BLOOMINGTON - Superman might be faster than a speeding bullet and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but he's got nothing on Braid.

The superhero for modern times protects children from Internet predators. Her multi-colored braids have special powers, allowing Braid, who takes her name from her hair, to lasso villains and scale tall buildings.

The creation of Bloomington resident Crystal Clark, Braid can be seen in the Sci Fi Channel series "Who Wants to be a Superhero?" which begins July 26.

Clark, a stay-at-home mother who likes to write children's stories, believes she may have created the perfect modern-day superhero. "Internet predators are a major concern now," said Clark, who has children ages 7 and 5.

Braid also protects children generally, including from those who'd use them as drug mules, Clark said.

Braid competes with nine other superheroes on the show, with the last superhero featured in a comic book.

"You get the thrill of knowing that your character will be immortalized," said Clark, who otherwise will receive no compensation for her effort, which involved three weeks of filming in Los Angeles earlier this year.

Clark mailed an audition tape last year and didn't immediately hear back. She was called after the show won a second season.

"I'm a ham," said Clark, 42, who likes educating children and says Braid doesn't kill anybody.

The character is about more than physical strength. Her various colored braids teach a lesson in unity. "They symbolize the unity of all people regardless of color, creed or religion," Clark said.

Superheroes can provide a sense of security for children in a troubled world, much like Wonder Woman did for her as a child, Clark said. Even superheroes have weaknesses: Cut Braid's locks or strip them of color and Braid loses her powers.

Clark and other participants know which superhero will win the series, but they're sworn to secrecy. One or two superheroes per episode are eliminated.

In the meantime, Braid will appear at Superhero Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. June 23 at the Children's Discovery Museum in Normal.

Shelly Hanover, visitor services and volunteer coordinator at the museum, looks forward to Clark's appearance, noting Clark's superhero has "a modern day twist."

About Crystal Clark

Age: 42

Family: Husband, Warren, a market manager for Sam's Club; children, Christian and Christina.

Self description: "A ham."

Heroes: Her father, Norman McDaniel of Maryland; Jesus Christ.

Quote: "Our world needs superheroes for peace."

About the TV series

When: Eight hour-long episodes of "Who Wants to be a Superhero" begin July 26 on the Sci Fi Channel (check Sci Fi.com for local listings)

Length: Program is in its second season

Topic: Superheroes compete at various challenges for the privilege of being the last superhero standing .

SOURCES: NBC Universal Sci Fi; Crystal Clark; Compiled by Bob Holliday