People who know me know that I am a huge and unabashed fan of comic books, especially Superman and The Batman. I read the comics, collect action figures and memorabilia, and wear the t - shirts.

There's being a fan of superheroes and then there's being becoming the hero, bringing the values of compassion, justice, and dedication found in superhero stories to real life.

Leonard 'Lenny' Robinson was one such hero. I learned of Lenny the same way you probably did, watching police officers treat him with the same awe and respect during a traffic stop that Lenny received from the hundreds of children he regularly visited as Batman. Lenny's traffic - stop went viral, and his charitable work with children in various hospitals got the exposure it deserved.

Lenny was a successful businessman who began dressing as Batman because one of his sons, Brandon, was a huge fan of character. When he discovered the impact the character had on other children, Lenny found a new purpose, visiting children struggling with cancer and other debilitating illnesses and becoming 'the real Batman' to them. He drove a black Lamborghini and wore a movie - inspired costume when making his visits, giving Batman coloring books, toys, and other novelties to the children whose lives he touched.

I was a big fan of Lenny and his work, having learned more about him through the excellent documentary Legends of the Knight. Lenny was featured as well as other people who have been inspired by the character of Batman.

Lenny was killed yesterday when a car struck his parked 'Batmobile' while Lenny was pulled over in a shoulder. He is survived by three sons and mourned by hundreds of children to whom he was a hero.

Watch the video above to see Lenny in action as 'the real Batman' and click here to learn more about him and the impact he had on sick and dying children.

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