http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_uJ0Hih7QU
Both Vince Nitro and the mike have sent me articles about these guys, and the story is just too cool not to post. Masked vigilantes have appeared in Washington state, and they’re cleaning up the streets! Phoenix Jones, Red Dragon and Buster Doe are the names of the three “superheroes” who have begun fighting crime in Seattle, and while their track record isn’t very impressive yet, they have apparently managed to prevent the theft of at least one car and have deterred people from driving drunk. Apparently, they also hand out food to the homeless! It’s almost too wacky to believe.
Now, I’m pretty sure that having masked vigilantes walking the streets is a bad idea, for the same reasons as those detailed in just about every superhero movie. That being said, though, at least Phoenix is being a bit smart about things: he wears a bulletproof vest and combats crooks with a taser and pepper spray. Here’s a quote from Phoenix himself:
“When I walk into a neighbourhood criminals leave because they see the suit. I symbolise that the average person doesn’t have to walk around and see bad things and do nothing […] A real life Superhero is whoever chooses to embody the values presented in super heroic comic books, not only by donning a mask and costume, but also performing good deeds.”
Phoenix, Red Dragon and Buster Doe are all part of a group known as the River City Superheroes, which is itself part of a larger superhero group. I honestly had no idea that there were so many people out there playing the part of the masked vigilante, but apparently there are even several online worldwide superhero registries!
So what do you think, guys? Are these “superheroes” a good idea in any way, shape or form? Or will they just inspire people to become supervillains, as might happen in a Hollywood movie? I really can’t decide, myself. On the one hand, it’s undeniably cool that people are actually trying to get out there and do some good. On the other, doesn’t their vigilanteism only undermine the laws they’re trying to help enforce? It’s a tough call, but one thing I do know for certain is this: 2011 is already a freaking awesome year for news stories!