The Dark Knight (Poll) Returns

Last week I wrote an entry on the Bar Harbor Batman, a man who dresses as the famous caped crusader, star of DC Comics and silver screen. The entry, and accompanying poll was meant to generate debate on whether the criteria for being a Real-Life Superhero (RLSH) included having an original persona, as most RLSHs do.

Commentary began with regular blog readers, but after a link was posted up by the Bar Harbor Times Soup and by the dark detective himself (on his Facebook)- the blog got a steady stream of comments from concerned citizens of Bar Harbor. I don't think some of these people are familiar with the greater Real Life Superhero movement, but they sensed their hero was under attack and came to his defense.

"I think he brings fun and joy to what can sometimes be a dreary town in the winter and gives the summer an extra pizazz." One commenter wrote, No harm in making people happy...he gives people a cheer. That's special."

Another said, "He's real life. He's a super hero in a time and place that needs him. And he's assailed by the non-believers who don't have anything to contribute to our community."

One commenter even suggested I move out of my mom's basement and "stfu" for allowing such a blasphemous blog entry exist! The votes for "Yes" continued, and so did the comments.

"If seeing BHBM walk down the street, wave to a child or pose for a photograph makes people smile, then doesn't that make the world a better place?" A commenter asked.

Another comment: "I believe he is the embodiment of positivity and (mostly) good morals, and gives without expecting to receive. What more could we expect in a RLSH?"

And for all of us that had a lonely Valentine's Day: "The only hug I received on Valentine's Day was from the BHBM, that makes him a Super Hero in my book. He makes us smile and promotes justice. What's not to like?"

Despite the positive upswing, a last minute push moved the "No" vote ahead.

Final results: Is the Bay Harbor Batman a RLSH? (109 votes total)

No, you need an original persona. 56 votes- 51%
Yes, he is. It doesn't matter what he wears. 33 votes- 30%
It doesn't matter. 11 votes- 10 %
I am the Bar Harbor Batman. Arrest me. 9 votes- 8%

Something is very clear, though- the people of Bar Harbor support their local Batman. And if he is a hero to them, then who are we to judge?

Sourced

The Bar Harbor Batman with a vigilante valentine on the streets of Bar Harbor. Photo by Ezra Silk.

It always makes me happy to see the Heroes in the Night blog sourced in other media, big or small. In the past week, two blog entries here have been re-reported elsewhere.

Writer Genevieve Suzuki wrote an article for the La Mesa version of Patch.com titled "Who Was That Masked Man? Real-Life Superhero Visits Classes at Helix High!" which quoted from and linked to a blog entry here about DC's Guardian and a day spent speaking to students at Helix High School. (entry HERE)

Also, the Bar Harbor Times Soup is a website which was the source of info for an entry last week on the Bar Harbor Batman. I created a poll, which is open until Friday, to see what conversation I could generate about RLSHs with original personas vs. ones based entirely on an already existing character. Members of the RLSH world as well as Bar Harbor residents have weighed in on that entry HERE.

The writer following the Bar Harbor Batman for the Bar Harbor Times Soup, the exquisitely named Ezra Silk, didn't guess my sex right (it happens) but mentioned the blog and the poll in a write up titled "Bar Harbor Batman Plays Vigilante Valentine," which also talks about his Valentine's Day appearances.

Results of the Bar Harbor Batman poll will be posted Friday. But please- this is not supposed to be a serious online trial of the man. It is just for fun and to try to generate discussion.