Finding Fantasy Friday: Superheroes

When I say superhero, what comes to mind? Probably Superman or Batman or Spiderman. Then, you probably think of Christopher Reeve or Dean Cain, George Clooney or Christian Bale, and Tobey Maguire. Yum! Or maybe you think of Margot Kidder or Teri Hatcher, Kim Basinger or Michelle Pfeiffer, and Kirsten Dunst. So purty!

Anyway, according to Merriam Webster, superheroes are defined as people with extraordinary or superhuman powers. But this isn't true. Batman doesn't have superhuman powers. He had unlimited amounts of money to have any kind of technology he wanted and combat skills. So, I think Wikipedia's definition is more accurate,  "A superhero is a type of stock character, dedicated to protecting the public."


Okay. Okay. What does this have to do with Finding Fantasy in our everyday lives? Everything.



The other day, I was flipping through the movie channels for something to watch. The title said Superheroes. I didn't read any information on the program just clicked it. I mean come on. This had to be a movie. Well, it was a movie, but it was a documentary. I was planning on finding another movie, but my coffee was ready, so I would change it when I got back. Then, I found out what the movie entailed.

Mr. Xtreme

The crew was following around 'Real-Life Superheroes.' Okay. If you are laughing right now, that was my first reaction. These grown adults dressed in costumes every night, gave themselves altar egos, and paraded around their hometowns. It wasn't halloween, it wasn't a movie premier, and Comic Con wasn't in town. I was lousy with laughter. But I was intrigued. I was glued to the tv.


These superheroes were put through the wringer by people on the street and even the police. The police were concerned for their safety and well-being, but also had their share of laughs. *hiding my face* I can't say I would have acted differently at seeing these people. I know I wouldn't have said something to their face but probably would poke fun when out of range with the person. I'm ashamed to say this now. I have no right to poke fun, to laugh, or even joke about it. NONE. And, neither do you.


I watched what these superheroes do. Remember the Wikipedia definition:  A superhero is a type of stock character, dedicated to protecting the public. The 'Real-Life Superheroes' completely embody this definition.


In the movie, we watch Mr. Xtreme place flyers around his area of San Diego bringing awareness of a sex offender that wasn't caught, who did get apprehended. Mr. Xtreme was given credit because of his awareness that he brought to the citizens. The New York Initiative stopped a driver who was under the influence and set up bait-patrols to capture criminals. Dark Guardian filmed a drug deal go down and then phoned the police.  If this isn't the definition of a superhero, then I don't know what is. But there's more.

New York Initiative

These superheroes are trying to protect our homes, citizens, and way of life. It's what every Neighborhood Watch Group should be like. It's dangerous. They know it. But it hasn't stopped them. Many of them are even trained fighters to be able to protect themselves and carry stun guns and batons. It was incredible.


Yet, what moved me, tugged at my heartstrings, really made me think differently was when I saw these superheroes take the money they made during their day jobs and give it to those in need. Team Justice in Orlando, Fl bought presents, food, and drink to give to those in need during Christmas, but they do this all year long. A group of superheroes going to Comic Con gave food and drink to the homeless just blocks away from Comic Con. The people they helped were so moved by the donations. Their is no doubt in my mind that those homeless people believe they really were superheroes. 


These superheroes are more than you and I. They are extraordinary. With that, maybe they do embody the Merriam Webster definition also. Extraordinary powers to risk their lives for us. 


So, if any of you, superheroes, are reading this, I thank you for what you do, for what you inspire in us, and for what you are doing for others. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.


These people live the fantasy in their lives everyday. Find out more about them here.


Lots of <3,