Real Life Superhero Patrols Tennessee Streets

Not exactly more powerful than a locomotive, but definitely worse-dressed than Superman.

If you live in Columbia, Tennessee, take heart. Your crime-ridden city streets are a little safer to walk. The supervillains who have terrorized the town for so long are now cowering in fear. A new champion of justice - known as "The Viper" - has risen up to defend the innocent, protect local businesses, and look just a little bit silly while doing so.

Police in Columbus recently spotted The Viper patrolling the city's town square while armed with shurikens and plastic batons. Unsurprisingly, the cops weren't exactly amused with the would-be vigilante's actions, telling both the young man and local news outlets that they don't need any help from amateurs.

According to The Daily Herald, "during his patrol of Columbia, [The Viper] donned Under Armor, carried two plastic sticks and wore a utility belt. On the belt, he stowed a screw driver, wrenches and a cell phone to quickly call police if he stumbled across crime. Officers also found ninja throwing stars inside his car parked near the Bicycle Shop, according to a police report."

The Viper's alter ego is Christian Tyler Hardee, a 20-year-old student pursuing art and chemistry majors at Union University in Jackson, TN. The young man's dream is to eventually become a comic artist after earning some money with his chemistry degree. Hardee admitted that he's a huge comic nerd, but whether he was genuinely trying to be a superhero or just pulling an elaborate joke remains to be determined. One thing's for certain, though: Superheroes that use throwing stars are hardcore and have my full-fledged support.

Source: io9, Red Dog Report, and TheDaily Herald