Good thread, but I fear its gotten a weee bit off topic.
As for superheroes in Shadowrun, it reminds me of a quote, the origin and total I don't recall, I believe it was the Batman TV Tropes page (invaluable resource, highly addictive!), and it was to the effect that Batman balances on a thin line between what modern technology makes plausible and way too out there sci fi. Basically what happens to Batman when we invent cloth body armor that can stop antitank rockets? He won't seem very gritty and street then, so where is the dramatic tension then?
A similar thing exists in Shadowrun. Becoming more than human is something you can do on your lunchbreak at the mall os SR. Armored skin, human limit breaking muscle replacement and bone strengthening, move by wire systems, cybereyes that see in every spectrum; a superman is YOU! Somewhat lacking in personal flight options but with magic anything is possible! Got laser eyes, but theyre too weak to do much damage. Alternately, have a mage who casts the Laser spell from his eyes!
Now we have a weak Superman, but a superman nonethelesss. Now, if you can afford to do that, you can become a very dangerous person, but of course, the criminals you want to fight can get access to likely even more powerful abilities. So your ability to bust up drug operations and protection rackets is limited to how long it takes the local syndicate to put together a cybered up monster kick artists to shuffle you loose from the mortal coil. And so ends a brief but exciting foray into superheroics.
Now, vigilantes like the Punisher might last longer. Someone who fights smart, with military gear and training. That could work, but the same problem exists. Syndicates and corps can afford their own SF commando squads to hunt you down. But I think really street level vigilantes, guys who fight crime in a lowkey way, and don't tangle with the big fish much? They could do some good and perhaps survive. Think of a neighborhood protector in the Barrens or anoer Z zone. No cops, no law, no order. The local street gangs are the closest thing to an authority and they take their orders from the syndicates above them. Someone with the skills and motivation to defend his neighborhood cpuld wipe out the local gang and defend his turf, likely with help from his neighbors. That kind of punk, neo-anarchist vibe fits well into SR I think.
Reading the thread, I also thought of a superhero inspired nut, who awakens as mystic adept, and all his spells and powers are superhero themed. He doesn't think hes a mage,he thinks he has straight up superpowers. A costumed crazy with apparantly real powers!
