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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - It was like a story right out of any vigilante-themed comic book. Well, almost.

Fathers 4 Justice activist 'Plywood Man,' aka Mark Bogan, and another dressed as Spider-Man scaled NDP leader Jack Layton's constituency office in Toronto on Aug. 8 at 6 a.m.

The two were set to stay for a week. They were equipped with a tent, camping gear, food, water and even a homemade toilet.

Bogan, a Yellowknife resident notorious for releasing crickets at the Yellowknife territorial courthouse in 2006, and his fellow costumed protester hung a giant banner reading "No Dads Party" over Layton's office.

The play on the New Democratic Party's name was an indication of Fathers for Justice's displeasure over the NDP's handling of a private member's motion in the House of Commons supporting equal parenting.

"It's very unfortunate that (we) have to be so sensational and in your face to get any type of legitimate response from a party leader on such a important issue," said the group's national co-ordinator Kris Titus, who is also known as Wonder Woman.

She wasn't just referring to the roof stunt.

Only a few hours after the two activists took to the roof, Toronto police were called to the scene. When both men refused to leave, more officers were brought in followed by a fire truck and members of Toronto's Emergency Task Force (ETF), Titus said.

According to the police Bogan had threatened to jump.

"Our emergency task force was there trying to talk them down, just listening to what they have to say," said Toronto police Sgt. Ed McKay, Friday.

While unable to give much information, McKay added, "I've seen who Plywood Man is - and Spider-Man."

Titus agreed Bogan likely threatened to jump but added he had a safety harness and the ploy is a common tactic used to stall for time and garner more public attention.

Not that things weren't tense - Yellowknifer got to experience it first-hand when media contact Denis Van Decker was called.

Van Decker, a.k.a. Mr. Incredible, was ground support for the two men. On Friday, at about 1:30 p.m. EST when Yellowknifer called he was being taken into custody.

When Van Decker's line connected he did not answer with the usual greetings. Instead, snippets of an agitated conversation - including "I'm the media contact" and "That's what I'm doing. I'm talking to the media" - were heard.

Van Decker then told Yellowknifer, "ETF has surrounded the building. I'm being taken into custody by ETF right now."

Before disconnecting he shouted "Call Kris Titus. I'm a little busy right now."

"I don't think any of them are going to be getting to their phones shortly," laughed Titus when called.

Van Decker was the first to be taken into custody. Spider-Man gave himself up shortly after. Bogan, however, remained for about another four hours until 5:15 p.m. EST.

"They diverted him with flash bombs and tackled him on the roof," said Titus.

All three were set to appear in court Saturday morning, charged with mischief (interfering with property), mischief under $5,000 and common nuisance. Bogan was held until Tuesday, after being put through a psychiatric test and declared competent.

No one, however, appeared to regret the way things turned out. Fathers 4 Justice plans to continue its "non-violent direct action" at Layton's constituency office this week.

"To think that an elected representative (has) his hands tied, it's disturbing," said Titus, referring to the group's impressions that Western Arctic MP Dennis Bevington, an NDP member, was being told how to vote by his party head.

Bevington himself, however, disagreed. "I really feel that Mr. Bogan ... unfairly represented me," he said. "I have at no time felt my leader put me under any pressure on this issue."

"It's a very simplistic bill and ... you're dealing with this very complex issues," Bevington added.

And as for the roof camp-out turned take-down?

"I think it's unfortunate that (Bogan) used a tactic like that," Bevington said.

"Whether it will hurt or help their case is yet to be seen.