By now you’ve probably heard of BatKid — the alter-ego of five-year-old Miles, a super kid fighting leukaemia. He’s on a mission today, courtesy of Make-A-Wish, saving San Francisco from the Riddler and Penguin. And we’re watching it all unfold.
The plan to transform San Francisco into Gotham has been unfolding since October, with San Francisco’s police chief, City Hall and thousands of excited volunteers teaming up to make Miles’s day. And what a jam-packed day it’ll be:
After rescuing a damsel-in-distress from the Hyde Street cable-car tracks in Nob Hill, then capturing the Riddler in the act of robbing a downtown vault, Batkid will enjoy lunch at the Burger Bar, near Union Square. After lunch, he will get a special message from the Police Chief and go to the window where he will look down and see a huge crowd of volunteers jumping up and down pleading for Batkid’s help. Why? The villainous Penguin has just kidnapped a famous San Francisco mascot (Lou Seal)! The batmobile will be visible on Union Square, (a convertible offering a view of the crime in progress), and the chase will be on!
After apprehending the Penguin, Batkid will make a final stop at City Hall where the Mayor of San Francisco, Ed Lee, along with the Police Chief, will congratulate him on his daring feats of justice and present him with a key to the city.
We’re updating this adventure as BatKid’s action-packed day continues.
This little superhero has a packed day ahead of him. Riding along with Batman in a Lamborghini Batmobile, Miles has great backup: his little brother Robin coming along to help. Photo by @pilarwish
Now they’re off to chase after the Riddler. Photo by @pilarwish
The Riddler had plans to loot the Financial District. Image via @SFWish
Pow! BatKid gets the Riddler behind bars. Image via abc7newsbayarea
This damsel’s not in distress anymore. Image by @NewsBreaker
Thanks, BatKid. Image by @KRON4MPelton
No time to rest. Image by @AP
City Hall awaits its hero. Photo by @lolomacha
While #SFBatkid is distracted by lunch, I bet he won’t even notice what’s happened…Oh @SFGiants? Looking for something?
— The Penguin (@PenguinSF) November 15, 2013
.@PenguinSF you will never get away this…#SFBatKid will SEAL your fate when he gets here …
— San Francisco Giants (@SFGiants) November 15, 2013
Penguin rides in style too. Image via @jutanclan
The San Francisco Chronicle is marking the day with a special edition worthy of such a hero: