Who knew that being unemployed was a superpower? This write-up describes people who have turned a frustrating, unfortunate situation into an opportunity to do something… super.

• With the current economic downtrend, many of those who have lost their jobs are taking value in what they can do as opposed to what they have and are helping out in communities, having been labeled as “real-life superheroes.”
• Some are completely dressed from head to toe in a cape and a mask while many just go out as regular citizens. Reactions from the public have been mixed; some see these superheroes as losers, but many respect them.
• Although without super powers these superheroes are somewhat limited in what they can do, many help the homeless and patrol high-crime neighborhoods.

Facts & Figures

• Estimates place the number of real-life superheroes between 250 and 300.
• The superhero movement started on Myspace as fellow comic enthusiasts joined forces.
• Homeless outreach is the most common form of help these superheroes undertake; one group raised $700 in gifts and brought them to St. Mary’s Children Hospital in New York.

Best Quote

• “The movement is growing.” – Ben Goldman, historian of real-life superheroes