An in-depth look at the men and women who call themselves “real-life super heroes.”

Not all heroes wear capes, but some actually do.

They dress up at night, fight crime, and save people. They change lives, and sometimes risk their own. Across North America, there are more than 600 real-life super heroes defending the streets. In their double lives as defenders of the downtrodden, they tempt fate to make a personal contribution, if an unusually direct one, to the fight against injustice. Some choose to reveal their identity, while others guard the secret closely.

Guided by her journalist’s instincts and a love of danger, author Nadia Fezzani followed and interviewed these men and women, those prepared to put themselves in harm’s way to protect their fellow human beings. Through interviews and patrols with these super heroes, she examines what’s behind their activities. What motivates these larger-than-life characters? Where do they come from, what are their backgrounds? And how does one become a real super hero?