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If you found this site, you must have been searching for something associated with superheroes, or heroes in general, or “super” people. Well you’ve come to the right place. This blog is dedicated to the search for real life superheroes, those who inspire others with their deeds and actions, and make the world a better place to live in. We'll also share news with you about anything hero related, such as conventions, tv shows, special events, etc, and we encourage you to participate by adding your comments and reviews.  So stick around friend, you’re in for a solid roller-coaster of a ride. The articles and posts you read here will hopefully brighten your day, put a kick in your step, and help you leap over tall obstacles (tangible or otherwise!) in a single bound…..

Fantastic Four to be No More

January 26, 2011
The End of Four
Fifty years after cosmic rays transformed him into a man ablaze, Marvel Entertainment has extinguished the Human Torch's flame and his life, too, as the pop culture purveyor of super heroes and villains embarks on an ambitious story line that ends the Fantastic Four.
In the newest issue of one of the company's longest-running comic books, Johnny Storm's life is taken amid a massive battle that writer Jonathan Hickman has been scripting for a year-and-a-half. Illustrator Steve Epting did the art.

While Marvel has made no secret that a member of the quartet, which was introduced in August 1961, would die, exactly who among the group would fall has been a closely held secret, until the release Tuesday of issue No. 587.  It's the Human Torch, leaving teammates Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman and the Thing to pick up the pieces and move forward.  Hickman, along with his editor, Tom Brevoort, have been unsurprisingly mum on what the future may hold for the characters, but one thing is certain, the end is nigh for the Fantastic Four next month.  Brevoort, senior vice-president for publishing at Marvel told The Associated Press that "588 is the final issue of the Fantastic Four. Beyond that, we're not ready to say exactly what we're doing. There won't be an issue 589."  All he would say about the future was that the various subplots and threads that Hickman has written "will converge in a new thing that will be exciting and different and yet, very familiar and very much the same."

Hickman told the AP that the death is part of the natural evolution of his ongoing story line.  "In doing this, we're going to elevate the other three and the family in general and going forward with the story that we want to tell," he said. "I think it makes complete sense. It's kind of a logical move."
The Canadian Press

Anne Hathaway Will Star in New Batman Movie

Anne Hathaway as Catwoman
In the press release of Warner Bros, they have declared that Anne Hathaway will be the next Selina Kyle and her alter ego Catwoman in Christopher Nolan's Batman film, 'The Dark Knight Rises'. "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Anne Hathaway, who will be a fantastic addition to our ensemble as we complete our story," Nolan said. 

Along with Anne Hathaway in the Batman film, British actor Tom Hardy will play the villain Bane and Christian Bale will play Batman. Anne Hathaway is excited about being a part of the Batman film 'The Dark Knight Rises'. Nolan has also mentioned that Anne has grown as an actor since 'Princes Diary' and is expected to play the role optimally.

Christopher Nolan is upset about all the rumours which has been making rounds and whether Anne Hathaway will be in the new Batman movie. Talking of Tom Hardy, Nolan said, " he bring to life our new interpretation of one of Batman's most formidable enemies".

'The Dark Knight Rises', is scheduled to release on 20th of July 2012.

Chris Evans Set to Tackle Role of Captain America

Chris Evans dons the Patriotic Garb as "Captain America"
Marvel has finally found someone to fill Captain America's big boots.  Actor Chris Evans, best known to comic book fanboys as the Human Torch in the "Fantastic Four" movies, has been cast to play the red, white and blue super hero, Variety reported.

Evans beat out a number of high-profile actors, such as John Krasinski, Channing Tatum and Ryan Phillippe, for the part of Steve Rogers, the 98-pound weakling turned super soldier created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby in 1941.  Evans got the famous A for effort, signing on for at least three Captain America films and 2012's "The Avengers," according to the Hollywood Reporter.

That film will unite Evans' Captain America with a team of super heroes that includes Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man, Ed Norton's the Incredible Hulk and Chris Hemsworth's Thor in a 2012 blockbuster straight out of the panels of comic fans' fantasies.  Paramount's "Captain America," directed by "Wolfman's" Joe Johnson, is scheduled for a July 22, 2011, release.  Hugo Weaving also has been cast to play the hero's arch-nemesis, the Nazi criminal mastermind known as the Red Skull, Variety reported.

Evans isn't the only actor to accept double duty in two super hero franchises. Ryan Reynolds was recently fitted with a ring as DC Comics' Green Lantern - after also signing on to play the Marvel mutant Deadpool in a spinoff of Fox's "Wolverine" franchise.

Phoenix Jones - Guardian of Seattle

If you thought superheroes were fictitious, think again. Just take a look at Phoenix Jones, the self proclaimed Guardian of Seattle, a costumed hero operating in Washington State. He grabbed attention this past week after stopping a car robbery in progress.  Operating out of a comic book shop, Phoenix is a member of the Rain City Superheroes, a group which is part of a wider real-life superhero movement.  According to Seattle police, the Rain City group includes superheroes with such names as Thorn, Buster Doe, Green Reaper, Gemini, No Name, Catastrophe, Thunder 88, Penelope and Phoenix Jones himself. A hero name Red Dragon has also appeared with the group.  Phoenix and his team have been attracting a lot of attention the past few months. Back in November 2010, online paper seattlepi.com reported that police were well aware of the operations of the band of heroes.  And while police are tolerating their actions, they warn that the heroes may be putting themselves in grave danger. Phoenix claims he has been stabbed in the line of work and the bullet proof vest he wears under his suit stopped a bullet during an incident in Tacoma, WA.  Police have determined Phoenix’s secret identity, but have so far declined to disclose it to the public. 

Civitron

The following is a description of Civitron, in his own words….

Civitron is my artistic representation of self, a family man and creative director of socially conscious events and projects. Much in the way a hip hop artist will adopt a stage name or persona, Civitron exists as my ambassador to the world and a symbol for creative altruism, while maintaining a comfortable level of anonymity.   In my “secret identity”, I try to incorporate everything I do into my role as a father and vice-versa. I believe that saving the world starts at home. In my career, I’ve worked as a youth counselor and currently work with adults with learning disabilities. As a costumed activist, I endeavor to create a positive male role model for young people to explore their community and use their own unique ability to be the change [they] wish to see in the world.  I call it “living your truth.”"   I believe “truth” is not a subjective idea, fueled by ego or cultural bias. “Truth”, as I have come to understand it, is a force of nature. It’s the key to understanding ourselves, others and our respective worlds and environments. It’s the path to love and enlightenment. The Civitron insignia, a stylized flame over a letter “C”, subtly represents this idea. It features the fire of the gods as bestowed upon humankind by the Titan, Prometheus, of Greek mythology.

2011 Set to Become Year of the Superhero Movie

Will 2011 be the year of the superhero? It's certainly shaping up that way, as a new crop of comic book he-men storm the big screen.  Pulled from the pages of beloved 20th century comic books, The Green Hornet, Thor, Captain American and the Green Lantern are all headlining big-budget adventures this year.  But that's not the whole story behind 2011's most anticipated Hollywood movies.

What's old is new again as Hollywood dusts off some of the most beloved comic book characters of the 20th century and revitalizes them for a new generation.  Nowhere is that "new blood" mentality more evident than in "The Green Hornet" (Jan. 14) and "The Green Lantern" (June 17).  Seth Rogen, 28, dons the Hornet's iconic green mask. Ryan Reynolds, 34, packs his formidable six-pack into the Lantern's bright green unitard.  Thankfully, a now thinner, fitter Rogen never sheds his comic timing for this new "Hornet" adaptation from director Michel Gondry ("Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind").

Reynolds's earlier superhero gigs in "Blade: Trinity" and "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" have also helped him give the cocky test pilot, Hal Jordan, some levity for his green transformations.  For their next trick, Rogen and Reynolds will try to turn these modern spins on the superhero into lucrative franchises.  That is challenge facing every actor portraying one of 2011's new superheroes, including "Captain America" star Chris Evans, 29.

Courtesy: Constance Droganes, CTV

San Francisco's Own Real Life Hero - Motor Mouth

The crimefighter known to Bay Area residents as Motor Mouth patrols through various neighborhoods and districts of San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, & San Jose (some of which are high crime areas, such as San Francisco’s Tenderloin & Fillmore districts) as well as doing periodic handouts to the homeless. Motor Mouth Is the original founder of the RLSH organization known as The Pacific Protectorate, which spans from Southern California through Western Canada to Alaska. Says Motor Mouth, "I’ve traveled the world, I’ve lived from the gutters to the mansions across our globe, and I’ve seen both great triumphs & utter horrors in humanity. I dedicate myself to stopping whatever real crime I can, as well as doing periodic charity work for both the homeless & the common citizen". From domestic violence in San Francisco’s Tenderloin & thugs in Oakland’s Chinatown to those that prey on the weak in downtown San Jose, this real life superhero is taking care of the trash of the Bay Area, day by day and one block at a time.

Have You Been to New York City Lately?

Maybe you ran into Chris Guardian. Chris got his start as a crime fighter one seemingly ordinary night on Staten Island.  Chris was minding his own business when he saw a man dash into a local convenience store. The man sprinted through the aisles, trashing the place, then broke a glass bottle on the floor and brandished the shards as a makeshift knife. Chris, coming to the rescue, cornered him in the aisle. While Chris kept the bad guy at bay, other customers called the police. That night, one of the most dangerous nights in his career, Chris truly earned the right to be called “Chris Guardian”. He is now 23 years old, and patrols the streets and alleyways of New York City. “I’ve always had something inside of me that made me want to really make a difference and just make the world a better place,” Guardian said recently.  Hats off to Chris, our first in a series of real life superheroes we will be showcasing here at RealSoop!

New on NBC January 9 - The Cape


Superhero fans have a new prime-time TV series to look forward to  starting January 9. The Cape, set in the fictional metropolis of Palm City, follows an innocent cop who has been framed for a crime he did not commit and then left for dead after he is caught. He is eventually saved by a circus ringleader who prepares him with special abilities to defend himself against his foes. Separated from his wife and son, he tries to clear his name while protecting them from being killed in the event that he should be reported alive. He takes the law into his own hands by taking the guise of his son's favorite comic book hero, The Cape, after he is given a special suit that has unique capabilities. Vowing to get rid of the corruption that has taken over both the city and the police force, he goes after the person responsible for setting him up and causing his "demise".  

The series stars David Lyons as The Cape – the alias of Vince Faraday, an honest cop who is believed to have died after he was framed for a series of murders, Jennifer Ferrin as Dana Faraday – Vince's wife, who believes her husband has died, and Ryan Wynott as Trip Faraday – Vince's son, who idolizes The Cape and who Vince hopes will give him the belief that there are still good people left in the world.