Thoughts on Real Life Superheroes

irish52084 · Jan 6, 2011

So the guy dresses up in a costume to fight crime and people are complaining about it? I don't know why he has to dress up like a super hero, but if he wants to, then let him. If he stops a few crimes and helps a few people, then he's done more than most will to help his community.

Why are people trashing him and claiming he's living in a fantasy? Do you think that wearing a costume might actually be beneficial to him? If he went around fighting crime dressed in tacticool gear and wearing a gun openly, people would call him a vigilante.

Maybe he is just a middle aged nerd who lives in his mothers basement, but at least he's doing something useful in his free time. After all, don't the police wear a costume?

MK · Jan 6, 2011

irish52084 said:
So the guy dresses up in a costume to fight crime and people are complaining about it? I don't know why he has to dress up like a super hero, but if he wants to, then let him. If he stops a few crimes and helps a few people, then he's done more than most will to help his community.

Why are people trashing him and claiming he's living in a fantasy? Do you think that wearing a costume might actually be beneficial to him? If he went around fighting crime dressed in tacticool gear and wearing a gun openly, people would call him a vigilante.

Maybe he is just a middle aged nerd who lives in his mothers basement, but at least he's doing something useful in his free time. After all, don't the police wear a costume?

Good points. I am sure the guy is well intentioned I just hope for his stake he doesn't make a big mistake and get himself in trouble by attempting a citizen's arrest on an innocent person. He could wind up being legally hurt, killed, sued or arrested should he try to capture a law abiding person who is doing nothing wrong.

MK · Jan 6, 2011

As far as him living in a fantasy. I can argue that we all live in our own fantasys. I say more power to the guy. I hope he is living his life to the fullest and enjoying it as much as he can.

Aaron1124 · Jan 6, 2011

END_THE_FED said:
Did anyone else notice that he called his "Stun Baton" a "Taser". (Aaron, I know you did)

Yeah, I noticed it. Seems like everyone thinks stun guns and tasers are synonymous with each other. The guy is only 24, by the way. Not a middle aged man.

sudden valley gunner · Jan 7, 2011

MK said:
As far as him living in a fantasy. I can argue that we all live in our own fantasys. I say more power to the guy. I hope he is living his life to the fullest and enjoying it as much as he can.

Yep +1. And he is helping I don't care how much people think he is nuts.

sudden valley gunner · Jan 7, 2011

Sonora Rebel said:
Seattle? The Washington State Constitution on bearing arms is the parent of Arizonas word for word. OK... so why does this three fries short of a Happy Meal costumed crime fighter not carry? Bizzare comes to mind... Altho seemingly well intentioned, he goes looking for confrontations that he's ill-equipped to handle. I dunno... you'd think it'd be easier (and more effective) just to become a cop.

What went wrong in Washington is that a bunch of progressives than moved in after the formation of the state and have been working very hard to become a socialist state. :lol:

Maybe he doesn't like the way police handle things, with my dealings in this state with many of the cops here, I wouldn't blame him.

Another problem is cops don't live or patrol or really care that much about many of the poorer/bad neighborhoods. I have an acquaintance who is an officer who told me they don't go into certain areas of Kent (for example) unless they are in force with several cars and officers.

After reading Roger Roots "Are Cops Constitutional", I took away a much better understanding on how our justice system is supposed to work, there were no police force at our founding, the law is our responsibility and I personally would like to see some return to this.

AZkopper · Jan 7, 2011

Well, I wouldn't dress up in spandex and go out in public, but I have to admit he's at least getting involved. He's taking an active interest in his community and dealing with a problem (in this case crime) first hand.

Some kids want to be astronauts, and grow up to join NASA. Some kids want to be football players, and end up in the NFL. He wants to be Batman. Strange? yes. BUT HE'S FOLLOWING HIS DREAM AND DOING GOOD.

Is he taking risks? yes. Is he taking at least some precautions to protect himself? yes. Is he making a difference? yes. Is he breaking any laws? NO.

He is unorthodox to say the least, but it's his right.

+1 to him.

Aaron1124 · Jan 7, 2011

I use to chat with him on Facebook (while he still had one) under his Superhero identity. I asked him about carrying a firearm. He said he initially thought about it, but he said he has a "code of ethics" and would never kill anyone, and feels his current tools are capable of fending off attackers, if need be.

since9 · Jan 8, 2011

Aaron1124 said:
Nut jobs?! This guy is awesome. People can make fun of them as much as they want, but it takes a lot of balls to put on that suit and fight crime. The world would be a lot better place if more people had the guts to stand up for what's right.

I concur. Kudos to the gent and his merry band of eight who choose to patrol the streets rather than giving them over to the thugs.

Morris · Jan 8, 2011

Code of ethics, eh?

Hmmm. Well, you can ask Mr. Fodor, aka Phoenix Jones, how that relates to him being a small time MMA fighter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJw5VRqFjcA

I've known Mr. Fodor since he was a teen. Nice and decent enough, only one minor criminal issue with driving. I'm dubious on the claims he has made in public about wife and kids but anything is possible. Still driving his Mom's car last I knew. "Phoenix" did garner scrutiny by Seattle PD last summer when he and his fellow caped crusaders entered a gas station in costume and spooked some folks thinking it was a hold-up (it should be noted that his costume at that time was a black fedora hat with a white ribbon and a black trench coat). A later interview with SPD established his identity and his reasons for going into the store.

A solid witness who can give a great statement beats anyone dressed up like a ComiCon convention attendee with a stun (sorta) stick.

However, if Mr. Fodor wanted to be a TRUE superhero, may I suggest the following:

- ER Nurse
- Paramedic
- Homeless shelter volunteer
- Wildland Firefighter
- US Military
- Disabled care nurse
- Hospice worker

Some require UNIFORMS, not costumes. They don't want 15 minutes of TV fame. ALL are superheros in my mind.

"Phoenix Jones" is enjoying his 15 minutes of fame but it all wears off. Especially when less than stellar details emerge.

sudden valley gunner · Jan 8, 2011

Morris said:
Code of ethics, eh?

Hmmm. Well, you can ask Mr. Fodor, aka Phoenix Jones, how that relates to him being a small time MMA fighter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJw5VRqFjcA

I've known Mr. Fodor since he was a teen. Nice and decent enough, only one minor criminal issue with driving. I'm dubious on the claims he has made in public about wife and kids but anything is possible. Still driving his Mom's car last I knew. "Phoenix" did garner scrutiny by Seattle PD last summer when he and his fellow caped crusaders entered a gas station in costume and spooked some folks thinking it was a hold-up (it should be noted that his costume at that time was a black fedora hat with a white ribbon and a black trench coat). A later interview with SPD established his identity and his reasons for going into the store.

A solid witness who can give a great statement beats anyone dressed up like a ComiCon convention attendee with a stun (sorta) stick.

However, if Mr. Fodor wanted to be a TRUE superhero, may I suggest the following:

- ER Nurse
- Paramedic
- Homeless shelter volunteer
- Wildland Firefighter
- US Military
- Disabled care nurse
- Hospice worker

Some require UNIFORMS, not costumes. They don't want 15 minutes of TV fame. ALL are superheros in my mind.

"Phoenix Jones" is enjoying his 15 minutes of fame but it all wears off. Especially when less than stellar details emerge.

Why is that a "true" superhero? To me that is just opinion and you are entitled to it. I say if it makes you feel good you are not breaking laws and you are helping, all the more power to you!!!! Who cares about him being in MMA, I know lots of decent folks who partake in that sport.

Morris · Jan 8, 2011

Certainly his right to participate in the human sport of MMA. More power to him. However, this fanciful idea that running around in a costume that often amuses or befuddles the public to help while actually hindering does little for society. Granted, it is his right to dress up in a expensive costume and bemusing to me on a personal level. But how is his acts, or the combined acts of his troupe, directly helping the citizens of Seattle on a daily, weekly or monthly basis? Does his acts (such as was demonstrated in video recorded interaction with an alleged intoxicated subject) make a situation better or worse? Does injecting himself into a situation help or make it worse, particular when being a good witness stands up better in a court rather than a "caped superhero"? When he gets the tar beat out of him by someone far nastier after introducing himself into it, does he call the SPD or other agencies to clean up his mess or does he not burden society with the cost?

Those I listed are REAL superheroes, to me and to other decent folk in our society. They work long hours in often mind boggling conditions. They contribute DAILY to the betterment of society as a whole. As an example, those who work in homeless shelters as volunteers are better able to help than someone in costume handing out tacos on occasion. These are people who do it not for the glory or the seven minutes on Good Morning America.

He's welcome to do as he wants within the confines of law and common sense. But he is no superhero. He's a decent kid playing some dress up and enjoying the time. Those I listed and countless others are the real ones. Those citizens are who we and the media should focus on.

Aaron1124 · Jan 8, 2011

Morris said:
Code of ethics, eh?

Hmmm. Well, you can ask Mr. Fodor, aka Phoenix Jones, how that relates to him being a small time MMA fighter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJw5VRqFjcA

I've known Mr. Fodor since he was a teen. Nice and decent enough, only one minor criminal issue with driving. I'm dubious on the claims he has made in public about wife and kids but anything is possible. Still driving his Mom's car last I knew. "Phoenix" did garner scrutiny by Seattle PD last summer when he and his fellow caped crusaders entered a gas station in costume and spooked some folks thinking it was a hold-up (it should be noted that his costume at that time was a black fedora hat with a white ribbon and a black trench coat). A later interview with SPD established his identity and his reasons for going into the store.

A solid witness who can give a great statement beats anyone dressed up like a ComiCon convention attendee with a stun (sorta) stick.

However, if Mr. Fodor wanted to be a TRUE superhero, may I suggest the following:

- ER Nurse
- Paramedic
- Homeless shelter volunteer
- Wildland Firefighter
- US Military
- Disabled care nurse
- Hospice worker

Some require UNIFORMS, not costumes. They don't want 15 minutes of TV fame. ALL are superheros in my mind.

"Phoenix Jones" is enjoying his 15 minutes of fame but it all wears off. Especially when less than stellar details emerge.

Pardon me, but what does being an MMA fighter have to do with a Code of Ethics? I regularly do MMA training, and the sport is filled with very modest and humble men. I sure hope you're not suggesting otherwise. No offense, but you're talking about him like he stole your high school prom date. Chill out, man.

irish52084 · Jan 8, 2011

Wow, is all I can say. I really don't understand what peoples objections are to this guy. He's said no to a crappy neighborhood and chose to help out. He takes the same risk as a neighborhood watch or a someone like myself who walks late at night. His uniform/costume has nothing to do with his actions, which have been positive as far as
I can find. I see people saying that he might get himself hurt, what if he does so in the course of saving a life? Did you even consider the possibility he might one day actually help you or someone you know and love? Stop being jealous that he is doing something about a problem in his community that most people don't have the courage to stand up to.

Aaron1124 · Jan 8, 2011

irish52084 said:
Wow, is all I can say. I really don't understand what peoples objections are to this guy. He's said no to a crappy neighborhood and chose to help out. He takes the same risk as a neighborhood watch or a someone like myself who walks late at night. His uniform/costume has nothing to do with his actions, which have been positive as far as
I can find. I see people saying that he might get himself hurt, what if he does so in the course of saving a life? Did you even consider the possibility he might one day actually help you or someone you know and love? Stop being jealous that he is doing something about a problem in his community that most people don't have the courage to stand up to.

+1

sudden valley gunner · Jan 8, 2011

Morris said:
Certainly his right to participate in the human sport of MMA. More power to him. However, this fanciful idea that running around in a costume that often amuses or befuddles the public to help while actually hindering does little for society. Granted, it is his right to dress up in a expensive costume and bemusing to me on a personal level. But how is his acts, or the combined acts of his troupe, directly helping the citizens of Seattle on a daily, weekly or monthly basis? Does his acts (such as was demonstrated in video recorded interaction with an alleged intoxicated subject) make a situation better or worse? Does injecting himself into a situation help or make it worse, particular when being a good witness stands up better in a court rather than a "caped superhero"? When he gets the tar beat out of him by someone far nastier after introducing himself into it, does he call the SPD or other agencies to clean up his mess or does he not burden society with the cost?

Those I listed are REAL superheroes, to me and to other decent folk in our society. They work long hours in often mind boggling conditions. They contribute DAILY to the betterment of society as a whole. As an example, those who work in homeless shelters as volunteers are better able to help than someone in costume handing out tacos on occasion. These are people who do it not for the glory or the seven minutes on Good Morning America.

He's welcome to do as he wants within the confines of law and common sense. But he is no superhero. He's a decent kid playing some dress up and enjoying the time. Those I listed and countless others are the real ones. Those citizens are who we and the media should focus on.

Still full of opinionated thoughts, and the problem I have with many LEO's they think they are the answer. Who cares if he does get in trouble helping and needs to call the cops so what? It's the cops job.

Real superheros? cough cough. What trying to prop yourself up? Public servants are not real superheros they are folks who get paid to work for the public.

frommycolddeadhands · Jan 8, 2011

The guy is goofy as heck, but really he's just doing a neighborhood watch in a flamboyant costume. At least in this case the costume has kevlar body armor built in, so it's at least serves some purpose. Does the guy NEED to wear a mask and body armor to perform neighborhood watch? No, but at least he's out there trying to make his neck of the woods a better place.

He does look goofy as heck walking around like that on the street though. Maybe his superhero squad should hold a fundraiser to get a batmobile so he won't look like such a goon. Walking is for squares.

sudden valley gunner · Jan 8, 2011

frommycolddeadhands said:
The guy is goofy as heck, but really he's just doing a neighborhood watch in a flamboyant costume. At least in this case the costume has kevlar body armor built in, so it's at least serves some purpose. Does the guy NEED to wear a mask and body armor to perform neighborhood watch? No, but at least he's out there trying to make his neck of the woods a better place.

He does look goofy as heck walking around like that on the street though. Maybe his superhero squad should hold a fundraiser to get a batmobile so he won't look like such a goon. Walking is for squares.

I agree totally. Would I do this, no. But would I want to restrict someone else form doing so no. To me freedom is unilateral and doesn't matter what people think of someone.

frommycolddeadhands · Jan 9, 2011

sudden valley gunner said:
I agree totally. Would I do this, no. But would I want to restrict someone else form doing so no. To me freedom is unilateral and doesn't matter what people think of someone.

I couldn't have said it better. +1

Thoughts on Real Life Superheroes

irish52084

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MK

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MK

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Aaron1124

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sudden valley gunner

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sudden valley gunner

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AZkopper

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Aaron1124

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since9

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Morris

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sudden valley gunner

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Morris

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Aaron1124

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irish52084

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Aaron1124

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sudden valley gunner

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frommycolddeadhands

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sudden valley gunner

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frommycolddeadhands

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