Real-life superhero "The Viper" defends Tennessee town, told to
take a hike by cops  Columbia, Tennessee (a.k.a. "The Mule
Capital of the World") has a new defender: The Viper, a 20-year-
old masked man who patrols the town square carrying batons and
ninja stars. Police aren't impressed, but hey, someone has to
defend those mules.  Columbia police spotted The Viper in the
~34,000-person town's public square last week. They told the
crime-fighter to quit the foolin' and to stop defying the town's
"no masks" ordinance. Nonetheless, citizens are curious about
the self-anointed do-gooder. Columbia bike shop owner A.C.
Howell is warily optimistic about The Viper's potential as an
agent of justice:  The Viper, I believe. Isn't he the Masked
Viper? [...] I don't know. He needs something to do. Probably
needs a job. I hope he's looking out for my benefit. I hope he's
guarding my store [...] I welcome him to Columbia. I hope he
does some good.  Click to view  We at io9 salute The Viper for
his brave sartorial choices.