About 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.

About The Project



how the heck should i register
Now I know how to register just email the guy who created the site and type in please register me
The RlSH are a great encouragement to us out here It is wonderful to see them in a great light they deserve
[...] 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 [...]
[...] from the Real Life Super Hero Project, by Peter [...]
How old do u need to be to register?
i must sound a bit strange to ask this because i but you’ve heard this before. did Kick ass have anything to do with this?(inspierd either way?) ps love the idea
Do you guys meet any where in Massachusetts
i wana know how to become a RLSH!!!!!
If I am to become a superhero of the UK, its best that i wear a black outfit, which is securely protected, and I would remain unknown, only my superhero name known to everyone, I’m considering to do this but it is going to take time, first, self defense, and law study from a few books. and planning other stuff
hey guys i would like to become a member and im not just one of those persons whos just having a laugh i wake up everyday wanting to make a diffrence and i see so much wrong done by people which i wish i could change and i would like to i have dedicated my life to protecting people and i wear armour for protection and would like to become a member and help
I want to join. I am in orlando and I see Master Legend is Here . can someone put me in touch with him? How do I get involved? I dont see a sign up sheet lol
I am a man of passion, respect and love for my community. I wake up everyday wanting to help people in need, weither it’s fighting bad guys or giving a ham sandwich to a homeless guy, I want to help. Which is why I’m asking you RLSH to grant me the honour of be a hero within the RLSH. Please?
sigan asi son los mejores cuando sea grande boy a ser como ustedes. adios.
wisdom ill be joining u on doin so i just need to get armour first
Hi, my name is Dark Lis, im from the quebec country and im 14 years old. My hero career doesn’t begin yet but i search people for join me to the crue. I live precisely in a little town call Windsor, so if there is people close to my town, there my mail :
vince-leclerc@hotmail.com
To Arlequin : Je suis un québecois, mais je vit en Estrie(Windsor), mais si ça te dis, voici mon mail : vince-leclerc@hotmail.com
Bonne chance! Dark Lis
I think i may be a superhero sort of like spiderman
(Name Changed for SAFTEY)
Is anybody on the page in Britain except me? I wonder if anybody has anything to say about it in Britain. Apparently we have around 200 ’superheroes’
Estoy impresionado con ustedes Superheroes y realmente adminro lo que estan haciendo espero que se pueda dar una luz de esperanza a la demas gente del planeta, y asi, alejar la obscuridad.
hope and love
good advice
Hi , i live in philippines, in the north of Mindanao, its in lanao del norte iligan city. Iv saw ur video the SuperHeroes . i was shock because i thought i am the only one thinking about become a hero. The difference is i was not thinking on the word super, but just hero. I have a girlfriend i cant tell you her name . i dont want her to become part of this because i know that in this kind of thing its dangerous . I always wanted to help people, iv helped a couple of people but not by strength but by giving food when i have some. But for sure even if it cost me my life i would love to help people. I know it , i know i can, i have a background of taekwondo, karate, modukwan, arnis, but not to the point that i become a master of it. I know what im talking , i know what danger is , and i know what fight is all about since i was a gangster before,. our gang is not to hurt people but to protect people. But i tell u honestly some of the members of our gang is really bad. But now i quit. and im studying hotel and restaurant management im a 2nd year now.
I love to / i wish to join in this real life super hero. most people in the net know me as CloudStrife, because of some stuffs in online gaming. so if this group accept me i would love to be called CloudStrife
I like to read your site a couple times a week for new readings. I was wondering if you have any other niches you write about?
wow i am so inspired from reading this
i love the idea of it all and that people all over the world are taking part, i bow in respect to you all
wonderful post-keep ‘em coming
[...] So these are just regular ol’ people who want to do good for their community, and get back to compassion and goodwill towards men. More on that in a sec, but first: The Real Life Super Hero Project is amazing just in and of it self. What began as a gallery exhibit, a photography installation, soon developed into a growing community that works together to become a positive force for change. Learn more about the RLSH. [...]
I really appreciate this post. I’ve been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thank you again! “All that is gold does not glitter not all those that wander are lost.” by J. R. R. Tolkien.
Interesting stuff. Hope to see you expand the site.
I want to make a mask for myself but, I find it difficult to find soemone to do it! Can you help me with this problem! Email back!
Also I leave in nj but, willing to go to ny to get the mask made!
Truly inspiring initiative. People just walk on by the horrible atrocities happening around them all the time, as a part of their every day life. I live in Sweden and I urge any other swedes looking up this website to get out on the streets, to help people. Our country is nothing but corruption and indifference. Everyone should be out there, helping out, even if it just means handing out a bottle of water.
Wow, I just watched the movie “Superheros” and I really commend these “superheros” for what they do. Helping out your fellow human is what life is based on if everyone would just take a few minutes to show “love” to each other then maybe this world would be a better place. Every human has the power within to be a superhero so stand up!
Superheros be safe!
Wow u people are Awesome! I saw an article in my local paper about RLSH. Thank you all for what your doing
What?s Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I am hoping to contribute & assist other users like its aided me. Good job.
This is what i was looking for. A place where i can put on my outfit and change the world. i’m in Dallas, TX. there are questions i like to ask, but i rather in person. the RLSH is solid
I’m a new superhero my partner is bluenight we’r baste in canterbury
Dose pheonix jones come on her if so can we talk your my idol
Its time
I’ve been waiting on something like this to happen xD
Man you guys all rock, are you kidding me, you guys are amazing! xDD
Now i wish to join as well. <3<3<3<3
Chicago needs a super hero!!!!!!
I want to help in any way I can, just like these heroes. I’ve known about the Virginia initiative for some time now, but I haven’t found any way to contact them. I want just as much as these others but I don’t know where to start. Other than having the need to go and do good. Anybody know where to contact them?
dud3guy@yahoo.com
my apologies
wait a feel time and then you guys will have a new super hero fighting on your side …..and did you guys super heros ever founk in fight against crime in other country.. like BRAZIL we need help here in hervini ….OVER
You all guys rock! You are doing a good job… Congratulations from Brazil!
Anybody here in Britain? I’ve only heard of a few of them in Britain but I think lots are inactive for whatever reason.
Also, calling themselves superheroes? I’m not saying they don’t do good but you can’t call yourself super if you don’t have any superpowers.
Whoops when I posted about Britain having 200 ’superheroes’ I meant the world’
If you want to see real superheroes, just look in the US Military deployed. Everyday they do things most people can only dream of, and get little or no recognition of it.
Does any member of this group actually combat criminals? Either way, great job. You’re all doing a great thing.
i am a real life superhero in Arizona
and just got done doing my first patrol
I already order my Dark Knight costume replica , all of you inspired to me even more that i was before i will shield my car too
…. Grettings from México!! Justice League it´s bigger than ever