to add to it. And I wouldn't mind if some of you decide to throw out some ideas because I'm coming up short in that area right now.

nivice?.....lol..novice anyways.

So this will not be made up from expierence? I think Any technique or gadget that is used,should have been done successfully.

D: why not see if you can post your guide on the registry? i think a more realistic, literary guide is a great idea, btw.

Professor Widget: What is your background? I do appreciate you offering the help...i am just wondering Do you have any expierence in creating gadgets and costumes for this type of lifestyle?

hey Green Scorpion....i saw your post on glow in the dark fabric. Thought you might want to check this site that I have in my archive. Let me know what you think.

Luminex.it

Dark Shadow: Thanks, that is very cool! I didn't even know they made stuff like that!
Professor widget: Do you work with laminated kevlar?

DARKSHADOW: what specs are you looking for in a self-deploying grapnel?
All who wish to reach me can do so by going to: professorwidget.tk
The Gaurdian: I stand by the peerless genius of my work: if any of the creations fail, resulting in your early demise, return it in person for a full refund.
GREEN SCORPION: I can work with any suitable material. Period.
All who wish to reach me more directly may do so at: PROFESSORWIDGET.TK

Professor: Not to be insulting, but you didn't really answer their questions. Beyond your newly-created webpage, what specific proof do you have that you're not just another teenager playing around and pretending to be more experienced than you actually are?

This has always been a pretty common phenomenon, no matter which unusual webgroup you belong to. . .there's always someone bright enough to think, "I'm not experienced now, so no one will listen to me or give me a chance. So if I pretend to be experienced, they'll give a chance, and then hopefully I'll gain enough knowledge as I go that no one will know the difference." Just like the individual-pretending-to-be-a-group thing. They pretend they're an already established group or organization, in the hopes that eventually enough people will join to make it true, because no one would trust just one person with a crazy idea.

Just like why I don't watch soap operas. . .don't we have enough stumbling blocks to contend with without people inventing more?

D: a more literary guide is a brilliant idea, what about putting it on the registry?

btw Hero- amen to that!
and i realise i re-posted, it seems the first time round everyone decided to ignore it.

Heh, double-P.S.- Interesting philosophical point. . .back when Batman first came out, he killed almost *all* the criminals he encountered. Shot, hung, threw off towers. He had no problem with guns back then. Just like the first Michael Keaton Batman movie. . .he blew up an entire warehouse full of henchmen, and attacked Joker with missiles and machine guns. I guess it's all in the eye of the beholding artist.

Ha, Triple-P.S. - There's just too much to say I keep forgetting about. Ballistic masks. . .I know what most of you are thinking of here, but they don't exist yet. If you wrap a panel from a b.p. vest around your face, yes, it'll stop the bullet from penetrating, in the same way it stops a sledgehammer from penetrating. You will be knocked out, at best, and will probably suffer severe head trauma or die. Ballistic helmets stop bullets, but only a few at *maximum* before they're useless. These are designed to save your life just long enough, and you will probably still need hospitalization to check for skull fractures, etc. Ballistic faceshields can be bought that hook to the helmets and can supposedly stop one or a few bullets, depending on design. They usually run around $200, cost as much as the helmet themselves, and the first time they get shot, you have to buy a new one.

Remember, cops wear this stuff because they hope they won't need it. . .they want the situation they're walking into *locked down* so no one tries to shoot them in the first place.

Okay, that's all for today, I promise. Now to hit the weights and face the day.

Thank you for all your commentary, Hero, and your necessary criticism Gaurdian.

It is not our intention to be outright insulting to newcomers, but for our own safety, skepticism is a must (and I'll admit, the Professor does do things in a rather tongue-in-cheek manner). However, there's no law against being humorously eccentric, even if it's disconcerting to the diehards like us.

In the end, Gaurdian and Hero are right, though, we believe when we see. When the gadgets prove themselves, we have faith in the creator.

An important thing for all of us to consider is the concept of the "contact network". People you come in contact (or directly contact) through an assumed identity and uitilize either during your career, or in training beforehand. Many of us would benefit from training from ex-military and police who now run seminars on survival, self-defense and other courses. This is obviously not a replacement for official training, but it is much better than merely purchasing books and DVDs on the subjects.

Hero: In response to your first P.S. I agree with you. I realized when I set about writing this guide that I have no actual experience in this business aside from reading about it in books or from the movies. No one should attempt to give advice on something they are not familiar with. I've also realized that a literary guide would be interesting but not very helpful. So if I'm going to write anything, it will have to come from experience. This is going to take a very long time so I wouldn't expect any guides coming from me very soon. Thanks for pointing this out to me before I made a big mistake.

On the other messege board HERO made a few comments about "arresting" people.
I would like to know if he is a cop.
If so woudent it be jeperdising to his career to be a superhero?

Hero: #1 i agree with you, anyone can come on here and preach or say they know about things and such...let me be frank. I am not one of them.....got it? I'm 30-something and am probably older than anyone here. (I'm just young at heart) :-D I do know about certain stuff from what I have found on here, you'd be surprised at what you actually CAN find on here....it can be wild at times. but I do admit, you did hit on a very important thing when you said things about certain equipment and all..and your right, If it works like it says it does, then you got something good. But if it doesnt,...then buyer beware.

I currently have a list of equipment from places that i have purchased from and canbe certified as genuine if you or anyone else is interested.

ProfessorWidget: I have been combing the Net for months looking for the real-world equivlant of Batman's Grapnel Gun Launcher..Similar to the one found in the Batman: The Ultimate Guide to the Dark Knight book. I have found a few sites that are close to it, but price-wise they are out of my reach. Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Poe: I've been thinking about doing that, putting equipment resources where they could do the most good. 'Dont know if its a good idea or not though...I'm currently not "active" as of yet but have several resources that others here could use....perhaps private emails would suffice better?

hey Group, I've tried the Lifecender website but it appears to be a broken link....so i cant get access. Is anyone else having trouble? From what I've been told this thing could be a good prototype platform for a grappling gun. Thoughts or suggestions?

Dark Shadow: It would not be difficult to design a grapnel gun, however a compact automatic ascender such as he uses would be tricky.

The thing to remember is that the grapnel as we would use would be a purely situational tool when we know we must reach a location and our only entry is through the exterior of the structure, at the bottom.

Using this commonly would probably be very unlikely. Building scaling is most useful as a tactic in engagement, not really something we could usefor traveling from rooftop to rooftop or swinging between great distances. If the object of a propelled grapple is to achieve greater range, remember that there are those that actively scale skyscrapers and other modern buildingns purely through traditional rock climbing techniques. It's an important sport to pursue should you be needing a grappling hook and operating in a large or industrious city.

Exactly my points, Nexus. . .at the risk of repeating my 12/22/04 post, there is literally nothing in the real world that matches what Batman has. It's simple problems of unrealistic physics, and we can break them down into categories.

Ropes strong enough to support a human body are too thick to fit inside a handheld unit. Check out what the pros use. . .hit google.com for "Personal Evacuation kits" for firefighters, and keep in mind these are devices evolved over decades of use by people risking their lives. . .they're going to be as compact and efficient as modern tech allows. These usually carry about 8mm thick ropes, minimum. And they're designed for one-way (down) use. Rock climbers typically use around 10mm thick ropes.

Something that could launch a strong, thick rope and some sort of sturdy hook to the top of a building is going to be pretty dang bulky, too. Ironically, U.S. Cavalry used to offer a rescue rope launcher that looked like a grappling hook on a stick, and could launch a hook by spring up to 75 feet in the air. Too bad they discontinued it years ago. And, as I said in December, I'd love to be proven wrong about this, but there is no engine or reel or winder strong enough to haul a human body straight up that you could actually carry on your body without breaking your back. Not to mention how you'd power it. . .huge battery, or noisy gas engine?

Actually travelling between buildings by hook like Batman would probably be the last thing you ever did. Unless you've got an infinite supply of hooks that can almost instantly magically readjust their rope length from several hundred feet to a few feet, you wouldn't even be able to reach other buildings with a launched hook, and compensate for the fact that you're now swinging at another brick wall, or towards a building who's roof is shorter than the one you just left, meaning you're about to smack the ground. Plus, think of this - you only have to fall *once*. I wouldn't stake my life on equipment failure, my hook missing it's shot or slipping.

If I had to design an ideal, realistic setup for myself, I would get a full-body rock climbing harness, and rig up a reel to my chest, so I could access the rope with my hands easily. I'd attach a spring-locking carabiner to the end of the rope, so I could swing the rope around objects and clip it to itself if a hook wouldn't be safe enough, but keep a hook in a separate pocket to clip to the carabiner if needed. If the reel didn't have a built in drop-rate controller like the Lifecender does, I'd have a separate handheld rock-climbing descender to hang on to, also tethered separately to the harness in case my hands slip. I would wear all this gear only if I had planned out an entire course in advance, and knew that there was no better way to get down from the place I was going to be. And when I reached ground, I'd have means to immediately cut the rope and abandon it, or have rigged up some special remote-control device as part of the hook/carabiner to detach it from the rope, and an automatic winding reel inside my chest reel just strong enough to reel in the rope by itself.

As for going up. . .if I couldn't find a way to climb a pipe, use the stairs or so on, I'd carry maybe a ten to twenty foot length of rope with a small hook on the end and knots tied in it, to reach fire escape ladders or rooftops just a *little* too high.

I know this probably won't end the debate and the hopefulness, because grappling hooks are an intrinsic part of comic book legend. But that's the point - they're comic books.

And the Lifecender link does appear to be dead, but you can still find it by Googling.

Cheers, all.

DarkShadow: I'd like to hear your shopping list, if you want to e-mail me at heroesarentborn@hotmail.com.

Jackalope: Nope, I'm not a cop, I would never be able to stand the rigid control structure. I did, however, used to work in a private security field that provided daily opportunities to chase thieves, get in down-and-dirty fights and send people off to jail. I mean, *every day*. Funny history fact - you know what Viewmasters are, those toy binoculars? I caught the guy that *invented* those stealing, and had him jailed. Funny ol' world, innit. Now I work in a job that pays tons of money so I can afford to experiment with potential weapons and gadgets and pass the savings on to you all.

take a leaf out of Tom Strong's book- a helicopter/rotor style back pack....seriously, a couple of those extending batons with welded hooks can help to extend reach a few feet, but a grapple hook setup is unrealistic, unless going down.

Poe:Which book are you referring too exactly?

Hero: not a problem. I'll send you a list of suppliers that I found on here asap. I'm currently updating it as we speak.

Hero: What you said about the grappling hook is indeed correct. I desire one not for looks or cuz they migthbe way-cool, but for emergency uses or in case i really need one. I did however find a motor that, if incorporated properly, might do the trick in raising and lowering someone off the ground. It canbe found at Empiremagnetics.com. I admit, it's terrible expensive though, but the specs on it could do the job.

ProfessorWidget, If you have plans for one or know of where i can obtain a grappler please send it to me. Even if its only a compact one that just shoots a line and that it...it would suffice. Thanks in advance.

By the way, Nexus and The Gaurdian, your comments on here are both real-world and very very down to earth. I am both impressed and honored that you are here with your words of wisdom. I salute you both

Carry on fellow heros

Just be thankful Gaurdian and Hero are around to keep me on my ideological toes. It's good we have a community with differing viewpoints, because it increases our survival and collective intel. It also keeps us from doing stupid things.

I'm still young, and I believe I need to be aware of those that came before me and what they established, because if I truly want to achieve what I've been dreaming and calculating for so long, I need to grow more through trial and experience. I know all of you can help me do that (and I can help in return).

Nexus, I couldnt agree with you more. Expeirence is the best teacher...a sound mindset is essential in all things....especially when it comes to heroism and making the world a better place to live in.

Kudos to you, my friend

A thought did cross my mind just now, is the girl who calls herself Terrifica still active? I thought i saw on a site about her that says she retired or something.

Hero, sent you an email regarding my list but hotmail says it didnt go thru. Can I reach you at any other address?