Costumes for a higher purpose

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) — The Lexington Comic and Toy convention wrapped up on Sunday afternoon, heralding an end to all the geeky celebrations held inside. The actors said their goodbyes, vendors packed up their wares, and cosplayers hung up their costumes.

Well, some of them did.

One group from West Virginia won’t be putting down their costumes. In fact, their founder John Buckland says he has been a full-time Batman for over two years. It’s not for fun – this group of costumed heroes dress up to catch the attention of kids, to pass on a message of hope.

After experiencing childhood abuse from a trusted adult, Buckland said his youth was a whirlwind of chaos and bad decisions. He admitted it was much later in life that he was able to take that anger and shame, and focus it toward something positive.

He was a career firefighter for several years, before serving in Iraq. It was only after returning to America and discovering he may not be able to continue his career in Fire Services that Buckland decided to put on the cape and mask. In his own words, a little voice kept him up one night, telling him over and over to “Be Batman.”

It’s not about the costume, or the cool car (though he does have both) – it’s the character itself. Batman’s alter-ego Bruce Wayne went through a lot of pain, and was able to take that anger and redirect it into fighting crime and helping other people. Buckland made it his life’s mission to do the same.

But instead of fighting crime, he’s inspiring kids to take whatever tough times they may be going through, and try to use that to make themselves a better person. Become your own hero.

Do the right thing, even when the people around you aren’t making good choices. Never give up!

“My job is to inspire other people to take their tough situation and turn it into something empowering for the sake of others. Until we learn to work together, the world’s never going to be changed.” Buckland explained. “If you’re going to do it the Batman way, then you better learn to put yourself last and put others first”

He and his group of costumed heroes travel to schools, parties, hospitals, anywhere that their message is needed.

Tough times can make you stronger.

You can find out more about their group on their website at H4H.Us or on their Facebook page.