By MARK NEWMAN
Exclusive to Comic Book Movie.com
The story of Kickass asked the question, "What would happen if a guy with no powers tried patrolling as a superhero?" Well the answer will not be coming from Brazil, despite other US media reports,.
The Brazilian article (reviewed in the original Portuguese by CBM and a couple helpful Brazilians)saus a costumed "Batman" will only indirectly fight the good fight, even though the title says "Batman contra crime (Batman Against Crime)."
The original article's author, Michelle Mendes, explained Movimento pela Paz(Movement for Peace) is sponsoring an effort "with the purpose of assisting the integration between the policemen and the community."
Police are allowing an educational crime prevention project targeting children living in the inner-city.
"I'm eager to know how we can work together," said André Luiz Pinheiro,a 50 year old veteran and superhero fan who occasionally dresses as Batman for parties. "If I can help bring the story to even one child, that would be very nice."
So no, police have not hired a vet to dress as Batman and patrol the most crime-ridden neighborhoods. And yes, that clearly is an entertaining story. Still, if kids have to listen to a grownup telling them crime doesn't pay, maybe it's a good idea to have that grownup be Batman.
This www.comicbookmovie.com exclusive was first edited by Elaine Cilotti Fratta, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Now, Huffington Post and others are linking to ComicBookMovie.com. But for the original article in its original language, visit http://www.ovale.com.br/nossa-regi-o/taubate-batman-contra-crime-1.228664.
Mark Newman is a reporter (and comics fan) based in Iowa, USA. Special thanks to our Brazilian contact, blogger Elaine Cilotti Fratta.
Edits on 16, 17 Mar 2012: reduced the article's length; fun update that other media are now adding links to ComicBookMovie.com in their articles.