Who's the Real Hero?

comitatus1 · 07-31-2007, 01:44 PM

Finchfeeder mentioned in her journal she was going to post something about Superman and for some reason it got me to thinking:

Which comic book superhero is really the greatest hero?

As I first thought about it, I concluded that Superman was the greatest hero. He can fly, he has x-ray vision, he can lift unbelievable loads, he can deflect bullets, etc. But then I realized that although all these things might make him the most powerful superhero, they don't really make him the greatest hero. Why? Because he really doesn't have anything to fear. He's pretty much invulnerable, except for the occasional chunk of Kryptonite here or there. He's really not taking much of a risk when he changes into his cape and sallies forth to battle the bad guys.

On the other hand more shall we say, down to earth superheros, like Batman or Spiderman, for example, don't have the luxery of true superpowers. Sure, Batman has got all his fancy gadgets and Spiderman has some web spitters, but when they go out it's mano a mano, and a stray bullet could be the end. They are literally putting their lives on the line everytime they answer the call of justice. They have everything to lose. Not to really put down Superman, but it just seems to me that the more mortal superheros are much more heroic than he is, because they have so much more to lose.

What do you think?

Chris

Jaymze13 · 07-31-2007, 04:00 PM

The other day something popped into my fog-infested brain. My brother used to collect and read X-Men and I remember one in particular that I read.

This was after Magneto literally ripped the adimantium out of Wolvie and he looked more beast than man for a few months. The scene was a burning building and Wolvie was doing his best to help. He ever rescued a child by basically running into the building, saving the child, running out and letting his healing ability repair his burnt flesh every step of the way.

A firefighter made a comment about what a brave/true/real "hero" Wolvie was. His response (if I can remember correctly) "no sir, men like you are the real heroes."

comitatus1 · 07-31-2007, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaymze13

The other day something popped into my fog-infested brain. My brother used to collect and read X-Men and I remember one in particular that I read.

This was after Magneto literally ripped the adimantium out of Wolvie and he looked more beast than man for a few months. The scene was a burning building and Wolvie was doing his best to help. He ever rescued a child by basically running into the building, saving the child, running out and letting his healing ability repair his burnt flesh every step of the way.

A firefighter made a comment about what a brave/true/real "hero" Wolvie was. His response (if I can remember correctly) "no sir, men like you are the real heroes."

That's exactly what I'm talking about.

Chris

Lightknight · 07-31-2007, 08:56 PM

I've always thought of the less powerful heroes as the greater ones. This is why Batman was my best even as a child. I mean, he was the powerless guy who did everything he could, at risk to his very mortal being, to stop evil. Remember though, Spider-man definitely has real powers (super strength, agility, able to grip smooth surfaces, able to detect danger, and webbing depending on the storyline you follow as to whether or not it is an invention or power). This is why Wolverine's statement is so true. A fireman has absolutely no special "powers", just training, the equipment, and guts. Yeah, Wolverine knew it would hurt him, but he was used to pain and he'd be ok in the end. Firemen have no such guarantee.

On the other hand, we cannot diminish Superman's service to the people of Metropolis and occasionally the world. Just because he has amazing abilities doesn't make him any less brave. It seems certain (and has been proven so) that he would fight against hopeless odds and is therefore just as much a hero as the others. Though their day-to-day tasks are obviously more risky. But in the end, you can only put your life on the line and that's what all of these heroes are willing to do.

FlyingV4Victory · 08-01-2007, 07:48 AM

The Tick...for putting up with his goofy hero pals.

Strike that...make it Arthur.

finchfeeder · 08-03-2007, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlyingV4Victory

The Tick...for putting up with his goofy hero pals.

Strike that...make it Arthur.

The Tick is my very favorite! I just love him. He makes me laugh.

Also, I have always liked Spiderman and Batman but I have always thought that Superman had the most honorable character. Maybe Superman is too perfect. Spiderman had the identity crisis (like the change of life) going on. That made Spidey a little more interesting.

WideAwake · 08-29-2007, 06:41 AM

Batman. No explanation needed.

**Sean** · 08-29-2007, 08:40 PM

I'm going to go with Robin. Robin faces the bad guys along side Batman, but he's in his teens and didn't spend years over sea training to be a hero. Not only that but two Robins have died already. You have to be awfully heroic to be Robin.

Lightknight · 09-01-2007, 03:33 PM

Lol, that's true.

**JayCarrFan** · 09-01-2007, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean

I'm going to go with Robin. Robin faces the bad guys along side Batman, but he's in his teens and didn't spend years over sea training to be a hero. Not only that but two Robins have died already. You have to be awfully heroic to be Robin.

Not to mention that he's a much brighter target to take aim at.

Lightknight · 09-02-2007, 01:36 PM

Well, when do we draw the line between heroic and stupid?

**JayCarrFan** · 09-02-2007, 01:51 PM

Well, in Robin's case, it could be argued that he is attempting to draw fire away from innocents, thereby being a hero.

Lightknight · 09-03-2007, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayCarrfan

Well, in Robin's case, it could be argued that he is attempting to draw fire away from innocents, thereby being a hero.

Or maybe he's just gay in training. No offense to normally dressed gay people, but come on.

TunerSteve · 09-03-2007, 01:18 AM

I think I have to go with Batman. Lots of money, could just let others deal with the issue and live behind a gated community, but addresses crime personally.

I've never figured out why Superman would just stand there, deflecting bullets with his chest, then he would duck out of the way when the bad guy threw his empty gun at him!?

Lightknight · 09-03-2007, 01:25 AM

I would think that deflecting bullets would be dangerous for bystanders.