But as Gerard Smith went `berserk' in a Manchester newsagents, passer-by Kevin Godin-Prior lifted his jumper to reveal a Spiderman costume and told him: "You don't know who you're dealing with."
Have-a-go-hero Kevin was on his way to a charity fundraiser dressed as the cult comic character when he called at the shop in Gorton.
As he walked in, he saw Smith lashing out and abusing the shopkeeper.
Kevin, 53, revealed his secret identity, fought off a series of attacks and then forced Smith outside, refusing to let go until the police arrived.
"He was threatening the shopkeeper and abusing him," said mortgage consultant Kevin. "He was being a drunken yob. I tried to cajole him out of the shop, but he rushed me and banged my head against a display cabinet.
Throttle
"He tried to throttle me, but I managed to detain him outside until the police came.
"I wouldn't let him go. I just stayed with him until he was run ragged."
Father-of-two Kevin went to hospital with injuries to his head and neck, but wasn't seriously hurt.
He added: "I just happened to be going out to a charity event - which I do quite a lot - and I had on my Spiderman costume.
"I just managed to get free from his grip because he had been trying to throttle me.
"I said to him: `You've made a big mistake here, mate. You don't know who you are dealing with'.
"Then I lifted the jumper. His jaw just dropped when he saw the Spiderman outfit. But he still decided to come at me. It was quite a sustained attack."
When police arrived they arrested Smith, 42, of Elsdon Drive, Gorton.
At Manchester magistrates court, Smith pleaded guilty to two charges of assault in the shop on Hyde Road on February 23 - on Kevin and on a woman.
Smith was ordered to carry out a 12-month community punishment order, pay each victim £250 and pay the court £300 costs.
Kevin said: "I simply did what felt to be right at the time, as safely as I could for me and the others.
"This guy needs to be kept off the streets and straightened out, along with all the other drunks and yobs who make life a misery for decent people.
Inspires
"I hope this inspires others to do the same - carefully - rather than back out."
Kevin was nominated for an M.E.N-sponsored Neighbourhood Spirit Award in 2004 for his citizen arrests.
It is thought he has made in the region of 30 citizen arrests over the years.
He has clung to the bonnet of a car to try to stop a hit-and-run driver escaping and has also chased gangs of youths trying to steal cars near his home.
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Well done Kevin I admire your gutsy bravery. I only wish the creep had got a term in jai, I guess the fines will come out of his benefits which taxpayers contribute to. I am sure it is more beneficial being a criminal these days.
I know some people may say Kevin was foolish for getting involved - the 'drunk' may have been armed etc - but if more of us made a stand against loutish, anti-social behaviour, the country could become a better place.
Good on you, sir.
Laura Norder, Didsbury
You mean like the two people a week who die trying to stop these nutters? .its time for real laws and real control until then this sort of behaviour will keep on getting worse. Gerard is a very brave man to take on this guy in the shop ,but it could have been so different .We have lost to many good citizens over the last few years at the hands of these thugs. Lets all write to our politicians and "TELL THEM" That we want protection from these criminals we need the death penalty and the birch bringing back."DEMAND IT FROM YOUR MP"
Sorry i meant Kevin was brave not the criminal Gerard . We need these people birched to teach them a lesson that we will not stand for thugs running our country.
Good for him
12-month community punishment order? So thats ok then eh?
If only Gerard had the presence of mind to shout 'Stop or you'll be birched'.
The offender would have surrendered immediately and held his hands forth to be clapped in irons, whilst muttering 'it's a fair cop, guv'.
Er, maybe not...
I'm with Laura on this one. The good guys always outweigh the bad, we just need to stick together and make a stand. I don't think it's realistic or right to simply expect the police to sort out all the problems of society. It's everyone's responsibility.
Go on you Mr Smith.