MYNORTHWEST NEWS

‘The people’s villain’ Rex Velvet wants to rid Seattle of superhero Phoenix Jones

May 1, 2012, 11:26 AM | Updated: May 2, 2012, 10:50 am

“I will not back down from you Jones until this city is rid of you,” says Rex Velvet in...

"I will not back down from you Jones until this city is rid of you," says Rex Velvet in a video message announcing his intention to rid Seattle of self-proclaimed superhero Phoenix Jones. (Image courtesy YouTube)

(Image courtesy YouTube)

Seattle’s self-proclaimed superhero Phoenix Jones is being challenged by a man calling himself “the people’s villain.”

“Phoenix Jones, you have met your match,” says a video message from a man who identifies himself as Rex Velvet.

Phoenix Jones, aka Ben Fodor, is Seattle’s self-proclaimed superhero. Fodor calls himself “the guardian of Seattle.”

Jones’ masked avenging nearly came to an end in October of 2011 when he was arrested for spraying a group of people with pepper spray, in what he said was an attempt to break up a fight.

The city attorney declined to press charges in the incident, but now it seems someone else is trying to stop the masked crime fighter.

“I will not back down from you Jones until this city is rid of you,” Velvet said in his video message.

“I can recall a time when I could leave this lair and conduct my duties proudly and without distraction, but now he’s out there along with his silly gang of misfit power rangers disturbing the peace,” said Velvet. “Now our city is protected not by our once respected police force but by a tormented delusional freak in a mask.”

Velvet is calling for an end to the Rain City Superhero movement.

“For far too long we’ve watched as our nation buys into its tireless charade, and it’s run its course. It’s time to get real Jones. The community would be better off without you,” said Velvet. “You must be stopped once and for all.”

Phoenix Jones told 97.3 KIRO FM’s Ross and Burbank Show on Wednesday that he’s not intimidated at the appearance of this local villain.

“I looked him up. He’s actually just a wedding photographer who made a funny video,” said Jones. “If he was a true supervillain I would be more interested because at least I would have something to do. Right now it’s like war of social media and I have better things to do with my time.”

By JAMIE GRISWOLD, MyNorthwest.com Editor

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‘The people’s villain’ Rex Velvet wants to rid Seattle of superhero Phoenix Jones