Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book. Unfortunately it’s not the book for me. DNF @ 26%.

Before reading Real Life Super Heroes, I never even knew this phenomenon existed! I don't think it exists where I live (a small country in Europe), which is not surprising, cause I think the cultural reasons to this phenomenon lie in how much super hero lore is loved in the West. Regardless of its roots though, it's an amazing concept.
So basically, what ARE real life super heroes? Some will say they are weirdoes, so will say they seek attention, but no matter what you might think of them, I believe they manage to do some good. Real life super heroes are usually local volunteers, and they either patrol the dangerous streets at night to help resolve conflict or call the authorities, or they also sometimes do homeless outreach, trying to help the people who are in a bad place in their lives at the moment. But the main thing about them that seems to draw attention is that they wear costumes, or at least masks. This book delves into the phenomenon, talks to the super heroes themselves, tries to get to the bottom of why these people do it and what hiding their real identity gives them, as well as considering the community impact it produces.
I should have to mention that it doesn't just talk about real life super heroes! It has a big part dedicated to real life super villains! Yes, those exist – but unlike in many super hero flicks, these guys are not out there to cause pain and create chaos (well, at least not most of them!) – they're out there to unmask fake super heroes, point the finger at anyone who is misusing their fame or power, and generally supervise and criticize the community.
And while I would not like to talk in depth about what's discussed in this book for the same reason as it was with Vicious – you should read about these things without me spoiling them – I will, however, divulge that I didn't think that nonfiction could have twists. But after finishing this book, literally the last page, I was so stumped I put it down and stared forward for about a minute or two. Wow, Nadia Fezzani – you got me good. Did NOT expect that. AWESOME.

I thank Dundurn for giving me a free review copy in exchange to my honest review. This does not influence my opinion.

A look at real life superheroes and what makes them do it. The author has interviewed and worked alongside some real life superheroes. This is a fascinating read. People helping out others in an attempt to make their lives better. It is amazing that a lot of superheroes have had very tough upbringings. A very interesting read.

This book was quirky but engaging, a fast-paced look into the dark alleys of urban crime and the little-known vigilante crime fighters who call themselves real life superheroes. I would recommend it to readers who like true crime, journalism with a psychological angle, and super hero comics.

RLSH is most certainly one of the strangest and more abstract books about crime I've ever read. Being an experienced true crime reader, but having very little knowledge in this particular area, I definitely didn't quite know what to expect.

Nadia Fezzani does a great job in bringing to life the peculiar topic of those in the community who dress up in costumes to fight crime their own way. With the rise of superheroes in media and movies, it would be easy to see this as a trashy throw away book - something to giggle at - or some sort of a bizarre crossover genre, but Fezzani's experience as a journalist shines through and she delivers an interesting, unbiased account, as she introduces us to not just who these people are and what they do, but why they risk harm to do it.

And reader I married Him!
An excellent expose of super heroes, super villains and their reasons for being involved.

I read another book about Phoenix Jones a few years. It was much better than this one. I don't think this book adds anything original or new to the discussion about Real Life Superheroes that wasn't covered in that one.

Before coming across this book, I had no idea about the extensive nature that is Real Life Superheroes (RLSH). I had seen a mention here or there, but I honestly thought that these mentions were isolated events or exceptions, not the rule. Upon reading this book, I discovered a whole new world of RLSH, and that this is a much more sophisticated and meticulous undertaking than I assumed. Fezzani provides amazing insight and access to the realm of RLSH and captures as true of a portrait of these individuals as possible. Regardless of your level of knowledge about RLSH, you will gain a greater appreciation and understanding of what these individuals strive to accomplish through their actions.