Superhero Fan ‘Electron Boy’ Dies at 14 After Battle with Cancer

His real name was Erik Martin, but many people inspired by the terminally ill young superhero fan knew him simply as his alter ego, Electron Boy. Last year, the Make-A-Wish foundation helped Martin bring his superhero dreams to life in Seattle, where he donned an original Electron Boy costume for an elaborately planned adventure that involved saving the day on the Space Needle and capturing the villains. He even got his very own comic book.

Martin passed away at home on Friday. He was 14 years old. Since his death, the Fans of Electron Boy page on Facebook has transformed into a landing page for tributes from the many people who followed his story and have been touched by his death; he will clearly be missed. (Thanks, Justin)

Electron Boy tribute art