Sort of the anti-Ben Mezrich (who has an unmatched ability for tracking down the most fascinating topics/subjects, only to render them unable and unrelatable through his writing), Jon Ronson takes subjects that I may only half-heartedly find interesting and presents them in compassionate, compelling, hilarious, irresistible ways. This was no exception. I only wish it were longer. I will read anything he writes.gonzo read-in-20129 s Marcus658 18

Light fun as Ronson scratches the surface of these have a go heroes aka vigilantes. All too often their motives turn out to be narcissistic and exacerbate rather than calm the various incidents. For example see the way Phoenix Jones loses interest in chasing down a violent conflict in order to pose for photos.2 s Dan Slauson34 8

I love Jon Ronson, and want to read everything he writes. I started reading this not realizing that it's actually a very short, relatively superficial article. I guess I was expecting something a bit longer and more detailed. After reading on my Kindle for 20 minutes or so, I realized that I was well over halfway finished.

Anyway, on Phoenix Jones, a real-life masked crime fighter in Seattle, goes out every night and breaks up fights and heckles drug dealers and other brave/stupid acts of valor. There are apparently hundreds of other costumed vigilantes doing the same thing in cities around the U.S. Phoenix got some notoriety a couple years ago after getting arrested for spraying mace at a bunch of people in an attempt to break up a fight. You can watch footage on YouTube.

He's a fascinating character, and a bit of a lunatic, and the book was over in the blink of an eye, but was well worth reading. If you're new to Ronson, I suggest you start with Them (Adventures with Extremists) or The Psychopath Test, which are totally fantastic.2 s Sam Quixote4,615 13.1k

A daycare manager for autistic children by day, masked vigilante at night. A scenario many people have read before in comics, except this is real life. Phoenix Jones is the real life super hero’s (RLSH) name and fighting crime is his game. I remember hearing about him in the news a year or so ago so I was interested when the excellent Jon Ronson (The Men Who Stare At Goats, Them, The Psychopath Test) set out to interview him and find out why people are now dressing as superheroes and patrolling the streets.

The answer is slightly vague and what you’d expect – they feel nobody’s in their real lives, helpless and worthless, but they put on a mask and costume and they suddenly feel great and different. Never mind that most of them barely fight crime per se, they’re out there at night scaring drug dealers and thus feel they’re making a difference.

Phoenix himself is an oddball, getting into scrapes outside of night clubs and stopping drunk people from getting behind the wheel of a car – in one instance trying to force a man to eat a taco before driving so he’ll be slightly more sober. This becomes known as “the taco incident”.

I would’ve d to have read a more in-depth story but the length of the “book” limits that and it seems there’s not much else to the RLSH’s stories besides their rather dreary patrols that are in stark contrast to their comic book aspirations. The story is also 60% of the ebook, the remaining 40% is an excerpt from “The Psychopath Test”, which if you’re me you’ll already have read.

It’s not a bad read it’s just very short but it’s an interesting look at this emerging sub-culture especially if you’re a fan of superhero comics me. Phoenix Jones and co. prove how remote the world of superheroes is from our real world. Kick Ass this ain’t!1 Ana2,381 374

This story is stranger than fiction, but it's real!21st-century essays european-literature ...more1 Katheryn43

Felt kinda he started on a quest for a story and just gave up and wrote what is an essentially long article on the topic. Hour read tops. 1 Bryan Mcquirk350 18

A very short story about the author's brief time with Phoenix Jones and the Rain City Superhero Movement. The story is almost as long as the crime-fighting campaign.
I was living in Washington when all of this was going, so unfortunately, not much new has been revealed by Ronson.
Hopefully outsiders will gain insight to what locals already knew...they were worthless and.lucky that no one was seriously injured or killed during their useless cosplay.
crime current-affairs short-stories Nancy Dunham19 3

Beware -- if you read Ronson's Lost at Sea, you've read this book. I couldn' tell in the Kindle Sample so I took a chance. It's the same story previously published and an excerpt from the Psychopath Test. If you are interested in this story buy Lost At Sea instead.

I always enjoy Jon Ronson's writing. He's fantastic. I gave this a four because I was disappointed there was nothing new.

Jim996

Interesting stuff. Gabriella Mastrelli73

This was much too short! Michael Perez1,266 34

More of an extended news article rather than a full look at "real life superheroes", it still captures some interesting moments. Wish this was a full book. non-fiction short-story Slappy359

Although I'm a fan of Jon Ronson, I'm not sure why this superficial read was published as a book. It's basically a long form magazine article. Debbie1,110 7

Short book about some real life people doing heroic work AND wearing the outfits to match! TomásAuthor 1 book12

When I saw this title on the Kobo shop I was very exited, a Jon Ronson Book, about super heroes???? Hell to the yeah! It was only when I came arround to it that I figured that it was only 68 pages, that being said, it was a good night-time read.

So what about the review, I was kind of disappointed, Jon’s writing was a bit sub par comparing to some of his other books, but the content was really interesting, in a “stranger than fiction” kind of deals.

This book follows some of the night patrols of daycare manager for autistic children by day, masked vigilante at night, Phoenix Jones, a real life superhero, apparently it’s a thing. And apparently many major cities in the USA have masked vigilantes à la Kickass, wich to be honest is all kinds of awesome.

I really can’t say much more without giving everything away, after all its a book with less than 100 pages, and spoiler territory is a dangerous territory.

Rating: 3.5/5
Do I recommend it?:
Well, yes, but no, if you have acess to the book read it its fun and quick, but I dont actually recomend buying it RonAuthor 19 books30

Let me be clear right off the bat. This was a short and fun read, not because of the prose, but because of the content. I didn't grow up reading comic books, nor did I ever wish to become a superhero. I did have a slight fascination with Superman from the ages of 6-11, but I never really got into the culture some of my friends.

With that said, I have to tell you this true story was fascinating. I had no idea that so many people are emulating superheroes and kicking ass in our society. I've seen the movie, "Kick Ass," but never knew that people actually went around fighting crime while dressed in costume. Sure, you'd hear about some nut from an article on the web, but an actual culture??? Interesting.

Check this book out. I said, it's short and not terribly well written, but it's fun, funny, sad, and real. You'll dig it. Heather50 14

This was, really, more of an extended magazine article than a "book," with an excerpt from another of Jon Ronson's books at the end of it - so, I'm a little peeved that I paid $3 bucks for it. But, that said...I laughed out loud lots.

Did you know there were real-life superheroes? The reason I knew is because a good friend's ex-husband IS one.

No, really. He dresses up a superhero. Banker by day, crimefighter in tights by night.

And, apparently, he's not the only one - there are dozens across the country.

Some people are trying to help them be taken seriously. But, as this account shows, if you just write about their experiences in an unbiased way...it's pretty much impossible to take them seriously. Dwight164 2

Really well written, this author has a genius flair for nonfiction. I marked it as two stars for two reasons. First it doesn’t go very deeply into either the individuals described as case studies. Secondly (and my real reason) is that it’s kind of mean. I feel the inherent tone is to laugh at the people being profiled.
I read interesting nonfiction in order to expand my world view, not to chuckle at the differences in the people being discussed. Whatever else you feel about the odd way these individuals spend their off hours, they are people actually trying to do something to help others.
Turned me off despite the author being very talented. Don’t know if I want to read more by this author. Teeliles75 1 follower



I was a bit disappointed in this book. For one thing, it's VERY short (which I should have figured out before buying it!); the excerpts from other books by the author make up almost half of the novel! I gave it three stars anyway, because my second reason probably won't affect other readers: I saw the author on The Daily Show, when he told a hysterical anecdote about the adventures of Phoenix Jones. Turns out that the anecdote describes almost all of the book! Which was a pretty big spoiler for me. It is sweet and funny, but I'd recommend borrowing from the library rather than buying. Matthew Ardill17 2

A great little inside look at Pheonix Jones' life and the broader "Real Life Superhero" movement. It makes me think what it would take for me to go to the lengths Jones goes. I know Rain Wilson is looking to make a reality show about Jones and while I think he's utterly mad it's interesting to see what made him mad and how he's using that and how much (in some ways) I can see his point. What I also find interesting is the bitter little rivalries that seem to be going on in the "RLS" movement. A good (if quick) read and at 4 bucks on Kobo well spent. Ryan33 1 follower

This is the true story of Phoenix Jones, a real life superhero who fights crime on the streets of Seattle. Jon Ronson is a reporter who followed Phoenix around for a story published in GQ, and the writing is definitely straight to the point. Phoenix is a very likable character, and loves fighting crime, and Ronson weaves an entertaining narrative. His affection for Phoenix is apparent, and Ronson gives him the respect he deserves in his writing, and makes this story a must for any superhero fan (or anyone who is a Ronson fan). Felipe Maia2 2

The Amazing Adventures of Phoenix Jones: And the Less Amazing Adventures of Some Other Real-Life Superheroes is an entertaining piece of work. I really enjoyed reading it, since is an interesting subject and Jon Ronson writes greatly as always. A good read that I recommend to anyone who s super heroes and want to know how would they are in the real world. The only problem is the shortness of the book. Jon could explore much more of the theme, specially after what he shows us in the end of Phoenix Jones. Chris187 2

Good, lighthearted, Ronson doing his thing at the top of his game. Read my other Ronson , they pretty much all apply here in this short story. Ronson lets Jones tell his story in his own words, playing the part of the foil perfectly. I give it 4 stars only because of the subject material, quite honestly Jones isn't all that interesting compared to the KKK or psychopaths.

Good read, you won't be disappointed. Cláudia10 9

I´m a huge Ronson fan and loved this story, however, calling this an ebook is quite a stretch. It´s roughly the same size as each of the stories he tells in "lost at sea" so maybe it should have been published as part of a similar book. It just felt it could be a bit more developed.
That being said... it´s HILARIOUS as usual!humour Michael Shore167 6

Fun, short read about a real life superhero fighting the bad guys out in Seattle. Interesting young man who could probably put his talents into something more long term and practical, but for now, chooses to help out his community.

This was my first read of anything by Jon Ronson, but i will be checking out some of his other work. Thanks Eric. :-) Dan Mccarthy27 3

Quick read that gives a fascinating look into what happens when ComicCon attendees take their fantasy into real life. Ronson is sensitive, respectful and open-eyed as he follows some regular guys in their quest to mete justice where justice is deserved without getting themselves too banged up. Quixotic? Stupid? Fearless? Admirable? You get to be the judge. Marlena17 1 follower

As always, Jon Ronson brings humanity to a fringe movement. Phoenix Jones is truly an amazing person with some great and brave outlooks on life. He is inspiring, not just to all of those who have idolized superheros as kids, but also to those of us who want justice, but don't always take action. It's an article worth reading. Emma20115

While it offers a somewhat in depth view into the delusional minds and chaotic lives of real life superheros, the narrative is very disconnected, jumping from subject to subject, the dialogue seems unnatural, and Ronson seems to romanticize very dangerous actions by glorified vigilantes. Jez7

Really thought this book would be a bit longer. I read the original article excerpt in the Guardian and it seems they could've just printed the whole piece! Ah well, still textbook Ronson stuff and certainly entertaining. Stuart5 2

The main piece on Phoenix Jones is short (a 20 minute read) but very sweet. Ronson appears to be deeply enamoured with Jones - much more so than the other Real Life Super Heroes in the book.

(The second half of the ebook is an excerpt from Ronson's book The Psychopath Test.) Brandon159 1 follower

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