However, the vast majority of persons claiming to be ninja can uniformly be classified as "ninja-
freaks." The typical ninja freak is seriously mentally ill, has limited contact with reality, and is
invariably a social outcast. He has learned his "skills" through martial arts magazines and
action-adventure movies. He may have purchased books (usually of dubious credibility)
purporting to disclose "Secrets of Invisibility," or "Death Touch" techniques. The ninja-freak will
always have a costume (usually either a polyester ninja outfit bought via mail order, or a black
jumpsuit with mask and gloves) hanging in his closet, and will often walk the streets dressed
entirely in black.