It seems like there’s been a rash of people pretending to be superheroes recently. They pop up, get a bit of news coverage, then fade off into obscurity. They usually don’t even do anything that would make the cops take any interest (and they’re usually pretty interested in masked mystery men). But the superhero that “patrols” Columbia, Tennessee, The Viper, has gotten the police’s attention…they’ve just told him to stop his silliness.
When cops recently stopped The Viper on his patrol and found him armed with a utility belt filled with a screwdriver, wrenches and a cell phone, which he said that he’d use to report any crimes he saw. But it turns out there are laws in Columbia against wearing a mask in public. So, it looks like The Viper will be hanging up is bootleg “Kick Ass” costume and going back to his college classes.
Now, normally I’d point out how the ABC news about The Viper uses the same slightly condescending tone that the news usually reserves for comic-book-related stories. But if this story doesn’t deserve to be mocked, nothing does.
ABC News video about The Viper after the jump!
[ABC News via Bleeding Cool]




Lowest recorded temperature in Columbia, Tenn. was negative 20 degrees Fahrenheit.So I wonder if that law differentiates between wearing a ski mask and wearing a mask because you are fighting crime.
Also, did anyone else wonder why he was carrying wrenches and a screwdriver? I’m no sure how those are effective crime fighting tools unless the criminal in question is a slow moving easily disassembled robot.
Source for the weather info:
[www.weather.com]
Kick-Ass did it. Man that end graphic was so lame.
Here’s the thing, these people are actually out there putting in the time and effort nessecary to make the streets safer. If you’re goign to make fun of them, are you going to insult blood doner’s next? Seriously, they intentionlly bleed for the greater good, how messed up is that?
So can muslim women not wear their garbs over their faces in this town?
Quite a few states passed laws against wearing masks outside of certain holidays, Halloween or Mardi Gras in New Orleans as a way to combat the Ku Klux Klan. Most likely those are still in affect.
Hey Seabear, I know you’re talking about the “super hero”, but those words should be directed at the actual cops who really do put in the time and effort to make the streets safe. Those actual heroes should be getting your respect, not this dope.
Morons:
The Viper (silly costume, lack of balls, lack of real tools)
The Police (refusal to accept help, refusal to help helper)
The Readers (making fun of someone trying to help without actually doing anything to help themselves)
That’s all I have to say.
so….everyone involved in this article is stupid? but the police are stupid for not helping someone, who in your own words, is a moron. and we’re morons for making fun of this moron. i love the internet
Shadow Hare > Viper
This guy doesn’t even have sidekicks.