Not sure what got me thinking about this—maybe one of the ubiquitous “Spider-Man” DVD ads—but I’m wondering whether any real-life individual has ever taken a stab at being a costumed crime-fighter. I’m not talking about the clearly delusional (I’m sure there have been plenty of those), I mean people who actually happened to have some exceptional skill or gadgetry and came to the conclusion that they should use it in the service of justice. If there have been such people, how long did it take for the police to put the kibosh on their vigilantism, what kind of consequences did they face, and did they actually accomplish anything in the interim?
Robin Hood?
There was a historical figure upon whom the legend is thought to be based, at least in part. The Earl of Huntingdon? Can’t remember his alias
Here’s one. Supposedly :rolleyes:.
Wow. That’s joke, right? I mean:
and:
This one is good too:
You really have to wonder what drives her. It’s great to want to help people, and certainly trying to keep women from being molested is a noble pursuit, but there are some real anger issues at work here.
Even Batman respects peoples potential to look after themselves.
I think Super Barrio Man is about as close as you’ll find (although it’d be cool if someone came along and proved me wrong.)
Try googling “Super Barrio Man”, I’m pretty sure there’s a better site about him out there.
How about the Guardian Angels?
Well, from what I can tell, the fellow from AndrewL’s link obviously doesn’t have the power of orthodontia. 
How about Ned Kelly, the original iron man himself? Well, more of an anti-hero, really. Possibly even a minor supervillain.
Real-life amateur crimefighters come off as vigilantes (More Bernard Goetz than Matt Murdock). So I was thinking: Above-average abilities or achievements? Altruistic? Distinctive costume/appearance? Hmm…
Karen Silkwood
Erin Brockovitch
Red Adair
Audie Murphy
Bo Gritz
Muhammad Ali
Malcolm X
You could add Mother Teresa to that list.
If you look into ancient japanese history you will find lots of stories about lone samurai taking out entire armies. They werent fighting crime per se, but they are said to have exhibited some superhero like abilities (i.e. ability to take strong or even leathal blows, coming out of nowhere and killing any number of people without being seen, etc.)