About The ProjectAbout The Project
Do you recognize a superhero when you look one in the face? Do you think such men and women truly exist? If not, then look. And think again.
Indeed, there is a real subculture of genuine heroes, that bridge the gap between the fantastic and the practical. Anonymous and selfless, they choose every day, to make a difference in the world around them. Whether it be feeding the hungry, comforting the sick, or cleaning up their neighborhoods, they save real lives in very real ways. These are not “kooks in costumes,” as they may seem at first glance. They are, simply put, a radical response… to a radical problem.
So who are these modern day heroes? They are our neighbors, our friends, our family members. They are artists, musicians, athletes, and yes, politicians. Their actions serve as reminders that as most giving today has become reactive—digital and removed, temporarily soothing our guilt and feelings of helplessness—we have blinded ourselves to simple principles and practice of compassion and goodwill.
Photographer Peter Tangen has earned the trust of this loose network, to visually document the genuine power of these individuals—and in the process, reveal the soul behind their endeavor.
At first, The Real Life Superhero Project was conceived as an avenue to shine some light on this new breed of activism and altruism, through a photographic installation to benefit the established organizations the superheroes believe in. But as more people were brought into the wholly volunteer project, largely through Tangen’s infectious enthusiasm, the scope and purpose expanded exponentially.
Now, what began as a gallery exhibit, has come to serve as the launching pad of something far greater—a living, breathing community that inspires people to become the positive forces for change we all can be. To become more active, more involved, more committed, and perhaps, a little super in the process.
The website you have arrived at is your starting point. Look around, learn, absorb and ultimately, act. Here you’ll find continually evolving content, offering fresh insights into the superheroes themselves and opportunities for you to become involved, as well as news about the project and its progress. And hopefully, you will come to realize that it doesn’t take a cape to go out and help someone, just the desire to become an active force in your own life, and see how that can affect others.
Through The Real Life Superhero Project, Tangen asks you, the viewer to embrace the intention of the heroes, to take a moment to discover the morality and conscience behind their actions, and ultimately, make the commitment to making a difference yourself.
Celebrate and honor them. And find the hero in all of us.
Amen brother!
Well said and god bless and good luck to you all . About time someone gave superheroes some real appreciation instead of derisive laughter!
Really cool, love the site. Wish I could have made the initial shoot though. With the moving around and other things at the time, I couldn’t make it out. I look forward to seeing you soon Peter and love the work you have put into this.
A Hello from South America!
I’ve read about you on a magazine, and…
Here I found the inspiration to keep helping defeat all the evil from my country and city!
Thank you very much to keep going with this incredible job and good luck for us!
Let’s fight against crime!
Do you accept non-American Superheroes to this website? I’d like to register if I can
how do i join
you guys inspire me to be a superhero
some day but im gonna be a sidekick
Is this a rip-off of the movie Kick-Ass
Not a rip off at all, these people have been doing this work in some cases for over 10 years! Most of them in this collection have been on the streets helping others for 2 or more years. In many cases they’re inspired by comic books or superhero films but Kick Ass came after the origins of this community.
Hi, I think this is great, no question about…helping is something so human and so forgotten by many..This is a real response not based on politics, race, origin or nothing, to the help of others but only in being human…I must say, Thanks to every body involved in this project !
Good Idea, now i can try this in Brazil
I will become a hero. But I need to find out an awesome name. My costume is half black half white. My mask is going to be a ying yang with some pieces cut off. Peace and disorder. To be honest, we’re pretty close to disorder. But that just means us heroes will have to work even harder. Who’s with me? We’ll fight for what’s right. We are in a living hell, but we have the power to fix all of that. My mom died for no reason. I’m not letting anyone else have that happen to them.
This is a great! idea!! And you have the correct values: Anonymous and selfless – compassion and goodwill – positive forces for change.
This is an amzing thing starting here. While seemingly very similar to the movie “Kick Ass”, there is nothing wrong with puting a “realistic” spin on super heroes. I am an OIF veteran and a member of the local law enforcement. I have seen the very worst that this world has to offer, and it is TRUELY inspiring to see men and women giving back to their communities and asking for nothing in return. I hope others join in, and I hope “super heroes” steal the hearts of our youth from rappers and over-paid athletes.
Whoa, i have been helping others all my life, and i cant be stopped if i see some person in danger, i thought that i was the only one who cares about it, im glad to see they are some others.
Hugs from spain.
[...] I think would be awesome villains. The Real Life Super Hero Project by Peter Tangen – Telegraph About The Project | The Real Life Super Hero Project "there is a real subculture of genuine heroes. Anonymous and selfless, they choose every [...]
I love and am all for your altruistic attitudes, God bless you guys. But why the costumes? You could just help people without them right?
Absolutely amazing! I posted your Project directly! Greetings from Germany
amazing! you make us feel like children again!
Super Excited about this!
Red Voltage
“Electrifying for good”
i want to be a real super hero. please give me the powers of heros to protect the wrold
Inspiring stuff. The UK needs something like this.
cool project. the purpose is encouraging.
This is a wonderful site, I come from the barren wasteland called Australia. It is shown to be a crime free and prosperous city. But many heroes have lost their lives protecting the peace which now exists here, most by the government.
I am Void, one of the last heroes here, please accept me.
I’ve patrolled the streets of my city twice so far. I saw this Real Life Super Hero thing on the news, and it got me excited to get back out there. I haven’t been out in costume in awhile. But because I found this site, I’m going to continue and do more while I’m out on the streets.
I’m looking for advice on becoming a real-life superhero… specifically, a crime-fighter. I’d like to be on the Registry, so I can be legitimate; but, even if I’m rejected, I’ll still be doing this, anyway. I’m tired of innocent people being violated and victimized by the vitriolic vampires that haunt our world. It’s time for me to act!
J’adore! From a guy in Québec city. I would see a french-canadian addition to the team. Thinking about doing something great! This has given me motivation. Plus a reason to wear an asweome costume. !
We simply could not leave your site before telling you that we really enjoyed the standard information a person offer to your site visitors? Is going to be back soon in order to check out brand new stuff you publish!
I know I havent been active in ages (and that is not likely to change)
)
but man, you have yourself an awesome website here guys
Its good to see all the familiar faces again…
and hey, if I can help you out in any way, don’t hesitate to ask. (I am studying film now, so maybe I can help you out
I really want to start getting into this project myself, though I’m not sure if I can handle going out on my own.. lol sure would be nice if there were any like minded companions living nearby (Garden, Grove California.) to acompany me on my quest for the greater good..
en Argentina hay uno se llama menganno si lo buscan lo encuentran el el facebook y tiene una paguina tambien http://www.menganno.com.ar/
[...] a new movement is doing just that. It’s called Real Life Superheroes. Ordinary people fight crime while wearing superhero [...]
Great work soul mate, keep it up.|i’m bookmarking this blog & visiting another timefor updates.
I would like to become part of the real life super heros but I do not know what to do I will take the name of the black hawk
Guys need to check out Phoenix Jones. He’s definately one of you guys. I saw a post by him earlier while perusing your hero gallery. Might want to look him up. His email is floating around somewhere.
This is such an amazing thing, I had been excited to see more live superheroes. Good luck from Sweden.
Hi Superheroes…
U know if there are Superheroes there will be villain…
hope the good force is greater…
live long and succesful…
Germany stands right beside u…
Hey!
awsomeness!!
I would really like to get involved in this.
Unfortunately i’m like 17 haha
But still it’d be nice to make a difference around my town.
You got support from California!
Hi, I am so grateful and pleased for the opportunity to become part of this God sent community. what a blessing upon you mr. tangen.
U will get to know more about my work presently ongoing in Liberia. i have a small following @ the moment and hopefully we will expend in the next couple of weeks to come.
[...] think that would get attention, and it has. There’s a movie, The Real Life Superhero Project. There’s a book, Heroes in the Night. (There’s even an unofficial manual, in case you’re [...]
I can’t thank you enough. You’ve pretty much saved me from cynicism, knowing you exist. I thought Apathy was the Status quo. I am so glad I was wrong.
GOOD LUCK TO YOUR ACTIVITIES,
GREETINGS FROM EUROPE!
Mr.Ious
Well, I mean, I just found out about what the word ‘vigilante’ means, so I don’t mean that :’D
I mean, being a… protector of the community.
hello I would love to work with you and me
register
How can become a real life super hero
hey u guys rock i saw u on tv!!! u r helping the world in a biiiggg way! helping the homeless, stopping drug dealers, and stop crime! i love u!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m an Irish Superhero, I do be keeping the streets of Abbeyleix safe! be aware or I will be there!
True wisdom comes from knowing when to “Not fight” and when to “Engage evil”. A dead hero is no use to the innocent. Weapons and Armor, surprise and authority are our call signs. Your voice is one of the most powerful weapons you have. If you do not possess confidence then fake it, and fake it well! Have a trick or two up your sleeve even if its just fireworks … Remember that the “perps” are human too … as the saying goes … “Even the bravest are frightened by sudden terrors”
All heroes have a group … form a group in your town … if you don’t have a group … find one.
“The Elementry” Guards this town
Great site lads/ladies. People may say that such actions can lead to people getting themselfs into trouble “trying to be a hero” etc but the people in trouble need one. Don’t go alone.
p.s if your under 25 don’t be a superhero lol
i,m the ten year old superhero in washington and my sidekick redboy is eight bbut he,s an athlete