The Xtreme Justice League guards the streets of San Diego’s Gaslamp District. Left to right: Grim, Edgerunner, Light Fist, Fallen Boy, Mr. Xtreme, Midnight Highwayman, Brick and Violet Valkyrie. Peter Nowak photoThe Guardian Angels, a volunteer crime-fighting group and precursor to the real-life superhero phenomenon, patrol the streets of New York in the early 1980s. Curtis Sliwa photoA memorial to environmental activist Jim Phillips, a.k.a. the Fox, was created in Violet Patch Park on the shore of the Fox River in Oswego, Illinois. Peter Nowak photoPhoenix Jones (left) has gained notoriety for his hands-on approach to tackling crime. Here he joins forces with Evocatus in Seattle. James Marx photoNyghtingale (left) and Freedom Fighter work with the rest of the Xtreme Justice League to keep the streets of San Diego safe. Peter Nowak photoThe Xtreme Justice League’s Nyght pauses for a photo with a shop owner in San Diego’s Gaslamp District. The group has attracted fans in the community by breaking up fights and patrolling the streets. Peter Nowak photoReal-life superheroes prepare for a homeless handout mission in Chicago’s Lower Wacker. Left to right: Reverb, Geist, RazorHawk, Frost and Patchwork. Peter Nowak photoSamael takes a break from a Chicago mission to catch up on his comics. Peter Nowak photoSuperhero duties for the Bay Coast Guardians include hamming it up with tourists. Left to right: Good Samaritan, Ikon, an innocent bystander, Jaguar and Impact. Peter Nowak photoThe Bay Coast Guardians’ Impact makes a friend on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. Peter Nowak photoKnight Warrior displays the United Kingdom Initiative banner in London. Lord Mole photoThe members of Canada’s Trillium Guard show off their weatherized gear during a mission in Toronto. Left to right: T.O. Ronin, Canadian Justice, Nameless Crusader and Urban Knight. Peter Nowak photoPeatonito, an activist who spray-paints DIY crosswalks on dangerous intersections, helps pedestrians in Mexico City. Felix Canez photoLuchador, activist and public speaker Tacubo leaves his mask on while riding the subway in Mexico City. Edgar Olguín photoThe members of the California Initiative fight homelessness but avoid physical altercations on the streets of San Francisco. Left to right: Vector, Shadarko, Temper, Night Bug, Rock N Roll and Draco. Peter Nowak photoThe polarizing real-life superhero Master Legend poses on the streets of Orlando, Florida. Peter Nowak photo
