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.