Who was Zetaman?
Zetaman was a costumed crusader based in Portland, Oregon. He was active from August 2006 to May 2010.
From Zetaman.TV
Considered the most proactive and influential real-life superhero in the world, Illya “Zetaman” King is intensely passionate about helping those in need. Since becoming Zetaman in 2006, Illya has expanded his activism from helping the homeless to conducting safety patrols, inventing one-of-a-kind fundraisers, and partnering with charity organizations. He is the founder and leader of The Alternates, a team of Northwest real-life superheroes determined to make their cities better for all.
Illya is the epitome of comic book geek turned real-life superhero. He patrols the streets by night in a costume inspired by his favorite heroes, and he carries a stun gun, police baton and a backpack full of supplies. Illya’s costume includes 20-pounds of Zetaman-stylized tactical S.W.A.T. armor. He practices the defensive martial art aikido.
While juggling a full-time career, his marriage and being Zetaman, Illya pursues his childhood dream by drawing his own comic book starring Zetaman and The Alternates. Armed with his own pencil and Agent Null’s pen, Illya tirelessly labors at his comic book despite an uncertain publication future.
Illya is the consummate leader and friend. He mentors young Danny, keeps a watchful eye on ever-volatile Tracy, mediates disputes between heroes, and coordinates regular team meetups. Five years after his ascent into costumed activism, Illya’s innovative fundraisers, relentless ambition, steadfast leadership and charismatic charm have catapulted him to the forefront of the real-life superhero community.
From The Real-Life Superhero Project
For Zetaman, it’s all about community—both the one he serves on patrols and through charitable foundations, and the one he works to build for the Real Life Superheroes of the Pacific Northwest. But multi-tasking on this level is not a problem for someone with true convictions. Imposing in his blue and black gear, this “costumed activist” works with the homeless of Portland, OR, runs neighborhood patrols, and actively supports such local organizations as Oregon’s chapter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Portland’s Community Transitional School, and March of Dimes’ “March of Babies” walk-a-thon in his native City of Roses Determined to drive wider attention to the causes he supports, in May of 2009, he launched “The Real Adventures of Zetaman,” the first broadcast-length reality series for the internet. 100% independently produced, the project aims to chronicle his mission to promote heroic change, and hopefully, influence and inspire others to act on their own best impulses. “I thought about where my best skills lie, and how to apply them in a unique way. Becoming a superhero was my answer. Maybe it could be someone else’s too.”
To that end, he has taken the lead in growing the superhero movement in his part of the country, creating an organization he dubbed, “The Alternates.” This “Team of Civil-Minded Individuals” has set out to foster a culture that accepts people based on their character, rather than looks or politics, and assist in finding alternative ways to help their communities—and advertising those ideas to the public at-large. “I’ve always been a leader, and often I found myself in the position of advising others who are interested in the movement, so this seemed like a natural.” In that role as an advisor, Zetaman has had his share of run-ins with those who see their true calling in vigilante justice. ““I don’t wear a mask or a cape. I tried that the first time and got into some trouble, so never again. I’m not a danger-seeker, I just want to go out and try to help,” he says, “I’m an adventurer. The true heroes are the police, fire-fighters and other first responders.”
And while the Real Life Superhero population is growing in Zetaman’s corner of the nation, he’d still like to see more joining the ranks, while acknowledging the difficulties inherent in reaching out to increase those numbers. “There is a certain amount of ego that goes into it, you have to dress differently, you’re standing out, you’re doing something not socially accessible. And though being headstrong is good, and having an ego is good—it keeps you motivated, and strengthens your convictions—it doesn’t really lend itself to organizations.” But the challenges only serve to spur him on. “I just want to live my life to the fullest. People have given me opportunities to do some really awesome things because other people wanted me to help them out. I’ve met and made some great friends and I work at trying to be a good person. This rollercoaster hasn’t stopped yet, and I can’t wait to see what is on the horizon.”