Tech workers who in the middle of the night fix a downed server or take on a computer virus don't really have extraordinary powers. It just seems that way. But a new comic book has debuted in which IT pros literally are superheroes.

The daily Web comic, called Heroes Happen Here, features tech savvy crime fighters like Lord Firewall, who "stands between chaos and order" and says things like "begone vermin!"

Heroes Happen Here is sponsored by Microsoft and Seagate. If the name sounds familiar, it's because Microsoft has also dubbed its February launch event for the 2008 versions of SQL Server, Windows Server and Visual Studio as 'Heroes Happen Here.'

The HHH comic strips are being created by Jordan Gorfinkel, a former DC Comics editor who helped revitalize the Batman series. "IT pros and developers usually stay behind the scenes and keep a low profile, but in fact many of them are unsung heroes," said Gorfinkel, in a statement.

The storyline centers on "four characters who are unexpectedly thrown together to chase down a rogue computer virus," according to a spokesman for the strip.

In a Web 2.0 twist, readers will be asked to submit real-life IT stories that could possibly be used for future episodes. "As an outsider looking in, I'm counting on the IT community for ideas and support as this comic strip goes forward," said Gorfinkel, who goes by the name nickname Gorf.

The online comic debuted Monday and will run until June 28th. Readers can sign up for a daily RSS feed.