One part insane, one part awesome. - "Phoenix Jones, Real-Life Superhero."

After spending most of the article [lightly] poking fun, it comes to this, which is actually kind of inspiring.

Phoenix Jones, Real-Life Superhero: Newsmakers: GQ:

"...At this, one of the gang heads toward us. If you were watching from across the road, it would seem as if he just wanders past, but in fact he whispers something as he does: 'You keep staying on our block, we gonna have to show you what the burner do...'

...The men get closer.

"Are we leaving or are we standing?" says Phoenix.

"We're standing," says Ghost.

"We're standing," says Pitch Black.

"You're willing to die for this shit?" the first guy, who seems to be the leader, is yelling. "You're willing to DIE for this shit? You guys are dumb motherfuckers. I don't even know what to say. You guys are fucking stupid." He stares at Phoenix. A moment passes. This is what I imagine a standoff feels like the instant before the shooting starts. But then his voice softens. "If you guys are going to stand here and die for it, I guess we're going to have to walk home. We should shoot your ass, but I guess we've got to go home."

And they do. They disperse. They go home.

Stunned, I look at Phoenix. He suddenly seems smaller than six feet one, lighter than 205 pounds, younger than twentysomething..."