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South American Superhero Makes ... $160 a Month

Meet Lima, Peru's Superman, Avelino Chavez
Posted Jun 18, 2012 12:04 PM CDT
South American Superhero Makes ... $160 a Month
In this photo taken June 14, 2012, Avelino Chavez, wearing his signature Superman costume, combs his hair at his home in Lima, Peru.   (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)

If crime doesn't pay, then fighting crime doesn't, either. Lima's own resident superhero makes just $160 a month—though, to be fair, he's not known for making daring rescues. Instead, Avelino Chavez dons Superman garb every day to appear at notable weddings and political rallies; he also advertises for a travel agency. He's being doing it for 15 years, but his previous jobs are no less colorful: He has been a bullfighter, a craftsman, and a brothel security guard, the AP reports.

"I lost my job but realized that I could be Superman. I went to the store and bought a blue shirt, and a cousin of mine who is a seamstress sewed the cape, the boots, the belt, and the red tights," he says. It's been the key to consistent work—leaving time to "maintain order in the city." A decade ago he got a woman's stolen purse back for her (it's unclear whether he has saved the day since), and has even dabbled in politics, running for Congress on a political party's request (his bid failed). One thing that's missing: a Lois Lane. "When I get a girlfriend I would like to make love on the moon," he says. (Superheroes seem to be popping up everywhere these days...)

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