Ukraine’s “Wonder Woman” & People Who Embody Our Favorite Superheroes

Jun 1, 2017 | News, Uncategorized

What comic book fan hasn’t dreamed of being a superhero? Who of us hasn’t imagined running along rooftops: A city’s protector hidden in the shadows? Who hasn’t imagined fighting a big baddie and saving the day? For some, dreaming isn’t enough! Below are 5 people that are basically real life versions of our favorite heroes.

1. Wonder Woman/Diana Prince – Katerina Tarnovska

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If you think the time of the Amazon is behind us, you clearly aren’t familiar with “The Warrior Women of Asgarda.” Katerina Tarnovska is a Ukrainian preschool teacher, kickboxing world champ, and supposed descendant of the legendary Amazons. In 2002, Tarnovska founded the only martial art in the world exclusively for women, “Asgarda.” Since, shes trained over 1,000 ladies in a style inspired by the tribal traditions of the Scythian Amazons. Think about it: A thousand bad-ass ladies all skilled at sword fighting and various other styles of hand-to-hand combat. I know who I wanna be behind when Darkseid shows up!

2. Spider-Man/Peter Parker – Alain Robert

“Spiderman is my nickname, but I have no supernatural powers. When I climb skyscrapers, there’s no special effect. No safety net” So says Alain Robert, or as some know him, “The French Spider-Man.” Alain has scaled countless buildings (including the world’s tallest building, the 2,717ft Burj Khalifa in Dubai). Some he climbs legally, and other climbs end with his arrest. With a mile-long rap sheet & plenty of injuries, Robert shows no sign of stopping his free climbing anytime soon. “Climbing is my passion, my philosophy of life. Although I suffer from vertigo, although my accidents left me disabled up to 66%, I have become the best solo climber.”

3. The Punisher/Frank Castle – President Rodrigo Duterte

Dubbed “The Punisher” by Time magazine, President Rodrigo Duterte is basically Frank Castle if he was president of the Philippines. Duterte not only supports vigilante justice on criminals, but says he’s been involved in several murders himself. Quotes from this man read like Frank Castle’s manifesto.

“These sons of whores are destroying our children. I warn you, don’t go into that, even if you’re a policeman, because I will really kill you.”

He even goes so far as to suggest he’ll reward anyone who takes the law into their own hands. “Shoot him [drug dealer] and I’ll give you a medal.” We may love the Punisher comics, and might even wish on occasion for vigilante justice. In reality those who would pick up the Punisher mantle are crazier than my 10th grade girlfriend who thought her dog was an alien (Seriously, what dog WOULDN’T chow down on Reese’s Pieces, Susan?).  So here’s a word to the wise: Don’t deal drugs in the Philippines.

4. Iron Man/Tony Stark – Sergey Brin

I mean…

You may not know his name, but you know his company! Sergey is the Co-Founder of the internet behemoth, Google. A company who’s unofficial motto is “Don’t be evil.” Brin has invested a lot of time and money into two primary areas: safe and renewable energy, and artificial intelligence. Not to mention his love of the Burning Man Festival! Be honest with yourself. Would you be that surprised if Google Came out with an Iron Man suit? Google Glass isn’t too far off from the heads up display in Stark’s suit if you think about it…

5. The Flash/Barry Allen – Dean Karnazes

While you’re getting winded climbing a flight of steps, “The Real Life Flash” Dean Karnazes is running harder and farther than you could ever hope. Due to a rare genetic condition that makes him immune to cramping, Dean was able to run three hundred fifty miles in under 80 hours (without sleep)! Spectators said he was barely sweating when he finished. The speed force is strong with this one.